San Diego is one of the biggest cities in California and is often considered to be the birthplace of the state. San Diego is also known for its extensive beaches. Sometimes, life can be like a beach. It can be relaxing, fun, and a nice place to stay. However, there are also problems with a beach. Sometimes, a storm can ruin the fun, or a tidal wave appears to sweep everything you know away. 

A counselor can be your lifeguard who helps you have an entertaining day on the beach. They can give you advice and mental health treatment that will calm any storms and tidal waves before they cause damage. Speak to a San Diego-based counselor and see what they can do for you.

This is Rika Lopez's avatar and link to their profile
One Of Many Online Therapists Serving - San Diego, California (San Diego, CA)
Type Of Therapy License(s): LMFT
Therapy Specialties: Addictions, Relationship issues, Trauma and abuse, Grief, Depression
Years of Experience: 10

Hi, my name is Rika Lopez and I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist with over 10 years of experience working with adults, couples, and families. I am currently a candidate for CSAT (Certified Sex Addiction Therapist) where I am learning tools and techniques to work with those who struggle with compulsive and repetitive behaviors such as pornography addiction, infidelity, "hook up" apps, and other sexually impulsive patterns. Not only do I work with individuals who struggle with these sexually acting out behaviors but also partners who have been betrayed or...

This is Imelda Jones 's avatar and link to their profile
One Of Many Online Therapists Serving - San Diego, California (San Diego, CA)
Type Of Therapy License(s): M.S.,LMFT
Therapy Specialties: Stress, Anxiety, Trauma and abuse
Years of Experience: 3

Hello, I am a Marriage and Family Therapist from California who has worked with people of various backgrounds and have had experience with individuals with anxiety, trauma, grief and loss, career issues, relationship issues, depression. My style of therapy involves supporting my clients in finding their own path to recovery and building skills through the use of CBT and solutions focused orientations to give individuals tools to support themselves during life's challenging times. This could mean making time for yourself to get a handle on your stress or supportin...

This is Charlotte Gibbons's avatar and link to their profile
One Of Many Online Therapists Serving - San Diego, California (San Diego, CA)
Type Of Therapy License(s): LCSW,MA
Therapy Specialties: Relationship issues, Family conflicts, Trauma and abuse, Parenting issues, Self esteem
Years of Experience: 20

I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker licensed in Utah with over 20 years of experience working with trauma/abuse, family/relational, and cultural/diversity issues. I have worked with clients with a wide range of concerns including depression, anxiety, self-esteem, relationship issues, parenting problems and career challenges. I also help people who have experienced physical trauma or emotional abuse. My counseling style is warm and interactive. I believe in treating anyone with respect, sensitivity, and compassion, and I don't believe in stigmatizing labels...

This is Orlee Tugend-Raymond's avatar and link to their profile
One Of Many Online Therapists Serving - San Diego, California (San Diego, CA)
Type Of Therapy License(s): LMFT MA
Therapy Specialties: Stress, Anxiety, Relationship issues, Family conflicts, Parenting issues, Self esteem
Years of Experience: 25

I am a family and marriage counselor licensed in California with over 25 years of experience in working with families, children and couples. I have worked with clients with a wide range of concerns including depression, anxiety, relationship issues, parenting problems, family dynamics and career challenges. I also have a Jewish background and am here to support Jewish clients that are either looking for spiritual support or would like to talk to a Jewish therapist. I am available to support Hebrew speakers as I speak fluent Hebrew. My counseling style is warm ...

This is Kim Selbert's avatar and link to their profile
One Of Many Online Therapists Serving - San Diego, California (San Diego, CA)
Type Of Therapy License(s): MA,LMFT
Therapy Specialties: Grief, Self esteem, Coping with life changes
Years of Experience: 10

Hello. My name is Kim Selbert and I am a Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist in California. I have practiced counseling for ten years and have expertise in the following areas: Coping with Grief and Loss, Cancer, Life Purpose, Pregnancy & Childbirth and Women's Issues. I primarily use a Client-Centered approach and also draw on personal experiences in all of these areas with the clients I work with. I have a broad and diverse background in the helping profession that also includes utilizing laughter as a healing modality. In addition to my Master's De...

