Chronic Pain Therapists in San Diego, CA

Kelly Hutton, Chronic pain and illness therapist
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
San Diego, CA 92102
Do you have chronic pain, chronic fatigue, or chronic illness you are managing?
I work with individuals and couples/families around these issues and work specifically with couples and families around the changing in roles, caregiving/care partners, and marital or family issues/dynamics around illness or pain. I work in-person or virtually and can provide in-home sessions for those struggling with mobility, fatigue or pain.
Do you have chronic pain, chronic fatigue, or chronic illness you are managing?
I work with individuals and couples/families around these issues and work specifically with couples and families around the changing in roles, caregiving/care partners, and marital or family issues/dynamics around illness or pain. I work in-person or virtually and can provide in-home sessions for those struggling with mobility, fatigue or pain.

I am a licensed MFT, and he founder and clinical director of San Diego Pain and Trauma Institute.
I am a Certified Clinical Trauma Professional, and I employ the latest techniques that help with mood disorders and the effect chronic pain has on mood and quality of life. Our team includes ocean/surf therapists, Somatic Therapists, LCSWs, and acupuncture. We use modalities such as ocean therapy, EMDR, Play Therapy and Cognitive Processing Therapy.
I am a licensed MFT, and he founder and clinical director of San Diego Pain and Trauma Institute.
I am a Certified Clinical Trauma Professional, and I employ the latest techniques that help with mood disorders and the effect chronic pain has on mood and quality of life. Our team includes ocean/surf therapists, Somatic Therapists, LCSWs, and acupuncture. We use modalities such as ocean therapy, EMDR, Play Therapy and Cognitive Processing Therapy.

Whether facing emotional distress, life transitions, chronic pain, or challenges unique to first responders, I am committed to supporting your healing and growth.
I believe that therapy is a collaborative process, and my approach is rooted in warmth, empathy, and respect for each client’s unique experience. I aim to create a supportive environment where you can explore your thoughts, emotions, and experiences without fear of judgment. My goal is to help you build a stronger sense of self, develop healthier coping mechanisms, and achieve meaningful change. I view therapy as a partnership, where together, we will work toward your healing and personal growth.
Whether facing emotional distress, life transitions, chronic pain, or challenges unique to first responders, I am committed to supporting your healing and growth.
I believe that therapy is a collaborative process, and my approach is rooted in warmth, empathy, and respect for each client’s unique experience. I aim to create a supportive environment where you can explore your thoughts, emotions, and experiences without fear of judgment. My goal is to help you build a stronger sense of self, develop healthier coping mechanisms, and achieve meaningful change. I view therapy as a partnership, where together, we will work toward your healing and personal growth.

Providing Alpha Stim for pain, anxiety and depression.
I am a licensed psychologist with over 20 years of experience working with individuals who struggle with anxiety, depression, and PTSD. Specifically, I have expertise in Alpha-Stim treatment for chronic pain, and assessment of military/deployment related PTSD. I am a trauma trained psychotherapist in EMDR, CPT and Prolonged Exposure. I am also a combat experienced Veteran.
Providing Alpha Stim for pain, anxiety and depression.
I am a licensed psychologist with over 20 years of experience working with individuals who struggle with anxiety, depression, and PTSD. Specifically, I have expertise in Alpha-Stim treatment for chronic pain, and assessment of military/deployment related PTSD. I am a trauma trained psychotherapist in EMDR, CPT and Prolonged Exposure. I am also a combat experienced Veteran.

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.
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.' We will work together to create a safe space and find the root cause of your dis-ease, and invite wellness and joy. From chronic illness, to chronic wellness.
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.
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.' We will work together to create a safe space and find the root cause of your dis-ease, and invite wellness and joy. From chronic illness, to chronic wellness.

As Founder and Clinical Director of Phillips Medstone, we are dedicated to helping those who suffer from chronic pain or psychological distress such as depression, anxiety, PTSD and more.
As the Clinical Director and founder, my specific services include bariatric/weight loss surgery clearance, surgical device clearance such as SCS or PNS and opioid risk assessments. With over 15 years experience I understand the healthcare system and the importance of providing same day consult reports in order to avoid unnecessary treatment delays.
As Founder and Clinical Director of Phillips Medstone, we are dedicated to helping those who suffer from chronic pain or psychological distress such as depression, anxiety, PTSD and more.
As the Clinical Director and founder, my specific services include bariatric/weight loss surgery clearance, surgical device clearance such as SCS or PNS and opioid risk assessments. With over 15 years experience I understand the healthcare system and the importance of providing same day consult reports in order to avoid unnecessary treatment delays.

