Therapists in San Diego, CA
Valerie Christian is a licensed Psychologist who earned her Ph.D. from the California School of Professional Psychology in 1997. She completed her post-doctoral fellowship at Scripps Clinic: Division of Mental Health. Dr. Christian has experience in the treatment of childhood abuse and trauma. Having completed a pre-doctoral internship with San Diego Court Child Protective Services' Child Sexual Abuse Treatment Program, she is well versed at treating complex and difficult cases. Dr. Christian also has expertise in treating children, adolescents, teens, and adults who suffer from chronic illness.
Valerie Christian is a licensed Psychologist who earned her Ph.D. from the California School of Professional Psychology in 1997. She completed her post-doctoral fellowship at Scripps Clinic: Division of Mental Health. Dr. Christian has experience in the treatment of childhood abuse and trauma. Having completed a pre-doctoral internship with San Diego Court Child Protective Services' Child Sexual Abuse Treatment Program, she is well versed at treating complex and difficult cases. Dr. Christian also has expertise in treating children, adolescents, teens, and adults who suffer from chronic illness.
The strongest person is the one who knows when to ask for help. Everyone struggles, but why do some people handle life's challenges so well? My goal is to help my clients have a happy and fulfilling life. What this means is clearly different from person to person. My aim is to identify the behaviors that are keeping this from happening, implement these changes, practice them in real life and moving on. I am a short term-solution focused therapist. The more you do outside of therapy, the faster you can achieve the changes you desire.
The strongest person is the one who knows when to ask for help. Everyone struggles, but why do some people handle life's challenges so well? My goal is to help my clients have a happy and fulfilling life. What this means is clearly different from person to person. My aim is to identify the behaviors that are keeping this from happening, implement these changes, practice them in real life and moving on. I am a short term-solution focused therapist. The more you do outside of therapy, the faster you can achieve the changes you desire.
You are the expert of your own experience. As your therapist, I hope to learn about you and learn from you in our time together. My first goal in treatment is to work toward building trust with my clients through exploring their interests, strengths, and current concerns that brought them to therapy. I believe having a strong therapeutic alliance is a key element to supporting others in processing difficult life events, so I place high value in creating a space that feels nonjudgmental and safe.
You are the expert of your own experience. As your therapist, I hope to learn about you and learn from you in our time together. My first goal in treatment is to work toward building trust with my clients through exploring their interests, strengths, and current concerns that brought them to therapy. I believe having a strong therapeutic alliance is a key element to supporting others in processing difficult life events, so I place high value in creating a space that feels nonjudgmental and safe.
As a licensed clinical social worker (LCSW), I offer telehealth therapy to adults across California. Everyone comes to therapy for their own reasons, and my goal is to walk beside you on your path toward healing, peace, and purpose. I support clients dealing with anxiety, depression, stress, grief, and loss, using a holistic and flexible approach.
As a licensed clinical social worker (LCSW), I offer telehealth therapy to adults across California. Everyone comes to therapy for their own reasons, and my goal is to walk beside you on your path toward healing, peace, and purpose. I support clients dealing with anxiety, depression, stress, grief, and loss, using a holistic and flexible approach.
I have been in the mental health field over 30 years. I currently specialize in pornography and sex addiction, being certified in this area. I work with 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 disorders. I have evening and weekend hours available.
I have been in the mental health field over 30 years. I currently specialize in pornography and sex addiction, being certified in this area. I work with 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 disorders. I have evening and weekend hours available.
You’re functioning but you’re feeling exhausted, anxious, or disconnected from yourself.
If you’re a helper, educator, or creative who gives a lot to others, you may feel burned out, overwhelmed, or unsure how to keep going without losing yourself. I’m a licensed therapist and former educator who specializes in anxiety, stress, burnout, and life transitions. I also support individuals who are changing their relationship with alcohol or navigating recovery. I offer therapy that is grounded, compassionate, and practical without judgment or pressure to be “fixed.”
You’re functioning but you’re feeling exhausted, anxious, or disconnected from yourself.
