Northwell Direct Therapists in San Diego, CA
She offers a relaxed, empathetic space where clients can safely express themselves. Michelle uses her rapport with clients to encourage positive self-change. Depending on each client’s needs, Michelle uses methods from the following, and other, therapeutic models: Psychodynamic, Cognitive-Behavioral, Humanistic/Person-centered, Motivational Interviewing, Brief Solution-focused, Mindfulness, Trauma-focused, Family Systems, Internal Family Systems, and Gottman Couples Therapy. Michelle enjoys working with diverse individuals of all cultures, lifestyles, ethnicities, spiritualities, sexualities, races, and gender identities.
She offers a relaxed, empathetic space where clients can safely express themselves. Michelle uses her rapport with clients to encourage positive self-change. Depending on each client’s needs, Michelle uses methods from the following, and other, therapeutic models: Psychodynamic, Cognitive-Behavioral, Humanistic/Person-centered, Motivational Interviewing, Brief Solution-focused, Mindfulness, Trauma-focused, Family Systems, Internal Family Systems, and Gottman Couples Therapy. Michelle enjoys working with diverse individuals of all cultures, lifestyles, ethnicities, spiritualities, sexualities, races, and gender identities.
Vaneza is especially passionate about supporting individuals impacted by trauma, grief, and childhood behavior issues. Whether working with a child struggling with emotional regulation, a teen coping with loss, or an adult processing past trauma, she offers a grounded and compassionate approach. Her work often includes helping caregivers and families understand the root causes of behavior and emotional pain, creating opportunities for healing, connection, and growth. She blends therapeutic structure with warmth, empowering clients to rewrite limiting narratives and reclaim their sense of agency.
Vaneza is especially passionate about supporting individuals impacted by trauma, grief, and childhood behavior issues. Whether working with a child struggling with emotional regulation, a teen coping with loss, or an adult processing past trauma, she offers a grounded and compassionate approach. Her work often includes helping caregivers and families understand the root causes of behavior and emotional pain, creating opportunities for healing, connection, and growth. She blends therapeutic structure with warmth, empowering clients to rewrite limiting narratives and reclaim their sense of agency.
Lana brings both clinical expertise and lived understanding to her work, especially with LGBTQ+ communities, ethically non-monogamous and polyamorous relationships, and individuals in high-stress professions such as the military and first response. She has extensive experience working with trauma and PTSD and is especially passionate about helping clients navigate the impact of trauma on intimacy, sexuality, and their relationship to their own body.
Lana brings both clinical expertise and lived understanding to her work, especially with LGBTQ+ communities, ethically non-monogamous and polyamorous relationships, and individuals in high-stress professions such as the military and first response. She has extensive experience working with trauma and PTSD and is especially passionate about helping clients navigate the impact of trauma on intimacy, sexuality, and their relationship to their own body.
Andrea treats clients who are 18 and older and specializes in helping clients with life adjustments, depression, anxiety, panic disorder, parenting concerns, self-esteem issues, peer relationships, LGBTQIA issues, and ADHD.
Andrea uses a variety of therapeutic approaches including Dialectal Behavioral Therapy (DBT), Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Attachment theory, and strength-based approaches to help her clients gain insight and develop coping skills to help them reach their goals.
Andrea treats clients who are 18 and older and specializes in helping clients with life adjustments, depression, anxiety, panic disorder, parenting concerns, self-esteem issues, peer relationships, LGBTQIA issues, and ADHD.
Andrea uses a variety of therapeutic approaches including Dialectal Behavioral Therapy (DBT), Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Attachment theory, and strength-based approaches to help her clients gain insight and develop coping skills to help them reach their goals.
