Therapists in 92040
I help individuals work on life issues tied to anxiety and depression, relationship difficulties, stress symptoms tied to childhood trauma, and families struggling with behavioral challenges. I teach communication skills that help with difficult relationships. These skills include helping my clients improve their power, voice, and contact with significant others. I lead groups that provide a safe environment to help heal emotional pain and teach new ways of relating to others. I employ many approaches in psychotherapy, including psychodynamic, gestalt, somatic experiencing, EMDR, Pesso-Boyden and cognitive behavioral. I offer testing and assessment for ADHD, PTSD and relational attachment issues.
I help individuals work on life issues tied to anxiety and depression, relationship difficulties, stress symptoms tied to childhood trauma, and families struggling with behavioral challenges. I teach communication skills that help with difficult relationships. These skills include helping my clients improve their power, voice, and contact with significant others. I lead groups that provide a safe environment to help heal emotional pain and teach new ways of relating to others. I employ many approaches in psychotherapy, including psychodynamic, gestalt, somatic experiencing, EMDR, Pesso-Boyden and cognitive behavioral. I offer testing and assessment for ADHD, PTSD and relational attachment issues.
Stable Relationships, Equine Assisted
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
1 Endorsed
Lakeside, CA 92040
You’re accomplished and capable, yet something feels off. Success hasn’t quieted the restlessness or the stress that follows you home. You’re looking for clarity, presence, and a sense of alignment that goes deeper than problem-solving. Working alongside horses offers a rare kind of mirror—they respond to your energy, not your title—inviting awareness, authenticity, and calm authority. Through this work, you reconnect with yourself and lead from a steadier, more grounded place.
You’re accomplished and capable, yet something feels off. Success hasn’t quieted the restlessness or the stress that follows you home. You’re looking for clarity, presence, and a sense of alignment that goes deeper than problem-solving. Working alongside horses offers a rare kind of mirror—they respond to your energy, not your title—inviting awareness, authenticity, and calm authority. Through this work, you reconnect with yourself and lead from a steadier, more grounded place.
Hello! My name is Amanda Stransky and I'm a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist in the state of California. Our mental health declines when we feel we no longer have a choice in our lives, and we can work together to change that. I have experience working with military and law enforcement as well as young adults working through career and other life transitions while redefining who they are and who they want to become. I work with military folks, both active duty and retired, that are looking to manage workplace stress, career transitions, and relationship issues.
Hello! My name is Amanda Stransky and I'm a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist in the state of California. Our mental health declines when we feel we no longer have a choice in our lives, and we can work together to change that. I have experience working with military and law enforcement as well as young adults working through career and other life transitions while redefining who they are and who they want to become. I work with military folks, both active duty and retired, that are looking to manage workplace stress, career transitions, and relationship issues.
Michelle Paulsen is a Licensed Marriage Family Therapist with over 10 years of experience specializing in depression, anxiety, trauma, LGBTQ+ issues, OCD and PTSD. Michelle treats patient between the ages of 12 and 90 utilizing Person Centered, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, DBT, Gestalt, and ERP in her approach with clients. Michelle has extensive experience counseling children, adolescents, adults, families, military, and groups in both clinical and outpatient settings. In her clinical work, Michelle is well versed in both traditional therapeutic techniques as well as creative modalities such as role play and empty chair.
Michelle Paulsen is a Licensed Marriage Family Therapist with over 10 years of experience specializing in depression, anxiety, trauma, LGBTQ+ issues, OCD and PTSD. Michelle treats patient between the ages of 12 and 90 utilizing Person Centered, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, DBT, Gestalt, and ERP in her approach with clients. Michelle has extensive experience counseling children, adolescents, adults, families, military, and groups in both clinical and outpatient settings. In her clinical work, Michelle is well versed in both traditional therapeutic techniques as well as creative modalities such as role play and empty chair.
Ms. Murney's clinical background includes a focus in the treatment of mood disorders utilizing cognitive-behavioral therapy techniques combined with insight-oriented therapies. Her specialties also include self-esteem enhancement, relationship concerns, challenges of adolescence, and women's issues.
She is caring, compassionate, and non-judgmental in her approach to helping others work toward making positive life changes.