If you’re a helper, educator, or creative who gives a lot to others, you may feel burned out, overwhelmed, or unsure how to keep going without losing yourself. I’m a licensed therapist and former educator who specializes in anxiety, stress, burnout, and life transitions. I also support individuals who are changing their relationship with alcohol or navigating recovery. I offer therapy that is grounded, compassionate, and practical without judgment or pressure to be “fixed.”
By considering the whole person - including their strengths and challenges - I tailor my approach to each client's unique needs. With a diverse range of interventions at my disposal, including CBT, attachment-based therapy, DBT, compassion-focused therapy, narrative therapy, and holistic practices, I create a personalized treatment plan for each individual
By considering the whole person - including their strengths and challenges - I tailor my approach to each client's unique needs. With a diverse range of interventions at my disposal, including CBT, attachment-based therapy, DBT, compassion-focused therapy, narrative therapy, and holistic practices, I create a personalized treatment plan for each individual
As a therapist who specializes in supporting those experiencing significant life transitions, I’ll work with you to reduce the anxiety and stress often associated with "adulting." I pride myself on being a comfortable and welcoming space for clients to express themselves and explore their future. My approach is soft and gentle when needed however, straight-forward and accountable when necessary. I often laugh with my clients when appropriate and this makes our sessions and rapport built GREAT!
As a therapist who specializes in supporting those experiencing significant life transitions, I’ll work with you to reduce the anxiety and stress often associated with "adulting." I pride myself on being a comfortable and welcoming space for clients to express themselves and explore their future. My approach is soft and gentle when needed however, straight-forward and accountable when necessary. I often laugh with my clients when appropriate and this makes our sessions and rapport built GREAT!
Aileen Tran: Trauma + Neurodiversity Therapist
Marriage & Family Therapist Associate, MA, AMFT
1 Endorsed
San Diego, CA 92102
Welcome! I am glad you have landed on my page! In my practice I work with clients who are interested in processing trauma and having a deeper relationship with themselves. I specifically work with clients who have experienced childhood or developmental traumas. I have a passion for working with the neurodivergent community (ADHD, Autistic or PDA clients) and providing a safe space for processing trauma from a neurodivergent affirming lens. As a neurodivergent person myself, and the parent of neurodivergent children, I have a deep passion for creating a safe space for all neuro-types and finding a type of therapy that fits you.
Welcome! I am glad you have landed on my page! In my practice I work with clients who are interested in processing trauma and having a deeper relationship with themselves. I specifically work with clients who have experienced childhood or developmental traumas. I have a passion for working with the neurodivergent community (ADHD, Autistic or PDA clients) and providing a safe space for processing trauma from a neurodivergent affirming lens. As a neurodivergent person myself, and the parent of neurodivergent children, I have a deep passion for creating a safe space for all neuro-types and finding a type of therapy that fits you.
We have immediate telehealth availability! Contemplating therapy is a courageous first step and I admire your decision to seek help. Perhaps you have been overworked, feeling stressed, worried, and struggling to keep it all together. I will meet you as you are and create a safe space to explore your unique inner world. Together we can identify your strengths, change old patterns, increase self-compassion, strengthen coping skills, enhance relationships, and make life much more meaningful. I provide an environment that is non-judgmental, utilizing a caring and collaborative approach to help you feel heard, supported, and empowered.
We have immediate telehealth availability! Contemplating therapy is a courageous first step and I admire your decision to seek help. Perhaps you have been overworked, feeling stressed, worried, and struggling to keep it all together. I will meet you as you are and create a safe space to explore your unique inner world. Together we can identify your strengths, change old patterns, increase self-compassion, strengthen coping skills, enhance relationships, and make life much more meaningful. I provide an environment that is non-judgmental, utilizing a caring and collaborative approach to help you feel heard, supported, and empowered.
Does your child say, “You don’t understand” or completely ignores your requests? Do you feel powerless and frustrated that consequences don’t seem to work anymore on your child? We help to empower your family with new ways of communicating and relating, so harmony is restored. Kids need to feel heard and that what they think matters. Children often feel like no adult is listening, at school or at home. We help to give both children and parents a voice, which often calms the chaos. Children and teenagers need help learning how to express their needs in a way that their parents can hear them.