Gemma is passionate about serving diverse populations — including LGBTQ+ individuals, neurodiverse clients, and those navigating adoption or foster care experiences — and approaches this work with a strong commitment to trauma-informed care. She specializes in helping clients heal from traumatic experiences, process loss, and develop healthier relationships with themselves and others. She supports clients navigating childhood attachment issues and early relational difficulties, which can deeply shape trust, self-worth, and emotional expression in adulthood.Gemma is passionate about serving diverse populations — including LGBTQ+ indi
Gemma is passionate about serving diverse populations — including LGBTQ+ individuals, neurodiverse clients, and those navigating adoption or foster care experiences — and approaches this work with a strong commitment to trauma-informed care. She specializes in helping clients heal from traumatic experiences, process loss, and develop healthier relationships with themselves and others. She supports clients navigating childhood attachment issues and early relational difficulties, which can deeply shape trust, self-worth, and emotional expression in adulthood.Gemma is passionate about serving diverse populations — including LGBTQ+ indi
Colleen is deeply passionate about working with individuals dealing with substance abuse, ADHD, and psychosis or schizophrenia. Her therapeutic approach focuses on empowering clients to regain control of their mental health and lead fulfilling lives. Whether through mindfulness-based practices or goal-oriented therapy, Colleen tailors her care to meet each client’s unique needs. She also integrates Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) and Exposure Therapy to address complex issues like trauma and grief, providing comprehensive care that fosters growth and resilience.
Colleen is deeply passionate about working with individuals dealing with substance abuse, ADHD, and psychosis or schizophrenia. Her therapeutic approach focuses on empowering clients to regain control of their mental health and lead fulfilling lives. Whether through mindfulness-based practices or goal-oriented therapy, Colleen tailors her care to meet each client’s unique needs. She also integrates Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) and Exposure Therapy to address complex issues like trauma and grief, providing comprehensive care that fosters growth and resilience.
My approach focuses on building trust and rapport with my clients. I believe that the client-therapist relationship is paramount to a successful outcome. Over the years, I have worked extensively with individuals from a variety of cultures, backgrounds and lifestyles. I enjoy working collaboratively with my clients to take control of their own healing and transformation process.
I earned undergraduate degrees in Sociology and Art History from Washington State University and my Master's degree in Marital and Family Therapy from the University of San Diego.
At this time I am only treating clients via telehealth.
My approach focuses on building trust and rapport with my clients. I believe that the client-therapist relationship is paramount to a successful outcome. Over the years, I have worked extensively with individuals from a variety of cultures, backgrounds and lifestyles. I enjoy working collaboratively with my clients to take control of their own healing and transformation process.
I earned undergraduate degrees in Sociology and Art History from Washington State University and my Master's degree in Marital and Family Therapy from the University of San Diego.
At this time I am only treating clients via telehealth.
Her therapeutic approach is influenced by three major therapeutic approaches: Existential Theory, as she believes that everyone has the potential for growth through their freedom to choose; Bowen Family System Theory, which emphasizes the role of family; and Strategic Theory, which offers dynamic interventions. Dr. Gilbert’s education consists of a Masters and Doctorate in Marriage and Family Therapy, undergraduate degree in Liberal Arts and a bachelor's degree in Elementary School Education and English.
Her therapeutic approach is influenced by three major therapeutic approaches: Existential Theory, as she believes that everyone has the potential for growth through their freedom to choose; Bowen Family System Theory, which emphasizes the role of family; and Strategic Theory, which offers dynamic interventions. Dr. Gilbert’s education consists of a Masters and Doctorate in Marriage and Family Therapy, undergraduate degree in Liberal Arts and a bachelor's degree in Elementary School Education and English.
