Oppositional Defiance (ODD) Therapists in San Diego, CA
At Ebb & Flow Psychotherapy, we believe in supporting each person with compassion and care as they navigate life’s challenges. In our work together, I strive to create a space where you feel supported, understood, and empowered - no matter where you are in your journey.
Using a person-centered, strength-based approach, we’ll work together to explore your experiences, build on your strengths, and develop practical tools to help you navigate challenges with greater confidence, stability, and clarity.
At Ebb & Flow Psychotherapy, we believe in supporting each person with compassion and care as they navigate life’s challenges. In our work together, I strive to create a space where you feel supported, understood, and empowered - no matter where you are in your journey.
Using a person-centered, strength-based approach, we’ll work together to explore your experiences, build on your strengths, and develop practical tools to help you navigate challenges with greater confidence, stability, and clarity.
You might look like you're managing just fine on the outside, but inside, it’s a different story—waves of anxiety, a heaviness you can’t explain, or an edge of irritability that keeps catching you off guard. Maybe you’ve been feeling disconnected from yourself or stuck in patterns that no longer serve you. With a Master’s degree in Clinical Psychology and training in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), and mindfulness-based approaches, I help clients untangle the emotional knots that keep them from feeling fully present and alive.
You might look like you're managing just fine on the outside, but inside, it’s a different story—waves of anxiety, a heaviness you can’t explain, or an edge of irritability that keeps catching you off guard. Maybe you’ve been feeling disconnected from yourself or stuck in patterns that no longer serve you. With a Master’s degree in Clinical Psychology and training in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), and mindfulness-based approaches, I help clients untangle the emotional knots that keep them from feeling fully present and alive.
I am a child and adolescent Marriage & Family Therapist at Aloha Psych Associates. I am inspired by the “aloha spirit,” drawing on Hawaiian concepts like ‘alo’ (presence), ‘ha’ (breath of life), ‘mana’ (healing energy), and ‘ohana’ (family and connectedness). I provide individual and family therapy to children, adolescents, and families navigating biological, psychological, and social difficulties. I have experience in higher level care Partial Hospitalization Programs and Intensive Outpatient Programs and hospital settings working with high-risk children and teens.
I am a child and adolescent Marriage & Family Therapist at Aloha Psych Associates. I am inspired by the “aloha spirit,” drawing on Hawaiian concepts like ‘alo’ (presence), ‘ha’ (breath of life), ‘mana’ (healing energy), and ‘ohana’ (family and connectedness). I provide individual and family therapy to children, adolescents, and families navigating biological, psychological, and social difficulties. I have experience in higher level care Partial Hospitalization Programs and Intensive Outpatient Programs and hospital settings working with high-risk children and teens.
I am a licensed clinical psychologist with over 19 years of experience in private practice. I help clients with stress and anxiety, trauma and abuse, sleeping disorders, depression, and communication issues. My work is focused on Cognitive Behavior Therapy (CBT) and Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), techniques useful for significant behavioral challenges. For relationship issues, I provide assistance using the Gottman Method. I am also versed in Behavior Modification, which is helpful to address problematic habits and the establishment of new, more productive behaviors.
I am a licensed clinical psychologist with over 19 years of experience in private practice. I help clients with stress and anxiety, trauma and abuse, sleeping disorders, depression, and communication issues. My work is focused on Cognitive Behavior Therapy (CBT) and Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), techniques useful for significant behavioral challenges. For relationship issues, I provide assistance using the Gottman Method. I am also versed in Behavior Modification, which is helpful to address problematic habits and the establishment of new, more productive behaviors.
My ideal client feels overwhelmed, exhausted, or emotionally hurt. They are searching for ways to heal but may not know where to begin. Often, they wonder why they sacrifice their authenticity to please others, why care isn’t reciprocated, or have been betrayed and struggle to trust. Most are struggling with anxiety, depression, trauma, difficulties in relationships, or sexuality or gender identity. Their goals are as much about clarity and meaning as symptom relief. They want a therapist who is empathic, authentic, and nonjudgmental—someone who is kind, caring, listens deeply, yet is also direct and asks challenging questions.
My ideal client feels overwhelmed, exhausted, or emotionally hurt. They are searching for ways to heal but may not know where to begin. Often, they wonder why they sacrifice their authenticity to please others, why care isn’t reciprocated, or have been betrayed and struggle to trust. Most are struggling with anxiety, depression, trauma, difficulties in relationships, or sexuality or gender identity. Their goals are as much about clarity and meaning as symptom relief. They want a therapist who is empathic, authentic, and nonjudgmental—someone who is kind, caring, listens deeply, yet is also direct and asks challenging questions.
