How to Find the Best Therapist in San Diego for Your Needs
Takeaway: If you’re struggling with mental health issues or just want a little extra support working toward your goals, therapy can be a useful tool. However, the process of finding a therapist can be overwhelming, especially if you’re unsure where to start. In this blog post, I’ll walk you through the entire process and give you my top tips for how to find a therapist in San Diego.
You're dealing with a LOT.
Maybe it's anxiety. Relationships. Depression. Grief. Trauma. LIFE.
You want the right therapist: one who provides an understanding, safe place for you to do some real healing, practice new coping skills, and focus on the inner and outer obstacles that hold you back.
But you Google "find a therapist San Diego" and feel overwhelmed by the multiple therapists and therapy options. AAAAAH!
Don't worry San Diego - I got you.
Whether you're struggling with self-esteem, life transitions, relationship issues, anxiety, mental illness or just want some personal growth and healing - there are specialists who can help.
Here I’ll answer these questions (and more!):
How do I know if I even need therapy?
How much does therapy cost in San Diego (can I use my insurance or get sliding scale)?
Marriage and family therapist, psychologist, or licensed clinical social worker - and who can (or should) I see?
Should I do Cognitive Behavior Therapy? EMDR? What are other options for treatment?
What should I look for to make sure a therapist is right for my individual needs?
You deserve emotional wellness and good mental health...so let's find you a San Diego therapist!
The ultimate guide to help you find a therapist in San Diego
Take a breath.
You might feel overwhelmed looking for a San Diego therapist. I'll give you some tangible tips to help you navigate the search!
San Diego has lots of private practice therapists and counseling services for adults and children: individual therapy sessions, couples counseling, family therapy, play therapy, and group therapy.
Plus, with online therapy, you can see a therapist located anywhere in California. There are 80k+ mental health providers in California (vs. 13k+ in San Diego; source). You've got options!
So whether it's in-person or online, finding the right-fit therapist for your individual needs and healing is possible!
Consider these “5” things before you start looking for a therapist in San Diego
This is your mental health and emotional wellness, so start off on the right foot by keeping these factors in mind before starting your search:
your "why" for therapy
What is it that you are hoping to get out of counseling? Think about the challenges and concerns you're facing: maybe you're struggling with a mental health challenge like depression, anxiety, trauma, bipolar disorder, substance use/addiction or panic disorders.
You might want to feel more positive emotions, improve your self-esteem, get through tough life transitions, or work on communication issues. Perhaps you feel overwhelmed or are just dissatisfied with life.
Whatever you're dealing with, there's no "wrong" reason for starting therapy! Clarifying your challenges, needs and goals for therapy will help you narrow down the kind of counselor that can best meet your needs (i.e., therapist "specialists" who have advanced training and experience with specific issues and treatment). Read more about starting therapy here!
different types of therapy
While the majority of people want individual therapy sessions, there are other options, too: family therapy, couples counseling, and group therapy. You may want to work on family communication issues, or perhaps marriage or relationship issues.
Many people prefer to start with individual therapy and then add on/alternate with another form of therapy at a later time (if feasible). There's no "wrong" way to do it, it all just depends on your needs!
You might also want to research different therapy modalities which are shown to help with your particular challenges; i.e., EMDR, Brainspotting, Cognitive Behavior Therapy, Internal Family Systems (IFS), Dialectical-Behavior Therapy (DBT), etc. Many of these have been shown to be particularly helpful for specific challenges such as anxiety, grief, depression, trauma, grief, panic disorders, bipolar disorder and more.
credentials and specializations
A marriage and family therapist (LMFT), licensed clinical social worker (LCSW) and psychologist (Ph.D.) can all provide counseling if they are licensed in the state of California (scroll down to the FAQ section of this blog post to learn more about these credentials).
Many have treatment expertise in areas such as relationships, trauma, anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder, addiction, panic disorders, child therapy, chronic illness, eating disorders, etc. Consider looking for a counselor who specializes in your particular challenges.
office location and accessibility
Whether you live in San Diego or Del Mar, consider how far you're willing to travel to an office location. For added convenience/accessibility, you might consider online therapy.
Remember, there are 6+ times more licensed therapists in all of California than in San Diego (source). This vastly increases your odds of finding the perfect-fit counselor; research shows that online therapy is just as effective as face-to-face therapy. Read more about online therapy treatment here.
budget and insurance coverage
If you're insured, your policy is required to cover mental health care. However, many private practice therapists - particularly specialists - don't accept insurance. Fees for private-pay San Diego counselors can range from ~$130-165; however, it's not uncommon for specialists to charge significantly more.
Consider how much you're willing/able to invest in your mental health and emotional wellness. Some counselors offer sliding scale. Your insurer may partially reimburse your out-of-pocket therapy fees for private pay counselors, so check your "out-of-network" benefits (use this tool!).
What to look for in a mental health counselor
Your perfect therapist is out there! Consider the following so you can find the kind of mental health support you need:
Do they offer a free consultation?