Does your child say, “You don’t understand” or completely ignores your requests? Do you feel powerless and frustrated that consequences don’t seem to work anymore on your child? We help to empower your family with new ways of communicating and relating, so harmony is restored. Kids need to feel heard and that what they think matters. Children often feel like no adult is listening, at school or at home. We help to give both children and parents a voice, which often calms the chaos. Children and teenagers need help learning how to express their needs in a way that their parents can hear them.
My first goal as a clinician is to cultivate a warm, friendly and nonjudgmental therapeutic environment that will help YOU reach YOUR treatment goals. Through building a strong, collaborative relationship with you, I hope to empower you to develop more effective strategies to cope with whatever brings you to therapy. I work collaboratively with you to identify goals and develop a treatment plan, while also being flexible enough during treatment to re-calibrate goals, change the focus of treatment and/or test out other approaches to reaching your goals. I am really excited about the opportunity to work with you!
My first goal as a clinician is to cultivate a warm, friendly and nonjudgmental therapeutic environment that will help YOU reach YOUR treatment goals. Through building a strong, collaborative relationship with you, I hope to empower you to develop more effective strategies to cope with whatever brings you to therapy. I work collaboratively with you to identify goals and develop a treatment plan, while also being flexible enough during treatment to re-calibrate goals, change the focus of treatment and/or test out other approaches to reaching your goals. I am really excited about the opportunity to work with you!
I am a licensed clinical psychologist specializing in the treatment of eating disorders and anxiety disorders. I’m passionate about providing evidenced-based care and am one of the only therapists in San Diego certified in Family-Based Treatment (FBT), the gold standard treatment for child and adolescent eating disorders. My therapeutic style is warm, authentic, and collaborative. I am deeply empathetic to the struggles that eating disorders pose for clients and their families. I strongly believe that no one chooses to have an eating disorder (nor do parents cause eating disorders) and that there is always hope for lasting recovery.
I am a licensed clinical psychologist specializing in the treatment of eating disorders and anxiety disorders. I’m passionate about providing evidenced-based care and am one of the only therapists in San Diego certified in Family-Based Treatment (FBT), the gold standard treatment for child and adolescent eating disorders. My therapeutic style is warm, authentic, and collaborative. I am deeply empathetic to the struggles that eating disorders pose for clients and their families. I strongly believe that no one chooses to have an eating disorder (nor do parents cause eating disorders) and that there is always hope for lasting recovery.
If you are someone who is seeking support and guidance, I am here to help. My work as a psychologist takes a collaborative and supportive approach. I aim to help clients develop insight and awareness to create the changes they want to make, to help them reach their goals, and to help them build a happy and healthy life. When you come in for your first session, we will identify together your specific needs and begin to determine how we can accomplish your unique goals. I work with clients of all ages in individual and family therapy.
If you are someone who is seeking support and guidance, I am here to help. My work as a psychologist takes a collaborative and supportive approach. I aim to help clients develop insight and awareness to create the changes they want to make, to help them reach their goals, and to help them build a happy and healthy life. When you come in for your first session, we will identify together your specific needs and begin to determine how we can accomplish your unique goals. I work with clients of all ages in individual and family therapy.
Welcome! I am so glad that you are here. I strive to create a comforting and accepting space where you’ll be seen, heard, and understood. I have experience working with individuals and couples across a wide array of social locations and presenting problems. Whether you are navigating a life transition, experiencing anxiety or depression, or struggling with communication or trust in your relationship, I am here to support you.
Welcome! I am so glad that you are here. I strive to create a comforting and accepting space where you’ll be seen, heard, and understood. I have experience working with individuals and couples across a wide array of social locations and presenting problems. Whether you are navigating a life transition, experiencing anxiety or depression, or struggling with communication or trust in your relationship, I am here to support you.
Couples & Trauma Therapist - Dr. Nicole Asencio
Marriage & Family Therapist, PsyD, LMFT
5 Endorsed
Online Only
Life can feel overwhelming, especially when relationships feel disconnected or past experiences continue to impact the present. My ideal client is a couple longing to rebuild a secure, loving connection or an individual carrying the weight of trauma, anxiety, or stress. They want to feel heard, understood, and supported as they navigate these challenges.
