San Diego, CA, is sometimes called America’s Finest City. With 31 beaches and over 17 miles of coastline, it can be a place for carefree fun in the sun. But what happens when the clouds roll in, or the waves start to pull you under? When you seek therapy, working with the right therapist can help you calm the storm. 

If you’re looking for a therapist San Diego CA, BetterHelp can help you find a licensed, vetted professional with experience in behavioral medicine or psychotherapy. Whether you are seeking therapy because you’re feeling stuck in your life, needing help with coping strategies, or dealing with trauma from emotional abuse or a childhood spent in foster care, there is a supportive community of qualified professionals in San Diego County. 

When you sign up for BetterHelp, you can be matched with a therapist from a diverse group of mental health professionals experienced in various approaches, including dialectical behavior therapy, cognitive behavioral therapy, or interpersonal therapy. Whether you need help navigating trauma, coping with an underlying mental health condition, or focusing on your own well being and self care, talk to a San Diego-based therapist to see how they can help you.

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Karen Fincher

Offering therapy in CA
License: MA, MAC,LMFT
Stress, AnxietyParenting issuesAnger managementCoping with life changesCoaching
11 years of experience

I am a marriage and family therapist licensed in California. I have been working in the mental health field for many years now focusing on supporting individuals, couples, and families with overcoming various challenges and reclaiming quality of life. I have worked with clients with a wide range of challenges including addictions, anger, anxiety, depression, stress, relationship issues, parenting, and family conflict. I have also helped people with emotional and physical trauma. My counseling style is warm, interactive, and empathetic. I believe in treating everyone with respect, sensitivity, compassion, and being non-judgmental. My interactive approach combines cognitive-behavioral, solution focused, and family therapy modalities with a focus on acceptance and unconditional positive regard. I will work with you to identify your strengths and tailor treatment to your specific needs. It takes courage to acknowledge a need for change, and begin to work toward a more fulfilling and happier life. If you are ready to take that first step, I am here to support and empower you. I look forward to working with you! "No matter what people tell you, words and ideas can change the world." - Robin Williams

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Cheryl Youngblood

Offering therapy in CA
License: LCSW
Stress, AnxietyFamily conflictsTrauma and abuseDepression
4 years of experience

Greetings and welcome. I'm Cheryl Youngblood, a native Californian with over 15 years of experience working with foster and adopted children, and their families. My passion for helping others has been rooted in who I am since I was a child. Working as the director of a foster/adopt agency, and realizing that so many children and families are plagued with trauma, domestic violence, self-injurious behaviors, Post Traumatic Stress Disorder and other mental health concerns, I decided that I wanted to expand my knowledge base, and my capacity for helping others, so I obtained my license in social work. Realizing that anxiety may be fueled by one's inability to live in the present, my client-centered focus is a holistic/talk therapy multicultural, eclectic approach, that I utilize while integrating interventions, based on the here and now, and mindfulness. Creating a safe, nurturing environment that allows my clients to feel supported, and empowered, provides me with a venue to introduce interventions, tools, and ideas that are strength based, client-centered, and derived from living in the moment. Some evidenced based treatments that I have found through the years that have been insightful, and provided calmness to my clients are, guided imagery, breathing techniques, sensory tools, tapping and meditation. Providing an empathetic, ear, in a non-judgmental space, with an eagerness and willing to help, is the basis for my ideals for providing the first step towards healing.

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Mara Bruckner

Offering therapy in CA
License: M.A.,L.M.F.T.
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesFamily conflictsIntimacy-related issuesDepression
22 years of experience

I am a licensed Marriage & Family Counselor in Southern California with over 22 years of experience working in private practice and county and state funded agencies that offer behavior therapy to young children, teens and adults diagnosed with autistic spectrum disorder. Treatment included play therapy, ABA, social skills groups and guidance for parents. In private practice, I have a great deal of experience with teens and adults with Asperger’s or high functioning autism, as well as teens and adults with anxiety, depression and other disorders associated with adolescence. I also work with adults of any age. I have been certified in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, which is an evidence-based approach that is very effective for numerous problems and disorders including depression, anxiety, phobias, OCD and relationship issues. My counseling style is warm and interactive with some humor inserted at strategic times. I strongly believe that a sense of humor and the ability to laugh does wonders toward lightening the perception of many “heavy” issues. I treat all clients with respect, and can tailor my treatment approach to each individual client’s needs. I use any appropriate combination of cognitive behavioral, psychodynamic, solution-focused and client centered therapy, and I believe in taking a collaborative approach with my clients, allowing them to participate more actively in their sessions. I am greatly looking forward to working with YOU!