Ms. Murney's clinical background includes a focus in the treatment of mood disorders utilizing cognitive-behavioral therapy techniques combined with insight-oriented therapies. Her specialties also include self-esteem enhancement, relationship concerns, challenges of adolescence, and women's issues.
She is caring, compassionate, and non-judgmental in her approach to helping others work toward making positive life changes.
I believe that everyone has wounded places in their hearts that could benefit from counseling. Many people at some point realize that the challenges of life are too much to manage on their own and decide to seek help from a professional that can support them as they navigate the challenges that life can bring at times. My work is based on helping people to heal from the wounds of the past and deal with present stressors in an environment of safety and acceptance. My passion is to provide support as they work toward fulfillment in their lives.
I believe that everyone has wounded places in their hearts that could benefit from counseling. Many people at some point realize that the challenges of life are too much to manage on their own and decide to seek help from a professional that can support them as they navigate the challenges that life can bring at times. My work is based on helping people to heal from the wounds of the past and deal with present stressors in an environment of safety and acceptance. My passion is to provide support as they work toward fulfillment in their lives.
Dr. Sarah has worked in schools, universities, hospitals, community clinics, and private practice settings. Dr. Sarah specializes in working with young adults facing challenging life adjustments who are wanting to experience change and relief from their overwhelming feelings of anxiety and pain. Individuals frequently seek therapy with Dr. Sarah who are facing challenges around relationship struggles, anxiety, depression, life adjustments, loss, women’s issues, and behavioral issues. Dr. Sarah believes each person is a complex and unique individual and therefore uses dynamic and personally tailored treatment methods in her work. Dr.
Dr. Sarah has worked in schools, universities, hospitals, community clinics, and private practice settings. Dr. Sarah specializes in working with young adults facing challenging life adjustments who are wanting to experience change and relief from their overwhelming feelings of anxiety and pain. Individuals frequently seek therapy with Dr. Sarah who are facing challenges around relationship struggles, anxiety, depression, life adjustments, loss, women’s issues, and behavioral issues. Dr. Sarah believes each person is a complex and unique individual and therefore uses dynamic and personally tailored treatment methods in her work. Dr.
During his career, Trevor has realized he thrives and excels working with clients who are in their late teens or early 20s (later high school and college years). Trevor is a compassionate and empathetic practitioner, meeting clients on their level and utilizing various treatment approaches to better address each client's unique difficulties.
During his career, Trevor has realized he thrives and excels working with clients who are in their late teens or early 20s (later high school and college years). Trevor is a compassionate and empathetic practitioner, meeting clients on their level and utilizing various treatment approaches to better address each client's unique difficulties.
Hello and welcome! Grow Through Life Counseling is a group private practice welcoming both in person clients in Santee, CA and via Telehealth in CA. We have immediate openings and are accepting new clients. Our Mission is to provide quality counseling for all ages throughout life. We provide culturally sensitive and inclusive care for all children, teens, adults, couples and families. We respect each family member's unique identities, perspectives and experiences in life. With effective and creative psychotherapeutic interventions, we support emotional growth and development during the various stages of life to be healthier.
Hello and welcome! Grow Through Life Counseling is a group private practice welcoming both in person clients in Santee, CA and via Telehealth in CA. We have immediate openings and are accepting new clients. Our Mission is to provide quality counseling for all ages throughout life. We provide culturally sensitive and inclusive care for all children, teens, adults, couples and families. We respect each family member's unique identities, perspectives and experiences in life. With effective and creative psychotherapeutic interventions, we support emotional growth and development during the various stages of life to be healthier.
Hello, I'm Karli, a registered Associate Professional Clinical Counselor who is passionate about helping teens, adults, and couples navigate life’s ups and downs. I strive to create a warm, welcoming space where clients feel truly seen, supported, and safe to explore both challenges and growth. My goal is to help clients connect with their values, build insight, and move toward a more fulfilling life.
Hello, I'm Karli, a registered Associate Professional Clinical Counselor who is passionate about helping teens, adults, and couples navigate life’s ups and downs. I strive to create a warm, welcoming space where clients feel truly seen, supported, and safe to explore both challenges and growth. My goal is to help clients connect with their values, build insight, and move toward a more fulfilling life.