As a first step, most therapists offer potential new clients a short phone/online consultation to help them decide about scheduling a first session. Shop around and consult with multiple San Diego (or for online therapy, California) counselors. Ask about fees, insurance coverage, sliding scale, scheduling availability, accessibility accommodations if needed, and the following:
training and experience
You want someone who's got the skill, understanding and expertise in working with your unique challenges, whether it's depression, anxiety, self-esteem, trauma, grief, chronic illness, addiction, relationship issues, panic disorders and so on.
There are therapy "generalists" who have a broad understanding of a wide range of mental health concerns, and then there are "specialists" who have in-depth expertise and advanced training in specific mental health issues. Research shows that therapy clients have better treatment outcomes when they see therapists who have a strong track record of successfully treating their kinds of concerns.
therapy approach
If you research therapy modalities, you'll find that some can be particularly useful for dealing with specific issues. EMDR, Brainspotting and Internal Family Systems (IFS) can be wonderful for healing anxiety, trauma, grief, and other mental health concerns.
Cognitive-behavior therapy can be used for the treatment of depression, panic disorders and anxiety, with a focus on changing negative thoughts/thoughts to have more positive emotions. See which modalities resonate with you and look for counselors who have advanced training in those.
credentials
Whether you work with a licensed therapist (i.e., marriage and family therapist), a licensed clinical social worker or a psychologist, if you live in San Diego (or anywhere in California), they need California licensure to provide mental health services.
A life coach or other healing/support person, while helpful for personal growth, legally cannot provide mental health treatment or treat mental "illness" (i.e., depression, anxiety, trauma, bipolar disorder, eating disorders, etc.).
connection and rapport
Research shows that the therapy relationship plays a big role in successful therapy treatment. Does the counselor create an accepting, non-judgmental and safe space where you feel seen, heard and validated? What does communication with them feel like?
New clients can feel inhibited in therapy, as it takes time to build trust and feel comfortable with the communication of personal or sensitive topics. Listen to your gut; if something feels off with a potential or new licensed therapist, they may not be the right one for you.
identity and lived experience
It may feel important for your counselor to have a deep understanding of your cultural, ethnic, racial, gender or other identity and lived experience, particularly if you belong to a marginalized and historically oppressed community.
Racism, homophobia, transphobia, colonization, ableism, etc. are key contributors to anxiety, depression, trauma, bipolar disorder, chronic illness, substance use, etc.). Someone who can help you navigate the intersection of your identity, lived experience and mental health concerns can be so healing!
Where to look for San Diego therapists
Once you have a sense of what you're looking for in a therapist, the next question is "Where do I find them?" Here are ideas for finding counselors in San Diego (or California, if online) who offer therapy services that are aligned with your individual needs:
Get recommendations
Friends, family members, healthcare providers and other healing/support people can be great sources of therapy referrals. You may know someone who has had a positive experience as a therapy client or who can refer you to good therapy services in San Diego. Check in with your support network!
insurance
If insured, your insurance can give you a list of "in-network" counselors. They may only provide their contact info, so you'll have to ask the therapists directly if they're taking new clients into their practice - and if they have the relevant experience to address your particular issues.
In-network counselors are often full, so if you're willing/able to pay out-of-pocket, find out if you have out-of-network benefits (this tool can help).
An online search is a common way to find counselors in San Diego and throughout California. Some examples of search terms: "therapy for depression in San Diego," "anxiety therapy in California," "cognitive behavior therapy in Del Mar," "family therapist near me," etc.
You'll see many ads for online therapy platforms where you can see a licensed marriage and family therapist, licensed clinical psychologist or licensed clinical social worker. While these platforms can be affordable/helpful for many, there are concerns; do your research so you can make an informed choice about your therapy treatment.
Therapist directories
Popular for therapy seekers, some have more sliding scale and insurance therapists, while others focus on therapy services for certain populations/communities (i.e., LGBTQ+, people of color, etc.). You can usually search by therapy approach, issue, gender, fee, etc. Many directories require that therapists pay to be listed, so not all counselors are listed in these.
Social media
Psychological health- or community-based Facebook groups can also be a source of therapy referrals. Following topics on Instagram like anxiety, trauma, depression, bipolar disorder, eating disorders, etc. may help you find San Diego and California therapists. Checking out a potential counselor's social media can be a good way to familiarize yourself with them.
Local Organizations/Nonprofits
Community health organizations/nonprofits that serve specific communities (i.e., LGBTQ+, etc.) in San Diego often have resources and directories of local counselors and may offer low-cost/sliding scale therapy as well.
When seeking counseling treatment in San Diego and California, cast a wide net and find multiple therapists you can reach out to. This increases your chances of finding someone who is accepting new clients into their practice and is the right fit!
What to ask about in your initial consultation with a therapist
Free phone/online consultations are brief, so be prepared with these essential questions:
"How much do you charge/DO YOU take INSURANCE?"
Be sure to ask this first to determine if therapy with them works with your budget. Remember, you may have out-of-network insurance benefits (check with this tool) if you want to see a private-pay counselor.
"What's your availability?"