This is Kathleen  Ries's avatar and link to their profile
One Of Many Online Therapists Serving - San Diego, California (San Diego, CA)
Type Of Therapy License(s): MFT,MS,RD
Therapy Specialties: Relationship issues, Family conflicts, Trauma and abuse, Grief, Anger management
Years of Experience: 13

As a marriage and family therapist licensed in California with 10 years of experience, I've worked with clients with a wide range of concerns including depression, anxiety, relationship issues, parenting problems, trauma, and life transitions. I have worked with clients who have experienced domestic violence, emotional abuse, and sexual assault. My counseling style is warm and interactive. A foundational principle in my practice is that everyone is treated with respect, sensitivity, and compassion. My approach combines cognitive-behavioral, humanistic, Ge...

This is Diana Medrano's avatar and link to their profile
One Of Many Online Therapists Serving - San Diego, California (San Diego, CA)
Type Of Therapy License(s): MA,LPCC
Therapy Specialties: Stress, Anxiety, Addictions, Trauma and abuse, Bipolar disorder, Depression
Years of Experience: 10

Welcome! My name is Diana and I am a Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor in the State of California. I have over 10 years’ experience working in the mental health field. I have worked in a variety of settings including residential, school based, adult outpatient, and in the Mental Health Drug Treatment court with Dually Diagnosed individuals. Although that seems like a mouthful, it simply means that I have had experience working with a broad range and severity of clinical issues. I have the most experience working with anxiety, panic disorder, manic episodes...

This is Tami Brugman 's avatar and link to their profile
One Of Many Online Therapists Serving - San Diego, California (San Diego, CA)
Type Of Therapy License(s): MS,LMFT
Therapy Specialties: Stress, Anxiety, Relationship issues, Intimacy-related issues, Depression, ADHD
Years of Experience: 24

I am licensed as a Licensed Marriage Family Therapist in both Texas and California, and I have over 20 years of experience working in the mental health field. I have worked in both community mental health settings and in private practice working with individuals, couples, and families ranging from life adjustment issues to severe mental illnesses. I approach each individual with compassion and view each situation as unique using a client-centered perspective. I believe that there is a mind and body connection to mental health, and because of this belief, I am cur...

This is Carolina Hernandez's avatar and link to their profile
One Of Many Online Therapists Serving - San Diego, California (San Diego, CA)
Therapy Specialties: Anger management, Self esteem, Compassion fatigue
Years of Experience: 5

I am a Marriage and Family Therapist licensed in California. I have worked with clients with various concerns including depression, anxiety, relationship issues, and parenting problems. I have worked primarily with at-risk youth and families. My counseling style is warm and interactive. I believe in respect, sensitivity, and compassion. My approach is eclectic and takes from cognitive-behavioral, humanistic, psychodynamic to name a few, as techniques alter based on the client's needs and treatment. If you are ready to take that step I am here to support a...

This is Keith Chilton's avatar and link to their profile
One Of Many Online Therapists Serving - San Diego, California (San Diego, CA)
Therapy Specialties: Stress, Anxiety, Addictions, Relationship issues, Trauma and abuse, Depression
Years of Experience: 26

I am a family and marriage therapist licensed in California with over 20 years of experience as a caring witness working with youth, adults, couples, and families to help them increase their ability to balance personal motivations with social and relationship challenges. As a passionate and curious learner, I embrace a "each one teach one" and "it takes a village" counseling style. I have had the honor and blessing of a few caring witnesses in my life. I pledge my life's work to pass on the attentive sense of care that was instilled in me. It takes courage ...