Kathie Sweeten, Psy.D., BCBA-D is a licensed clinical psychologist and Board Certified Behavior Analyst-Doctoral level with over 30 years of experience in the field of childhood mental health. Dr. Sweeten offers diagnostic services to children and adolescents. Specializing in the neurodevelopmental disorders, including autism spectrum disorder and attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder, learning disabilities, anxiety, behavioral concerns and parent training, Dr. Sweeten can help provide support to families in need. Testing and evaluation are the focus of the practice and she is no longer accepting outpatient therapy clients.
Kathie Sweeten, Psy.D., BCBA-D is a licensed clinical psychologist and Board Certified Behavior Analyst-Doctoral level with over 30 years of experience in the field of childhood mental health. Dr. Sweeten offers diagnostic services to children and adolescents. Specializing in the neurodevelopmental disorders, including autism spectrum disorder and attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder, learning disabilities, anxiety, behavioral concerns and parent training, Dr. Sweeten can help provide support to families in need. Testing and evaluation are the focus of the practice and she is no longer accepting outpatient therapy clients.
Hi there, My name is Miriam Barton and I am a bilingual English and Spanish Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist residing in beautiful San Diego, California. I have been in the mental health field for over 10 years and have worked with clients from diverse backgrounds. I feel that it is a privilege to work alongside our clients helping them as they navigate through life's challenges. As your therapist, I strive to create a safe and nurturing environment where you can work toward healing.
Hi there, My name is Miriam Barton and I am a bilingual English and Spanish Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist residing in beautiful San Diego, California. I have been in the mental health field for over 10 years and have worked with clients from diverse backgrounds. I feel that it is a privilege to work alongside our clients helping them as they navigate through life's challenges. As your therapist, I strive to create a safe and nurturing environment where you can work toward healing.
As a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, my approach to therapy is grounded in empathy, understanding, and a collaborative, strength-based perspective. I focus on empowering clients to overcome challenges through solution-focused strategies tailored to their unique needs. My primary areas of practice include supporting individuals navigating trauma, anxiety, depression, and life transitions, as well as fostering resilience and personal growth. My approach to providing therapy is collaborative and client-centered, focusing on empowering individuals to achieve their goals and build resilience.
As a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, my approach to therapy is grounded in empathy, understanding, and a collaborative, strength-based perspective. I focus on empowering clients to overcome challenges through solution-focused strategies tailored to their unique needs. My primary areas of practice include supporting individuals navigating trauma, anxiety, depression, and life transitions, as well as fostering resilience and personal growth. My approach to providing therapy is collaborative and client-centered, focusing on empowering individuals to achieve their goals and build resilience.
Greetings! I'm Patricia Ulloa-Green, a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist with an extensive 24-year background in the mental health field. Dedicated to assisting individuals navigating adversity, I bring a passion for helping others discover creative solutions tailored to their unique needs. Having triumphed over my own challenges, I approach therapy with a deep understanding of life's complexities. In today's world, trauma is pervasive, and my goal is to provide compassion, kindness, and empathy as we embark on your healing journey together.
Greetings! I'm Patricia Ulloa-Green, a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist with an extensive 24-year background in the mental health field. Dedicated to assisting individuals navigating adversity, I bring a passion for helping others discover creative solutions tailored to their unique needs. Having triumphed over my own challenges, I approach therapy with a deep understanding of life's complexities. In today's world, trauma is pervasive, and my goal is to provide compassion, kindness, and empathy as we embark on your healing journey together.
Personal Evolution Psychotherapy Private DBT IOP
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, DBT IOP
San Diego, CA 92108
When your child or young adult is self-harming, suicidal, explosive, or spiraling despite therapy or medication, weekly counseling is not enough. If you are worried about safety, repeated crises, or hospitalization, intensive treatment may be needed now.
Personal Evolution Psychotherapy provides full, comprehensive Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) — one of the most effective treatments for chronic suicidality, self-harm, and severe emotional dysregulation. Our private DBT Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP) delivers structured, high-support care for teens and young adults whose lives feel chaotic, unsafe, or out of control.
When your child or young adult is self-harming, suicidal, explosive, or spiraling despite therapy or medication, weekly counseling is not enough. If you are worried about safety, repeated crises, or hospitalization, intensive treatment may be needed now.
Personal Evolution Psychotherapy provides full, comprehensive Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) — one of the most effective treatments for chronic suicidality, self-harm, and severe emotional dysregulation. Our private DBT Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP) delivers structured, high-support care for teens and young adults whose lives feel chaotic, unsafe, or out of control.
I earned my MSW from the University of Southern California in 2021, and my passion for mental health work has only deepened since then. I work with teens and adults (ages 12 and up) who are navigating anxiety, depression, PTSD, and the often-complicated layers beneath them. I draw from Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Mindfulness, and Motivational Interviewing—not as a one-size-fits-all plan, but as tools we can use together to meet your needs and goals. In session, I show up with curiosity, care, and respect for your lived experience. You don’t have to go through this alone.