See if their schedule aligns with yours. If there's a waitlist, when might they be able to accept new clients in their practice? If their schedule doesn't work with yours, see if they can refer you to someone else (therapists are great referral sources!).
"what's your experience with MY ISSUE?"
Look for a marriage and family therapist (LMFT/psychotherapist), clinical social worker or psychologist with advanced training/counseling expertise in the treatment of your particular concern: depression, relationship problems, self-esteem, panic disorders, grief, anxiety, substance use/addiction, trauma, eating disorders, burnout, chronic illness, bipolar disorder - whatever life issues you're dealing with!
If they don't, it's fine to ask for a referral to other options for therapy in San Diego, Del Mar or California (if online).
"WHAT approaches do you use?"
Each therapist works differently. Many describe themselves to new clients as "eclectic" in their approach; however, some have advanced training and experience with specific treatment modalities.
If you're curious about a particular approach (i.e., IFS, cognitive-behavioral therapy, EMDR, Brainspotting, traditional psychodynamic therapy, etc.), ask about it. They should be able to describe the modalities they use to support clients with your specific challenges.
“what communities and identities have you worked with?”
For many it's important to do therapy with someone who supports your cultural, ethnic, racial, gender, orientation or other identity.
Whether or not they share your identity, the ideal counselor will create a safe space and healing relationship that affirms and validates your lived experience, while skillfully addressing mental health concerns - including those that stem from racism, prejudice, micro- and macro-aggressions, discrimination, oppression and marginalization.
If it feels important for you, ask them about their own identities and lived experience.
"ARE YOU IN YOUR OWN THERAPY?”
This question might seem irrelevant or "too personal," but hear me out: is it important to you that your therapist - who is in the business of providing therapy services - also sees the value of therapy for themselves?
A counselor's personal healing and growth work in therapy impacts the way they show up in the therapy space - and sets them up to do better work with their clients. If they don't (or haven't) done their own therapy - or even decline to answer the question - notice how you feel about that.
So therapy seeker...whether you're looking for therapy in San Diego, Del Mar or California (online), shop around! The therapy relationship is an important one and sometimes it takes a few tries to find the right therapist who's taking new clients into their practice.
Finding a good fit can continue after your first session
Building a strong therapeutic relationship takes time, and it might take a few appointments to know if you've found the right fit with your new counselor in San Diego (or California, if online).
Whether you're navigating life transitions, coping with chronic illness, or seeking healing for anxiety, trauma, panic disorders, or depression, your treatment should be as unique and individualized as you are. A good counselor will help you clarify your counseling goals and understand your therapy treatment, monitor your progress, and make any needed adjustments to the therapy.
Therapy should be a collaborative process and a safe place for you to ask questions and voice any doubts or concerns. While at times counseling may feel challenging as you touch on uncomfortable thoughts and feelings, working with a right-fit counselor should overall help you move towards change and healing.
"What if I'm not feeling it?"
You may reach a point - early on or anywhere along the way - where therapy isn't feeling helpful. It can be important to share this with your therapist so you can explore what's happening and what's needed. A good counselor will be able to hear your concerns and help you navigate them - even if that means deciding to end therapy with them.
Remember: just because you start with one counselor, you're not obligated to continue with them if something isn't feeling right. This is your mental health care and well-being! With so many counselors in San Diego (and online in California), you've got choices.
It's ok to mix it up!
There are different ways to do therapy and you may want to try something new. In individual therapy sessions, you get that one-on-one time that's entirely devoted to you.
Group therapy can be a helpful way to connect supportively with others while working therapeutically with your challenges. And of course, family therapy or couples counseling can help with family relationship stuff, parenting issues or partnership/marriage concerns.
Give yourself permission to find the therapy that works for you. Ask questions, explore different counselors and see what clicks. Finding a person who's got the right mix of understanding, empathy, wisdom and skill can seem like a tall order - but totally possible!
I offer personalized online therapy to people in San Diego (and throughout California).
Hi, my name's Elisa! As an online psychotherapist in California, I work with adults from all over the state - including San Diego, Del Mar and all of southern California.
I'm not the right therapist for everyone.
Instead, I work exclusively with anxious achievers, overwhelmed self-doubters and burned-out professionals:
You struggle with anxiety and just can't get out of your head.
You doubt yourself a lot and your self-esteem gets pummeled.
You're disconnected from the life you wanted to live and from the "you" that feels alive.
Sound familiar?
With deep understanding, skill and open-heartedness, I help my clients find lasting calm, clarity and confidence. I do this by working effectively and non-judgmentally with the anxiety, underlying trauma and painful emotions that keep you stuck.
I use a highly-curated blend of neuroscience- and trauma-informed modalities, like Internal Family Systems (IFS)-informed therapy, EMDR, Brainspotting, and somatic-informed, nervous system-friendly approaches.
If you're curious about what therapy with me is like, I invite you to schedule a free consultation. If we determine that I'm not the therapist for you, that's absolutely not a problem. I'd be happy to refer you to someone who might be able to help!
Thanks for reading and I wish you well on your healing journey.