For specific disorders, I may use other validated treatments, such as ACT or CBT- Chronic Pain, CBT-Insomnia or CPT for PTSD.
Life has a way of handing us what feels like more than we can bear at times, and we can find ourselves stuck when our resources are thin and our tools seem inadequate. This is where I thrive – helping my clients get in touch with their strengths, build confidence and skills to get the life they want, all while exploring where they learned the unhelpful patterns to begin with. My goal is to help my clients learn to be defined not by their current or past circumstances, thoughts or feelings, but by the choices they commit to. My clients report they know themselves better and are more confident in their ability to handle stressors.
For specific disorders, I may use other validated treatments, such as ACT or CBT- Chronic Pain, CBT-Insomnia or CPT for PTSD.
Life has a way of handing us what feels like more than we can bear at times, and we can find ourselves stuck when our resources are thin and our tools seem inadequate. This is where I thrive – helping my clients get in touch with their strengths, build confidence and skills to get the life they want, all while exploring where they learned the unhelpful patterns to begin with. My goal is to help my clients learn to be defined not by their current or past circumstances, thoughts or feelings, but by the choices they commit to. My clients report they know themselves better and are more confident in their ability to handle stressors.

Seeking treatment for depression, anxiety or chronic pain can be challenging, especially when you are feeling down, with little energy and overwhelmed.
No two people are the same, so no two treatments should be the same either! I am passionate about providing the best possible care and treatment plans that are individualized for each person's unique need. I specialize in helping individuals and couples with Anxiety, Depression, Bipolar Disorder, PTSD, Chronic Pain and General Life Changes.
Seeking treatment for depression, anxiety or chronic pain can be challenging, especially when you are feeling down, with little energy and overwhelmed.
No two people are the same, so no two treatments should be the same either! I am passionate about providing the best possible care and treatment plans that are individualized for each person's unique need. I specialize in helping individuals and couples with Anxiety, Depression, Bipolar Disorder, PTSD, Chronic Pain and General Life Changes.

I imagine you have found my profile because you are going through grief, illness or tragedy.
I specialize in working with neurocognitive disorders, such as ALS (Lou Gehrig's Disease), Parkinson's disease, Huntington's disease, Alzheimer's, and others. I work with individuals who are living with these conditions, but also with their families and partners who are needing support. I offer couples, individual (adult and teen) and family therapy.
I imagine you have found my profile because you are going through grief, illness or tragedy.
I specialize in working with neurocognitive disorders, such as ALS (Lou Gehrig's Disease), Parkinson's disease, Huntington's disease, Alzheimer's, and others. I work with individuals who are living with these conditions, but also with their families and partners who are needing support. I offer couples, individual (adult and teen) and family therapy.

I have experience working with individuals with anxiety, depression, panic disorder, chronic pain, ADHD, PTSD, and grief.
Hello! My name is Isabel Ntekim, I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker. I use a client-centered approach to therapy to empower my clients to explore their strengths and work towards their goals. I use a client-centered approach, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Solution Focused, Dialectical Behavioral Therapy, and Mindfulness.
I have experience working with individuals with anxiety, depression, panic disorder, chronic pain, ADHD, PTSD, and grief.
Hello! My name is Isabel Ntekim, I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker. I use a client-centered approach to therapy to empower my clients to explore their strengths and work towards their goals. I use a client-centered approach, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Solution Focused, Dialectical Behavioral Therapy, and Mindfulness.

To me, all symptoms that we experience whether it be chronic pain, anxiety, depression, panic attacks, etc can be explained by trauma.
I specialize in treating chronic pain and dissociation. I primarily work in a somatic and relational way which means that I deal with what is happening in the moment in the nervous system between us. My work is informed by the idea that we all have different parts of ourselves that are trying to express themselves in the best way that they know how,
To me, all symptoms that we experience whether it be chronic pain, anxiety, depression, panic attacks, etc can be explained by trauma.
I specialize in treating chronic pain and dissociation. I primarily work in a somatic and relational way which means that I deal with what is happening in the moment in the nervous system between us. My work is informed by the idea that we all have different parts of ourselves that are trying to express themselves in the best way that they know how,

Reclaim your life from chronic pain: Chronic pain can feel isolating, overwhelming, and endless—disconnecting you from the life you once knew.
I am a licensed clinical psychologist with over a decade of experience helping thousands manage chronic pain from injuries and illness. I take a collaborative, personalized approach—honoring your unique history while guiding you toward a functional, fulfilling life. Together, we’ll create practical strategies to help you regain control and build resilience.
Reclaim your life from chronic pain: Chronic pain can feel isolating, overwhelming, and endless—disconnecting you from the life you once knew.
I am a licensed clinical psychologist with over a decade of experience helping thousands manage chronic pain from injuries and illness. I take a collaborative, personalized approach—honoring your unique history while guiding you toward a functional, fulfilling life. Together, we’ll create practical strategies to help you regain control and build resilience.

