Addiction therapists & psychiatrists in Chula Vista, CA

I’m passionate about helping those seeking change in their lives. My education in multi-cultural counseling and social justice means that I approach each individual with empathy and awareness when it comes to navigating racial and gender identities, and life experiences. I understand we each have our own story and challenges, making the recovery and healing process unique for each of us. I help clients to identify and achieve small-scale, doable goals which build a foundation for lasting change.

My name is Joey Ritkes (he/him). I have been working as a mental health therapist for over five years. My practice has primarily been specialized in working with LGBTQ+ youth. However, I have worked with couples, families, emerging adults, and adults from all backgrounds. I am a client-centered therapist who enjoys working collaboratively with my clients to meet their goals.

I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with over 20 years of experience in the mental health field (12 in private practice). I work with individuals ages 3 and up, as well as couples. I am trauma informed, a certified clinical supervisor, and EMDR trained (currently not accepting EMDR patients). I hold a plethora of CEUs in mental health disorders and have owned my own practice for several years, offering in person and telehealth services.

CSUB BA Psychology 2002

CSUB Master of Social Work 2004

If you’re facing challenges with anxiety, depression, trauma, bipolar disorder, PTSD, or other mental health concerns, I’m here to help. I specialize in treating mood disorders, anxiety disorders, trauma-related conditions, and co-occurring substance use disorders. I offer a personalized, evidence-based approach that combines medication management with therapeutic techniques, tailored to your unique needs. My goal is to help you find relief, build resilience, and regain control over your life.

I have a decade of experience treating adults and adolescents. I take a holistic and trauma-informed approach to mental health care. My therapeutic approach is integrative, person-centered, solution-focused, mindfulness-based, and CBT-based. I am a bilingual Latina clinician with an emphasis on the BIPOC experience.

Hi, I'm Brian! I'm a licensed counselor with a background in holistic medicine as well. I've worked with a variety of mental health concerns, with my primary specialty being treating trauma.

For nearly 13 years, I worked as a psychotherapist at a mens' long term substance abuse treatment program, The Fellowship Center, Inc. in Escondido California. I obtained several certifications as a drug and alcohol counselor, but I relied primarily on my training as a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist to perform individual psychotherapy for residents in the treatment program.

I also have obtained training in Eye Movement Desentitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) which I believe provides a robust treatment intervention for trauma. I now have 10 years experience using EMDR both in person and by telehealth with more than one hundred fifty clients.

I also have a strong interest in mindfulness and somatic interventions which I believe are essential in the integration of the treatment of both substance abuse and trauma.

In addition to trauma and substance abuse, I most frequently work with clients suffering from anxiety, depression, or complex grief.

Finally, I enjoy working with clients who are struggling in the midst of major life transitions.

Hey there—I'm Mika, a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT) who's here for real talk and real support for adults and teens right here in Southern California. I've spent years helping people work through tough life events like trauma, addictions, ADHD, burnout from high-pressure jobs, anxiety, depression, and rocky relationships. What I love most is seeing folks step into their strength and build the life they want—I'm here to walk that path with you, no judgment, just genuine care.

I'm Candice Jeffers, a board-certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner with an unusual background—I spent nearly a decade in cardiovascular critical care before dedicating myself to mental health. That ICU experience taught me something crucial: psychiatric crises deserve the same urgency, expertise, and unwavering support as any cardiac emergency.

For nine years at Ascension Seton Medical Center's Cardiovascular ICU, I supervised teams through impossible situations. I learned to stay steady when everything felt uncertain, to read the subtle signs others might miss, and to offer hope when families needed it most. Those years shaped how I practice psychiatry today—with precision, presence, and profound respect for what you're facing.

I completed my Master of Science in Nursing at University of South Alabama in 2024, immersing myself in over 600 clinical hours spanning outpatient clinics, inpatient psychiatry, and crisis intervention. My pediatric nursing background adds another layer—I understand how early experiences shape us and how differently mental health shows up across ages.

My practice centers on thorough psychiatric evaluations, personalized medication management, and crisis intervention for all ages. I specialize in suicide risk assessment, trauma-informed approaches, and evidence-based treatments that actually fit into real lives. I'm MOUD-trained and licensed for telehealth in Texas, California, Arizona, and Florida.

Here's what matters most: I approach mental health as someone who's held space for both miracles and heartbreak. I know seeking help requires tremendous courage. I know healing rarely follows a straight line. And I know you need a provider who won't flinch, no matter what you share. My work blends critical care decisiveness with deep compassion—because you deserve both.

I believe therapy should feel like a space where you can finally exhale. I strive to create an environment that is supportive, honest, and free of judgment; a place where you feel truly seen and emotionally safe. My approach is collaborative and practical. I don’t just help you understand why you feel the way you do; I help you build real tools to navigate it.

I earned my degree from Cal State Fullerton and have extensive experience working in addiction treatment, eating disorder recovery, and women’s issues. Supporting women is especially meaningful to me. I am deeply passionate about helping women navigate challenges related to self-worth, body image, relationships, boundaries, life transitions, and identity. I understand how trauma, societal expectations, and relational dynamics can shape how women see themselves, and I approach this work with both compassion and clarity.

Together, we focus on strengthening mindfulness, emotional regulation, distress tolerance, and communication skills in ways that feel realistic and sustainable. I blend insight-oriented exploration with concrete strategies, because meaningful change happens when insight meets action. My goal is to help you better understand your patterns, feel more confident managing your emotions, and move forward with greater clarity, self-trust, and resilience.

I'm Kaellen Lamonte, a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) based in the Rocklin, California area. I work with individuals navigating life's challenges, and I'm committed to meeting each client where they are — with compassion, patience, and genuine care. Whether you're dealing with anxiety, life transitions, or something you've never quite put into words, I'm here to help you find clarity and move forward.

IMPORTANT: All clients must complete our intake form and sign our policies before their appointment.

Please complete these documents at https://intakeq.com/new/6oakjo/lusjbb or contact us at 602-800-4699 (call or text).

Please also email or text us a copy of your photo ID/driver's license at [email protected]

I'm Sherri Crespin, a board-certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner specializing in complex mental health conditions in adults. With dual board certifications from the American Nurses Credentialing Center as both a Family Nurse Practitioner and Psychiatric/Mental Health Nurse Practitioner, I bring a comprehensive understanding of how mental and physical health intersect to create truly holistic care.

My clinical expertise includes treating trauma and PTSD, personality disorders, substance use disorders, and mood disorders such as depression, anxiety, panic disorder, and bipolar disorder. I'm experienced in managing complex medication regimens and other specialized treatments that require careful monitoring and expertise.

I earned both my Bachelor of Nursing and Master of Science in Nursing from the University of Texas at Austin, where I developed a strong foundation in evidence-based practice. What sets my practice apart is my commitment to treating the whole person—not just managing symptoms, but understanding your unique story, challenges, and goals.

Whether you're seeking psychiatric medication management or comprehensive treatment for multiple conditions, I create a safe, non-judgmental environment where you can openly discuss your concerns and actively shape your treatment plan. I also provide ESA letters when clinically appropriate.

I look forward to partnering with you on your journey toward improved mental health and lasting well-being.