Trauma and PTSD Therapists in Otay Ranch, Chula Vista, CA
See all therapists in Otay Ranch, Chula Vista
Maegan K A Nelson
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified
Verified
I have worked with people who have been involved in human / sexual trafficking and other forms of abuse and
trauma
.
Welcome! I am a licensed marriage and family therapist practicing narrative therapy. My primary focus is to be respectful to each person I meet with, and to help each person discover and remember the abilities they have which can help them move through life despite the obstacles which sometimes get in the way. I am passionate about standing alongside the people I collaborate with against the problems that show up in their lives, sometimes these problems are systemic and oppressive, and require activism and courageous determination. I am happy to meet with individuals, couples, and families.
Not accepting new clients

Dr Gonzales Therapy
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, DSW, LCSW
Verified
Verified
I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and Doctor of Social Work in California with over 15 years of experience in a variety of settings. I have both personal and professional experience dealing with military life stressors and am especially passionate about working with adolescents and young adults experiencing difficult life transitions, learning to navigate complex relationships, and establishing their own personal identities. I have experience treating individuals who struggle with depression, anxiety, oppositional behavior and
trauma
and enjoy supporting individuals navigate the transition between teen and young adult.
Not accepting new clients

Shanekwa Pruitt
Marriage & Family Therapist, MS, LMFT
Verified
Verified
If you’re looking for a refuge from loss and to heal from reproductive, perinatal, and family building issues, I can help. Are you having trouble grasping, understanding, or dealing with
Trauma
or a recent life change, I have specialized in these areas since the beginning of my career. Struggling to find self-love, your true identity, or growth, I offer a safe space to explore these aspects and more. If you are ready, you can feel: seen, heard, understood, like yourself again, more satisfied, hopeful and empowered.

Minion (C.) Garner
LMSW
Verified
Verified
If you, like many, are feeling any mixture of difficult emotions, struggles, anxiety, isolation, prolonged sadness, depression, or struggling with addiction or mental health diagnosis, you are not alone. We have all collectively experienced a once in a lifetime pandemic and it’s taken its toll. Whatever your struggle- you want to feel better: whether working in a coaching capacity to achieve your goals, therapeutically to address current difficulties, symptoms or
trauma
(past/ present), relationship issues, general stress… This is the 1st step to FEEL the FULL joy of life again: you’ve found the right place! Take that first step.

Danielle Murphy
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified
1 Endorsed
Verified
1 Endorsed
My mission as your therapist is to help you find purpose, passion, and serenity in your day-to-day life. My approach is tailored to help you feel comfortable and unconditionally supported and accepted in therapy. I believe in a collaborative approach, and we will explore your individual qualities, needs, and desires to develop a safe environment for your growth and healing. I have worked extensively with depression, anxiety,
trauma
, couples issues, ADD/ADHD, addiction, self-esteem issues, family of origin issues, and relationship challenges.

Ashley Rhiannon Gomez-Hotko
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified
1 Endorsed
Verified
1 Endorsed
Pleased to meet you! My name is Ashley Gomez-Hotko LMFT. I provide individual telehealth therapy to adult clients within the state of California. If you are experiencing symptoms of
trauma
, depression, anxiety, self-esteem issues, grief and loss, family or relationship issues, or enduring a difficult life transition, I would love the opportunity to hear your story and support you. Carrying our pain without addressing it may not only make life less satisfying, but it can take a toll on other aspects of our health. Mental health IS health, and therapy can be medicinal for untangling the mind and heart.

Rebecca Bernstein
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified
1 Endorsed
Verified
1 Endorsed
You wake up each morning feeling stuck and alone. Perhaps you know what is causing these feelings or maybe it feels like they came out of nowhere. Either way, these feelings overwhelm you and you’re just not sure what to do about it anymore. You notice that your relationships, work and even your ability to care for yourself are starting to be affected. You make plans to work out or make a positive change, but quickly give up because you just don’t have the energy. You are starting to lose hope that you can get yourself out of this.

Malia Guillaume-Wilson
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified
Verified
Hello and welcome! My name is Malia and I am originally from Haiti. I am very outgoing and down to earth.

