Therapists in San Diego, CA
Our rapport, and discovering what is deeply meaningful and valuable to you will be the foundation of our therapeutic relationship. My primary goal is to support your happiness and success by understanding your beliefs, and what you hold dear in your heart. I will gently challenge you when I see obstacles that are not supporting your well being. I will simultaneously encourage you to draw from your natural gifts and strengths. I commit to utilizing evidence based interventions that are effective, empowering, and that promote self compassion. I understand the vulnerability of seeking help, and I commend your willingness to grow.
Our rapport, and discovering what is deeply meaningful and valuable to you will be the foundation of our therapeutic relationship. My primary goal is to support your happiness and success by understanding your beliefs, and what you hold dear in your heart. I will gently challenge you when I see obstacles that are not supporting your well being. I will simultaneously encourage you to draw from your natural gifts and strengths. I commit to utilizing evidence based interventions that are effective, empowering, and that promote self compassion. I understand the vulnerability of seeking help, and I commend your willingness to grow.
My therapeutic approach is holistic and person-centered that promotes a nonjudgmental stance, genuineness, and empathy. I believe patients have the answers within themselves, and my job is to help them find these answers and actualize their potential. I enjoy working with adolescents and adults who experience challenges including but not limited to depression, anxiety, grief, trauma, stress, relationships, personal growth, life transitions, and cultural and spiritual issues.
My therapeutic approach is holistic and person-centered that promotes a nonjudgmental stance, genuineness, and empathy. I believe patients have the answers within themselves, and my job is to help them find these answers and actualize their potential. I enjoy working with adolescents and adults who experience challenges including but not limited to depression, anxiety, grief, trauma, stress, relationships, personal growth, life transitions, and cultural and spiritual issues.
I have been working in the field of Marriage and Family Therapy for over 25 years. I graduated from The University of Southern California in 1994 and received my Master’s Degree in Marriage and Family Therapy at The University of San Diego in 1997. My focus is Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, with children, adolescents, adults, couples and families. My goal is to bring a sense of warmth and compassion to the therapy process, valuing a focus on each individual's strengths and resiliency. I bring my clinical knowledge as well as my personal life experiences to the therapy process.
I have been working in the field of Marriage and Family Therapy for over 25 years. I graduated from The University of Southern California in 1994 and received my Master’s Degree in Marriage and Family Therapy at The University of San Diego in 1997. My focus is Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, with children, adolescents, adults, couples and families. My goal is to bring a sense of warmth and compassion to the therapy process, valuing a focus on each individual's strengths and resiliency. I bring my clinical knowledge as well as my personal life experiences to the therapy process.
My name is Sami Friedman (she/her) and I am a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT) based in the San Francisco Bay Area, providing telehealth services across California. I work primarily with adolescents and young adults looking for support with anxiety, depression, life transitions, and navigating relationships with themselves and others. I also have experience and advanced training providing neurodiversity-affirming psychotherapy to individuals (or parents of individuals) who identify as neurodivergent.
My name is Sami Friedman (she/her) and I am a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT) based in the San Francisco Bay Area, providing telehealth services across California. I work primarily with adolescents and young adults looking for support with anxiety, depression, life transitions, and navigating relationships with themselves and others. I also have experience and advanced training providing neurodiversity-affirming psychotherapy to individuals (or parents of individuals) who identify as neurodivergent.
Lauren Nicole Mason
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
San Diego, CA 92106
I’m Lauren Mason, Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, specializing in couples therapy, with a particular focus on helping couples repair relationships that have suffered an attachment injury, such as deceptions, addictions or affairs. I support couples who are insightful, honest and are committed to therapy as they work to heal and redefine trust, connection, and intimacy. I work with couples to break down the fear and anxiety they might feel, building the skills and tools for respectful engagement and resilience. I want to help you become even stronger because of the challenges you’ve faced.