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Dawn Pesso

Offering therapy in CA
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesGriefDepressionCoping with life changes
20 years of experience

I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist in California. My experience in the counseling field is extensive, varied and spans over 20 years. I am passionate about the field of Psychology, about people, and relationship. For me there is nothing more important than this work, and I consider it an honor and a privilege to be able to do this work with you. My approach is warm and empathic. My goal is to create a safe environment for you to be able to reach your goals. My methodology is Client Centered and Psychodynamic. As it may be called for, I would at times use a Solution Focused, or an Existential approach as well. I work mainly with adults who either have reached some type of a crossroads in their life, or are experiencing a big change in their life.   There is often a loss of an important relationship or unhappiness in a relationship, or sometimes there is a general sense of unhappiness . Sometimes people find themselves questioning where they are in their lives.  Maybe they are questioning themselves, or a relationship, or their career.   Whatever you may be dealing with, we can talk about it and gain the understanding around it that you may need.

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Barbara Brown

Offering therapy in CA
License: LCSW
Stress, AnxietyGriefSelf esteemDepressionCoping with life changes
35 years of experience

Hello, I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in the state of California. I have over 25 years experience is working in multiple clinical settings that include outpatient clinics, , private practice, retirement homes and criminal justice settings. My experience includes work with individuals, groups, couples and families. I truly enjoy working with people and I am dedicated to providing a safe, non-judgmental setting that supports and empowers clients to manage a variety of concerns and transitions encountered in their lives. My approach is to create a comfortable and supportive atmosphere where the client and I work closely together in resolving issues. In my work I utilize a number of approaches that are best suited to to what is happening in the moment. These modalities include Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Client-Centered Therapy, Solution-focused therapy, Mindfulness Practice and Trauma-Focused Therapy. I also utilize handouts and readings as I believe it is important to assist clients in building a virtual "Tool Box" in which they develop effective tools for working with difficulties in the future. Over the years I have worked with clients struggling with many different issues such as depression, anxiety, stress-related issues, relationship problems, dealing with life changes, issues with aging, grief and loss as well as adjustment and crisis. Reaching out for support during a difficult time is an important and positive step and I would look forward to working with you in this journey.

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Amber Allred

Offering therapy in CA
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesFamily conflictsSelf esteemCareer difficulties
5 years of experience

I am licensed in California with 5 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, relationship issues, family conflicts, & motivation, self esteem, and confidence. I believe that you are the expert of your story and that you have many strengths that will assist you in overcoming things that challenge you. It takes courage to seek out a more fulfilling and happier life and to take the first steps towards a change. I am here to support & empower you in that journey.

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Maureen Sanders

Offering therapy in CA
Stress, AnxietySelf esteemDepressionCoping with life changesCompassion fatigue
18 years of experience

I am licensed in California with 18 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety. I believe in treating everyone with respect, sensitivity, and compassion. I will tailor our dialog and treatment plan to meet your unique and specific needs. It takes courage to seek out a more fulfilling and happier life and to take the first steps towards a change. I am here to support & empower you in that journey.

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Dr. Dr. Jimmie Turner

Offering therapy in CA
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesTrauma and abuseGriefCompassion fatigue
30 years of experience

I am licensed in California with 30 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, relationship issues, trauma and abuse, & coping with grief and loss. I believe that you are the expert of your story and that you have many strengths that will assist you in overcoming things that challenge you. Taking the first step to seeking a more fulfilling and happier life takes courage. I am here to support you in that process.