Nobody prepares you for dealing with being in constant physical pain and it can be an isolating and invalidating journey.
I specialize in using evidence-based therapies to help individuals better manage their pain and take back control over their life. I have expertise in working with LGBTQ+ individuals and in writing letters for medical providers for individuals seeking gender affirming surgeries. We will create a plan specific to your needs to create a life worth living.
Nobody prepares you for dealing with being in constant physical pain and it can be an isolating and invalidating journey.
I specialize in using evidence-based therapies to help individuals better manage their pain and take back control over their life. I have expertise in working with LGBTQ+ individuals and in writing letters for medical providers for individuals seeking gender affirming surgeries. We will create a plan specific to your needs to create a life worth living.

I identify as a gay, cisgender man and enjoy working with the chronic pain and queer communities.
I do this work because I genuinely love it. I am very honest and direct with clients and encourage openness from each of us. Therapy is an opportunity to slow down, get reacquainted with ourselves, and engage in vulnerability and playfulness that is too often not accessed. I offer a supportive, completely non-judgmental space where everything and anything is on the table (trust me, as therapists, we have heard it all). Trust and comfortability take time, and I respect clients’ pace and readiness to travel in difficult directions. I also promise to (compassionately) hold you accountable to promote growth and healing.
I identify as a gay, cisgender man and enjoy working with the chronic pain and queer communities.
I do this work because I genuinely love it. I am very honest and direct with clients and encourage openness from each of us. Therapy is an opportunity to slow down, get reacquainted with ourselves, and engage in vulnerability and playfulness that is too often not accessed. I offer a supportive, completely non-judgmental space where everything and anything is on the table (trust me, as therapists, we have heard it all). Trust and comfortability take time, and I respect clients’ pace and readiness to travel in difficult directions. I also promise to (compassionately) hold you accountable to promote growth and healing.

I specialize in helping people navigate the challenges that develop from chronic pain and illness, anxiety, depression and sleep difficulties.
My journey into specializing in chronic pain and insomnia began following a personal injury in 2012, which led to chronic pain. This experience informs my practice and further fuels my empathy. I know the courage it takes to reclaim your life. Let me help you find the path to recovery to improve your quality of life and overall functioning.
I specialize in helping people navigate the challenges that develop from chronic pain and illness, anxiety, depression and sleep difficulties.
My journey into specializing in chronic pain and insomnia began following a personal injury in 2012, which led to chronic pain. This experience informs my practice and further fuels my empathy. I know the courage it takes to reclaim your life. Let me help you find the path to recovery to improve your quality of life and overall functioning.

Many of my clients come to me feeling stuck, overwhelmed, or emotionally exhausted from carrying pain that isn’t fully theirs.
I support individuals, couples, families, and military, navigating complex trauma, generational wounds, chronic pain, different-abilities (disability/chronic illness), and the challenges of blended family dynamics and relationships. I offer a grounded space to help you process deep emotional patterns, build self-trust, and find practical tools for healing.
Many of my clients come to me feeling stuck, overwhelmed, or emotionally exhausted from carrying pain that isn’t fully theirs.
I support individuals, couples, families, and military, navigating complex trauma, generational wounds, chronic pain, different-abilities (disability/chronic illness), and the challenges of blended family dynamics and relationships. I offer a grounded space to help you process deep emotional patterns, build self-trust, and find practical tools for healing.

Whether that is through focusing on emotion or thought, rebalancing your relationships, finding stability in managing the psychological symptoms of chronic pain or cultivating internal safety and calm to combat memories of pain and trauma.
You are stronger than you feel, more tenacious than you think. My job is to help you capitalize on these strengths and shore up your growth areas so you feel capable of climbing the next mountain ahead of you. No one is meant to do this alone, no one deserves to suffer in silence.
Whether that is through focusing on emotion or thought, rebalancing your relationships, finding stability in managing the psychological symptoms of chronic pain or cultivating internal safety and calm to combat memories of pain and trauma.
You are stronger than you feel, more tenacious than you think. My job is to help you capitalize on these strengths and shore up your growth areas so you feel capable of climbing the next mountain ahead of you. No one is meant to do this alone, no one deserves to suffer in silence.

I have extensive experience in pain coping, stress management, adjustment to major life changes, and insomnia therapy.
Sometimes life throws obstacles at you that are out of your control, but that does not mean you cannot live your optimally healthy life. Being truly healthy includes emotional, social, mental and physical well-being. When these aspects of life are out of balance due to health problems, work stress, or personal issues, it can feel like your whole world is falling apart. Working through these challenges and learning the best coping tools can help you put it back together. I strive to help you move through challenges in achieving a healthy mind and body using practical, evidence-based strategies and compassionate tailored care.
I have extensive experience in pain coping, stress management, adjustment to major life changes, and insomnia therapy.
Sometimes life throws obstacles at you that are out of your control, but that does not mean you cannot live your optimally healthy life. Being truly healthy includes emotional, social, mental and physical well-being. When these aspects of life are out of balance due to health problems, work stress, or personal issues, it can feel like your whole world is falling apart. Working through these challenges and learning the best coping tools can help you put it back together. I strive to help you move through challenges in achieving a healthy mind and body using practical, evidence-based strategies and compassionate tailored care.

