If you’re looking for a therapist in San Diego, CA, BetterHelp can help you find a licensed, vetted professional with experience in behavioral medicine or psychotherapy. Regardless of the reason you are seeking the support of a therapist, there is a vast 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.

This is Kristy Hamilton's avatar and link to their profile

Kristy Hamilton

Offering therapy in CA
License: LCSW
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesIntimacy-related issuesSelf esteemDepression
10 years of experience

My name is Kristy Hamilton, and I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in California, having also worked professionally in Colorado. I work as a Medical/Hospice Social Worker, and have a small private practice called Malibu Walk and Talk Therapy. I have also worked in a dual-diagnosis facility as a Program Manager and therapist, and Clinic as their Behavioral Health Provider. My experience working with individuals and families has covered a wide range of concerns related to stress, mood, parenting, family conflict, moves and life transitions, obsessions and compulsions, addictions, organizational issues, hoarding, workplace issues, care-giver challenges, and aging issues. I grew up and attended a variety of churches over the years as we have moved and spent time abroad, and find that these experiences have enabled me to grow and love the uniqueness of individuals and the place one's past and environment have on the present. The connection between therapist and client is one of the biggest factors for success, and so I will listen to best understand your current situation and concerns. My counseling style is collaborative and interactive, respectful, warm, and practical. I draw from cognitive-behavioral, client and solution-focused, motivational, attachment-based, existential, and dialectical behavior therapies. I focus primarily on present circumstances and work collaboratively to better understand one's past and environment, and to adjust unproductive patterns of thinking and behaving as you move forward. My license allows me to provide professional counseling in California and Colorado, and am available via phone, live chat, or video for counseling sessions almost every day of the week since my schedule is flexible. The life experience I have as a parent and professional may be very helpful for you as you courageously reach out during this time. I want you to get the short or long-term support and counsel best suited for you and your present situation.

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Elaine Mills

Offering therapy in CA
License: LMFT,MA
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesTrauma and abuseDepressionADHD
6 years of experience

Welcome to BetterHelp, and thank you for reading my profile. I hope you will find I am a good fit for you. My name is Elaine Mills, and I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist in the state of California. I earned my Master's Degree in Counseling Psychology from National University in 2012. I have been working in the field for over eight years, licensed for four. My work history is in a variety of settings with individuals, couples, and families, including an eating disorders program, an intensive respite program for at risk adolescents, and on base for military members and their families. My focus is working with a trauma-informed lens to help individuals understand how trauma impacts our bodies, minds and our relationships with others. We aren't always aware of how things we believed were "normal" impacted our brains. It isn't about dwelling in the past or blaming our parents or our pasts, but about understanding how life events helped to shape the way we see the world. Understanding how we got here can go a long way in helping us learn how to break down the barriers in our paths. My training and experience in a variety of therapeutic modalities allow me to let my clients be my guide in using the theories best able to help them. Everyone is a unique individual and my job is to meet you where you are, work with you to determine where you want to be, and incorporate what will best help you meet your goals. Sometimes it might be focusing on strengths and building from there, other times it might be helping make the connections between thoughts, feelings, and actions, and for some, it might be forming an attachment to help work through serious wounds. You've taken the first big step in making a change. I would be honored and humbled to help you take those next steps.

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This is Sally Schoellkopf's avatar and link to their profile

Sally Schoellkopf

Offering therapy in CA
License: MA, LMFT
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesGriefParenting issuesCoping with life changes
20 years of experience

Are you experiencing change and challenges in your life? Do you feel more tired, frustrated, anxious, disappointed, unheard or sad? You may be facing the struggles of being a parent, coping with grief, or having difficulties communicating with your partner or family member. Maybe you are just feeling overwhelmed, stuck, worried, less confident and disconnected from others. As a California-licensed Marriage, Family and Child Therapist with over 20 years of experience, I am here to help you find greater well-being, self-acceptance and resolve the issues that are preventing you from living the full and positive life that you deserve. In my private practice and other settings, including schools, hospice, bereavement and agency centers, I have counseled adults, children, adolescents, families and groups to help them gain self-awareness, new insights and create positive change. We will work together as I support you toward a life with balance, empowerment, and an increased sense of well-being. I am committed to providing a safe, supportive and empathic environment to create your purpose, develop healthier relationships and grow as an individual. Everyone is unique with their own inner strengths and capabilities. I use an eclectic approach that matches your individual needs and goals. I incorporate cognitive work, mindfulness, psychodynamic perspectives, relaxation techniques, family systems, solutions-focused therapy, and self-compassion to help you reach your goals. I look forward to meeting and taking this journey with you!