I earned my MSW from the University of Southern California in 2021, and my passion for mental health work has only deepened since then. I work with teens and adults (ages 12 and up) who are navigating anxiety, depression, PTSD, and the often-complicated layers beneath them. I draw from Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Mindfulness, and Motivational Interviewing—not as a one-size-fits-all plan, but as tools we can use together to meet your needs and goals. In session, I show up with curiosity, care, and respect for your lived experience. You don’t have to go through this alone.
I have enjoyed over 30 years of clinical work in private practice. People refer to me as competent, caring and down to earth. I am collaborative in my process, guiding people on their path of growth and change, always with respect for their courage and trust.
I see individuals, couples, adolescents, children and families over a wide range of treatment issues with a particular affinity for adolescents and young adults.
I welcome challenge and believe in the strength of every individual.
I have enjoyed over 30 years of clinical work in private practice. People refer to me as competent, caring and down to earth. I am collaborative in my process, guiding people on their path of growth and change, always with respect for their courage and trust.
I see individuals, couples, adolescents, children and families over a wide range of treatment issues with a particular affinity for adolescents and young adults.
I welcome challenge and believe in the strength of every individual.
Anxiety, depression, and ADHD can make life feel like a constant uphill climb. Focus slips away, worry takes over, or the energy to do even simple things disappears. Whether it is your child struggling at school or your own mind that feels hard to manage, you do not have to keep pushing through alone. I earned my MFT from California Southern University in 2018, and I work with clients ages 10 and up. I believe deeply in the human ability to achieve mental health, and the capacity of our minds and bodies to heal and adapt inspires me every day.
Anxiety, depression, and ADHD can make life feel like a constant uphill climb. Focus slips away, worry takes over, or the energy to do even simple things disappears. Whether it is your child struggling at school or your own mind that feels hard to manage, you do not have to keep pushing through alone. I earned my MFT from California Southern University in 2018, and I work with clients ages 10 and up. I believe deeply in the human ability to achieve mental health, and the capacity of our minds and bodies to heal and adapt inspires me every day.
At some point we all struggle to adjustment to life's changes; it's normal to feel stuck and I believe people have what it takes to adjust. For the past 20 years, I have been working with children and teens who are struggling to balance the demands of school and their social life. I integrate parents in my work as much as possible. I also work with adults and Couples often come to me for help in distress and are confused about how or why their relationship has derailed. I am dedicated to helping people build stronger; more intimate relationships and I use several modalities when attempting to help couples in distress.
At some point we all struggle to adjustment to life's changes; it's normal to feel stuck and I believe people have what it takes to adjust. For the past 20 years, I have been working with children and teens who are struggling to balance the demands of school and their social life. I integrate parents in my work as much as possible. I also work with adults and Couples often come to me for help in distress and are confused about how or why their relationship has derailed. I am dedicated to helping people build stronger; more intimate relationships and I use several modalities when attempting to help couples in distress.
For more than 23 years, I have been passionate about helping children, teens, adults, and families understand the “why” behind emotional, behavioral, developmental, and learning challenges. As Founder of San Diego Kids First and a Voluntary Assistant Clinical Professor at UC San Diego, I have spent 21 years supervising Child & Adolescent Psychiatry Fellows while also mentoring psychologists and educating professionals who support children and families. My goal is to combine compassion, clinical expertise, and practical solutions that help every child and teen reach their full potential.
For more than 23 years, I have been passionate about helping children, teens, adults, and families understand the “why” behind emotional, behavioral, developmental, and learning challenges. As Founder of San Diego Kids First and a Voluntary Assistant Clinical Professor at UC San Diego, I have spent 21 years supervising Child & Adolescent Psychiatry Fellows while also mentoring psychologists and educating professionals who support children and families. My goal is to combine compassion, clinical expertise, and practical solutions that help every child and teen reach their full potential.
It's nice to meet you! I believe that each client brings a unique set of strengths and skills that can be uncovered and mastered in their healing process. My role is to walk along side you and support you in this process.
It's nice to meet you! I believe that each client brings a unique set of strengths and skills that can be uncovered and mastered in their healing process. My role is to walk along side you and support you in this process.
Madeline Becker
Marriage & Family Therapist Associate, MA, AMFT, APCC
5 Endorsed
San Diego, CA 92117
Trauma leaves us feeling broken, hopeless, or disconnected from our true selves. You may find yourself struggling to heal from childhood wounds, or maybe you're still reeling from a recent loss or huge life change. You find yourself overthinking constantly, unable to sleep, or overwhelmed by anxiety and painful memories. Maybe you’ve been to therapy before, but nothing has really worked. You want to find peace and heal, but you don’t know where to start. I work with adults, teens, children, and couples who are seeking meaningful change and long-lasting healing from a painful past.
