Find a therapist in La Mesa, CA — covered by insurance
Top therapists in La Mesa, CA accepting new patients
Find mental health support in La Mesa with 8,971 licensed providers ready to help. Whether you're in Grossmont, Spring Valley, or nearby neighborhoods, access talk therapy and medication management through flexible in-person or virtual sessions. Many patients save 75% on care with insurance coverage.
Whether you're a professional navigating workplace stress and burnout, an athlete managing performance pressure, or someone carrying more responsibility than most, therapy can help you find your footing without sacrificing what you've built. I have particular expertise working with first responders, healthcare workers, and professionals in high-stress fields who carry the emotional weight of demanding work — and who need support that meets them where they actually are. I also work with adolescents and young athletes navigating the mental and emotional demands of competitive sport — from performance anxiety and burnout to the pressure of trying to reach the next level.
I believe every person is unique with their own story to tell. Working with people is my passion and I bring every tool I have learned both professional and in my own life to meet a person's goals in therapy.
I am a clinical psychologist working in San Diego, with over 20 years of experience. I earned a BA in Psychology from University of California Santa Barbara, and a Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology from Alliant International University (formerly California School of Professional Psychology). I completed a postdoctoral fellowship in substance use disorders at the San Diego Veteran's Affairs Healthcare System. I have expertise in working with depression, anxiety, mood disorders, substance use problems, relationship issues, and assertiveness. I also conduct psychological testing for questions around ADHD, Autism, mood disorders, giftedness, learning problems, and personality issues, among others. I believe psychotherapy is a collaborative process to help clients understand themselves better, achieve goals, and become one's best self.
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 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.
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.
Theresa Russell - Porta Verum Psychotherapy Services
Therapist
Virtual & in-person • 8.1 mi away • San Diego, CA
About our therapists located within 20 miles of La Mesa, CA
- 98%Anxiety
- 94%Depression
- 90%Stress management
- 87%Relationship issues
- 74%Family issues
- 100%Aetna
- 66%Anthem Blue Cross California
- 63%Carelon Behavioral Health
- 53%Providence Health Plan
- 50%Cigna
- 90%English
- 29%Spanish
- 2%American Sign Language
- 2%Arabic
- 2%French
- 94%In-person or online
- 6%In-person only
- 69%Woman
- 31%Man
- 56%Licensed Marriage/Family Therapist
- 18%Licensed Clinical Social Worker
- 13%Clinical Psychologist
- 10%Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor
- 2%Medical Doctor
- 100%Individual therapy
- 32%Family therapy
- 19%Child or adolescent therapy
- 15%Couples therapy
Frequently asked questions
Find the right therapist for you
Headway makes it easy to find support for your mental health — from finding the right provider, to understanding costs, to scheduling with ease.
Factors to Consider When Choosing a Therapist in La Mesa
Searching for therapists in La Mesa starts with finding someone whose experience matches what you want support with. Therapists can help with concerns such as anxiety, depression, relationship challenges, grief, trauma, and life transitions. As you compare options, look for a therapist whose listed specialties, therapy style, and experience fit your needs. Bios can help you understand whether a therapist uses approaches like cognitive behavioral therapy, dialectical behavior therapy, or trauma-informed care.
La Mesa is a smaller city within the San Diego area, so local in-person options may vary by neighborhood, schedule, and office location. Virtual therapy can expand your search to therapists licensed in California, while in-person care may be a better fit if you prefer a local office near La Mesa, Grossmont, Spring Valley, or nearby parts of San Diego County. As you narrow your search, review appointment availability, whether the therapist is accepting new patients, and whether a free phone consultation is offered. Reading profiles before booking can also show how a therapist describes their communication style and what to expect in a first session.
Therapy in La Mesa can be a significant expense without insurance. Using in-network insurance is one of the most reliable ways to reduce session costs and see an estimated out-of-pocket cost before you book. Headway helps you find therapists who match your preferences, accept a wide range of insurance plans, and offer direct booking for in-person or virtual appointments. You can browse therapists, review bios, and book when you’re ready.
Use left and right arrow keys to switch tabs. Press Shift+Tab to return to the tab list from links in the selected tab.