Katie Mattea helps teens and adults navigate emotional challenges, relationship concerns, and identity-related stress with warmth, clarity, and evidence-based care. Serving clients across California through LifeStance Health, she provides a supportive space where individuals and couples can address anxiety, depression, and trauma while building practical skills for lasting change. Her approach balances compassion with clinical insight, helping clients feel understood while moving toward meaningful goals.Katie Mattea helps teens and adults navigate emotional challenges, relationship concerns, and identity-related stress with warmth,
Katie Mattea helps teens and adults navigate emotional challenges, relationship concerns, and identity-related stress with warmth, clarity, and evidence-based care. Serving clients across California through LifeStance Health, she provides a supportive space where individuals and couples can address anxiety, depression, and trauma while building practical skills for lasting change. Her approach balances compassion with clinical insight, helping clients feel understood while moving toward meaningful goals.Katie Mattea helps teens and adults navigate emotional challenges, relationship concerns, and identity-related stress with warmth,
Melanie Nicholls is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in California who started practicing in 2021. She has a Master of Social Work. Melanie believes in taking a systems theory approach recognizing that there are many facets that may influence someone's life and well-being. She strives to empower others to help them achieve their goals. In her spare time, Melanie enjoys watching movies, going on trips, and eating delicious food.
Melanie Nicholls is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in California who started practicing in 2021. She has a Master of Social Work. Melanie believes in taking a systems theory approach recognizing that there are many facets that may influence someone's life and well-being. She strives to empower others to help them achieve their goals. In her spare time, Melanie enjoys watching movies, going on trips, and eating delicious food.
Matthew has over 30 years of experience working with children, adolescents, adults, couples and families dealing with numerous issues such as: oppositional defiance, depression, anxiety, anger, grief/loss, abuse, neglect, domestic violence, relationship conflicts, severe mental illness, personality disorders, post-traumatic stress disorder, military family matters, and school related concerns. Matthew is comfortable assisting those with all types of backgrounds and utilizes a client-centered, solution-focused, and cognitive behavioral approach.
Matthew has over 30 years of experience working with children, adolescents, adults, couples and families dealing with numerous issues such as: oppositional defiance, depression, anxiety, anger, grief/loss, abuse, neglect, domestic violence, relationship conflicts, severe mental illness, personality disorders, post-traumatic stress disorder, military family matters, and school related concerns. Matthew is comfortable assisting those with all types of backgrounds and utilizes a client-centered, solution-focused, and cognitive behavioral approach.
Dr. Seibert’s passion is helping individuals and families grappling with the challenges of life with a neurodevelopmental or neurological disorder, or other chronic medical conditions impacting quality of life more generally. She has spent the last 20 years of her career in medical settings, serving individuals over the full lifespan. While Director of the Neuropsychology Department at Casa Colina Centers for Rehabilitation in Los Angeles, she worked with both children and adults with neurodevelopmental or neurological disorders.
Dr. Seibert’s passion is helping individuals and families grappling with the challenges of life with a neurodevelopmental or neurological disorder, or other chronic medical conditions impacting quality of life more generally. She has spent the last 20 years of her career in medical settings, serving individuals over the full lifespan. While Director of the Neuropsychology Department at Casa Colina Centers for Rehabilitation in Los Angeles, she worked with both children and adults with neurodevelopmental or neurological disorders.
Mike utilizes a Family Systems approach that looks at how we all are affected by and deal with relationships, and how our lives make better sense when we look at ourselves in the context of our experience. He also borrows from the best of Cognitive Behavioral, Narrative, and Strategic therapies to craft customized treatment plans tailored to the uniqueness of each client. Mike is committed to collaboration with his clients to reach their goals in therapy.
Mike utilizes a Family Systems approach that looks at how we all are affected by and deal with relationships, and how our lives make better sense when we look at ourselves in the context of our experience. He also borrows from the best of Cognitive Behavioral, Narrative, and Strategic therapies to craft customized treatment plans tailored to the uniqueness of each client. Mike is committed to collaboration with his clients to reach their goals in therapy.
Alma's areas of focus include adjustment problems, anxiety, depression, grief/loss, parenting, stress management, and trauma. Alma demonstrates great empathy with her clients and uses an eclectic approach tailoring her interventions with each individual/family she sees.
Alma's areas of focus include adjustment problems, anxiety, depression, grief/loss, parenting, stress management, and trauma. Alma demonstrates great empathy with her clients and uses an eclectic approach tailoring her interventions with each individual/family she sees.
