Therapists in San Diego, CA
If you’re carrying the weight of past experiences—old wounds, repeating patterns, or the sense that something needs to shift—you don’t have to hold it alone. I work with adults, especially Millennials and Gen Z, who are ready to go deeper than coping. My approach is warm, collaborative, and trauma-informed. Together, we’ll understand the roots of what you’re experiencing, process what has been hard to carry, and move toward healing that feels real and lasting.
If you’re carrying the weight of past experiences—old wounds, repeating patterns, or the sense that something needs to shift—you don’t have to hold it alone. I work with adults, especially Millennials and Gen Z, who are ready to go deeper than coping. My approach is warm, collaborative, and trauma-informed. Together, we’ll understand the roots of what you’re experiencing, process what has been hard to carry, and move toward healing that feels real and lasting.
I have had the honor of working with individuals across the lifespan with a variety of mental health concerns such as trauma, anxiety, depression, life transitions, sexual and gender-identity related issues, family dynamics, and more. I believe that humans are inherently relational and that we are born to thrive in connection to others and wouldn’t be who we are if not for the people that have come in, and sometimes out, of our lives. Examining these relationships can be a huge part of therapy, whether it’s with our parents, our partners, or with ourselves.
I have had the honor of working with individuals across the lifespan with a variety of mental health concerns such as trauma, anxiety, depression, life transitions, sexual and gender-identity related issues, family dynamics, and more. I believe that humans are inherently relational and that we are born to thrive in connection to others and wouldn’t be who we are if not for the people that have come in, and sometimes out, of our lives. Examining these relationships can be a huge part of therapy, whether it’s with our parents, our partners, or with ourselves.
Eleno Ceja @ Wave Therapy
Marriage & Family Therapist Associate, MA, AMFT
1 Endorsed
San Diego, CA 92128
Waitlist for new clients
Hello, I’m Eleno. I provide a supportive, affirming, and collaborative space for individuals who are ready to engage in meaningful self-reflection and personal growth. I understand that beginning therapy can feel intimidating, and I work intentionally to create a relationship built on safety, trust, and respect.I especially enjoy working with self-motivated clients who are exploring patterns of people-pleasing, over-functioning, or prioritizing others at the expense of themselves. Many of my clients are learning how to set boundaries, reconnect with their needs, and live in ways that feels authentic and aligned with their values.
Hello, I’m Eleno. I provide a supportive, affirming, and collaborative space for individuals who are ready to engage in meaningful self-reflection and personal growth. I understand that beginning therapy can feel intimidating, and I work intentionally to create a relationship built on safety, trust, and respect.I especially enjoy working with self-motivated clients who are exploring patterns of people-pleasing, over-functioning, or prioritizing others at the expense of themselves. Many of my clients are learning how to set boundaries, reconnect with their needs, and live in ways that feels authentic and aligned with their values.
Feeling pressure to keep it all together? On the outside, everything looks ok, but inside you’re struggling with your relationship with food, your body and yourself. Maybe you’re tired of yo-yo dieting, tearing yourself apart for every mistake, or worried about being “found out” at any second. At this point, maybe it’s hard to even remember a time you didn’t feel like this. But one thing is for sure: you’re ready for some relief. You’re ready to look in the mirror without panicking. You’re ready to find joy in life again. Most of all, you’re ready to find a way out of this painful cycle. You’re ready for a new "normal". I can help.
Feeling pressure to keep it all together? On the outside, everything looks ok, but inside you’re struggling with your relationship with food, your body and yourself. Maybe you’re tired of yo-yo dieting, tearing yourself apart for every mistake, or worried about being “found out” at any second. At this point, maybe it’s hard to even remember a time you didn’t feel like this. But one thing is for sure: you’re ready for some relief. You’re ready to look in the mirror without panicking. You’re ready to find joy in life again. Most of all, you’re ready to find a way out of this painful cycle. You’re ready for a new "normal". I can help.
Seeking treatment for depression, anxiety or chronic pain can be challenging, especially when you are feeling down, with little energy and overwhelmed. Because you are here, you are on the right track! I'm a clinical psychologist with over 16 years of experience helping people like you improve mood, energy, self- empowerment and quality of life. I like to work with a mind-body approach, looking at your whole body's experience of your mood...like pain, anxiety, breath.... I use both cognitive treatments, breathwork and ketamine assisted psychotherapy to help you reach your best overall health.
