Chronic Illness Therapists in San Diego, CA
See all therapists in San Diego
Liz Weisenburger
Associate Professional Clinical Counselor, MA, MS, CRC, APCC
Verified
Verified
Being diagnosed with a
chronic illness
&/or acquiring a disability can brings dramatic life change for you and your loved ones. A new prognosis, sudden trauma, congenital health condition, or the gradual onset of a life with imposed limits can bring isolation, overwhelm, & clueless as you seek to figure out how you will navigate your new “normal." Like most people who fall ill or encounter disability, you have no blueprint for how to move forward to recover a meaningful life for yourself.

Kiran Hayes
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified
Verified
I am particularly qualified in helping those with grief and loss,
chronic illness
, neurodivergence, reproductive issues, questions of gender and sexuality, LGBTQIA+, military personnel, and their families, and non-traditional families (eg.
Your mental health matters and I'm here to support your well-being by nurturing health, wholeness, and empowerment in a collaborative, accepting, and non-judgmental process. I take a compassionate approach while engaging and empowering you toward processing, exploring, and developing a healthier relationship with yourself. I view my work through a systemic, relational, trauma-informed, holistic, and social justice lens while holding a safe and accepting space for our work.

Marina Health of California
Psychologist, PhD
Verified
1 Endorsed
Verified
1 Endorsed
Marina Health of California was developed to provide a safe space for adults seeking collaborative support in adjusting to life transitions, including career, family life, health stress and
chronic illness
. Our work focuses on the bio-psycho-social model of care to best address transitions and stressors experienced in managing
chronic illness
.
Waitlist for new clients

Tracey L Chester
Marriage & Family Therapist, MS, MA
Verified
Verified
I primarily work with patients who suffer from chronic pain or
chronic illness
. Simply put, patients need extra attention their loved ones may be unable to provide. I am the founder and clinical director of San Diego Pain and Trauma Institute, located in Sorrento Valley. The mission of this clinic is to provide an integrated approach, with primary care doctors, and doctors from different specialties, trauma-informed care, from physical therapy techniques to the most up to date evidence based practices. I am amongst a small group of professionals studying the relationship between trauma, grief and chronic pain.
Waitlist for new clients

Angelyna Lowe
Psychologist, PhD
Verified
Verified
I work with clients who generally feel stuck in their lives, anxiety, depression, past, or circumstances. I also received specialized training in health psychology and help those looking to cope with
chronic illness
or seeking to improve chronic pain or insomnia. My clients learn to show up to life in a meaningful way, while learning to choose effective behaviors when faced with stressful situations. This is a collaborative process that is unique to your personality and needs, and the relationship we create. My clients strive to be defined not by their circumstances, past, thoughts or feelings, but by the choices they commit to.

Patricia C Kantzavelos
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW, MLIS, MSW
Verified
Verified
As a
chronic illness
warrior/ spoonie, I completely understand what it feels like to sit on the other side of the couch (or, screen), and how important it is to chat with someone who 'gets it.
I specialize in chronic health conditions and trauma, which I understand first hand. Chronic medical conditions (i.e. dysautonomia POTS, EDS, Lyme disease, Bartonella, IBS, fibro, fatigue CFS, Hashimoto’s, mast cell MCAS, sickle cell disease, mold illness CIRS, etc.) often come with significant challenges, like fear, anxiety, grief, medical PTSD, and may interfere with relationships and daily function. I utilize various holistic evidence-based treatment modalities and practice-based evidence, contingent on each person’s needs and goals, with an added focus on mindfulness techniques, positive psychology, and strengths-based therapy.
San Diego, CA 92116
& Online

Nancy M Gordon
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW, CLC
Verified
Verified
An ideal client may present issues related to ANY SOURCE of loss and grief, especially pet loss or
chronic illness
. Committed clients, who value investing in themselves to use coaching to go beyond just "getting through" a challenge/loss as springboards for personal growth and transformation through my unique methodology, 7 Powerful Practices to Manage Your Mind and Heal Your Heart™. Clients use individual sessions, group programs, transformational retreats. I use my Certification as a Life Coach, a COACHING model, and my methodology of the 7 Powerful Practices. ONLY Oregon clients also eligible for the "psychotherapy" model.
San Diego, CA 92120
& Online

Alexis Rosen Therapy
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, MFT
Verified
5 Endorsed
Verified
5 Endorsed
As a therapist specializing in trauma, medical trauma and
chronic illness
, I am passionate about helping individuals and families overcome the effects of traumatic experiences and improve their quality of life. Trauma can have a significant impact on our mental, emotional and physical well-being. Those with
chronic illness
may experience added stress, anxiety, and depression due to their condition. With the right support, it is possible to find emotional heal and move forward. I understand the unique challenges individuals with chronic conditions face.