I’m Lauren Mason, Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, specializing in couples therapy, with a particular focus on helping couples repair relationships that have suffered an attachment injury, such as deceptions, addictions or affairs. I support couples who are insightful, honest and are committed to therapy as they work to heal and redefine trust, connection, and intimacy. I work with couples to break down the fear and anxiety they might feel, building the skills and tools for respectful engagement and resilience. I want to help you become even stronger because of the challenges you’ve faced.
Entrepreneurial Therapist - Asuka Garcia
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Online Only
Embarking on the journey of small business ownership is often filled with excitement, promise, and the allure of independence. It's a path that holds the potential to fulfill lifelong dreams and aspirations. However, the reality of running a business can sometimes be different from the initial expectations. Many small business owners face a multitude of challenges that can leave them feeling overwhelmed and vulnerable. The constant anxiety about sustaining profits, the nagging imposter syndrome, and the relentless pressure to stand out can all contribute to a sense of being stuck.
Embarking on the journey of small business ownership is often filled with excitement, promise, and the allure of independence. It's a path that holds the potential to fulfill lifelong dreams and aspirations. However, the reality of running a business can sometimes be different from the initial expectations. Many small business owners face a multitude of challenges that can leave them feeling overwhelmed and vulnerable. The constant anxiety about sustaining profits, the nagging imposter syndrome, and the relentless pressure to stand out can all contribute to a sense of being stuck.
Hello and welcome! My name is Monique Nguyen, and I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with a passion to help you find meaning, healing, and growth no matter who you are and what stage you are in your life. Life can be overwhelming, even, at times, unfair and unjust due to various life stressors. If you are finding that everyday tasks are becoming too daunting, socializing is becoming too demanding, and overthinking is becoming too difficult to manage, together, we can work toward improving your quality of life.
Hello and welcome! My name is Monique Nguyen, and I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with a passion to help you find meaning, healing, and growth no matter who you are and what stage you are in your life. Life can be overwhelming, even, at times, unfair and unjust due to various life stressors. If you are finding that everyday tasks are becoming too daunting, socializing is becoming too demanding, and overthinking is becoming too difficult to manage, together, we can work toward improving your quality of life.
Dr Pontea Dianati, Ph.D. is a spiritually gifted healer and doctor of psychology who works with The Angelic Realm, God, our Galactic family and Mother Nature.
She specializes in integrative psychology, subtle energy medicine, and integrative spirituality to develop protocols that help people make huge shifts in their lives.
As an experienced leader within youth and adult self-healing, as well as self-realization education, she bridges ancient healing practices with cutting edge science in her healing sessions, which she does in person and online with persons from all over the world.
Dr Pontea Dianati, Ph.D. is a spiritually gifted healer and doctor of psychology who works with The Angelic Realm, God, our Galactic family and Mother Nature.
She specializes in integrative psychology, subtle energy medicine, and integrative spirituality to develop protocols that help people make huge shifts in their lives.
As an experienced leader within youth and adult self-healing, as well as self-realization education, she bridges ancient healing practices with cutting edge science in her healing sessions, which she does in person and online with persons from all over the world.
Kate-Robin Shuart Piper
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
San Diego, CA 92130
Each of us has a unique purpose to live in this world and through varied experiences we become disconnected from this inspiration. I'm dedicated to helping my clients rediscover their sense of self and guiding them towards a path of healing and resilience. In sessions we will join together so that you can reconnect to your purpose and live in an embodied way. I specialize in working with families, couples, and individuals who have been impacted by severe mental illness, substance use, intergenerational trauma, grief, identity confusion, disappointment, and feelings of powerlessness.
Each of us has a unique purpose to live in this world and through varied experiences we become disconnected from this inspiration. I'm dedicated to helping my clients rediscover their sense of self and guiding them towards a path of healing and resilience. In sessions we will join together so that you can reconnect to your purpose and live in an embodied way. I specialize in working with families, couples, and individuals who have been impacted by severe mental illness, substance use, intergenerational trauma, grief, identity confusion, disappointment, and feelings of powerlessness.