Amy's areas of special interest include trauma and trauma-based disorders, victims of crime, relationship issues, blended family issues, child abuse, and domestic violence. Amy relates to many theoretical approaches but is drawn to solution-focused therapy while also utilizing cognitive behavioral techniques. She believes that each individual possesses the skills and expertise to solve their problems, but may have lost sight of these abilities. She helps individuals rediscover their already-existing ability to develop solutions that are appropriate for them.
Amy's areas of special interest include trauma and trauma-based disorders, victims of crime, relationship issues, blended family issues, child abuse, and domestic violence. Amy relates to many theoretical approaches but is drawn to solution-focused therapy while also utilizing cognitive behavioral techniques. She believes that each individual possesses the skills and expertise to solve their problems, but may have lost sight of these abilities. She helps individuals rediscover their already-existing ability to develop solutions that are appropriate for them.
Laura Steder-Myers, LCSW is a licensed clinical social worker, trained at the Smith College School of Social Work in Northampton, MA. Her specialties are children, adolescents and adults who are struggling with depression and anxiety. Her work focuses on helping her clients to achieve their best life and approach every day as a new chance to grow into their authentic selves.
Laura Steder-Myers, LCSW is a licensed clinical social worker, trained at the Smith College School of Social Work in Northampton, MA. Her specialties are children, adolescents and adults who are struggling with depression and anxiety. Her work focuses on helping her clients to achieve their best life and approach every day as a new chance to grow into their authentic selves.
Neriyah Ritblatt, LMFT, is dedicated to helping adults in California navigate lifes complexities and achieve emotional wellbeing. Specializing in individual and couples therapy, Neriyah provides a compassionate, judgmentfree environment where clients can explore their challenges and work toward meaningful change. Whether addressing anxiety, depression, or relationship dynamics, he tailors his approach to each clients unique needs, fostering resilience and personal growth. Neriyah is particularly passionate about supporting individuals struggling with anxiety, PTSDtrauma, and grief.
Neriyah Ritblatt, LMFT, is dedicated to helping adults in California navigate lifes complexities and achieve emotional wellbeing. Specializing in individual and couples therapy, Neriyah provides a compassionate, judgmentfree environment where clients can explore their challenges and work toward meaningful change. Whether addressing anxiety, depression, or relationship dynamics, he tailors his approach to each clients unique needs, fostering resilience and personal growth. Neriyah is particularly passionate about supporting individuals struggling with anxiety, PTSDtrauma, and grief.
Dr. Barnes ran a teen support group for five years in which she helped teens ages 13-18 cope with school and family stressors. She treats children as young as age 8 through seniors with a wide variety of mental health issues. Her specialties include depression, anxiety, adults with ADHD, chemical dependency, adjustment difficulties and interpersonal/relationship difficulties. Dr. Barnes primarily uses cognitive behavioral therapy to help patients adjust the way they are thinking and improve their perspective on themselves, others and the world around them.
Dr. Barnes ran a teen support group for five years in which she helped teens ages 13-18 cope with school and family stressors. She treats children as young as age 8 through seniors with a wide variety of mental health issues. Her specialties include depression, anxiety, adults with ADHD, chemical dependency, adjustment difficulties and interpersonal/relationship difficulties. Dr. Barnes primarily uses cognitive behavioral therapy to help patients adjust the way they are thinking and improve their perspective on themselves, others and the world around them.
I have worked in the area of mental health since 2004 in Hospice, intensive outpatient programing, school based mental health and integrative behavioral health. I have been practicing with Lifestance and its predicessors since 2015. My treatment modalities tend to be eclectic, however I often utilize mindfulness, Cognitive Behavioral, Trauma Focus Care and Emotional Focus. I also use a variety of play therapy when seeing my younger clients. My areas of specialization are Anxiety and Depression, Trauma, Grief and Loss, ADHD and children and adolescents.
I have worked in the area of mental health since 2004 in Hospice, intensive outpatient programing, school based mental health and integrative behavioral health. I have been practicing with Lifestance and its predicessors since 2015. My treatment modalities tend to be eclectic, however I often utilize mindfulness, Cognitive Behavioral, Trauma Focus Care and Emotional Focus. I also use a variety of play therapy when seeing my younger clients. My areas of specialization are Anxiety and Depression, Trauma, Grief and Loss, ADHD and children and adolescents.