Seeking treatment for depression, anxiety or chronic pain can be challenging, especially when you are feeling down, with little energy and overwhelmed. Because you are here, you are on the right track! I'm a clinical psychologist with over 16 years of experience helping people like you improve mood, energy, self- empowerment and quality of life. I like to work with a mind-body approach, looking at your whole body's experience of your mood...like pain, anxiety, breath.... I use both cognitive treatments, breathwork and ketamine assisted psychotherapy to help you reach your best overall health.
Yu-An Chien
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW, MSSA
2 Endorsed
Online Only
Waitlist for new clients
Next openings- June. 2026 -Life is a journey full of change, and sometimes with uncertainty. During life hardships, we may want to talk to someone, get a helping hand, take a break and rest our soul to prepare us for the growth. I provide Bilingual English/Mandarin-Chinese therapy to adults and family who need a teammate. I specialize in treating trauma, mood-related disorder, cultural and identity difficulties, adjustment in life transitions, and chronic stress. I help individuals and families work through challenges and adversities, gain courage, understanding of self, and skills to grow a meaningful, purposeful life.
Next openings- June. 2026 -Life is a journey full of change, and sometimes with uncertainty. During life hardships, we may want to talk to someone, get a helping hand, take a break and rest our soul to prepare us for the growth. I provide Bilingual English/Mandarin-Chinese therapy to adults and family who need a teammate. I specialize in treating trauma, mood-related disorder, cultural and identity difficulties, adjustment in life transitions, and chronic stress. I help individuals and families work through challenges and adversities, gain courage, understanding of self, and skills to grow a meaningful, purposeful life.
Dr. Briana Marshall, Burnout, Stress &
Marriage & Family Therapist, PhD, LMFT
4 Endorsed
Online Only
You are someone who holds things together well, maybe too well. You show up for your family, your work, your community, and somewhere in the middle of all of that you have been absorbing a specific kind of weight that most people around you do not fully see or name. It is not just stress. It is the accumulation of navigating spaces that were not designed with you in mind, while also managing everything else life is asking of you. You are looking for someone who actually understands the specific weight you are carrying and can help you work through it at the root.
You are someone who holds things together well, maybe too well. You show up for your family, your work, your community, and somewhere in the middle of all of that you have been absorbing a specific kind of weight that most people around you do not fully see or name. It is not just stress. It is the accumulation of navigating spaces that were not designed with you in mind, while also managing everything else life is asking of you. You are looking for someone who actually understands the specific weight you are carrying and can help you work through it at the root.
You may be someone others rely on — used to holding things together, taking care of responsibilities, or managing how others feel. Over time this can lead to overthinking, difficulty setting limits, or feeling disconnected from your own needs. Even when you’re functioning well on the outside, you may feel tired, stretched thin, or unsure how to create more balance.
You may be someone others rely on — used to holding things together, taking care of responsibilities, or managing how others feel. Over time this can lead to overthinking, difficulty setting limits, or feeling disconnected from your own needs. Even when you’re functioning well on the outside, you may feel tired, stretched thin, or unsure how to create more balance.
In what ways have you been nurturing and caring for yourself? If you find that you are unsure or struggling to prioritize self, or perhaps relying on others for support, it may be a sign that you could benefit from exploring new ways to nurture your own well-being. Stand up! Showing up for yourself, shows you are committing to your own growth and development. Showing up for yourself is an investment in your own happiness and success. Showing up for yourself means honoring your boundaries, setting healthy habits, and practicing self-care. Own those life’s challenges and setbacks. Take back your greatness.
In what ways have you been nurturing and caring for yourself? If you find that you are unsure or struggling to prioritize self, or perhaps relying on others for support, it may be a sign that you could benefit from exploring new ways to nurture your own well-being. Stand up! Showing up for yourself, shows you are committing to your own growth and development. Showing up for yourself is an investment in your own happiness and success. Showing up for yourself means honoring your boundaries, setting healthy habits, and practicing self-care. Own those life’s challenges and setbacks. Take back your greatness.