This is Dr. Carlyn Werderman's avatar and link to their profile
One Of Many Online Therapists Serving - San Diego, California (San Diego, CA)
Type Of Therapy License(s): Psy.D.
Therapy Specialties: Stress, Anxiety, Addictions, Trauma and abuse, Parenting issues, Depression
Years of Experience: 13

I completed my Master's and Doctoral degrees at the California School of Professional Psychology at Alliant International University in Los Angeles. I offer my clients an individualized, empowering, values-based, and solution-focused therapeutic approach, which derive from several therapeutic approaches, such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, Dialectical-Behavioral Therapy, Schema Therapy, and Motivational Interviewing. My previous clinical experience includes working with children, families, and adults in school, outpatient/comm...

This is Alexis Tyson's avatar and link to their profile
One Of Many Online Therapists Serving - San Diego, California (San Diego, CA)
Type Of Therapy License(s): LMFT
Therapy Specialties: Addictions, Relationship issues, Trauma and abuse, Bipolar disorder, Depression
Years of Experience: 9

I’m a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist committed to helping individuals pinpoint and solve emotional, mental and interpersonal problems. My work focuses on targeting ineffective behaviors, habits, and beliefs that interfere with your daily life. I believe in taking a collaborative approach to helping clients reach their goals. I have 9 years of experience working with anxiety, depression, trauma and addiction. Under the umbrella of a humanistic, existential, and cognitive behavior-based approach, modalities used in treatment include Client Centered Therapy,...

This is Elizabeth May's avatar and link to their profile
One Of Many Online Therapists Serving - San Diego, California (San Diego, CA)
Therapy Specialties: Trauma and abuse, Bipolar disorder, Depression
Years of Experience: 25

I am licensed in California with 25 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, trauma and abuse, motivation, self esteem, and confidence. I have assisted many clients who deal with bipolar, ADHD and other mood disorders , as well as personality disorders. I utilize gestalt, transpersonal and family systems work and I find CBT/DBT techniques very helpful. 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 ...

This is Yovani Ayala's avatar and link to their profile
One Of Many Online Therapists Serving - San Diego, California (San Diego, CA)
Type Of Therapy License(s): LCSW,LISW-CP,CCATP
Therapy Specialties: Stress, Anxiety, Relationship issues, Grief, Parenting issues, Depression
Years of Experience: 9

Graduated from the University of Wyoming in 2015 with a Masters in Social Work Degree, earning my experience with assisting individuals that suffer from challenges in life that range from Depression & Anxiety Disorders, life challenges with Comorbidities, Disability, Parenting, and Work Stress. I have acquired training for assist with development of Mindfulness and Meditation coping mechanisms, Smoking Cessation, Anger Management, and therapy techniques involving Cognitive Behavioral therapy, Acceptance Commitment Therapy, and Solution Focused Therapy to guide i...

This is Amy Watson-Clancy's avatar and link to their profile
One Of Many Online Therapists Serving - San Diego, California (San Diego, CA)
Therapy Specialties: Stress, Anxiety, Grief, Self esteem, Depression, Coping with life changes
Years of Experience: 9

I have provided therapy to adults for 9 years and I am currently licensed to practice in California. My experience is primarily in using Cognitive Behavioral Therapy to help adults from diverse backgrounds cope with stress, anxiety, depression, chronic pain, health issues, aging, relationships, and low elf-esteem. I offer a collaborative and supportive partnership based on respect and empowerment. In a warm, non-judgmental environment you will be able to talk freely about sensitive or problematic issues in your life and gain perspective, insight, and skills to h...

This is Ruth Regis's avatar and link to their profile
One Of Many Online Therapists Serving - San Diego, California (San Diego, CA)
Therapy Specialties: Stress, Anxiety, Grief, Self esteem, Depression, Coping with life changes
Years of Experience: 9

I am licensed in California with 8 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, coping with grief and loss, motivation, self esteem, and confidence, & depression. I work with my clients to create an open and safe environment where thoughts and feelings can be shared without fear of judgment. Taking the first step to seeking a more fulfilling and happier life takes courage. I am here to support you in that process.

This is Margaret  Bender 's avatar and link to their profile
One Of Many Online Therapists Serving - San Diego, California (San Diego, CA)
Therapy Specialties: Stress, Anxiety, Trauma and abuse, Career difficulties, Depression
Years of Experience: 8

I am licensed in California with 8 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, trauma and abuse, motivation, self esteem, and confidence, & career difficulties. 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.

