Therapists in San Diego, CA
Hello. My name is Deanna Jefferson. I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW). I provide therapeutic services for individuals and couples. I typically work with individuals and couples. I also work with active-duty military, Veterans, and civilians. I am comfortable working with couples in strengthening their relationship as well as individual sessions focusing on anxiety, depression, stress, life transitions, and peer relationships to name a few.
Hello. My name is Deanna Jefferson. I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW). I provide therapeutic services for individuals and couples. I typically work with individuals and couples. I also work with active-duty military, Veterans, and civilians. I am comfortable working with couples in strengthening their relationship as well as individual sessions focusing on anxiety, depression, stress, life transitions, and peer relationships to name a few.
Anxiety, depression, and trauma can weigh heavily, leaving you feeling disconnected from yourself and uncertain about how to move forward. These struggles not only affect your emotional well-being but can also impact your relationships, self-confidence, and daily life. As a therapist with an MSW from Cal State Long Beach (2022), I specialize in supporting children (5+) through adults in navigating these challenges with care and compassion.
Anxiety, depression, and trauma can weigh heavily, leaving you feeling disconnected from yourself and uncertain about how to move forward. These struggles not only affect your emotional well-being but can also impact your relationships, self-confidence, and daily life. As a therapist with an MSW from Cal State Long Beach (2022), I specialize in supporting children (5+) through adults in navigating these challenges with care and compassion.
My hope and commitment to my clients are to guide them through their journey towards self-awareness and wellbeing. My goal is to provide them with the necessary tools (I like to think of therapy as a safe place where the clients build their toolbox) that will help them manage current and future life challenges. I was born in Guadalajara, Mexico, and moved to the San Diego area at the age of three. I am fortunate to be fully fluent in English and Spanish. Living in a bicultural home and in a very multicultural environment, I have been privileged to be part of the border culture, a subculture in itself.
My hope and commitment to my clients are to guide them through their journey towards self-awareness and wellbeing. My goal is to provide them with the necessary tools (I like to think of therapy as a safe place where the clients build their toolbox) that will help them manage current and future life challenges. I was born in Guadalajara, Mexico, and moved to the San Diego area at the age of three. I am fortunate to be fully fluent in English and Spanish. Living in a bicultural home and in a very multicultural environment, I have been privileged to be part of the border culture, a subculture in itself.
Danica Lerner @ Grow Through Life Counseling
Marriage & Family Therapist Associate, APCC, AMFT
1 Endorsed
San Diego, CA 92131
Danica works with individuals of all ages who are facing challenges such as trauma, anxiety, depression, grief, or major life transitions. Her clients often seek to better understand themselves, strengthen their relationships, and find meaningful ways to live in alignment with their values. Danica creates a collaborative and supportive space where each person feels empowered to move toward healing and growth.
Danica works with individuals of all ages who are facing challenges such as trauma, anxiety, depression, grief, or major life transitions. Her clients often seek to better understand themselves, strengthen their relationships, and find meaningful ways to live in alignment with their values. Danica creates a collaborative and supportive space where each person feels empowered to move toward healing and growth.
Experience matters! I have been practicing for over 35 years. Finding the right therapist is not always an easy task. I possess a wealth of knowledge, and provide the comfort and confidence that can only come from a seasoned professional.. I specialize in treating children and adolescents but also work with adults, both individually and in couples therapy.
Experience matters! I have been practicing for over 35 years. Finding the right therapist is not always an easy task. I possess a wealth of knowledge, and provide the comfort and confidence that can only come from a seasoned professional.. I specialize in treating children and adolescents but also work with adults, both individually and in couples therapy.
Some days, it’s the constant anxiety. Other days, it’s the heaviness that won’t lift or the quiet self-doubt that colors everything. Depression, low self-esteem, and burnout can make it hard to feel present, connected, or good enough—no matter how hard you try. For adolescents and adults who are emotionally exhausted but still searching for something to shift, I offer a space to slow down, reflect, and reconnect. I’m a therapist with an MSW from San Diego State University, and I chose this path because my values are deeply rooted in the process of self-discovery, healing, and building resilience in the face of adversity.