Making your first appointment can be one of the most challenging steps in your mental health journey. At LifeStance, we make it simple by offering both online and in-person therapy and psychiatry services, covered by major insurance plans.
Making your first appointment can be one of the most challenging steps in your mental health journey. At LifeStance, we make it simple by offering both online and in-person therapy and psychiatry services, covered by major insurance plans.
Alma's areas of focus include adjustment problems, anxiety, depression, grief/loss, parenting, stress management, and trauma. Alma demonstrates great empathy with her clients and uses an eclectic approach tailoring her interventions with each individual/family she sees.
Alma's areas of focus include adjustment problems, anxiety, depression, grief/loss, parenting, stress management, and trauma. Alma demonstrates great empathy with her clients and uses an eclectic approach tailoring her interventions with each individual/family she sees.
Vivienne is especially passionate about helping individuals heal from trauma and grief. She understands the profound impact that these experiences can have across all stages of life, from adolescence to older adulthood. With a trauma-informed perspective, she provides a safe and supportive space for clients to process painful experiences, build healthy coping strategies, and reconnect with a sense of strength and purpose. Her work also extends to women’s issues, postpartum depression and anxiety, and life transitions, where she offers compassionate support during times of change and adjustment.
Vivienne is especially passionate about helping individuals heal from trauma and grief. She understands the profound impact that these experiences can have across all stages of life, from adolescence to older adulthood. With a trauma-informed perspective, she provides a safe and supportive space for clients to process painful experiences, build healthy coping strategies, and reconnect with a sense of strength and purpose. Her work also extends to women’s issues, postpartum depression and anxiety, and life transitions, where she offers compassionate support during times of change and adjustment.
Susan Rae Miller is a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist with over 35 years experience working with adults, adolescents, and children in an outpatient setting. She received her master's and doctoral degrees from the School of Education at the University of Houston and has extensive post-graduate training in the managed care model of treating depression and anxiety disorders. Her treatment utilizes a solution-oriented, cognitive/behavioral, time-limited approach intended to provide symptom relief to patients. She encourages homework between sessions to practice coping skill and problem solving techniques.
Susan Rae Miller is a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist with over 35 years experience working with adults, adolescents, and children in an outpatient setting. She received her master's and doctoral degrees from the School of Education at the University of Houston and has extensive post-graduate training in the managed care model of treating depression and anxiety disorders. Her treatment utilizes a solution-oriented, cognitive/behavioral, time-limited approach intended to provide symptom relief to patients. She encourages homework between sessions to practice coping skill and problem solving techniques.
Christine Watson is a clinical psychologist who has been practicing psychotherapy since 1982. She graduated from The Fielding Institute with a doctorate in clinical psychology and from Texas Woman’s University with a masters in marriage and family therapy. Christine’s background in family systems, as well as evidence based perspectives, inform her approach to individual therapy. Her main areas of focus include adult depression and anxiety. In her spare time, Christine enjoys gardening and hiking.
Christine Watson is a clinical psychologist who has been practicing psychotherapy since 1982. She graduated from The Fielding Institute with a doctorate in clinical psychology and from Texas Woman’s University with a masters in marriage and family therapy. Christine’s background in family systems, as well as evidence based perspectives, inform her approach to individual therapy. Her main areas of focus include adult depression and anxiety. In her spare time, Christine enjoys gardening and hiking.
See more therapy options for 92040
How does your Therapist compare?
Number of Therapists in 92040
50+
Average cost per session
$175
Therapists in 92040 who prioritize treating:
| 98% | Anxiety |
| 86% | Depression |
| 75% | Life Transitions |
| 51% | Grief |
| 51% | Self Esteem |
| 49% | Trauma and PTSD |
| 49% | Coping Skills |
Average years in practice
14 Years
Top 3 insurances accepted
| 94% | Aetna |
| 91% | Cigna and Evernorth |
| 89% | Other |
How Therapists in 92040 see their clients
| 61% | Online Only | |
| 39% | In Person and Online |
Gender breakdown
| 81% | Female | |
| 19% | Male |
FAQs - About Therapy and Counseling
How can I find a therapist in 92040?
Search for nearby therapists or counselors by inputting your city, town, or suburb; or zip code; or a provider’s name into the search bar. From there, you can filter providers by the issues they treat, cost, insurance, gender, and other factors to find providers who are well-suited to your needs. To navigate between locations within the same country, enter a new city or zip code into the search bar.