Aba Horthy
Marriage & Family Therapist Associate, MA, AMFT
Verified
Verified
I am here to help you find & express your authentic self, help heal complex trauma/PTSD, help figuring life out & help manage
chronic illness
.
I am a queer mixed nonbinary therapist who creates a nonjudgemental space for their clients. I specialize in & have lived experience in LGBTQIA+ affirmative therapy, transitioning, complex trauma & PTSD,
chronic illness
, disability, neurodivergence, grief & loss. I have a deep capacity for working with trauma & supporting clients who think their story is “too heavy” for others to bear. I see individual adults & couples. I am really good at helping you (re)connect with who you are, who you want to be & figuring out how self-care looks like for you. If you do too much for others & not enough for yourself I may be a right fit.
Waitlist for new clients

A-Lisa Miles
Psychologist, PhD
Verified
Verified
I specialize in helping individuals cope with
chronic illness
and chronic pain and have many years of experience in working with this population and helping them to develop improved coping skills.
I provide psychological treatment and services to address the difficulties associated with a variety of challenges and transitions. My approach to treatment is tailored to meet the unique needs of each individual client and I aim to create an atmosphere where people feel comfortable discussing and exploring their life. I view therapy as a collaboration and partnership between the client and myself. I provide support and guidance to help you identify areas of your life that need improvement or change and help you to set goals and create an action plan that will allow you to grow, shift, and live the life you want for yourself.

Emily Orme
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified
Verified
I have treated depression, anxiety, stress, child abuse, trauma, adjustment difficulties, conflict, communication difficulties,
chronic illness
& relationships.
It's great that you are taking an important step to reach out for support. Over the years of working with clients I have learned that many people experience hardship, stress, conflict, and/or pain during their lifetime that they find difficult to navigate on their own. Reaching out for support is a healthy and positive step! Every person's story is unique and I value getting to know each client individually so that I can provide tailored and meaningful therapy. It would be an honor to partner with you on your journey! Please note that I have moved to an all telehealth practice using a secure video platform.
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Barbara Rorbach
Marriage & Family Therapist Associate, MA, MFT, AMFT
Verified
1 Endorsed
Verified
1 Endorsed
I base my work on evidence-based modalities and have experience in treating individuals, families, and couples that struggle with relational issues, stress, insomnia, depression, anxiety,
chronic illness
, and grief.
Sometimes life gets thrown at us and we feel stuck and too overwhelmed to navigate through it by ourselves. There are times when we feel disconnected from our partner and other people around us. I believe that each one of us has an innate capacity to learn, heal, and grow by accessing our inner strengths. My goal is to help you increase your self-awareness, find new coping strategies, make life decisions that are cohesive with your core values, and to reconnect with your loved ones. I believe the most important thing in our lives are our relationships.

Danielle D Weisman
Psychologist, PsyD
Verified
2 Endorsed
Verified
2 Endorsed
, imposter syndrome), military life, PTSD/trauma, LGBT-related issues and/or understanding, subs abuse, depression/anxiety, relationship/divorce/separation, and
chronic illness
, grief/bereavement issues.
Hello there! I'd be happy to work with you. I work mostly with adults, some teens on a limited basis. I have a specialty in medical psychology (i.e., health behavior change, insomnia, weight loss, cancer, grief/bereavement, etc.). Treatment is also available for those who suffer from PTSD, depression, anxiety, alcohol abuse, and difficult life circumstances. Cognitive behavioral therapy is offered along with a motivational interviewing approach that is supportive and non-confrontational. Please email, or text to set up your intake appt. (619) 880-5711. Please include insurance info.

Paul M. Whitaker
Psychologist, PhD
Verified
Verified
I have been in practice as a licensed psychologist for over twenty years in California. My areas of expertise include depression and anxiety, relationship and intimacy issues, addiction and recovery, stress and anger management,, work-related and life-transition issues,, physical health and
chronic illness
.
Waitlist for new clients

Joelle Johnson
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, L, C, S, W
Verified
Verified
There are many ways to access mental health information these days from blogs, vlogs, Instagram to Tic-Toc. If you are in need of help for your mental wellness I encourage you to seek a skilled professional to guide you. I have over 25 years of experience counseling individuals and families from diverse backgrounds through life events such as family disruption, adoption, infertility,
chronic illness
and bereavement. I am prepared to help you navigate life’s transitions and challenges with compassion and hope.