My name is Mark Kuntz and I am a licensed clinical Social Worker. My area of focus is adults and older adults focused on issues of grief and loss, role transition, interpersonal conflict, depression, anxiety, and trauma. I typically work with clients experiencing grief or loss, role transitions, interpersonal conflict, anxiety, depression, and trauma. My approach to therapy utilizes Cognitive Behavioral (CBT), Interpersonal (IPT), and Motivational Interviewing Therapeutic techniques.
My name is Mark Kuntz and I am a licensed clinical Social Worker. My area of focus is adults and older adults focused on issues of grief and loss, role transition, interpersonal conflict, depression, anxiety, and trauma. I typically work with clients experiencing grief or loss, role transitions, interpersonal conflict, anxiety, depression, and trauma. My approach to therapy utilizes Cognitive Behavioral (CBT), Interpersonal (IPT), and Motivational Interviewing Therapeutic techniques.
I have been in the mental health field for 17 years. I currently specialize in pornography and sex addiction, being certified in this area. I work with children, adolescents, families, and couples. I am a Christian therapist with a Cognitive Behavioral perspective, working with individuals who suffer from ADHD, Eating Disorders, Depression, Anxiety, as well as other mood disorder. I have evening and weekend hours available.
I have been in the mental health field for 17 years. I currently specialize in pornography and sex addiction, being certified in this area. I work with children, adolescents, families, and couples. I am a Christian therapist with a Cognitive Behavioral perspective, working with individuals who suffer from ADHD, Eating Disorders, Depression, Anxiety, as well as other mood disorder. I have evening and weekend hours available.
15 Second Videos
If you have made it this far, chances are you are seeking something you haven’t yet found. You may just want someone to talk to or hold space for you. You may be hoping to explore and discover more about yourself, and utilize therapy to work through your barriers to growth and healing. I would be honored to be a part of your journey. I believe that therapy should be a safe space for folks to process, and is a collaborative effort between client and therapist. You may not feel it in this moment, but you are the expert of your experience.
If you have made it this far, chances are you are seeking something you haven’t yet found. You may just want someone to talk to or hold space for you. You may be hoping to explore and discover more about yourself, and utilize therapy to work through your barriers to growth and healing. I would be honored to be a part of your journey. I believe that therapy should be a safe space for folks to process, and is a collaborative effort between client and therapist. You may not feel it in this moment, but you are the expert of your experience.
Dr. Sara Patterson is a licensed clinical psychologist, PSY26584, specializing in the therapeutic care and psychological treatment of adults, college students, and adolescents navigating Mood and Anxiety Disorders as well as grief and loss, relationship challenges, and life transitions using a solution focused application of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy. Her primary treatment approach focuses on tailoring empirically supported treatments to individuals' needs and using Cognitive Behavioral Therapy to increase effective coping strategies.
Dr. Sara Patterson is a licensed clinical psychologist, PSY26584, specializing in the therapeutic care and psychological treatment of adults, college students, and adolescents navigating Mood and Anxiety Disorders as well as grief and loss, relationship challenges, and life transitions using a solution focused application of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy. Her primary treatment approach focuses on tailoring empirically supported treatments to individuals' needs and using Cognitive Behavioral Therapy to increase effective coping strategies.
I utilize talk therapy with Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy interventions. My approach allows individuals to get to the root cause of their issues while still having the immediate change of behavioral interventions.
I utilize talk therapy with Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy interventions. My approach allows individuals to get to the root cause of their issues while still having the immediate change of behavioral interventions.
I believe that my job as a therapist is to meet each individual where they are to get them to where they want to go. I am passionate about working with people who make the brave choice to enter into therapy and take the healing journey. I believe therapy is very personal, and should be individualized and tailored to the needs of the client.
I believe that my job as a therapist is to meet each individual where they are to get them to where they want to go. I am passionate about working with people who make the brave choice to enter into therapy and take the healing journey. I believe therapy is very personal, and should be individualized and tailored to the needs of the client.
