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Addiction therapists & psychiatrists in La Mesa, CA


Top addiction and substance use disorder therapists and psychiatrists in La Mesa, CA
La Mesa residents can connect with compassionate providers trained in substance use disorder treatment, recovery coaching, and relapse prevention within days. Headway accepts 70+ insurance plans nationally and offers free intake consultations to help you find the right fit for your recovery journey.
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
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 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.
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.
If you're here, chances are you've been carrying more than you were ever meant to carry alone. Whether you're struggling with anxiety, depression, trauma, relationship challenges or feeling stuck- I can help. I'm a licensed therapist with nearly 20 years of experience in the field helping individuals and couples create lasting, meaningful change.
Together, we’ll identify what brings you to therapy, we'll gently look at where you're feeling stuck and examine the patterns that are no longer serving you. Then, with evidence-based interventions we'll modify these patterns leading to lasting meaningful change.
My formal clinical training was received through the Department of Veterans Affairs, where I gained extensive experience providing evidence-based psychotherapy to military veterans and their partners. I specialize in treating PTSD (combat and sexual trauma), Depression, Anxiety, Panic, Grief and Couples. My clinical training leans heavily on Cognitive Behavioral Therapy with emphasis on trauma informed and attachment focused perspectives.
I’m Thomas Moore, LPCC, a licensed professional clinical counselor providing therapy for individuals navigating anxiety, trauma, emotional overwhelm, identity development, and complex relational patterns. Many of the people I work with feel stuck in repeating cycles such as overthinking, people pleasing, emotional shutdown, intense reactions, or difficulty maintaining stable relationships even when they logically understand what they should do. My goal is to help you translate insight into real change.
My approach is structured and compassionate. I integrate evidence based methods including cognitive restructuring, emotional regulation training, interpersonal effectiveness skills, and trauma informed therapy. Sessions focus on understanding why your brain reacts the way it does and building practical tools you can actually use outside the therapy room. This is not only about talking through problems but learning how to respond differently when they show up in real life.
I work well with clients who want more than passive support and are ready to build skills, increase self awareness, and interrupt patterns that no longer serve them.
What clients should know before starting
Therapy with me is collaborative and active and you will learn strategies rather than only venting. We will work on understanding both the emotional and neurological side of your reactions. Sessions focus on present day functioning while also addressing past experiences that still affect you. I may gently challenge patterns when it supports growth while maintaining a supportive and respectful space. Progress often comes from small repeated changes rather than sudden breakthroughs.
If you are looking for therapy that combines validation with practical change, we will likely work well together.
Greetings,
My name is Christopher M Grasso, LPCC and I am a psychotherapist and professional clinical counselor. I have a Master of Arts Degree in Addiction studies with Integrated Recovery for Cooccurring Disorders and hold the professional license of LPCC (Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor). I have 7 years experience as a LAADC (Licensed Advanced Alcohol and Drug Counselor) in a residential recovery environment, and more than 2 years as an LPCC. I have been conducting one on one and group therapy, both in-person and remote, for the last 8 years and my specialized areas of treatment include:
· Addiction Related Behaviors
· Substance Abuse
· Trauma
· PTSD
· Depression
· General Anxiety
· Performance Anxiety
· Life Transitions
· And Grief & Loss
My goal is to be your partner in finding the change you desire.
Frequently asked questions


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