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This is Veronica Bassili's avatar and link to their profile

Veronica Bassili

Offering therapy in CA
Stress, AnxietyFamily conflictsSelf esteemDepressionCoping with life changes
5 years of experience

I am licensed in California with 5 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, family conflicts, motivation, self esteem, and confidence, & depression. I believe that you are the expert of your story and that you have many strengths that will assist you in overcoming things that challenge you. It takes courage to seek out a more fulfilling and happier life and to take the first steps towards a change. I am here to support & empower you in that journey.

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Jessica Hanson

Offering therapy in CA
License: MSSW
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesFamily conflictsGriefDepression
10 years of experience

Hello and welcome! As a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, I believe in a strength based approach to personal healing and growth. As a therapist, I respect the opportunity to work with individuals and families struggling with grief and loss by providing a safe place to share, learn and heal. I foster empathy and acceptance as patients and families address life changing diagnoses and care needs. With over ten years of experience providing support to individuals and caregivers struggling with dementia and mood related issues, I utilize an integrated approach including, but not limited to, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Solution Focused Therapy, and Psychotherapy. I seek to empower individuals and families with the knowledge and tools they need to promote dignity and wellness. Finally, my background in grief and loss counseling has also prepared me to address the unrecognized and often untreated issues associated with pet loss, specifically the complicated and overwhelming emotions associated with chronic and terminal care of a pet, related end of life issues, and the emotionally challenging process of pet surrender. Thank you for taking the time to read my profile. Your insight and willingness to seek support is the first step toward healing and growth. I wish you the best on your journey!

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How to find counseling in San Diego

Finding the best therapist close by in San Diego can feel challenging, but know that once you narrow your search for a counselor serving your area, you can find a therapist in your city that is accepting new clients and fits your goals. Whether you're struggling with depression, anxiety, marriage, family issues, or other emotional challenges, feel proud that you have begun your search to find the mental health care services that work best for you in order to begin your personal journey towards emotional healing.

Understanding the type of therapy you'd like to search for is crucial before finding a therapist or psychologist in San Diego. Perhaps you're interested in narrowing your search for a psychotherapist that can offer psychodynamic, cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), talk therapy, provide group therapy, marriage and family therapy for individuals or couples, or couples therapy. Each type of therapy can offer various benefits and address or treat different disorders. If you're still unsure or are new to counseling in San Diego, feel free to contact the provider via email to find out which methods they practice.

It is also important to understand that mental health professionals in the United States are accredited to provide care, helping individuals and couples, with a variety of licenses. These include licensed marriage and family therapist (LMFT), licensed clinical social worker (LCSW), and clinical psychologist or doctor of psychology (PsyD). Regardless of their licensure, they are trained to treat individuals and couples counseling, and sometimes children, in any type of therapy. Find a therapist under any of these distinctions and know that the sessions they offer can provide a safe place to heal.

Mental health professionals working through their own in- person therapy practice in San Diego or online may assist clients in improving healthy relationships, communication skills, working through life transitions, managing a mood disorder, improving coping skills, or change in negative thinking patterns. They may also provide a safe place and validation for clients experiencing emotional pain. Verified providers can provide licensed marriage and couples therapy, tailor to individual needs, and create a therapeutic relationship as a National Certified Counselor.

There are all kinds of therapists working with clients today across the United States and in the greater San Diego area in different types of therapy, including:

  • CBT
  • DBT
  • Substance use therapy
  • Couples therapy

When you're ready to start your search and find therapists, have in mind what type of therapy you'd like your provider to be most experienced with and choose an experienced provider with a practice located near you in the city of San Diego, elsewhere in San Diego, or in the greater state of California.

Frequently asked questions (FAQs)

Some other commonly asked questions on therapy with a licensed counselor and BetterHelp serving the San Diego area can be found below:

How does the cost of in-person counseling compare to the cost of BetterHelp with a licensed San Diego therapist?

The average price of an in-person therapy session in the US is $100 to $200 per hour. These prices may be higher in San Diego due to a higher cost of living. The price also depends on the type of provider you are looking for. See the following average prices for various mental health providers without insurance:

  • Counseling with a psychiatrist: $150-$500
  • Counseling with therapists: $100-300
  • Therapy with a psychologist: $100

While many psychologists in San Diego may not take health insurance, some in the state of California may work on a sliding scale, meaning they'll factor in your income and charge what you can afford per session. With BetterHelp or clinicians throughout the state of California you can expect significantly more affordable options, with sessions ranging from $65 to $100 per week (billed every four weeks).

