LGBT therapists in Chula Vista, CA

I genuinely like people, have always love to help ,

Will take my clients through the therapeutic process, with empathy and care for their experience in therapy to be a positive one.

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 passionate clinical therapist who loves working with children, women, couples and families going through challenging times. Are you and your your child having trouble communicating? Are you and your spouse having trouble communicating? Do you see them going through a hard time, long to help but don't know how? Do you suffer from Bipolar Disorder? I am here for you. Do you feel undone by anxiety or depression and don't know how to "shake it off"?

I am passionate about the power of the therapeutic process and helping individuals and families find hope and healing. Together, we will set goals and work towards achieving them - all at a pace that works best for you.

I specialize in working with adults, adolescents and families living with depression, anxiety, trauma, and challenges in relationships.

I run Unscripted Therapy, a practice focused on helping people break out of stuck patters.

I work with individuals who are tired of having the same conversations and somehow ending up right back where they started. Whether it’s anxiety, stress, or relationship patterns that keep repeating, something isn’t working and at this point, that’s pretty clear.

My approach is direct, collaborative, and focused on actually changing what’s not working. I’m not going to just sit there nodding while you vent and then ask how that made you feel for the tenth time. We’ll figure out what’s keeping you stuck and start doing something different about it.

Therapy with me is honest, practical, and yes, sometimes a little blunt. But it’s also real. If you’re looking for something that actually helps you move forward (not just talk about why you’re stuck), we’ll probably be a good fit.

Please note: Insurance is accepted for individual therapy only. Couples and family therapy are private pay and are not billed through insurance.

Hi. First, I want to congratulate you for taking the initiative to start a new journey in your life. This chapter of your life, may be a difficult one. However, by you being here, you are demonstrating that you are ready for a change. Making the decision to get counseling support is not easy. I work with substance abuse and recovery, marriage and family, relationship issues, domestic violence recovery, trauma, abuse, recovery through movement, exercise, sports and activity and identity concerns. I offer a safe space for my clients to talk openly & honestly to me about whatever your concerns are.

Please contact my Practice Manager, Zoey McGee, at (951) 216.1760 via phone or text to schedule an appointment.

For the past 20 years, I've worked across private practices, youth development centers, schools, and mental health clinics. My passion is to work with adults navigating major life transitions. Whether you are a college student or approaching retirement, my hope is to walk alongside you during this time of change and uncertainty; to help create the conditions for you to reconnect with your authentic self and remember what lights you up. We can explore ways to recognize and acknowledge your anxiety that moves beyond words. Incorporating expressive arts, guided imagery, and embodied exercises to help you strengthen your awareness with your emotions and rewrite old narratives.