Trauma leaves us feeling broken, hopeless, or disconnected from our true selves. You may find yourself struggling to heal from childhood wounds, or maybe you're still reeling from a recent loss or huge life change. You find yourself overthinking constantly, unable to sleep, or overwhelmed by anxiety and painful memories. Maybe you’ve been to therapy before, but nothing has really worked. You want to find peace and heal, but you don’t know where to start. I work with adults, teens, children, and couples who are seeking meaningful change and long-lasting healing from a painful past.
Do you want someone to hear you...really listen to you? Someone who meets you on your life journey and provides an empathetic environment with understanding and free from judgement?
Do you want someone to hear you...really listen to you? Someone who meets you on your life journey and provides an empathetic environment with understanding and free from judgement?
I’m a licensed professional clinical counselor based in Southern California. My therapy approach focuses on helping clients reconnect with their authentic selves and navigate life’s challenges in a way that aligns with their true values and goals. I support individuals in personal growth, relationship dynamics, life transitions, and overcoming obstacles that keep them from living their ideal lives.I have experience working with a diverse range of clients, including young adults, couples, parents, families, and individuals from first-generation, LGBTQIA+, and BIPOC communities who are ready to embrace personal growth and healing.
I’m a licensed professional clinical counselor based in Southern California. My therapy approach focuses on helping clients reconnect with their authentic selves and navigate life’s challenges in a way that aligns with their true values and goals. I support individuals in personal growth, relationship dynamics, life transitions, and overcoming obstacles that keep them from living their ideal lives.I have experience working with a diverse range of clients, including young adults, couples, parents, families, and individuals from first-generation, LGBTQIA+, and BIPOC communities who are ready to embrace personal growth and healing.
I provide comprehensive Dialectical Behavior Therapy (adults & adolescents) experiencing emotional dysregulation, strained relationships, overwhelming suffering (w/wo diagnosis of BPD), and/or thoughts of suicide or self-harm. My frame is client-centered, believing that you are the expert of your life, & therapy is a collaborate effort. I also work extensively within the Trans*/Nonbinary community, supporting an affirmed life for you and those around you. This can be at any age and include issues of disclosure, life changes, overcoming fear while balancing safety, & community advocacy.
I provide comprehensive Dialectical Behavior Therapy (adults & adolescents) experiencing emotional dysregulation, strained relationships, overwhelming suffering (w/wo diagnosis of BPD), and/or thoughts of suicide or self-harm. My frame is client-centered, believing that you are the expert of your life, & therapy is a collaborate effort. I also work extensively within the Trans*/Nonbinary community, supporting an affirmed life for you and those around you. This can be at any age and include issues of disclosure, life changes, overcoming fear while balancing safety, & community advocacy.
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Nearby Oppositional Defiance (ODD) Therapists Searches for San Diego
- Chula Vista
- Coronado
- Del Mar
- El Cajon
- La Jolla
- La Mesa
- Lemon Grove
- National City
- Poway
- Santee
- Solana Beach
- Spring Valley
Oppositional Defiance (ODD) Therapists
What is the most effective treatment for oppositional defiant disorder?
The treatment of Oppositional defiant disorder (ODD) will involve multiple approaches designed to help both the youngster and their parents, sometimes including medication. A therapist will help a child learn ways to regulate their emotions, curb their impulsiveness, and counteract anger, defiance, and disruption, while showing parents ways to bring these lessons into their home. A technique designed for children with conditions like ODD, known as Collaborative and Proactive Solutions (CPS), may also be used. CPS addresses a child’s concerns and rewards appropriate responses while discouraging harsh punishment or criticism.
How does treatment for oppositional defiant disorder work?
Treatment for ODD addresses the issues underlying a child’s defiance and disruption, the emotional regulation and impulse-control skills they lack, and the way adults respond to them. ODD therapy is based on the idea that children with the disorder understand the difference between right and wrong, that they want to behave well, and that, with help, they can. By responding to the child with empathy instead of harsh criticism, ignoring nonviolent behaviors, and rewarding positive actions, a therapist, and the other adults in a child’s life, can help children improve their behavior.
How long does therapy for oppositional defiant disorder take?
Therapy for oppositional defiant disorder is not a short-term undertaking. Depending on the severity of a child’s symptoms, their age, the presence of other conditions like ADHD, anxiety or a mood disorder, and their family dynamic, it can take months before improvement is noted. The cooperation of parents and teachers is crucial, because the skills learned in therapy must be practiced in real-world situations, with all their potential triggers.
Does oppositional defiant disorder go away?
ODD can remit following treatment. ODD is often diagnosed in nursery school, and early intervention is essential for a positive prognosis. In two-thirds of children, according to the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, symptoms resolve within three years.