How is a licensed therapist on this online therapy platform verified?

Therapists in San Diego, California working on BetterHelp are licensed, trained, experienced, and accredited as a doctor of psychology (PhD / PsyD), licensed marriage and family therapists (LMFT), licensed clinical social worker (LCSW / LICSW), or licensed professional counselors (LPC). All of these psychology clinicians have a Masters Degree or a Doctorate Degree in their field of psychology sciences, and follow the APA Code of Ethics. They have been qualified and certified by their state's professional board after successfully completing the necessary education, exams, training and practice with a patient, and extensive experience in a healthcare clinic or treatment centers, in order to become a mental health provider. While their lived experience, expertise, careers, and background vary, they all possess at least 3 years and 1,000 hours of hands-on experience with adult and sometimes teen patients, and have the necessary therapist credentials to provide a safe space for long lasting emotional healing in therapy. 

Please note BetterHelp does not offer or provide care from psychiatrists to prescribe a drug as treatment, or perform psychological assessments.

How does working with a counselor in BetterHelp online therapy sessions work?

BetterHelp clinicians treat clients online across the United States (individuals and couples) through life transitions, inner child exploration, long term depression or anxiety, and more. An online mental health professional, including the therapists in San Diego above, can work with young adults, children, adolescents, and adults virtually as an accredited licensed clinical social worker (LCSW) or licensed marriage and family therapist (LMFT). You do not have to commute to a an office as a psychotherapy client.

Through BetterHelp therapy, you can partake in video, phone, or live chat therapy sessions with your licensed therapist. You can work through various symptoms, use the in app journaling feature, and receive worksheets. You'll also find support groups or group therapy lead by a therapist in San Diego helping individuals on topics including managing life transitions, symptoms affecting sexual health, behavioral health, coping skills for anxiety or depression, trauma, stress, marriage counseling, and more. 

What mental health issues can psychotherapy address?

BetterHelp's verified San Diego therapists specialize and have clinical experience in a wide range of mental health issues and modalities, helping clients to feel better and improve their lives every day. See below for examples.

Specialties on BetterHelp include:

You may also be struggling with relationship problems that could be addressed in couples therapy or with a sex therapist. In that case, you may choose to work with one of BetterHelp's experienced cognitive-behavioral therapists or licensed marriage family therapists (LMFT) who work with clients in relationships. You can also try a San Diego therapy provider through BetterHelp's sister platform, ReGain, which is dedicated to couples and spouses worldwide. 

How do I know if online counseling is right for my family?

One of the potentially rewarding aspects of working with a therapist is the validation and active listening they can provide. Your friends and loved ones may also be available to listen, but you may feel that they may lack the skills to provide objective guidance. Counselors are trained to respond to various concerns, symptoms, and mental health conditions.

A psychologist in your city can support you toward a healthier emotional state, regardless of your mental health, life concerns, or healing needs. While supporting individuals in developing healthier habits, another good benefit of therapy is having an understanding, safe space with a non-judgmental party who can support you through challenging experiences.

Many people have sensitive topics that they may feel ashamed to discuss with their friends or partner. A San Diego therapist can help you confront these concerns and open up through unique methods of support. There are also many types of therapy, such as art therapy, where you may find you can express yourself through creativity instead of words.

With a lot of people in CA, providers may be booked out with clients. Through the list of profiles above and others within BetterHelp's team, you may be able to find a psychologist within 24 to 48 hours. If you're searching to find a a nearby psychotherapist close to 92160 or the surrounding zip codes, consider others available through the BetterHelp site. No matter if you are seeking help in your area or beyond, online therapy can be a great option.

How should I prepare for my first therapy session with a San Diego counselor?

Before seeing your therapist, prep for your session by reading to understand the therapy process. You might write a list of questions you want to ask your psychotherapist, any emotional pain you may feel, and the ways in which you hope to improve. When you attend your session, let them know if you have any concerns about therapy or feel unsure about what to talk about. They may help guide you with open-ended therapeutic questions. The first session will often serve as an intake to get to know you as a person and learn why you're attending therapy.