Kelsey Barbieri
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified
1 Endorsed
Verified
1 Endorsed
You can't stop thinking about that moment... the words that were said and the way it made you feel. Whether it was years ago or yesterday, it still feels fresh. Maybe it was a comment your mother made or the words of an Ex. Either way, it stung, and it won't stop ringing in your ears. Why can't you get it out of your head? You've tried ignoring it, pushing it down, screaming at it and nothing has worked. It continues to creep in day in and day out. Chipping away at your self-esteem & self-worth. Affecting so much of your life and your ability to trust. You don't just want relief, you need it. You need to find a way to truly move on.

Lizeth V Ma
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT, MA
Verified
Verified
I am a passionate clinical therapist who loves working with children, women, couples and families going through challenging times. Are you and your your child having trouble communicating? Are you and your spouse having trouble communicating? Do you see them going through a hard time, long to help but don't know how? Do you suffer from Bipolar Disorder? I am here for you. Do you feel undone by anxiety or depression and don't know how to "shake it off"? Please call today, My number one goal is to help in the most comfortable and holistic approach possible. It's OK, not to be OK. Together we can get there, one step at a time.

Karla Molina
Marriage & Family Therapist, MS, LMFT
Verified
Verified
Are you feeling unloved, anxious and unsure on how to move forward? Are you having difficulty connecting with a loved one? Have you tried talking through the issues and continue to feel unresolved or stuck? And no matter what you do, it seems like you’re relationship or situation isn't getting better. The thing is, whatever is happening, it must be addressed. Therapy provides the space for you to process what you're going through and it can teach you how to manage your thoughts and emotions in a effective way.

Dr. Veronica Guerra
Psychologist, PsyD
Verified
Verified
A veces todos necesitamos apoyo para superar los acontecimientos de la vida. Como psicóloga estoy aquí para ayudar. Tengo experiencia trabajando con depresión, ansiedad, estrés académico y laboral, transiciones de vida y relaciones. También tengo he liderando grupos y dado clases a estudiantes universitarios. Mi enfoque terapéutico es colaborativo y holístico, centrándose en la experiencia de la persona y los factores sociales que afectan su vida. Mi objetivo es proporcionar un espacio seguro para identificar y comprender los factores estresantes y aprender formas saludables de sobrellevar una vida más satisfactoria.

David T McGue
Counselor, MS, LPCC, LMHC
Verified
Verified
Aloha! I offer telehealth therapy / counseling for Hawai'i and California. I can meet you via Zoom, Facetime, Google Duo, or Skype. I also offer mobile therapy, which means I can meet you at your home, or nearly park, beach, etc.., so it's more convenient for you (but there's an additional fee for in-person mobile therapy, sorry!). As of 2022, I've been doing private practice for 12 years, and I want to be the most helpful as possible to you for your current situation, and in a comfortable atmosphere, we'll work together to identify solutions to your concerns, build on your strengths, and help achieve your goals! mahalo!

Katherine Garcia
Marriage & Family Therapist Associate, MA, AMFT, APCC
Verified
Verified
Do you find yourself constantly overwhelmed by daily pressures? Do you feel weighed down and anxious about the expectations others place on you? Do you find it hard to speak up and advocate for yourself out of fear of being targeted in some way? As a Mexican- American woman, I have encountered these hurdles which is why I am so passionate about helping ethnically and culturally diverse populations have the opportunity to be seen, heard, valued, and understood in their daily experiences.

Elizabeth Sparks
Associate Clinical Social Worker, MSW, ASW
Verified
Verified
Sometimes we all find ourselves feeling stuck or struggling in some way. Feelings of anxiety, depression, overwhelm or burnout are part of the human experience. For some people, it's a season of life or life circumstance or perhaps something that's been persisting for some time. Nevertheless, it doesn't mean you have to walk the path alone. As a therapist, my goal is to help clients find their way back to a healthier, thriving and content space.

