Therapists in San Diego, CA
The Center for Mental Health Excellence (CFMHE) is a nonprofit organization and training center providing affordable, accessible telehealth counseling for individuals, couples, and families. Our compassionate therapists, including Marriage and Family Therapist Trainees, address a wide range of emotional and relational concerns. We understand that life's journey is filled with challenges, and sometimes we all need a helping hand to navigate through them. Our dedicated team of experienced therapists is here to offer support, guidance, and a safe space for those seeking positive change and personal growth.
The Center for Mental Health Excellence (CFMHE) is a nonprofit organization and training center providing affordable, accessible telehealth counseling for individuals, couples, and families. Our compassionate therapists, including Marriage and Family Therapist Trainees, address a wide range of emotional and relational concerns. We understand that life's journey is filled with challenges, and sometimes we all need a helping hand to navigate through them. Our dedicated team of experienced therapists is here to offer support, guidance, and a safe space for those seeking positive change and personal growth.
Kristyne Skippergosh
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
1 Endorsed
San Diego, CA 92117
Waitlist for new clients
Do your emotions feel overwhelming? Has worry, stress, or self-doubt made it harder to enjoy life, reach your goals, or feel at peace? You’re not alone. Life’s challenges—big and small—can make it difficult to trust yourself and your path. Therapy helps you understand your mind, break free from unhelpful patterns, and regain a sense of control. Together, we’ll build the skills to navigate struggles with the same strength and openness as your successes, so you can move forward with clarity and confidence.
Do your emotions feel overwhelming? Has worry, stress, or self-doubt made it harder to enjoy life, reach your goals, or feel at peace? You’re not alone. Life’s challenges—big and small—can make it difficult to trust yourself and your path. Therapy helps you understand your mind, break free from unhelpful patterns, and regain a sense of control. Together, we’ll build the skills to navigate struggles with the same strength and openness as your successes, so you can move forward with clarity and confidence.
Do you remember that children's song about going on a bear hunt? Can't go over it! Can't go under it! We've got to go through it! Life is full of situations that can leave us feeling much like this song. In working with individuals and families, including children (ages 4+) and adolescents, adults, and their caregivers, my hope is for you to find new solutions to the challenges you are facing every day. I may not be able to get you over it or under it, but I am here to help you through it.
Do you remember that children's song about going on a bear hunt? Can't go over it! Can't go under it! We've got to go through it! Life is full of situations that can leave us feeling much like this song. In working with individuals and families, including children (ages 4+) and adolescents, adults, and their caregivers, my hope is for you to find new solutions to the challenges you are facing every day. I may not be able to get you over it or under it, but I am here to help you through it.
Brian Hodgson
Marriage & Family Therapist Associate, AMFT
San Diego, CA 92109
Not accepting new clients
I am an associate marriage and family therapist (AMFT) with expertise in assessing and treating substance addiction, marital and family conflict, mood, thought, behavior, and personality disorders. I have extensive experience working with culturally diverse adult populations utilizing evidence-based practices within a multi-disciplinary team of mental health service providers.
I am an associate marriage and family therapist (AMFT) with expertise in assessing and treating substance addiction, marital and family conflict, mood, thought, behavior, and personality disorders. I have extensive experience working with culturally diverse adult populations utilizing evidence-based practices within a multi-disciplinary team of mental health service providers.
Sometimes our best life can feel out of reach. A part of us feels stuck in cognitive or relational patterns that served us at one time, but do not serve us well anymore. We want to make some changes, but we find ourselves stuck. Poet Mary Oliver asked the question, "What will you do with this one wild and precious life?" I'm here to listen as you figure out how you want to answer this question, and to witness the work you need to do to get there. Our best selves, living our best lives, are within reach.
Sometimes our best life can feel out of reach. A part of us feels stuck in cognitive or relational patterns that served us at one time, but do not serve us well anymore. We want to make some changes, but we find ourselves stuck. Poet Mary Oliver asked the question, "What will you do with this one wild and precious life?" I'm here to listen as you figure out how you want to answer this question, and to witness the work you need to do to get there. Our best selves, living our best lives, are within reach.
Whether you've had a long struggle with your emotions, or just want a little help overcoming a recent difficulty, finding the right person to help makes a big difference. We believe in combining compassion and empathy, with therapies that have been proven to work by clinical researchers. We teach children, teens, and adults effective skills for changing behaviors, and provide the support and encouragement needed along the way. Through this process, you can overcome feelings of depression, isolation, shame, and fear while also building confidence in your strengths and gaining tools to overcome future challenges.
Whether you've had a long struggle with your emotions, or just want a little help overcoming a recent difficulty, finding the right person to help makes a big difference. We believe in combining compassion and empathy, with therapies that have been proven to work by clinical researchers. We teach children, teens, and adults effective skills for changing behaviors, and provide the support and encouragement needed along the way. Through this process, you can overcome feelings of depression, isolation, shame, and fear while also building confidence in your strengths and gaining tools to overcome future challenges.