Healing isn’t about avoiding pain—it’s about feeling safe enough to face it, embrace it and grow from it, much like a rose blooms despite thorns.
If everything around you seems dark, look again, you may be the LIGHT — Rumi.
My journey to becoming a therapist began with my own experience of managing mental health from a young age. This personal journey highlighted the profound power of therapy and inspired me to help others achieve similar transformations.
Healing isn’t about avoiding pain—it’s about feeling safe enough to face it, embrace it and grow from it, much like a rose blooms despite thorns.
If everything around you seems dark, look again, you may be the LIGHT — Rumi.
My journey to becoming a therapist began with my own experience of managing mental health from a young age. This personal journey highlighted the profound power of therapy and inspired me to help others achieve similar transformations.

I would describe my work as trauma informed and experienced in the areas of grief/loss, past abuse/neglect, anxiety, depression, anger, stage of life issues, transitions, chronic pain and suffering.
Hello, my name is Blake. I serve as a psychotherapist (LCSW) and consultant here in San Diego, CA. I specialize in assisting individuals in their journey towards growth, healing, compassion (for self and others), and furthering their unique gifts, strengths & self-awareness. We would work together to focus on the interplay between our psychological flexibility and our self-care in order to better manage difficult thoughts and emotions. I believe in a holistic and integrated approach that considers the complex nature of our humanity, values, relationships, and variety of dynamics that influence our lives.
I would describe my work as trauma informed and experienced in the areas of grief/loss, past abuse/neglect, anxiety, depression, anger, stage of life issues, transitions, chronic pain and suffering.
Hello, my name is Blake. I serve as a psychotherapist (LCSW) and consultant here in San Diego, CA. I specialize in assisting individuals in their journey towards growth, healing, compassion (for self and others), and furthering their unique gifts, strengths & self-awareness. We would work together to focus on the interplay between our psychological flexibility and our self-care in order to better manage difficult thoughts and emotions. I believe in a holistic and integrated approach that considers the complex nature of our humanity, values, relationships, and variety of dynamics that influence our lives.
See more therapy options for San Diego
Nearby Chronic Pain Therapists Searches for San Diego
- Chula Vista
- Coronado
- Del Mar
- El Cajon
- Imperial Beach
- La Jolla
- La Mesa
- National City
- Poway
- Rancho Santa Fe
- Santee
- Solana Beach
Chronic Pain Therapists
How does chronic pain therapy work?
Engaging with a psychotherapist to help treat chronic pain does not mean that one’s pain is all in their head. Therapy for chronic-pain patients has been shown to benefit both the mind and the body, targeting physical symptoms and increasing daily functioning. In other words, for many, addressing their emotional health through therapy affects their physical health. A therapist can help a client challenge unhelpful thoughts about pain and develop new ways to respond to it, such as distraction or calming breathing techniques. Studies have found that therapy can be as effective as surgery for certain cases of chronic pain and many doctors recommend trying psychotherapy in advance of considering invasive surgery.
What are the most effective treatment options for chronic pain?
Stress, anxiety, depression, catastrophizing, ruminating, lack of activity, and social withdrawal all make chronic pain worse. Addressing these issues, research shows, can help people gain control over their pain symptoms. Therapeutic approaches such as cognitive behavioral therapy, biofeedback, and mindfulness-based stress reduction, along with greater pain-management education, have been found to help people reduce fear and disability.
Are there new treatments for chronic pain?
Many cases of chronic pain, particularly those involving back pain, remain medically unexplained. But there is evidence that changes in the brain or nervous system are caused by previous physical ailments such as tissue damage; in such cases, the brain may continue to send out pain signals despite the physical cause having healed. To aid patients under these circumstances, a recently developed treatment known as pain reprocessing therapy (PRT) is designed to help the brain “unlearn” this response. A PRT practitioner helps individuals to reduce the “threat value” of their ongoing pain signals until they can reappraise them as less threatening and fear-inducing. They also help an individual to develop new emotional regulation skills.
How long does therapy for chronic pain take?
There is no set timeline for recovery from chronic pain, especially as there may be a range of physical and psychological causes for any individual’s discomfort, but most patients should expect to see a therapist for a number of weeks or months, typically spanning at least 12 sessions. Studies of pain reprocessing therapy found that many individuals’ experience of pain lessened in eight sessions over four weeks.