First Responders Therapists in La Jolla, CA
If life feels harder than it should be and sometimes you feel alone, or misunderstood, therapy can help. I want to help you figure out what is holding you back from a vibrant life. Together we can work on healing past hurts, developing new skills and walking confidently into each day.
If life feels harder than it should be and sometimes you feel alone, or misunderstood, therapy can help. I want to help you figure out what is holding you back from a vibrant life. Together we can work on healing past hurts, developing new skills and walking confidently into each day.
I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker. I earned my Master’s Degree in Social Work from University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA.)
I have been serving the community for 29 years, working with individuals, children, couples, and families. It gives me great joy to work with clients of all ages and from all walks of life. I also find it meaningful partnering with individuals from diverse cultural backgrounds. I embrace cultural diversity. It’s fascinating to embrace and learn about various cultures and traditions.
I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker. I earned my Master’s Degree in Social Work from University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA.)
I have been serving the community for 29 years, working with individuals, children, couples, and families. It gives me great joy to work with clients of all ages and from all walks of life. I also find it meaningful partnering with individuals from diverse cultural backgrounds. I embrace cultural diversity. It’s fascinating to embrace and learn about various cultures and traditions.
Hi, I'm Jenny. I see clients in-person in La Jolla and can work with anyone virtually who is located in California. I work with adults, teens, and tweens. My specialties include grief, loss, anxiety, identity exploration, life transitions, complex trauma, early attachment experiences, self-esteem, relationship dynamics, and working with the LGBTQIA+ community. Clients often come to me during a season of change, ready for something to shift. I offer a gentle space where healing unfolds at a pace the feels comfortable for you, honoring your story as you move toward greater self-compassion, resilience, and connection.
Hi, I'm Jenny. I see clients in-person in La Jolla and can work with anyone virtually who is located in California. I work with adults, teens, and tweens. My specialties include grief, loss, anxiety, identity exploration, life transitions, complex trauma, early attachment experiences, self-esteem, relationship dynamics, and working with the LGBTQIA+ community. Clients often come to me during a season of change, ready for something to shift. I offer a gentle space where healing unfolds at a pace the feels comfortable for you, honoring your story as you move toward greater self-compassion, resilience, and connection.
Dr. Ryan O'Keefe - Performance and ADHD Specialist
Psychological Associate, PsyD
6 Endorsed
La Jolla, CA 92093
I also have extensive experience supporting veterans and military families.
Life often asks us to perform at our best—whether in school, sports, career, or relationships. But high standards and constant pressure can leave you feeling drained, stuck, or disconnected from what really matters. You may be pushing forward on the outside while quietly battling stress, anxiety, trauma, ADHD, or self-doubt on the inside. Therapy is a space where you can slow down, reflect, and rediscover balance. Together we’ll explore the patterns holding you back, strengthen what’s already working, and build strategies that help you feel both grounded and capable of moving toward your goals with confidence.
I also have extensive experience supporting veterans and military families.
Life often asks us to perform at our best—whether in school, sports, career, or relationships. But high standards and constant pressure can leave you feeling drained, stuck, or disconnected from what really matters. You may be pushing forward on the outside while quietly battling stress, anxiety, trauma, ADHD, or self-doubt on the inside. Therapy is a space where you can slow down, reflect, and rediscover balance. Together we’ll explore the patterns holding you back, strengthen what’s already working, and build strategies that help you feel both grounded and capable of moving toward your goals with confidence.
I specialize in trauma/PTSD, anxiety, depression, substance use, women's issues, self-esteem, parenthood, ADHD, couples, and first responders.
Currently accepting new clients! I believe therapy should feel like a space where you can show up as you are, feel understood, and work toward meaningful change. I take a warm, strengths-based approach and work with clients navigating anxiety, depression, ADHD, trauma, relationships, addiction, parenting, self-esteem, and life transitions. You don’t have to have everything figured out before starting therapy. I’ll meet you where you are, and together we’ll build insight, confidence, and practical tools to help you feel more like yourself and move forward.