Some days, it’s the constant anxiety. Other days, it’s the heaviness that won’t lift or the quiet self-doubt that colors everything. Depression, low self-esteem, and burnout can make it hard to feel present, connected, or good enough—no matter how hard you try. For adolescents and adults who are emotionally exhausted but still searching for something to shift, I offer a space to slow down, reflect, and reconnect. I’m a therapist with an MSW from San Diego State University, and I chose this path because my values are deeply rooted in the process of self-discovery, healing, and building resilience in the face of adversity.
Lauren Goebel ADHD and Autism Therapist
Marriage & Family Therapist Associate, AMFT
San Diego, CA 92102
Thank you for visiting my page! I work with PDA, Autism, and ADHD in children, teens and adults. I am late diagnosed neurodivergent myself and I have a passion for helping others navigate the emotional experience of getting a diagnosis. ADHD and Autism influence how we are in relationships, how we communicate, regulate our emotions, and how we perceive sensory input. Our neurotype is the lens that we see the world from, and understanding your neurotype can be incredibly empowering. Whether you are questioning, self diagnosed or formally diagnosed, I would love to work with you!
Thank you for visiting my page! I work with PDA, Autism, and ADHD in children, teens and adults. I am late diagnosed neurodivergent myself and I have a passion for helping others navigate the emotional experience of getting a diagnosis. ADHD and Autism influence how we are in relationships, how we communicate, regulate our emotions, and how we perceive sensory input. Our neurotype is the lens that we see the world from, and understanding your neurotype can be incredibly empowering. Whether you are questioning, self diagnosed or formally diagnosed, I would love to work with you!
Marelys Padilla
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW, PMH-C
4 Endorsed
Online Only
Not accepting new clients
Acknowledging your emotional pain and accessing help are the first steps towards wellness. You deserve the highest of praise for loving yourself and your family enough to embark on the path towards healing. I am so glad you are here! I can offer you a safe space to navigate the complexity of emotions that comes with wanting or actively raising a family. If you have suffered a loss, together we can work to transform debilitating grief into a more peaceful and dynamic experience. Through our work together, we can foster presence with your emotional process and encourage your healing. Caring for yourself is caring for your family!
Acknowledging your emotional pain and accessing help are the first steps towards wellness. You deserve the highest of praise for loving yourself and your family enough to embark on the path towards healing. I am so glad you are here! I can offer you a safe space to navigate the complexity of emotions that comes with wanting or actively raising a family. If you have suffered a loss, together we can work to transform debilitating grief into a more peaceful and dynamic experience. Through our work together, we can foster presence with your emotional process and encourage your healing. Caring for yourself is caring for your family!
I have extensive experience in guiding people to return to their natural state of psychological health and well-being. This state of equilibrium never goes away; it only becomes obscured through our learned patterns of thinking. As a practitioner of Integrative Medicine, my approach is wellness-based rather than illness-focused. Listening to physical symptoms can be very essential to the healing process. Creating a safe comfortable space I can be your guide to mental wellness. As you re-establish healthy thinking, you can tap into your own natural wellness.
I have extensive experience in guiding people to return to their natural state of psychological health and well-being. This state of equilibrium never goes away; it only becomes obscured through our learned patterns of thinking. As a practitioner of Integrative Medicine, my approach is wellness-based rather than illness-focused. Listening to physical symptoms can be very essential to the healing process. Creating a safe comfortable space I can be your guide to mental wellness. As you re-establish healthy thinking, you can tap into your own natural wellness.
I provide clinical supervision throughout California to interns, trainees, and BBS registrants in various disciplines interested in becoming licensed behavioral health clinicians. Since retiring from full-time work, supporting clinicians working towards licensure has become a rewarding way for me to assist with enhancing the behavioral health work force at time when licensed clinicians are so desperately needed. I look at the the work I do now as a way of paying it forward for all those that have supported me in my career. I enjoy working with self-motivated people who like to learn and strive towards excellence.