I have experience working with individuals, adolescents, and families, and I specialize in helping clients navigate challenges such as relationship problems, trauma, grief, depression, and anxiety. I approach therapy with a humanistic perspective, welcoming you to share your journey when you feel something in your life needs to change—be it career, personal, physical, or spiritual. I will meet you where you are and guide you to a safe place, optimizing your potential.
I have experience working with individuals, adolescents, and families, and I specialize in helping clients navigate challenges such as relationship problems, trauma, grief, depression, and anxiety. I approach therapy with a humanistic perspective, welcoming you to share your journey when you feel something in your life needs to change—be it career, personal, physical, or spiritual. I will meet you where you are and guide you to a safe place, optimizing your potential.
Therapy is an opportunity for healing and transformation. You begin to feel better in your body and improve the quality of your life. Maybe you struggle with a painful loss, are overwhelmed by excessive worry, depression, trauma, or social anxiety. Maybe you are feeling stuck. Maybe you want a better marriage and more confidence in your parenting. You may feel shame and find that your ways of coping with avoidance, procrastination, or negative self-talk adds to your distress. I am passionate about helping you find a greater sense of connection, health, and meaning in your life. I know how to get you there!
Therapy is an opportunity for healing and transformation. You begin to feel better in your body and improve the quality of your life. Maybe you struggle with a painful loss, are overwhelmed by excessive worry, depression, trauma, or social anxiety. Maybe you are feeling stuck. Maybe you want a better marriage and more confidence in your parenting. You may feel shame and find that your ways of coping with avoidance, procrastination, or negative self-talk adds to your distress. I am passionate about helping you find a greater sense of connection, health, and meaning in your life. I know how to get you there!
Are you recovering from a toxic relationship? feeling emotional exhaustion, rumination, mood fluctuation, self-sabotaging, self-blame thoughts and feeling mentally burnout? Are you a Chinese immigrant parent with challenges bonding with your American born teens? Feeling a deep cultural gap, trying many ways to connect with your teens, but still feel very puzzle about your teens' angry attitudes? I hear you and I am here for you. I know reaching out takes a lot of courage. But it shows that you value yourself and your relationship with others. So, come as you are. We chat to discover ways to appoarch your goal.
Are you recovering from a toxic relationship? feeling emotional exhaustion, rumination, mood fluctuation, self-sabotaging, self-blame thoughts and feeling mentally burnout? Are you a Chinese immigrant parent with challenges bonding with your American born teens? Feeling a deep cultural gap, trying many ways to connect with your teens, but still feel very puzzle about your teens' angry attitudes? I hear you and I am here for you. I know reaching out takes a lot of courage. But it shows that you value yourself and your relationship with others. So, come as you are. We chat to discover ways to appoarch your goal.
I’m a licensed psychologist (PSY34490) based in San Diego, CA, and the owner of a private practice offering both in-person and virtual therapy sessions. I work with the BIPOC and LGBTQ+ communities and offer bilingual services for Spanish speakers. My specialization lies in treating anxiety, depression, trauma, disordered eating, body image issues, and low self-esteem. I also work with and help individuals improve romantic relationship dynamics, including recovering from infidelity. Other forms of relationship dynamics include adult-child and parent relationships, family relationships and unstable friendships.
I’m a licensed psychologist (PSY34490) based in San Diego, CA, and the owner of a private practice offering both in-person and virtual therapy sessions. I work with the BIPOC and LGBTQ+ communities and offer bilingual services for Spanish speakers. My specialization lies in treating anxiety, depression, trauma, disordered eating, body image issues, and low self-esteem. I also work with and help individuals improve romantic relationship dynamics, including recovering from infidelity. Other forms of relationship dynamics include adult-child and parent relationships, family relationships and unstable friendships.
Life is beautiful, and helping clients see that vision again has become my passion. I believe in creating a collaborative therapeutic relationship where clients feel seen, heard, and validated.
Life is beautiful, and helping clients see that vision again has become my passion. I believe in creating a collaborative therapeutic relationship where clients feel seen, heard, and validated.
Joelle A Tonkovich
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
San Diego, CA 92110
Not accepting new clients
I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker offering therapy to adults, children, adolescents, and families. I have worked extensively with issues related to depression, anxiety, eating disorders, trauma, and abuse (physical abuse,sexual abuse, neglect, child endangerment, and domestic violence). I believe that healing, growth, and lasting change can occur within the safety of a therapeutic relationship. I provide a safe, confidential, and supportive environment in which issues can be explored.
I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker offering therapy to adults, children, adolescents, and families. I have worked extensively with issues related to depression, anxiety, eating disorders, trauma, and abuse (physical abuse,sexual abuse, neglect, child endangerment, and domestic violence). I believe that healing, growth, and lasting change can occur within the safety of a therapeutic relationship. I provide a safe, confidential, and supportive environment in which issues can be explored.
As a therapist specializing in working with individuals and families I assist clients in developing healthier perspectives, build resiliency, improving emotional regulation, and cultivating the skills needed to make lasting changes. Whether you’re working through trauma, addiction, relationship struggles, anxiety, depression or eating disorders, I am here to help you navigate towards achieving self-empowerment and awareness through this healing process.