Jack Mkroyan
MSN, PMHNP
Verified
Verified
Are you struggling to balance your mental and physical health and in need of a more comprehensive approach? No problem! I provide Telemedicine (Telepsychiatry) Services, so that you can conveniently be seen from your home for psychiatry appointments and medication management without the need to travel! I provide the same psychiatry services as an in-person office visit and I can also address other aspects that encompass your complete wellness. My aim is to help you to thrive at your best! You can easily self-schedule a Telepsychiatry video appointment now at: www.pwpsychiatry.com/CA

Dr. Emily N. Kierce
Psychologist, PsyD, NCSP
Verified
Verified
Sentiero is an outpatient practice comprised of school psychologists, clinical psychologists, and registered psychological associates who conduct psychotherapy and psychological assessments. The approach at Sentiero is not a “one size fits all” model. While many of our clinicians utilize various theoretic modalities, we are grounded in psychoanalytic theory and tailor treatment to the needs of the patient.
Online Therapists

Karely Garcia
Marriage & Family Therapist Associate, AMFT, DVC
Verified
Verified
As a therapist, I can help people by providing therapy sessions designed specifically for them. I provide counseling services to adolescents and adults with varied issues: anxiety, relational issues, cultural bias, anger management, and
trauma
. I am EMDR trained; an effective form of therapy for treating
trauma
, including Post Traumatic Stress Disorder.

LGBTQ+ Affirming Therapy
Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor, LMFT, LPCC, LCSW, AMFT, APCC
Verified
Verified
We are a
trauma
informed practice; our therapists have completed clinical supervision with world famous
trauma
expert Dr.
Expansive Therapy is a bicoastal psychotherapy practice with locations in New York City and Los Angeles. We offer online therapy to individuals and couples anywhere in New York State and California State. We have a diverse team of therapists offering a wide variety of modalities and specialties, and we can match you with a therapist who meets your needs and availability.
Waitlist for new clients

DeVita Andrews
Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor, LPCC, PPS, CAC, RAC, EMDR-C
Verified
Verified
I provide counseling services to adolescents and adults with varied issues: anxiety, adjustment in school and college, cultural bias, self-harm, military deployment/separation, divorce, grief, aging, anger management, and
trauma
.
"Life’s challenges are not supposed to paralyze us; they’re supposed to help us discover who we are." --BJR Yet, we know life can be challenging and navigating life after experiencing
trauma
can be especially difficult. As a result, we leave ourselves vulnerable to issues negatively impacting our lives in many ways: physically, emotionally, relationally, and spiritually. It is important to feel connected and understood! As a former school counselor with 20 years' experience working with adolescents, young adults and adults, I am devoted to helping clients resolve old, unhealthy patterns of thinking and behaving.
See more therapy options for ,
Trauma and PTSD Therapists
When should I seek treatment for trauma?
Not everyone who undergoes trauma needs therapy to heal, but many do. If, after experiencing a traumatic event, you find yourself struggling with symptoms such as nightmares, dissociation, irritability, or emotional numbness—especially if these symptoms last more than a month and are severe enough to interfere with your daily functioning—you may benefit from seeking out therapy with a trauma-informed provider.
How long does trauma therapy take?
Different types of therapy for trauma unfold on different timelines. Prolonged exposure therapy and cognitive processing therapy, for example, each take about three months, while trauma-informed CBT may last anywhere from 8 to 25 sessions. Other approaches, especially those that are less structured or that incorporate elements from multiple modalities, may be more open-ended, though many patients report feeling better within the first few months of treatment.
What happens if trauma is left untreated?
Unaddressed trauma can have serious—even devastating—effects on relationships, career, and day-to-day functioning. Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) can lead people to distrust or lash out at others, making it difficult to maintain intimate relationships; it can also trigger symptoms such as flashbacks or hyperreactivity that can interfere with a person’s ability to function effectively, personally and/or professionally. Some sufferers turn to drugs to find relief. Symptoms may lessen on their own with time, but there is no guarantee that PTSD will resolve on its own.
Can PTSD come back after treatment?
It is possible for PTSD symptoms to recur months or years after successful treatment. This is because, like most mental health disorders, it is not possible to “cure” PTSD, and stressful life events may cause symptoms to recur in even the most resilient individuals. There is no shame in re-experiencing PTSD symptoms nor in returning to therapy when such relapses occur; indeed, many forms of trauma therapy explicitly encourage periodic “maintenance sessions” to reinforce coping skills and ensure that symptoms stay manageable.