Kelly Engleson
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified
1 Endorsed
Verified
1 Endorsed
I help adults who are struggling with issues of infertility, bereavement, grief and loss and life transitions. My clients are those who are yearning to be parents, have endured loss, sadness and anxiety while utilizing assisted reproductive technology in efforts to conceive and those facing multiple challenges on their path to parenthood. I also work with adults who have endured many different types of losses (death of a loved one, divorce, job loss, losses due to
chronic illness
...) and struggle to find ways to move forward. I work with young adults who are navigating issues of purpose and identity.

Jenny Burgraff
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified
Verified
I have extensive experience working with individuals experiencing depression, anxiety and trauma, along with challenges with self-regulation, self-esteem, self-harm, grief, substance use and adjustment to life changes, including medical diagnoses and
chronic illness
.
Are you experiencing dark or anxious thoughts? Having difficulty making it through the day? Looking, acting and feeling less like yourself? Not sleeping, sleeping too much? We live in uncertain times but that doesn’t mean that we are destined to travel through them alone nor do we have to live with constant and painful levels of stress and sadness, or anger and irritability. The gift of therapy is to feel safe, understood and hopeful. Together we can build a trusting relationship where thoughts and feelings are safely explored. We will find your strengths and locate strategies to meet your challenges and help you move forward.

Jana Crosby
Marriage & Family Therapist, MS, LMFT
Verified
Verified
I specialize in the treatment of anxiety, obsessive compulsive disorder, eating disorders, self esteem,
chronic illness
or life transitions in young adults. Do you feel stressed, insecure, or ashamed, constantly battling with intrusive thoughts or impulses that you may not even entirely believe, but still can't seem to let go of? Are you feeling stuck in the trap of perfectionism, alone with high levels of emotional or physical pain, confused about sense of self or life direction, or wondering why your relationships aren't as fulfilling as you'd like? If so, we might be a good match to explore potential therapy together.
Not accepting new clients

Mia Sarno (Dr. Mimi)
Psychologist, PsyD
Verified
Verified
I work most often with clients who struggle from trauma, anxiety, depression, grief,
chronic illness
, relationship difficulties, and life transitions.
Healing can feel impossible when life keeps throwing us challenges and harmful systems around us don’t change. It’s easy to feel stuck and lose hope, motivation and inspiration. Healing is possible under the right conditions, including being with someone who truly cares, listens, and sees you. My approach to therapy is humanistic, transpersonal and integrative. This means I appreciate the multiple layers of existence we all experience, including our minds, physical bodies, energy bodies, cultural contexts, and systemic contexts. I honor your unique identity and potential to achieve personal fulfillment, however that looks for you.

Sandra Block
Psychologist, CP
Verified
Verified
My name is Sandra Block, Ph.D. and I am a licensed clinical psychologist based in Southern California providing in-office and online psychotherapy for children, adolescents, families, couples, and individuals (18-99 years of age) for over 30 years. I specialize in treating anxiety, depression, stress, relationship issues at home and at work, gambling addiction, parenting issues, family/generational conflicts, grief, aging issues, and ongoing stresses of
chronic illness
.
See more therapy options for
Chronic Illness Therapists
How does therapy for chronic illness work?
Many people living with a chronic illness may feel they cannot speak honestly about their experience out of embarrassment or fear of being a burden, or because those close to them do not understand, for example, that they may “look good” even if they do not feel good. Therapy sessions are an opportunity to speak openly with someone who knows their symptoms are not in their head and who can offer practical, proven suggestions for managing feelings of grief, shame, or fatigue, such as techniques to challenge unhelpful thoughts about symptoms and develop new ways to respond to them, such as distraction or calming breathing practices.
Can therapy help with physical symptoms of chronic illness?
Yes, especially if an individual with chronic illness has developed depression. People with depression are less likely to maintain their health treatment regimens or to take positive steps to manage physical symptoms when they arise, thereby potentially complicating their medical prognosis. Treatment of depression, through talk therapy, medication, or both, will often improve one’s physical state as it eases the emotional burden of illness.
What are the most effective treatment options for chronic illness?
No one living with a chronic illness, or their loved ones, should see depression as an unavoidable result of their condition. Instead, they should actively seek treatment. Research shows that people with depression are less likely to devote the required time and effort to maintaining or monitoring their health, and so therapy to limit the risk of depression can be vital for physical health as well. Therapeutic approaches such as cognitive behavioral therapy and mindfulness-based stress reduction have been found to help individuals reduce stress and anxiety.
How long does therapy for chronic illness take?
There is no set timeline for therapy for people living with chronic illnesses, but many will see a therapist for a number of weeks or months, typically spanning at least 12 weekly sessions. Some people feel that they experience progress faster than others but even some who quickly feel improvement may continue with sessions for months or years. Some people may benefit from maintenance therapy if their symptoms change or they experience a decline in physical health. Others find that the skills learned in short-term therapy can be used on an ongoing basis, even after therapy has concluded.