Does it feel like, no matter how hard you try, something inside keeps pulling you back, repeating the same old patterns of fear, anxiety, or pain? Does it feel like your life is being pulled in the wrong direction, no matter how hard you try to steer? Imagine your mind as a rider on an elephant. The rider is the logical part of you, trying to move forward, but the elephant, the deeper part of your mind shaped by past experiences, holds onto trauma, loss, or fear. What if you could help the elephant let go? With the use of spirituality, we'll uncover & heal the wounds beneath the surface, helping you regain control, peace, & purpose.
Does it feel like, no matter how hard you try, something inside keeps pulling you back, repeating the same old patterns of fear, anxiety, or pain? Does it feel like your life is being pulled in the wrong direction, no matter how hard you try to steer? Imagine your mind as a rider on an elephant. The rider is the logical part of you, trying to move forward, but the elephant, the deeper part of your mind shaped by past experiences, holds onto trauma, loss, or fear. What if you could help the elephant let go? With the use of spirituality, we'll uncover & heal the wounds beneath the surface, helping you regain control, peace, & purpose.
Seeking help can potentially feel daunting, exposing, and overwhelming. It can also be our first steps toward repair, healing, and growth. I have found that people are so very strong, courageous, and hard-working, and still need some help when things get hard. I believe therapy can be a unique chance to discover parts of ourselves we forgot about, allow healing for the tender parts, and find new ways of interacting with our partners that allow for deeper understanding and connection.
Seeking help can potentially feel daunting, exposing, and overwhelming. It can also be our first steps toward repair, healing, and growth. I have found that people are so very strong, courageous, and hard-working, and still need some help when things get hard. I believe therapy can be a unique chance to discover parts of ourselves we forgot about, allow healing for the tender parts, and find new ways of interacting with our partners that allow for deeper understanding and connection.
Now accepting adjunct KAP clients-
Being human is a full experience,tender, complex, and often messy. We’re asked to hold relationships, identity, healing, and growth all at once, and it’s easy to lose our center along the way. As a neurodivergent, queer, mixed-race mother and therapist, I understand what it’s like to move through the world with a layered identity and deep feeling, especially when you don’t feel fully reflected or supported in that world. Many of my clients are neurodivergent, queer, Mixed/BIPOC, or navigating multiple identities while standing in an in-between space of transition, uncertainty, or quiet unraveling.
Now accepting adjunct KAP clients-
Being human is a full experience,tender, complex, and often messy. We’re asked to hold relationships, identity, healing, and growth all at once, and it’s easy to lose our center along the way. As a neurodivergent, queer, mixed-race mother and therapist, I understand what it’s like to move through the world with a layered identity and deep feeling, especially when you don’t feel fully reflected or supported in that world. Many of my clients are neurodivergent, queer, Mixed/BIPOC, or navigating multiple identities while standing in an in-between space of transition, uncertainty, or quiet unraveling.
When anxiety takes over, it can feel like your mind is constantly spinning—overthinking, second-guessing, never able to fully exhale. Trauma, too, has a way of lingering quietly, shaping how you show up in relationships or respond to everyday stress. And OCD can leave you stuck in patterns that don’t make sense, but feel impossible to stop. If you're used to handling everything on your own, reaching out can feel uncomfortable—but it might also be the turning point.
When anxiety takes over, it can feel like your mind is constantly spinning—overthinking, second-guessing, never able to fully exhale. Trauma, too, has a way of lingering quietly, shaping how you show up in relationships or respond to everyday stress. And OCD can leave you stuck in patterns that don’t make sense, but feel impossible to stop. If you're used to handling everything on your own, reaching out can feel uncomfortable—but it might also be the turning point.
Here at Hilber Psychological Services, we are experienced, empathic San Diego therapists providing evidenced-based counseling to Children, Teens and Adults in San Diego and throughout California to help you Improve, Grow, and Heal.
We provide therapy in Japanese, Spanish, Russian, and Hebrew, in Mission Valley, Rancho San Diego, Scripps Ranch and Escondido.
Here at Hilber Psychological Services, we are experienced, empathic San Diego therapists providing evidenced-based counseling to Children, Teens and Adults in San Diego and throughout California to help you Improve, Grow, and Heal.
We provide therapy in Japanese, Spanish, Russian, and Hebrew, in Mission Valley, Rancho San Diego, Scripps Ranch and Escondido.
My ideal client is someone who struggles with expressing themselves, someone who is frustrated about being misunderstood, someone who may not feel like they belong. I enjoy working with people who want to be accepted for who they are, who want to be more independent and who want to understand the world around them.