I provide clinical supervision throughout California to interns, trainees, and BBS registrants in various disciplines interested in becoming licensed behavioral health clinicians. Since retiring from full-time work, supporting clinicians working towards licensure has become a rewarding way for me to assist with enhancing the behavioral health work force at time when licensed clinicians are so desperately needed. I look at the the work I do now as a way of paying it forward for all those that have supported me in my career. I enjoy working with self-motivated people who like to learn and strive towards excellence.
If you are seeking psychotherapy to improve your self-esteem, process trauma, manage symptoms of anxiety or depression, process divorce or other loss, get a handle on your anger, improve your job performance, learn to be more assertive, or improve your relationships with others, I can help. In a warm and supportive environment we will work together to foster insight and build the skills needed to deal successfully with life's unpredictable stressors.
If you are seeking psychotherapy to improve your self-esteem, process trauma, manage symptoms of anxiety or depression, process divorce or other loss, get a handle on your anger, improve your job performance, learn to be more assertive, or improve your relationships with others, I can help. In a warm and supportive environment we will work together to foster insight and build the skills needed to deal successfully with life's unpredictable stressors.
My philosophy is change starts from the inside out with a choice and realization that it is for our higher good. As part of the human experience, there are times when unexpected losses, betrayals or traumatic events can leave us feeling alone with a host of negative emotions, feeling stuck in grief, anger, bitterness, anxiety and depression.
My philosophy is change starts from the inside out with a choice and realization that it is for our higher good. As part of the human experience, there are times when unexpected losses, betrayals or traumatic events can leave us feeling alone with a host of negative emotions, feeling stuck in grief, anger, bitterness, anxiety and depression.
My objective is to empower people to find answers within themselves. Sometimes this is most accessible by relating to another person one on one through words; sometimes it is best achieved by having transformative experiences in group settings, and sometimes through the medium of art and music. Each individual and the story of their lives calls for different modes of connection and development in the process of achieving integration and wholeness.
My objective is to empower people to find answers within themselves. Sometimes this is most accessible by relating to another person one on one through words; sometimes it is best achieved by having transformative experiences in group settings, and sometimes through the medium of art and music. Each individual and the story of their lives calls for different modes of connection and development in the process of achieving integration and wholeness.
Are you being held back from your ideal life by difficult relationships, anxiety, or the effects of childhood trauma? You can see the quality of your life improve! I love helping clients learn the skills they need to have the life they want - a life that is full of meaning, success, and creativity. I will encourage you to become actively involved in your therapy, and you will learn practical and creative tools you can use throughout your life.
Are you being held back from your ideal life by difficult relationships, anxiety, or the effects of childhood trauma? You can see the quality of your life improve! I love helping clients learn the skills they need to have the life they want - a life that is full of meaning, success, and creativity. I will encourage you to become actively involved in your therapy, and you will learn practical and creative tools you can use throughout your life.
Ready to move past what's holding you back? I believe you have the power to heal, grow, and achieve your goals. I offer a compassionate and non-judgmental space to explore your thoughts and emotions, helping you uncover your inner resilience. I specialize in helping individuals from athletes and artists to executives and entrepreneurs develop the mental toughness and clarity required for peak performance. Let's work together to transform your mindset, overcome challenges, and unlock the success you've been working toward.
Ready to move past what's holding you back? I believe you have the power to heal, grow, and achieve your goals. I offer a compassionate and non-judgmental space to explore your thoughts and emotions, helping you uncover your inner resilience. I specialize in helping individuals from athletes and artists to executives and entrepreneurs develop the mental toughness and clarity required for peak performance. Let's work together to transform your mindset, overcome challenges, and unlock the success you've been working toward.