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Ellen Golding

Offering therapy in CA
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesGriefEating disordersDepression
17 years of experience

I am licensed in California with 15 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, relationship issues, coping with grief and loss, & eating disorders. I work with my clients to create an open and safe environment where thoughts and feelings can be shared without fear of judgment. 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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Kathryn Douglas

Offering therapy in CA
License: LCPC
Stress, AnxietyParenting issuesSelf esteemCareer difficultiesDepression
3 years of experience

I have worked in mental health since 2004. I have been employed in a variety of settings and worked with individuals struggling with addiction, chronic mental health issues, depression, anxiety, self-esteem, postpartum depression and anxiety. I work from a behavior context, largely utilizing Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), and other behavioral techniques. I completed my Bachelor's degree in Psychology in 2004 from Quincy University, my Master's degree in Education in Counseling in 2007 from Quincy University, a Graduate Certificate in Applied Behavior Analysis from Penn State in 2013, and a Master's degree in Sociology from Arizona State University in Spring of 2022.

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Tim Masters

Offering therapy in CA
Stress, AnxietyTrauma and abuseSelf esteemBipolar disorderDepression
5 years of experience

I am licensed as a clinical social worker in Wyoming , Maine, and Ohio with 6 years of clinical work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, depression, trauma and abuse, motivation, self-esteem and confidence, bipolar disorder, OCD, and psychotic disorders. I believe in treating everyone with respect, sensitivity, and compassion. Your treatment plan will be personalized to meet your unique and specific needs. Therapy takes commitment and hard work, and I am excited that you have chosen to start down the path to recovery. I look forward to working together!

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Maribel Mancillas

Offering therapy in CA
Stress, AnxietyLGBTRelationship issuesTrauma and abuseDepression
15 years of experience

I am licensed in California with 15 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, lgbtq+ related issues, relationship issues, & trauma and abuse. 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. Taking the first step to sign up for therapy can take courage and I am proud of you for getting started!

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Hannah Bernstein

Offering therapy in CA
LGBTRelationship issuesTrauma and abuseSelf esteemCoaching
5 years of experience

I have five years of experience as a psychotherapist and am fully licensed as a marriage and family therapist in the state of California. I provide individual therapy and couples therapy. I have specific training and experience in the provision of somatic therapies, EMDR, psychedelic integration, and polyvagal theory. In my graduate education I studied spiritual and depth psychology, and did research on psychedelic interventions in the west. I spent my associateship training in data-driven interventions for those coping with trauma and anxiety. I am very happy to introduce clients who are struggling with nervous system disregulation to tools that are proven to help them regulate their emotions. I am also practiced in helping to use techniques from my background in philosophy and narrative arts to reframe a client's orientation towards their present circumstances in an empowering manner. I find that I have the most alignment with ambitious and intelligent high-achievers who find themselves at odds with the present circumstances of their life, who suffer from feeling unknown and unmet, though they are able to perform the duties of their lives well. The Better Help platform is most appropriate for short term interventions for clients dealing with low-risk circumstances. I am happy to provide my services on this platform for up to ten sessions. While I do also have experience as a crisis interventionist, that is not appropriate to this platform and if you are struggling with addiction, suicidal ideation, or a high-conflict relationship I will refer you out to services more robust than it is possible to provide on Better Help.

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This is Teresa Velazquez Navarro's avatar and link to their profile

Teresa Velazquez Navarro

Offering therapy in CA
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesTrauma and abuseSelf esteemDepression
9 years of experience

I am licensed in California with 9 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, relationship issues, trauma and abuse, & motivation, self esteem, and confidence. I work with my clients to create an open and safe environment where thoughts and feelings can be shared without fear of judgment. 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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This is Jennifer Mendoza's avatar and link to their profile

Jennifer Mendoza

Offering therapy in CA
Stress, AnxietyAddictionsTrauma and abuseDepressionCoping with life changes
10 years of experience

I am licensed in California with 10 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, coping with addictions, trauma and abuse, & depression. 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. Taking the first step to sign up for therapy can take courage and I am proud of you for getting started!

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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 92174 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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