This is Elizabeth "Liz" McDowell's avatar and link to their profile
One Of Many Online Therapists Serving - San Diego, California (San Diego, CA)
Type Of Therapy License(s): LCSW
Therapy Specialties: Stress, Anxiety, Trauma and abuse, Grief, Depression, Coping with life changes
Years of Experience: 17

I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW), in the State of Idaho, and have been providing services to individuals and families for more than 15 years. I have worked with various populations in inpatient and outpatient settings, providing assessments, therapy and support. I genuinely care about the individuals I work with and appreciate the opportunity to help with life challenges. I tend to use CBT, Solution Focused, Mindfulness and Motivational Interviewing techniques in sessions. Some of the issues I can help with are, crisis situations, grief and loss, dep...

This is Yaye Diallo's avatar and link to their profile
One Of Many Online Therapists Serving - San Diego, California (San Diego, CA)
Therapy Specialties: Stress, Anxiety, Addictions, Relationship issues, Self esteem, Depression
Years of Experience: 4

Hello Healers, Life is not always easy, we have good days and bad days; however, we try our best to push through despite the hurdles we may be facing. Struggling with Anxiety, Depression, and/or life stressors can be intense; however, identifying these concerns and working on them step by step can be extremely beneficial for one's life. As a holistic therapist, I believe healing happens when we focus on the mind, body, and soul. Overall, I am a well-rounded therapist, who meets my clients where they are. I am a therapist who is open to working with various popula...

This is Rachael Tarfman-Perez's avatar and link to their profile
One Of Many Online Therapists Serving - San Diego, California (San Diego, CA)
Therapy Specialties: Relationship issues, Family conflicts, Parenting issues, Depression, Coping with life changes
Years of Experience: 10

I am licensed in California with 10 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with relationship issues, family conflicts, parenting issues, & 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.

Having A Hard Time Selecting A Mental Health Professional In San Diego?

Finding the right therapist can feel intimidating. However, there are a few methods you can try to narrow your search for a counselor in the San Diego area if you find it challenging to find therapists accepting new clients.

First, research what type of therapy you'd like to pursue before finding a therapist or psychologist. You might be interested in psychodynamic, cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), group therapy, marriage and family therapy, or couples therapy. Each therapy can offer various benefits. If you're still unsure, consider asking your prospective therapists which methods they practice.

When you're ready to search, search for 'therapist near me in San Diego and scroll through the options. Next, consider your goals for the gender of your therapist, the type of therapy they're most experienced with, and their specialty. Finally, choose a therapist located near you in the city of San Diego or elsewhere in San Diego or the state of California.

Mental health professionals working through private practice or online may assist clients in improving healthy relationships and communication skills, working through life's obstacles, or changing negative thinking patterns. They may also provide a listening ear and validation. Verified San Diego therapists can provide licensed marriage and compassionate counseling, tailor to individual needs, and create a therapeutic relationship as a National Certified Counselor.

What Is The Cost Difference Between Conventional Therapy And BetterHelp? 

Forbes reports that 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.

Some therapists 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 therapists serving the city of San Diego and elsewhere throughout the state of California you can expect significantly more affordable options, with sessions ranging from $60 to $90 per week (billed every four weeks).


Did You Know BetterHelp Therapists Are Not Limited To In-Person Visits?

Online therapists, including the US-based therapists above, can work with people like you in or around San Diego to offer creative forms of communication and treatment. You do not have to commute to a therapist's office to meet with one of these counselors.

Through BetterHelp, you can partake in video, phone, or live chat sessions with your licensed therapist. You can work through various symptoms, receive worksheets, and sign up for mental health webinars. Additionally, the BetterHelp app offers a journaling feature.

Suppose you're struggling with relationship problems that could be addressed in couples therapy. In that case, you may choose to work with one of BetterHelp's experienced cognitive-behavioral therapists specializing in behavioral health and relationships. You can also try a provider through BetterHelp's sister platform, ReGain, which is dedicated to couples and spouses worldwide. Look through the available therapists above and consider which might work for you.