Learn more about how to find a therapist
Learn more about how to find a therapist
Is everyone in the Psychology Today Therapy Directory a licensed therapist?
The Psychology Today directory lists providers who offer legitimate mental health services to the public, including psychologists, psychiatrists, social workers, and counselors.
Many have been licensed by the country or state where they practice; providers whose license or primary credential has been verified by Psychology Today are signified by a “Verified” symbol. Some clinicians or organizations provide services for which their state or country does not offer licenses, such as pastoral counseling. They may be selectively included without the “Verified” seal.
Many have been licensed by the country or state where they practice; providers whose license or primary credential has been verified by Psychology Today are signified by a “Verified” symbol. Some clinicians or organizations provide services for which their state or country does not offer licenses, such as pastoral counseling. They may be selectively included without the “Verified” seal.
What’s the difference between a psychologist, a therapist, and a counselor?
Therapists, psychologists, and counselors are all licensed mental health professionals. In the US, psychologists have earned a doctoral degree. The terms “therapist” and “counselor” are used somewhat interchangeably, but generally therapists offer longer-term, mental health care, while counselors offer shorter-term care that may focus on one domain, such as marriage, career, or academic challenges.
Clients should consider factors such as insurance coverage and their primary reason(s) for seeking therapy to determine the type of professional best suited to their needs. Someone struggling with mental health challenges such as depression or anxiety, for example, may wish to seek out a clinical psychologist or therapist, while someone navigating career obstacles or marital upheaval may benefit from seeing a counselor who can offer short-term, targeted support.
Clients should consider factors such as insurance coverage and their primary reason(s) for seeking therapy to determine the type of professional best suited to their needs. Someone struggling with mental health challenges such as depression or anxiety, for example, may wish to seek out a clinical psychologist or therapist, while someone navigating career obstacles or marital upheaval may benefit from seeing a counselor who can offer short-term, targeted support.
What type of therapy is right for me?
The type of therapy best suited to a particular individual depends on several factors, including their primary reason for seeking therapy, their preferred timeline (some therapy types last for a set number of sessions, while others are open-ended), and their personality and preferences—some may prefer a more structured approach. For many individuals, multiple types of therapy could provide a good fit.
How much does therapy cost?
The cost of therapy depends on a number of variables, including location and the therapist’s experience and training. On average, a therapy session in the United States could cost between $100 and $200 or more. If you have insurance, the expense of mental health care is typically lower, but it varies based on your insurance plan details and whether you choose an in-network or out-of-network mental healthcare provider.
What are more affordable or low cost therapy solutions?
Many therapists offer sliding scale payments, usually on a limited number of slots, which consists in an agreement between the therapist and a client to pay a reduced rate. Therapists who provide such arrangements often consider the client's income or ability to pay, but the extent of the discount is ultimately at the therapist's discretion. Furthermore, while group therapy may have different goals and benefits compared to individual therapy, it can be a more affordable solution to address certain types of issues.
Is online therapy cheaper than in-person therapy?
Many therapists charge the same amount for online therapy as they do for in-person therapy—though clients may still find this cost-effective if it cuts down on their transportation costs. Health insurance plans often offer equivalent coverage for online and in-person therapy; indeed, in many places, they are legally required to do so. Text-based or on-demand therapy apps may be cheaper than traditional one-on-one psychotherapy; however, the practice may be less effective and is not likely to be covered by insurance.
Is online therapy a good option?
Therapy conducted online can be just as effective as in-person therapy, as long as there is a strong alliance between the client and the therapist. To find a therapist who provides telehealth services to clients in your area, click “Online Therapy” on the directory homepage and search by your city or town or your zip code.
Are therapy sessions confidential?
Confidentiality is a crucial part of the therapeutic relationship. Therapists in the United States are bound by the regulations set out by the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996 (HIPAA), which aims to protect sensitive health information. With very few exceptions, a therapist will only discuss their client with others when the client has given their written permission. The instances in which a therapist would be required to disclose personal information are: if a client poses a danger to themselves or others, if the therapist suspects the abuse of a child or an elderly or otherwise dependent adult, or if they are legally forced to by court order. These exceptions to the confidentiality agreement are usually discussed with a client before their first session.