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.
Colleen is deeply passionate about working with individuals dealing with substance abuse, ADHD, and psychosis or schizophrenia. Her therapeutic approach focuses on empowering clients to regain control of their mental health and lead fulfilling lives. Whether through mindfulnessbased practices or goaloriented therapy, Colleen tailors her care to meet each client’s unique needs. She also integrates Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) and Exposure Therapy to address complex issues like trauma and grief, providing comprehensive care that fosters growth and resilience.
Colleen is deeply passionate about working with individuals dealing with substance abuse, ADHD, and psychosis or schizophrenia. Her therapeutic approach focuses on empowering clients to regain control of their mental health and lead fulfilling lives. Whether through mindfulnessbased practices or goaloriented therapy, Colleen tailors her care to meet each client’s unique needs. She also integrates Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) and Exposure Therapy to address complex issues like trauma and grief, providing comprehensive care that fosters growth and resilience.
Savannah Henderson
Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor, MS, LPCC
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Online Only
Do you notice emotional or behavioral patterns that impact your relationships? Do you struggle with emotional or physical intimacy with your partner? Feeling overwhelmed with trying to find a healthy life balance and manage anxiety and/or depression? I can help you work on identifying and changing unhelpful relationship patterns, setting healthy boundaries, improving sex & intimacy with your partner, and establishing a sustainable life balance. I work with both individuals and couples on improving relationships, enhancing sex and intimacy or exploring sexual health concerns and understanding your attachment style and experiences.
Do you notice emotional or behavioral patterns that impact your relationships? Do you struggle with emotional or physical intimacy with your partner? Feeling overwhelmed with trying to find a healthy life balance and manage anxiety and/or depression? I can help you work on identifying and changing unhelpful relationship patterns, setting healthy boundaries, improving sex & intimacy with your partner, and establishing a sustainable life balance. I work with both individuals and couples on improving relationships, enhancing sex and intimacy or exploring sexual health concerns and understanding your attachment style and experiences.
I am a licensed Clinical Psychologist based in California with more than a decade of experience serving clients with variety of issues.
I am a licensed Clinical Psychologist based in California with more than a decade of experience serving clients with variety of issues.
Kayla, a licensed clinical social worker, brings extensive expertise in working with refugee and immigrant populations, as well as systems-involved parents and youth. With a background in clinical therapy in orphanage settings in Mexico and experience with foster youth and recently arrived immigrant families, Kayla is deeply committed to social justice efforts, recognizing the systemic factors impacting mental health outcomes. Her journey began about 12 years ago in the community mental health sector, working with migrant day laborers in San Francisco.
Kayla, a licensed clinical social worker, brings extensive expertise in working with refugee and immigrant populations, as well as systems-involved parents and youth. With a background in clinical therapy in orphanage settings in Mexico and experience with foster youth and recently arrived immigrant families, Kayla is deeply committed to social justice efforts, recognizing the systemic factors impacting mental health outcomes. Her journey began about 12 years ago in the community mental health sector, working with migrant day laborers in San Francisco.
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How does your Therapist compare?
Number of Therapists in San Diego, CA
3,000+
Average cost per session
$165
Therapists in San Diego, CA who prioritize treating:
92% | Anxiety |
86% | Depression |
70% | Coping Skills |
70% | Self Esteem |
65% | Relationship Issues |
63% | Stress |
61% | Trauma and PTSD |
Average years in practice
12 Years
Top 3 insurances accepted
85% | Aetna |
77% | Cigna and Evernorth |
66% | UnitedHealthcare UHC | UBH |
How Therapists in San Diego, CA see their clients
56% | Online Only | |
44% | In Person and Online |
Gender breakdown
81% | Female | |
18% | Male | |
1% | Non-Binary |
FAQs - About Therapy and Counseling
How can I find a therapist in San Diego?
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.