San Jose has many professionals who provide client-centered individual counseling in person and through online therapy. If you opt into online therapy, you might also be able to meet with therapists all over the US. Many individuals gain further insight into their lives through internet-based counseling. In San Diego, therapy can be easily accessible and a click away.


How To Know If Therapy Is Right For You?

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 they may struggle to provide objective guidance as a therapist can. Therapists are also professionals trained to respond to various concerns, symptoms, and mental health conditions.

A therapist may support you toward a healthier emotional state, regardless of your mental health or life concerns. While supporting individuals in developing healthier habits, another benefit of therapy is having a 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 Jose 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 can express yourself through creativity instead of words.

With almost one million people in San Diego, CA, finding a therapist can be costly, and therapists may be booked out with clients. Through the list of therapists above and others through BetterHelp, you may be able to find a therapist within 24 to 48 hours. If you're searching for a nearby therapist close to 92152 or the surrounding zip codes, consider other available therapists through the BetterHelp therapist page.

Stay Up To Date With The Leading Online Therapy Platform

To stay up to date with BetterHelp's initiatives through their social channels, you can follow them on PinterestLinkedInInstagramTwitter, and FacebookFor mental health tips, check out the BetterHelp YouTube channel.

Take some time to learn more about BetterHelp therapists and counselors to understand the services available to you clearly. If you have any questions, please reach out through the contact page or send an email to contact@betterhelp.com.

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

Emergency Situations

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:

·      National Domestic Violence Hotline: 1-800-799-SAFE (7233)

·      National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 1-800-273-TALK (8255)

·      Crisis Text Line: Text HOME to 741741

·      Veterans Crisis Line: Call 1-800-273-8255 (and press 1) or text 838255. For support for the deaf and hard of hearing community, please use your preferred relay service or dial 711 then 1-800-273-8255.

·      Trevor Lifeline (LGBTQ Lifeline): (866)488-7386 

·      SAMHSA National Helpline (Substance Use): (800)662-4357

·      National Eating Disorder Association Helpline:1-800-931-2237 (M-Th: 9 AM-9 PM EST, Fri 9 AM - 5 PM EST)

·      Child Help Hotline: Call 1-800-422-4453 or use the online chat feature

·      National Anti-Hazing Hotline: 1-888-NOT-HAZE (1-888-668-4293) 

·      Physician Crisis Support Line: Call 1-888-409-0141 if you are a first responder or medical provider experiencing crises related to Covid-19

·      Sexual Assault Hotline: Call RAINN at 1-800-656-4673

Zip Codes Served By BetterHelp Therapists

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

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Some other commonly asked questions on therapy and BetterHelp can be found below:

How Do I See A Therapist For The First Time? 

Before seeing your therapist, prep for your session by reading about the counseling process. You might write a list of questions you want to ask your therapist. 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 why you're attending therapy.

Should I Attend Therapy If I Feel Fine? 

If you don't feel the need to see a therapist, you don't have to. However, some people may avoid attending counseling due to preconceived notions of what therapy entails. Although therapists 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 advice. A therapist 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 Crying In Therapy A Breakthrough?

Crying can be a breakthrough for some individuals who struggle to express emotions. Others might find that they often cry during sessions. Crying can be normal and healthy, so whether you cry or not may be a personal aspect of sessions.

Are Therapists Worth It?

We may all be on different paths in life, as each human can be unique in their personality, expression, and goals. A therapist can target various symptoms, experiences, and personalities. Unlike advice from a friend, family member, or non-professional, therapists are trained to meet you where you're at. Therapy can be worth it. Over 41 million adults in the US attend therapy each year, showing it's a popular option and may be often effective.

Do Therapists Judge You? 

The boundaries between you and a therapist are in place to protect you and them from ethical concerns. Therapists are held by ethical standards through the American Psychological Association (APA) and are not allowed to judge or harm their clients. Their job is to support you and make you feel safe and respected. You might consider changing therapists if you don't feel safe or respected.