I am a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist with more than 25 years of experience in working with individuals, families and couples impacted by depression, anxiety, trauma, and substance use issues. I work with all age groups 8 years old and up. In my work I utilize a variety of techniques and interventions representing several therapeutic modalities to facilitate reduction of interpersonal distress and the restoration of relationships. I have also incorporated the use of Eye Movement Desensitization Reprocessing into my practice for individuals who have experienced both simple and complex trauma.
I am a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist with more than 25 years of experience in working with individuals, families and couples impacted by depression, anxiety, trauma, and substance use issues. I work with all age groups 8 years old and up. In my work I utilize a variety of techniques and interventions representing several therapeutic modalities to facilitate reduction of interpersonal distress and the restoration of relationships. I have also incorporated the use of Eye Movement Desensitization Reprocessing into my practice for individuals who have experienced both simple and complex trauma.
Making your first appointment can be one of the most challenging steps in your mental health journey. At LifeStance, we make it simple by offering both online and in-person therapy and psychiatry services, covered by major insurance plans.
Making your first appointment can be one of the most challenging steps in your mental health journey. At LifeStance, we make it simple by offering both online and in-person therapy and psychiatry services, covered by major insurance plans.
Jillian has worked with a variety of populations, most extensively children and adolescents as well as addictions. With specialized training in Child Parent Relationship Therapy and Play Therapy, Jillian has been able to assist in strengthening child-parent attachments and help families heal from traumatic experiences. Jillian's current area of focus utilizes Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Motivational Interviewing, and Psychodynamic Therapy to assist in developing thought reframing techniques and further develop insight.
Jillian has worked with a variety of populations, most extensively children and adolescents as well as addictions. With specialized training in Child Parent Relationship Therapy and Play Therapy, Jillian has been able to assist in strengthening child-parent attachments and help families heal from traumatic experiences. Jillian's current area of focus utilizes Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Motivational Interviewing, and Psychodynamic Therapy to assist in developing thought reframing techniques and further develop insight.
For those struggling with anxiety and depression, Sara provides a tailored approach that addresses the root causes of these conditions, helping clients develop the skills needed to manage their symptoms and improve their quality of life. When working with children and adolescents, she focuses on promoting positive behavior and emotional regulation, equipping young clients with the tools they need to thrive. In addition to these specialties, Sara also offers support for women’s issues and relationship challenges, providing a compassionate space for clients to explore their experiences and work toward resolution.
For those struggling with anxiety and depression, Sara provides a tailored approach that addresses the root causes of these conditions, helping clients develop the skills needed to manage their symptoms and improve their quality of life. When working with children and adolescents, she focuses on promoting positive behavior and emotional regulation, equipping young clients with the tools they need to thrive. In addition to these specialties, Sara also offers support for women’s issues and relationship challenges, providing a compassionate space for clients to explore their experiences and work toward resolution.
Susan Rae Miller is a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist with over 35 years experience working with adults, adolescents, and children in an outpatient setting. She received her master's and doctoral degrees from the School of Education at the University of Houston and has extensive post-graduate training in the managed care model of treating depression and anxiety disorders. Her treatment utilizes a solution-oriented, cognitive/behavioral, time-limited approach intended to provide symptom relief to patients. She encourages homework between sessions to practice coping skill and problem solving techniques.
Susan Rae Miller is a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist with over 35 years experience working with adults, adolescents, and children in an outpatient setting. She received her master's and doctoral degrees from the School of Education at the University of Houston and has extensive post-graduate training in the managed care model of treating depression and anxiety disorders. Her treatment utilizes a solution-oriented, cognitive/behavioral, time-limited approach intended to provide symptom relief to patients. She encourages homework between sessions to practice coping skill and problem solving techniques.
Making your first appointment can be one of the most challenging steps in your mental health journey. At LifeStance, we make it simple by offering both online and in-person therapy and psychiatry services, covered by major insurance plans.