I specialize in trauma/PTSD, anxiety, depression, substance use, women's issues, self-esteem, parenthood, ADHD, couples, and first responders.
Currently accepting new clients! I believe therapy should feel like a space where you can show up as you are, feel understood, and work toward meaningful change. I take a warm, strengths-based approach and work with clients navigating anxiety, depression, ADHD, trauma, relationships, addiction, parenting, self-esteem, and life transitions. You don’t have to have everything figured out before starting therapy. I’ll meet you where you are, and together we’ll build insight, confidence, and practical tools to help you feel more like yourself and move forward.
A significant part of my caseload is service members and military families.
I'm Robyn, a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with 13 years of experience helping adults navigate some of life's most demanding roles: being a parent, a partner, a provider, and sometimes all three at once. I work with men who are ready to go deeper — whether that means becoming more present as a father, strengthening their relationships, or finally making sense of experiences they've carried for years. I also work with parents navigating the weight of family stress, conflict, and trauma that gets passed down in ways we don't always recognize.
A significant part of my caseload is service members and military families.
I'm Robyn, a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with 13 years of experience helping adults navigate some of life's most demanding roles: being a parent, a partner, a provider, and sometimes all three at once. I work with men who are ready to go deeper — whether that means becoming more present as a father, strengthening their relationships, or finally making sense of experiences they've carried for years. I also work with parents navigating the weight of family stress, conflict, and trauma that gets passed down in ways we don't always recognize.
Dr. Cat Beer - Trauma, Burnout & Attachment
Psychological Associate, Ph.D.
5 Endorsed
La Jolla, CA 92037
From the outside, you’re functioning well—you get things done, show up for others, and carry a lot of responsibility. But internally, it feels different. You may be constantly “on,” overthinking, pushing yourself to meet high expectations, or feeling stuck in patterns you can’t seem to break. You might struggle to slow down, feel overwhelmed by your emotions, or notice the same relationship dynamics repeating. Many of the people I work with have tried therapy before but felt like it didn’t go deep enough. I specialize in working with high-functioning adults who already understand what’s happening—but are ready to create real change.
From the outside, you’re functioning well—you get things done, show up for others, and carry a lot of responsibility. But internally, it feels different. You may be constantly “on,” overthinking, pushing yourself to meet high expectations, or feeling stuck in patterns you can’t seem to break. You might struggle to slow down, feel overwhelmed by your emotions, or notice the same relationship dynamics repeating. Many of the people I work with have tried therapy before but felt like it didn’t go deep enough. I specialize in working with high-functioning adults who already understand what’s happening—but are ready to create real change.
Are you experiencing difficulty with infertility, pregnancy, or the transition to parenthood? Perhaps you are navigating the many emotional and psychological shifts that happen while trying to conceive and after having a baby. If you're feeling overwhelmed with anxiety, exhausted by the mental and physical load, or struggling with new and changing relationships during this chapter, you're in the right place. I offer a soft place to land where you feel safe to explore what's weighing on your heart - together we can examine relationship/identity changes, triggers, anxiety/overwhelm, and discover a path towards positive change.
Are you experiencing difficulty with infertility, pregnancy, or the transition to parenthood? Perhaps you are navigating the many emotional and psychological shifts that happen while trying to conceive and after having a baby. If you're feeling overwhelmed with anxiety, exhausted by the mental and physical load, or struggling with new and changing relationships during this chapter, you're in the right place. I offer a soft place to land where you feel safe to explore what's weighing on your heart - together we can examine relationship/identity changes, triggers, anxiety/overwhelm, and discover a path towards positive change.
I have been described as a compassionate and active Psychologist who is dedicated to helping patients make positive change. I know that everyone enters therapy with specific strengths and I do my best to help pull from those strengths. I realize that entering therapy is a large emotional, financial, and time commitment, and do everything I can to make the most of your investment.
I have been described as a compassionate and active Psychologist who is dedicated to helping patients make positive change. I know that everyone enters therapy with specific strengths and I do my best to help pull from those strengths. I realize that entering therapy is a large emotional, financial, and time commitment, and do everything I can to make the most of your investment.