Should I find a therapist or psychologist if I feel fine? 

Some simply don't feel the need to see a psychologist. However, some people may avoid attending therapy due to stigma or preconceived notions of what therapy entails. Although psychologists often support people with mental health conditions, you do not need a diagnosis or condition to attend therapy. You can discuss grief, relationship concerns, stress, or life changes and ask for general feedback and advice. A San Diego licensed clinical social worker may help you gain power over your life and emotions while you navigate day-to-day experiences.

Gaining a new perspective on yourself through various therapies might allow you to improve your self-esteem, work through relationships, and gain a better sense of your mental health goals. The success you may find through therapy can be dependent on your process.

People may also attend therapy for specific motives, such as bullying, an autism diagnosis, a desire to learn mindfulness meditation, personality concerns, trouble with office workers, specific phobias, and many other principles.

Is mental health care and therapy worth it? 

Therapy is effective and has the power to change individuals' lives. Each client is at a different stage of their emotional healing journey in life, as each human can be unique in their personality, expression, skills, and goals. A psychologist can target various symptoms, experiences, and personalities to help you feel your best and put you on the path to healing. Unlike advice from a friend, family, or non-professional, a mental health professional has an understanding of various disorders like ADHD and depression with many hours of experience in treating adults in their practice. For this reason, seeing an evidence based psychologist in San Diego, California can be worth it. Over 41 million adults in the US attend therapy services each year, showing it's a popular option and is proven to be effective.

San Diego has many clinicians who practice person or client-centered individual therapy in-person and through online therapy to assist clients in their healing journey. If you opt into online therapy, you might also be able to meet with providers all over the United States and change therapists easily at any time. Many people struggling with anxiety and depression, substance abuse, body image issues, and more find therapists that are a good fit for them, feel supported, and gain further insight into their lives through internet-based therapy.

Do therapists judge you in therapy sessions?

The boundaries between you and a therapist are in place to help you and them regarding ethical concerns. Mental health professionals are held by ethical standards through the American Psychological Association (APA) and are not allowed to judge or harm their clients. If you are concerned about sharing details about yourself, feel free to withhold personal information. Their job in the therapeutic relationship is to create a safe place, help you gain a deeper understanding of your mental health, and support you. You might consider changing counselors if you don't feel safe or respected.

Stay up to date with the leading online counseling platform

To stay up to date with BetterHelp's initiatives through their social channels, you can follow them on Pinterest, LinkedIn, Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook. For mental health tips, check out the BetterHelp YouTube channel.

Take some time today to learn more about the team of therapists at BetterHelp to understand the services available to you clearly. If you are new to therapy or have any questions about the services and terms, please reach out through the contact page or send an email to contact@betterhelp.com.

If you’re ready to sign up for online therapy, consider signing up with a platform like BetterHelp and get matched within 24 to 48 hours.

If you are experiencing a crisis or emergency, don't use this site's online services. If you are in life-threatening danger, call 911. If you require support for a crisis, reach out to the hotlines below:

A woman meets with a therapist online in her home city of San Diego.

Below are some of the zip codes served by BetterHelp therapists in San Diego:

92014, 92025, 92027, 92037, 92038, 92039, 92071, 92072, 92092, 92093, 92101, 92102, 92103, 92104, 92105, 92106, 92107, 92108, 92109, 92110, 92111, 92112, 92113, 92114, 92115, 92116, 92117, 92119, 92120, 92121, 92122, 92123, 92124, 92126, 92127, 92128, 92129, 92130, 92131, 92132, 92134, 92137, 92138, 92139, 92140, 92142, 92143, 92145, 92147, 92149, 92150, 92152, 92153, 92154, 92158, 92159, 92160, 92161, 92163, 92165, 92166, 92167, 92168, 92169, 92170, 92171, 92172, 92173, 92174, 92175, 92176, 92177, 92179, 92182, 92186, 92187, 92190, 92191, 92192, 92193, 92195, 92196, 92197, 92198, 92199

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