Making your first appointment can be one of the most challenging steps in your mental health journey. At LifeStance, we make it simple by offering both online and in-person therapy and psychiatry services, covered by major insurance plans.
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Does insurance cover therapy, prescriptions and other behavioral health services?
In general, yes. Laws in the U.S. require insurers to cover essential behavioral health care at the same level as other health care services. Most health plans require a medical diagnosis and treatments that are evidence based and medically essential. This means that life coaching and alternative therapies are not covered, nor is therapy without a diagnosis. Call the number on the back or your insurance card or visit your insurance company's website to review your Summary of Benefits. If you have insurance through your employer, your Human Resources department may also be able to answer questions.
How much does therapy cost with insurance?
The cost of therapy depends on your region, how much training and experience your therapist has, and the type of treatment. The rate for talk therapy generally falls between $100 and $250. For a client seeing an in-network provider, the cost of therapy is often similar to the cost of other health care services. Clients pay co-pays and may need to satisfy a plan’s deductible before benefits kick in.
What is the difference between In-Network and Out-of-Network insurance coverage?
An in-network provider has contracted with an insurer to get paid directly for services, and to accept the insurer’s rate of compensation. Clients are responsible for deductibles and copays. If a therapist is out of network, that means that the client pays the therapist directly for services at the therapist’s regular fee. Out-of-Network providers often give clients a receipt so that they can file for partial reimbursement with their insurance company.
Is it difficult to find an In-Network therapist?
It is not unusual for therapists to limit the number of insurance patients in their practice, so it’s important to check in-network availability when you schedule your first appointment. In regions and times where therapy is in high demand it may take longer to get scheduled with an in-network therapist.
What is the difference between HMO and PPO insurance plans?
HMO health plans only cover in-network services, there is no reimbursement for out-of-network providers. PPO plans often cover both in- and out-of-network services, though the client may pay more for out-of-network services.
What is a Superbill?
A superbill is a receipt for therapy services. It provides all the information required by insurance companies to reimburse you for out-of-network services, including the diagnostic codes for your care, the amount paid, and the dates and duration of care.
Does insurance cover Online therapy?
Many therapists who shifted their practice to online therapy during the pandemic have kept that arrangement. And most insurers continue to cover telehealth services, with a few exceptions. Preventive care (such as an annual depression screening) is often required to be in-person to be covered, and some states require prescribers of controlled substances to see those patients in person.
Does insurance cover Group therapy?
Many insurance plans provide coverage for group therapy provided there is a medical diagnosis for group members, but there are some noteworthy exceptions. For example, Medicare does not always cover group therapy. Group therapy tends to cost less than individual therapy.
Does insurance cover Couples therapy?
Most insurance companies do not cover the cost of couples therapy because there is no medical diagnosis or medically necessary treatment. However, a few plans will offer a limited benefit, so it is still worth checking with your insurance company. Sometimes therapy is covered for a couple when one person has a diagnosis and another family member joins them for joint therapy, but it is considered therapy for the medical condition that includes a family member as a listener or helper, not couples counseling. Without insurance, most clients pay between $100-300 per 60-90 min session for couples therapy. Often clients can find classes or workshops that make it more affordable to work on their relationship. And some employers offer Employee Assistance Plans that help defray the cost of couples therapy.
What is an Employee Assistance Plan (EAP)?
Employee Assistance Plans are purchased by employers for the benefit of their employees. EAPs typically assist employees with referrals and may also provide the first few sessions of therapy free of charge, with the patient's regular health insurance kicking in after those initial sessions. EAP benefits often apply to all types of therapy without the need for a medical diagnosis, making it easier to access couples therapy, therapy for life transitions, and other non-medical counseling. Just as with standard health insurance, clients should always check that a provider accepts their EAP benefits before scheduling. Learn more about Insurance Coverage and Finding Affordable Therapy