As a therapist specializing in working with individuals and families I assist clients in developing healthier perspectives, build resiliency, improving emotional regulation, and cultivating the skills needed to make lasting changes. Whether you’re working through trauma, addiction, relationship struggles, anxiety, depression or eating disorders, I am here to help you navigate towards achieving self-empowerment and awareness through this healing process.
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.
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.
I bring over 40 years of experience in working with individual clients and families through life crisis and transitions. Areas of specialty are: loss, bereavement, chronic/acute illness, pregnancy/childbirth, parenting, and relationships. Health care professionals and nurses are an area of specialty with the unique challenges they face resulting in compassion fatigue, burnout and moral distress. Finding ways to achieve life work balance and self-care are essential to their well being and the ability to continue in their work as a helping profession.
I bring over 40 years of experience in working with individual clients and families through life crisis and transitions. Areas of specialty are: loss, bereavement, chronic/acute illness, pregnancy/childbirth, parenting, and relationships. Health care professionals and nurses are an area of specialty with the unique challenges they face resulting in compassion fatigue, burnout and moral distress. Finding ways to achieve life work balance and self-care are essential to their well being and the ability to continue in their work as a helping profession.
Caregiving for your loved one is exhausting, but you feel like you can't say that out loud. If you're being really honest, you're totally overwhelmed with paperwork and appointments, you miss your personal life outside of caregiving, and you're a liiiittle more irritable than usual. Of course, there are parts of you that are grateful you can show up every day to take care of your loved one, but your zest for life is getting worn down from the constant demands and changes with dementia.
Dementia disease progression is often scary and unpredictable and overwhelming. I care for the caregivers. You do not have to go it alone.
Caregiving for your loved one is exhausting, but you feel like you can't say that out loud. If you're being really honest, you're totally overwhelmed with paperwork and appointments, you miss your personal life outside of caregiving, and you're a liiiittle more irritable than usual. Of course, there are parts of you that are grateful you can show up every day to take care of your loved one, but your zest for life is getting worn down from the constant demands and changes with dementia.
Dementia disease progression is often scary and unpredictable and overwhelming. I care for the caregivers. You do not have to go it alone.
Hello, my name is Sonia Díaz, and I am a Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist working with clients all over California via telehealth. It is my passion to support others as they seek to better their lives and bring about wellness in many different areas. My approach is holistic in nature and client-centered. In this way, we can incorporate an integrative and humanistic approach that respects, validates, and supports your individual goals.
Hello, my name is Sonia Díaz, and I am a Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist working with clients all over California via telehealth. It is my passion to support others as they seek to better their lives and bring about wellness in many different areas. My approach is holistic in nature and client-centered. In this way, we can incorporate an integrative and humanistic approach that respects, validates, and supports your individual goals.
I have been practicing for over 30 years with individual, couples, and families. Areas of specialization include life transitions, child, adolescent and adult psychotherapy, parent guidance, couple therapy, and EMDR therapy. Many people are surprised by the worries that can plague children. They are real and can derail them from joy and productivity as much as adults. As I have evolved as a clinician, I have come to believe that it is critical to use whatever modalities are necessary, within my areas of expertise to help my client, adult or child, to reach their optimal potential, and achieve their goals.
I have been practicing for over 30 years with individual, couples, and families. Areas of specialization include life transitions, child, adolescent and adult psychotherapy, parent guidance, couple therapy, and EMDR therapy. Many people are surprised by the worries that can plague children. They are real and can derail them from joy and productivity as much as adults. As I have evolved as a clinician, I have come to believe that it is critical to use whatever modalities are necessary, within my areas of expertise to help my client, adult or child, to reach their optimal potential, and achieve their goals.
I work with people who carry the imprint of trauma and early attachment wounds. Feeling invisible while trying to appease others, experiencing sudden waves of anxiety, or growing familiar with loneness are just some of the ways trauma can linger in our bodies and lives.
I offer a space where you can feel safe to show up as you are—with vulnerability and honesty. Through genuine attunement, I support people in reconnecting with themselves, releasing patterns rooted in survival, and cultivating a deeper sense of safety and aliveness.
I work with people who carry the imprint of trauma and early attachment wounds. Feeling invisible while trying to appease others, experiencing sudden waves of anxiety, or growing familiar with loneness are just some of the ways trauma can linger in our bodies and lives.
I offer a space where you can feel safe to show up as you are—with vulnerability and honesty. Through genuine attunement, I support people in reconnecting with themselves, releasing patterns rooted in survival, and cultivating a deeper sense of safety and aliveness.
See more therapy options for San Diego
How does your Therapist compare?
Number of Therapists in San Diego, CA
3,000+
Average cost per session
$169
Therapists in San Diego, CA who prioritize treating:
| 92% | Anxiety |
| 86% | Depression |
| 69% | Self Esteem |
| 67% | Coping Skills |
| 66% | Trauma and PTSD |
| 65% | Relationship Issues |
| 62% | Stress |
Average years in practice
11 Years
Top 3 insurances accepted
| 85% | Aetna |
| 69% | Cigna and Evernorth |
| 55% | Other |
How Therapists in San Diego, CA see their clients
| 59% | Online Only | |
| 41% | 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.