When relationships feel strained or anxiety takes over, it can feel like you're constantly walking on eggshells—exhausted from trying to hold everything together. Maybe past trauma still echoes in the present, making it difficult to trust, connect, or feel safe in your own skin. I help individuals untangle these emotional knots and move toward clarity and confidence. I hold a Master’s in Marriage and Family Therapy from California State University, Dominguez Hills (2022) and draw from my experience in crisis centers and school-based settings to support people through life’s most difficult moments.
When relationships feel strained or anxiety takes over, it can feel like you're constantly walking on eggshells—exhausted from trying to hold everything together. Maybe past trauma still echoes in the present, making it difficult to trust, connect, or feel safe in your own skin. I help individuals untangle these emotional knots and move toward clarity and confidence. I hold a Master’s in Marriage and Family Therapy from California State University, Dominguez Hills (2022) and draw from my experience in crisis centers and school-based settings to support people through life’s most difficult moments.
If life is feeling overwhelming and your stress has taken on a life of its own, your most important relationship may also be suffering. Maybe you feel overwhelmed by your role as a parent or in your career, or perhaps you are helping care for your aging parents. Maybe past trauma or grief continues to block you from being able to feel secure in the world or to take in your partner’s care. Whatever the context, few things in life are more painful than feeling disconnected. I want to help you reconnect with yourself and the one you love most as you navigate through these painful and distressing situations.
If life is feeling overwhelming and your stress has taken on a life of its own, your most important relationship may also be suffering. Maybe you feel overwhelmed by your role as a parent or in your career, or perhaps you are helping care for your aging parents. Maybe past trauma or grief continues to block you from being able to feel secure in the world or to take in your partner’s care. Whatever the context, few things in life are more painful than feeling disconnected. I want to help you reconnect with yourself and the one you love most as you navigate through these painful and distressing situations.
I specialize in helping individuals navigate overwhelming control of their lives, or those clients who are overcoming feelings of sadness, hopelessness and motivation. I also have experience guiding individuals through the healing process from past traumatic experiences, fostering resilience and emotional well-being. Persistent worry, intrusive thoughts, or the weight of past experiences can leave you feeling stuck, but the right support can help you move forward.
I specialize in helping individuals navigate overwhelming control of their lives, or those clients who are overcoming feelings of sadness, hopelessness and motivation. I also have experience guiding individuals through the healing process from past traumatic experiences, fostering resilience and emotional well-being. Persistent worry, intrusive thoughts, or the weight of past experiences can leave you feeling stuck, but the right support can help you move forward.
Dr. Jones currently has openings for new clients, and we will call you back within 24 hours. Dr. Jones provides therapy to adults, couples, and teens aged 13 and up. Common areas of concern for Dr. Jones’ patients include stress and anxiety, relationship difficulties, work-life balance, reproductive/perinatal mental health, trauma, teen development, and depression. His background as a musician along with his extensive travel and dedication to cultural and spiritual exploration all inform his approach to therapy.
Dr. Jones currently has openings for new clients, and we will call you back within 24 hours. Dr. Jones provides therapy to adults, couples, and teens aged 13 and up. Common areas of concern for Dr. Jones’ patients include stress and anxiety, relationship difficulties, work-life balance, reproductive/perinatal mental health, trauma, teen development, and depression. His background as a musician along with his extensive travel and dedication to cultural and spiritual exploration all inform his approach to therapy.
At Ebb and Flow Psychotherapy, we are a team of dedicated clinicians who share a common mission: to support individuals in navigating life’s challenges with compassion, resilience, and personalized care.
At Ebb and Flow Psychotherapy, we are a team of dedicated clinicians who share a common mission: to support individuals in navigating life’s challenges with compassion, resilience, and personalized care.
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
$170
Therapists in San Diego, CA who prioritize treating:
| 92% | Anxiety |
| 86% | Depression |
| 69% | Self Esteem |
| 67% | Coping Skills |
| 66% | Relationship Issues |
| 66% | Trauma and PTSD |
| 62% | Stress |
Average years in practice
11 Years
Top 3 insurances accepted
| 84% | 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.