My ideal client is someone who struggles with expressing themselves, someone who is frustrated about being misunderstood, someone who may not feel like they belong. I enjoy working with people who want to be accepted for who they are, who want to be more independent and who want to understand the world around them.
Starting therapy can feel daunting. With this in mind, I prioritize building strong rapport and offering client-centered care to create a welcoming space where you feel safe to explore, heal, and grow. Whether working with individuals, couples, or families, I collaborate with my clients to develop a personalized approach tailored to their unique needs and goals.
Starting therapy can feel daunting. With this in mind, I prioritize building strong rapport and offering client-centered care to create a welcoming space where you feel safe to explore, heal, and grow. Whether working with individuals, couples, or families, I collaborate with my clients to develop a personalized approach tailored to their unique needs and goals.
You may have a steady career, supportive family, and good health, yet still feel a sense of emptiness or have uncertainty about your life’s direction. Many people struggle with questions that coping skills alone won’t touch: What’s my purpose? Why do I feel disconnected, even when I “have it all”? If you’ve tried therapy before but are still searching for something deeper, you’re not alone. Real change often begins with exploring the things that quietly limit us. Therapy can be more than “getting by”: it can be about opening space for freedom, meaning, and the life you truly want to live.
You may have a steady career, supportive family, and good health, yet still feel a sense of emptiness or have uncertainty about your life’s direction. Many people struggle with questions that coping skills alone won’t touch: What’s my purpose? Why do I feel disconnected, even when I “have it all”? If you’ve tried therapy before but are still searching for something deeper, you’re not alone. Real change often begins with exploring the things that quietly limit us. Therapy can be more than “getting by”: it can be about opening space for freedom, meaning, and the life you truly want to live.
Hi there, I'm Melissa! My passion is helping people navigate the difficulties of life. I am bilingual (English/Spanish) se habla Español. I have a Person-Centered approach with CBT/DBT and attachment foundations. I believe you are the expert in your life and I like to provide support to guide exploration that feels right for you.
Hi there, I'm Melissa! My passion is helping people navigate the difficulties of life. I am bilingual (English/Spanish) se habla Español. I have a Person-Centered approach with CBT/DBT and attachment foundations. I believe you are the expert in your life and I like to provide support to guide exploration that feels right for you.
Throughout my career, I’ve helped people navigate a range of challenges—from depression and anxiety to children with emotional regulation issues to developmental diagnoses such as autism spectrum disorder, ADHD, and other behavioral or learning differences. My clinical experience spans outpatient county mental health, school settings, and private practice.
I am a certified Parent-Child Interaction Therapy (PCIT) provider and trained in Parent Management Training, offering specialized support to families dealing with externalizing behaviors like aggression, defiance, and hyperactivity.
Throughout my career, I’ve helped people navigate a range of challenges—from depression and anxiety to children with emotional regulation issues to developmental diagnoses such as autism spectrum disorder, ADHD, and other behavioral or learning differences. My clinical experience spans outpatient county mental health, school settings, and private practice.
I am a certified Parent-Child Interaction Therapy (PCIT) provider and trained in Parent Management Training, offering specialized support to families dealing with externalizing behaviors like aggression, defiance, and hyperactivity.
If you’re carrying the weight of complex trauma or long-standing stress, you may feel anxious, disconnected, or stuck in patterns that are hard to shift. Your nervous system might feel overwhelmed, shut down, or constantly on edge. These experiences can also show up in the body through chronic pain, illness, or a persistent sense of disconnection from yourself and others.
If you’re carrying the weight of complex trauma or long-standing stress, you may feel anxious, disconnected, or stuck in patterns that are hard to shift. Your nervous system might feel overwhelmed, shut down, or constantly on edge. These experiences can also show up in the body through chronic pain, illness, or a persistent sense of disconnection from yourself and others.
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:
| 93% | Anxiety |
| 93% | Social Anxiety |
| 93% | Health Anxiety |
| 93% | Driving Anxiety |
| 86% | Depression |
| 71% | Relationship Issues |
| 69% | Self Esteem |
Average years in practice
11 Years
Top 3 insurances accepted
| 88% | Aetna |
| 72% | Cigna and Evernorth |
| 57% | UnitedHealthcare UHC | UBH |
How Therapists in San Diego, CA see their clients
| 55% | Online Only | |
| 45% | 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.