You don’t have to navigate this alone. Together, we’ll create a path forward that fosters healing, resilience, and connection. Reach out to schedule an appointment—I’d love to support you on your journey.
Life can feel overwhelming, especially when relationships feel disconnected or past experiences continue to impact the present. My ideal client is a couple longing to rebuild a secure, loving connection or an individual carrying the weight of trauma, anxiety, or stress. They want to feel heard, understood, and supported as they navigate these challenges.
You don’t have to navigate this alone. Together, we’ll create a path forward that fosters healing, resilience, and connection. Reach out to schedule an appointment—I’d love to support you on your journey.
Hello, and welcome! I'm Andrea Vaz Antunes, a Licensed Clinical Social Worker based in San Diego, CA. As a trauma-focused therapist, I specialize in helping individuals overcome the lasting effects of childhood experiences, as well as present traumas they may be facing. My approach involves exploring the energy dynamics within our bodies and the relational connections we engage with daily, guiding clients toward healing and resilience.
Hello, and welcome! I'm Andrea Vaz Antunes, a Licensed Clinical Social Worker based in San Diego, CA. As a trauma-focused therapist, I specialize in helping individuals overcome the lasting effects of childhood experiences, as well as present traumas they may be facing. My approach involves exploring the energy dynamics within our bodies and the relational connections we engage with daily, guiding clients toward healing and resilience.
Hi, my name is Kristina. I love to help people overcome obstacles in their lives, including but not limited to relationship problems, anxiety, low moods, work burnout, major life transitions, or self-esteem issues.
Hi, my name is Kristina. I love to help people overcome obstacles in their lives, including but not limited to relationship problems, anxiety, low moods, work burnout, major life transitions, or self-esteem issues.
Starting therapy is a courageous step, and I commend you for taking it. I am here to make this process feel helpful, supportive, and right for you. I specialize in providing Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT) in a warm, supportive environment designed to help individuals facing depression, anxiety and life transitions. My approach is collaborative and compassionate, grounded in evidence -based techniques that empower you to understand your thoughts, manage emotions, and build healthier patterns of behavior.
Starting therapy is a courageous step, and I commend you for taking it. I am here to make this process feel helpful, supportive, and right for you. I specialize in providing Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT) in a warm, supportive environment designed to help individuals facing depression, anxiety and life transitions. My approach is collaborative and compassionate, grounded in evidence -based techniques that empower you to understand your thoughts, manage emotions, and build healthier patterns of behavior.
I am a licensed clinical social worker. I have been in the mental health field for over 25 years, and I specialize in CBT, trauma-informed care, anxiety, depression, Mindfulness, and relaxation techniques. I incorporate solution-focused therapy, mindfulness, narrative therapy, CBT, and focus on meeting clients where they are to support goals. I work with adolescents, male or female adults, or the elderly who have experienced trauma, anxiety, or depression. I am compassionate, empathetic, patient, and kind. I love supporting people, assisting with moving through issues, and developing healthy coping skills.
I am a licensed clinical social worker. I have been in the mental health field for over 25 years, and I specialize in CBT, trauma-informed care, anxiety, depression, Mindfulness, and relaxation techniques. I incorporate solution-focused therapy, mindfulness, narrative therapy, CBT, and focus on meeting clients where they are to support goals. I work with adolescents, male or female adults, or the elderly who have experienced trauma, anxiety, or depression. I am compassionate, empathetic, patient, and kind. I love supporting people, assisting with moving through issues, and developing healthy coping skills.
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
$175
Therapists in San Diego, CA who prioritize treating:
| 92% | Anxiety |
| 85% | Depression |
| 70% | Self Esteem |
| 69% | Relationship Issues |
| 67% | Trauma and PTSD |
| 65% | Coping Skills |
| 64% | Stress |
Average years in practice
12 Years
Top 3 insurances accepted
| 84% | Aetna |
| 69% | Cigna and Evernorth |
| 54% | UnitedHealthcare UHC | UBH |
How Therapists in San Diego, CA see their clients
| 56% | Online Only | |
| 44% | In Person and Online |
Gender breakdown
| 80% | Female | |
| 18% | Male | |
| 2% | 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.