At Refined Therapy Group, we provide personalized, compassionate therapy for individuals and couples in a warm, collaborative environment where you can feel seen, supported, and empowered. Many of our clients are highly motivated for change but feel emotionally stuck, overwhelmed, or exhausted. They may struggle with anxiety, depression, unresolved trauma, life transitions, relationship challenges, chronic stress, or the emotional demands of work or caregiving. Although they have developed ways to cope, they often find themselves repeating the same emotional or behavioral patterns and are ready for something different.
At Refined Therapy Group, we provide personalized, compassionate therapy for individuals and couples in a warm, collaborative environment where you can feel seen, supported, and empowered. Many of our clients are highly motivated for change but feel emotionally stuck, overwhelmed, or exhausted. They may struggle with anxiety, depression, unresolved trauma, life transitions, relationship challenges, chronic stress, or the emotional demands of work or caregiving. Although they have developed ways to cope, they often find themselves repeating the same emotional or behavioral patterns and are ready for something different.
If you've been feeling anxious, down, or stuck in old patterns, you don't have to go through it alone. Whatever prompted your search for a therapist, it can be overwhelming. So, whether this is your first or 27th profile scan, I hope you find a moment of rest here.
With 20+ years in the support field, I've come to value the transformational nature of authentic presence and empathy. Whatever you're facing, whether it's grief, parenting overwhelm, relationship struggles, or any life stressors, we will tailor a holistic approach at your pace. I draw from relational, attachment, somatic, and trauma-trained practices like EMDR & AEDP.
If you've been feeling anxious, down, or stuck in old patterns, you don't have to go through it alone. Whatever prompted your search for a therapist, it can be overwhelming. So, whether this is your first or 27th profile scan, I hope you find a moment of rest here.
With 20+ years in the support field, I've come to value the transformational nature of authentic presence and empathy. Whatever you're facing, whether it's grief, parenting overwhelm, relationship struggles, or any life stressors, we will tailor a holistic approach at your pace. I draw from relational, attachment, somatic, and trauma-trained practices like EMDR & AEDP.
As we move through the different stages of life, having a space that feels truly your own can serve as a grounding anchor. Let’s work together to create this therapeutic space for you—a place that fosters peace, awareness, and connection. In this space, you’ll be able to explore the patterns that shape your thoughts, emotions, and behaviors. With greater awareness, you can begin to build a more balanced and fulfilling life that reflects your values and aspirations. Together, we will uncover the strengths and resources you already have and use them to support your growth and healing.
As we move through the different stages of life, having a space that feels truly your own can serve as a grounding anchor. Let’s work together to create this therapeutic space for you—a place that fosters peace, awareness, and connection. In this space, you’ll be able to explore the patterns that shape your thoughts, emotions, and behaviors. With greater awareness, you can begin to build a more balanced and fulfilling life that reflects your values and aspirations. Together, we will uncover the strengths and resources you already have and use them to support your growth and healing.
Previous training at Stanford Medical Center and VAs provided the foundation for working with trauma, high-functioning anxiety, depression, men's therapy, and military/veterans.
You've built a life that looks like it's working. You show up, you follow through, you take care of the people who depend on you. And still, something underneath doesn't add up: a low hum of anxiety that doesn't track with your circumstances, a flatness that persists despite doing everything "right," or a reaction that comes on too fast and too hard to explain by the moment that triggered it.
These symptoms are rarely random. They may come from a protective place - a learned attempt to prevent pain, threat, or overwhelm from happening again. Our work helps you understand what that was and build the safety to respond differently.
Previous training at Stanford Medical Center and VAs provided the foundation for working with trauma, high-functioning anxiety, depression, men's therapy, and military/veterans.
You've built a life that looks like it's working. You show up, you follow through, you take care of the people who depend on you. And still, something underneath doesn't add up: a low hum of anxiety that doesn't track with your circumstances, a flatness that persists despite doing everything "right," or a reaction that comes on too fast and too hard to explain by the moment that triggered it.
These symptoms are rarely random. They may come from a protective place - a learned attempt to prevent pain, threat, or overwhelm from happening again. Our work helps you understand what that was and build the safety to respond differently.
I work with a diverse range of individuals facing various mental health challenges. For individuals, I support those dealing with trauma, anxiety, life transitions, men's issues, depression, and anyone seeking deeper self-reflection and understanding. For couples, I assist with communication struggles, emotional connection, infidelity, sex and sexuality, and pre-marital counseling. If you’re looking for relief from current symptoms or seeking a deeper understanding of yourself or your partner, I’m here to help.
I work with a diverse range of individuals facing various mental health challenges. For individuals, I support those dealing with trauma, anxiety, life transitions, men's issues, depression, and anyone seeking deeper self-reflection and understanding. For couples, I assist with communication struggles, emotional connection, infidelity, sex and sexuality, and pre-marital counseling. If you’re looking for relief from current symptoms or seeking a deeper understanding of yourself or your partner, I’m here to help.
Ponte Vedra Neuropsychology, the premier neuropsychological and psychological boutique, offers comprehensive and tailored neuropsychological and psychotherapeutic services for an array of neurological and psychiatric conditions. Through our individualized approach, we aim to provide diagnostic clarity and promote the optimization of brain health and wellness.
Ponte Vedra Neuropsychology, the premier neuropsychological and psychological boutique, offers comprehensive and tailored neuropsychological and psychotherapeutic services for an array of neurological and psychiatric conditions. Through our individualized approach, we aim to provide diagnostic clarity and promote the optimization of brain health and wellness.
I believe that every individual possesses immense potential for growth, healing, and self-discovery. I am committed to providing a safe and compassionate space where you can explore your thoughts, emotions, and experiences without judgment. I am passionate about helping individuals harness their inner strength, overcome obstacles, and achieve peak performance in their chosen fields. Whether you're an athlete, artist, musician, or professional striving for excellence, I am here to support you on your path to success. Together, we can unlock your full potential and help you reach new heights of mental strength and satisfaction.
I believe that every individual possesses immense potential for growth, healing, and self-discovery. I am committed to providing a safe and compassionate space where you can explore your thoughts, emotions, and experiences without judgment. I am passionate about helping individuals harness their inner strength, overcome obstacles, and achieve peak performance in their chosen fields. Whether you're an athlete, artist, musician, or professional striving for excellence, I am here to support you on your path to success. Together, we can unlock your full potential and help you reach new heights of mental strength and satisfaction.
In a world that often encourages us to think about our emotions rather than feel them, Experiential-Focused Therapy offers something different, something deeper. It is a therapeutic approach grounded in the belief that true, lasting healing happens not just through insight or analysis, but through direct emotional experience.
Here, we don’t just talk about your pain, we carefully and compassionately invite it into the room, where it can be felt, held, and transformed in real time. Using the principles of deep emotional processing, we work with the parts of you that may have been silenced, dismissed, or buried for years.
In a world that often encourages us to think about our emotions rather than feel them, Experiential-Focused Therapy offers something different, something deeper. It is a therapeutic approach grounded in the belief that true, lasting healing happens not just through insight or analysis, but through direct emotional experience.
Here, we don’t just talk about your pain, we carefully and compassionately invite it into the room, where it can be felt, held, and transformed in real time. Using the principles of deep emotional processing, we work with the parts of you that may have been silenced, dismissed, or buried for years.
You are successful by every external measure - and exhausted by an internal one no one else can see.
The decisions you carry don't come with simple answers. They involve your business, your relationships, your sense of who you are and who you're becoming. You've tried thinking your way through. You've tried pushing harder. The weight hasn't lifted.
I work with founders, executives, and high-responsibility professionals in California and Oregon who need more than traditional talk therapy. My clients are people who think deeply, carry heavily, and sense that the clarity they need requires going somewhere some therapy doesn't go.
You are successful by every external measure - and exhausted by an internal one no one else can see.
The decisions you carry don't come with simple answers. They involve your business, your relationships, your sense of who you are and who you're becoming. You've tried thinking your way through. You've tried pushing harder. The weight hasn't lifted.
I work with founders, executives, and high-responsibility professionals in California and Oregon who need more than traditional talk therapy. My clients are people who think deeply, carry heavily, and sense that the clarity they need requires going somewhere some therapy doesn't go.
I am a licensed Clinical Psychologist in private practice. I primarily work with adolescents and adults who experience symptoms of depression, anxiety, psychosis-like symptoms as well trauma. I also work with individuals coping with life transitions, illness and hormonal changes. I trained at University of California San Diego, Yale University as well as at the San Diego Psychoanalytic Institute. In addition to private practice, I am a scientist and Clinical Psychologist at UCSD. There, I conduct assessments in adolescents with early symptoms of psychosis at Cognitive and Risk Assessment Evaluation Program (CARE) .
I am a licensed Clinical Psychologist in private practice. I primarily work with adolescents and adults who experience symptoms of depression, anxiety, psychosis-like symptoms as well trauma. I also work with individuals coping with life transitions, illness and hormonal changes. I trained at University of California San Diego, Yale University as well as at the San Diego Psychoanalytic Institute. In addition to private practice, I am a scientist and Clinical Psychologist at UCSD. There, I conduct assessments in adolescents with early symptoms of psychosis at Cognitive and Risk Assessment Evaluation Program (CARE) .
I am also experienced and enjoy working with military/veteran and first responder families.
I can help with divorce, transition, pre-college counseling, experiences with bullying , school drama, children with trauma, military families pre-and post deployment adjustments counseling, middle school adjustment, coping with cyber bullying, self harming behaviors, eating disorders, sibling mediation, school motivational behavioral and academic issues.
I am also experienced and enjoy working with military/veteran and first responder families.
I can help with divorce, transition, pre-college counseling, experiences with bullying , school drama, children with trauma, military families pre-and post deployment adjustments counseling, middle school adjustment, coping with cyber bullying, self harming behaviors, eating disorders, sibling mediation, school motivational behavioral and academic issues.
See more therapy options for La Jolla
Nearby First Responders Therapists Searches for La Jolla
- Chula Vista
- Coronado
- Del Mar
- El Cajon
- Encinitas
- La Mesa
- Poway
- Rancho Santa Fe
- San Diego
- San Marcos
- Santee
- Solana Beach
First Responders Therapists
Why is mental health important for first responders?
As part of their work, first responders are often exposed to high levels of stress, trauma, and physical injury that can put them at a greater risk for serious mental health conditions than the general population. Conditions like PTSD, anxiety, substance use, and depression are more common in first responders, which can greatly reduce quality of life and lead to burnout, sleep disruption, and even suicidal thoughts. Therapy can offer an opportunity for first responders to process difficult on-the-job experiences and develop coping skills to better manage any mental health symptoms they may experience.
How can first responders get access to mental health support?
Many first responders can access therapy for free or at a very low cost through their employer, such as through an Employee Assistance Program (EAP). Workplaces may also offer or have referral recommendations for support groups, where first responders can meet with others in their profession to receive support. Individuals who would like to access mental health services outside of their employer may use their insurance benefits to see a therapist, which they can find by searching for therapists online or asking for recommendations from their primary care physician.
What type of therapy is best for first responders?
The best therapy approach depends on the mental health concerns of the client. Since many first responders struggle with trauma or PTSD, they may benefit from trauma-specific therapeutic approaches, such as Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) Therapy, Exposure Therapy, or Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT). Individuals with symptoms of anxiety, depression, or stress may alternatively benefit from Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) or mindfulness-based therapeutic approaches, which can help clients develop coping skills to manage distressing thoughts.
Can therapy for first responders help with trauma and PTSD?
Therapy can be highly effective in both treating and preventing trauma and PTSD in first responders. Typically, therapy for trauma and PTSD focuses on developing stress management skills and managing intrusive or unwanted thoughts. Therapists working with first responders often help clients strengthen their relationships and reduce harmful coping mechanisms, such as excessive substance use. Additionally, therapists assist first responders in establishing daily habits that support overall mental and physical health and enhance resilience to future stress, such as regular physical exercise, mindfulness practices, and improved eating habits.