Skip to main content
Headway

Book addiction counseling, covered by insurance

Addiction therapists & psychiatrists in La Mesa, CA

Therapist and patient in a therapy session
Calculator Illustration
Get a cost estimate
People with insurance pay as low as $0 per session through Headway

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.

Michelle Holguin

Michelle Holguin

Therapist

Virtual • Fresno, CA


“My style is interactive and optimistic, and I support clients in trusting themselves in this process.”
Substance use / addiction, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder
Creative, Open-minded, Warm
Accepts 6 insurance carriers
Holly Shannon

Holly Shannon

Psychiatric Mental Health NP

Virtual • East Palo Alto, CA


I'm Holly, a board-certified Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner with 23 years of clinical experience in psychiatric care and maternal-child health. This dual background has shaped how I see mental health: not as something separate from the rest of your life, but deeply woven into every transition, relationship, and challenge you face. My work taught me that women's mental health—especially during pregnancy, postpartum, and hormonal transitions—requires specialized understanding and individualized care.

I provide comprehensive psychiatric treatment for adults across a broad spectrum of conditions: perinatal mood and anxiety disorders, OCD, PTSD and trauma-related disorders, personality disorders, depression, anxiety, panic disorder, bipolar disorder, and schizophrenia spectrum conditions. I have particular expertise in women's mental health throughout the reproductive years, though I welcome anyone seeking compassionate, evidence-based care.

My approach is straightforward: effective treatment should fit your real life. I combine psychiatric interventions—including medication management when appropriate—with practical therapeutic strategies and lifestyle modifications that actually work for you. I'll help you understand what's happening, why it's happening, and what options make sense for your unique situation.

What matters most to me is seeing you as a whole person—not just a diagnosis. You have strengths, values, relationships, and goals that deserve attention alongside your symptoms. Whether you're managing a long-standing condition, processing trauma, navigating major life changes, or simply seeking better balance, you deserve a provider who recognizes your potential and partners with you toward sustainable wellness.

Substance use / addiction, ADD/ADHD, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder, Chronic conditions
Direct, Holistic, Warm
Accepts 12 insurance carriers
Michael Nguyen

Michael Nguyen

Psychiatric Mental Health NP

Virtual • Westlake Village, CA


“My approach emphasizes both evidence-based treatments and the healing power of being truly understood by someone who isn't intimidated by complexity.”
Substance use / addiction, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Bipolar disorder, Depression
Empowering, Humorous, Warm
Accepts 8 insurance carriers
Jin LI

Jin LI

Psychiatric Mental Health NP

Virtual • Los Angeles, CA


Hi, I'm Jin Li, a board-certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP) with over a decade of experience in neurological and psychiatric care. I specialize in treating anxiety, depression, ADHD, sleep issues, and stress-related conditions. My background in both Western psychiatry and functional/integrative medicine allows me to provide a whole-person, root-cause-informed approach to care.

I’m bilingual in English and Mandarin Chinese, and I value culturally sensitive, trauma-informed, and collaborative healing relationships. Whether you're navigating emotional overwhelm, hormonal shifts, or brain fog, I’m here to support you with empathy and expertise.

You can learn more about my practice at: https://www.lotusmind-care.com/

Substance use / addiction, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder
Empowering, Holistic, Warm
Accepts 6 insurance carriers
Kristine Mbamalu

Kristine Mbamalu

Psychiatric Mental Health NP

Virtual • California


“Clients will walk away knowing they have the ability to reach their highest potential and accomplish all their goals!”
Substance use / addiction, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder
Energetic, Holistic, Open-minded
Accepts 12 insurance carriers

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
Theresa Rodriguez

Theresa Rodriguez

Therapist

Virtual • California


“My therapeutic approach is marked by compassion and directness, creating a non-judgmental and supportive environment that embraces individuals as they are.”
Substance use / addiction, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder
Affirming, Humorous, Warm
Accepts 19 insurance carriers
Sarah Jackson Garcia

Sarah Jackson Garcia

Therapist

Virtual • California


“My goal is to support clients in their healing in a way that fits them, because no two people are the same.”
Substance use / addiction, Anxiety, Depression, Family issues, Grief or loss
Empowering, Solution-oriented, Warm
Accepts 5 insurance carriers
Hannah Mira

Hannah Mira

Therapist

Virtual • San Clemente, CA


“I believe it is my privilege and honor as a therapist to create safe spaces for people to heal from the individuals and systems that have harmed them.”
Substance use / addiction, ADD/ADHD, Anxiety, Family issues, Identity issues
Direct, Humorous, Warm
Accepts 6 insurance carriers
Hua Zhong

Hua Zhong

Therapist

Virtual & in-person • San Jose, CA


“As a bilingual therapist offering services in both English and Mandarin Chinese, I am passionate about making therapy accessible and culturally responsive for diverse communities.”
Substance use / addiction, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder, Cultural & ethnic issues
Holistic, Inquisitive, Warm
Accepts 7 insurance carriers
Rami Anabtawi

Rami Anabtawi

Therapist

Virtual • California


“My approach is direct, curious, collaborative, and nonjudgmental. I don't believe one therapeutic approach works for everyone, so I draw from different perspectives and interventions depending on the person in front of me.”
Substance use / addiction, ADD/ADHD, Anxiety, Depression, Relationship issues
Direct, Open-minded, Solution-oriented
Accepts 7 insurance carriers
Grant Robinson

Grant Robinson

Therapist

Virtual • Newport Beach, CA


“I offer an authentic and trusted healing experience using empathy, reflection, and a variety of coping skills to empower and create healthy change.”
Substance use / addiction, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Depression
Direct, Empowering, Warm
Accepts 5 insurance carriers

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
James Maher

James Maher

Therapist

Virtual • California


“I listen and try to clarify by asking questions to obtain a better understanding and then utilize techniques I have learned over the years mainly relying on Cognitive Behavioral therapy and Cognitive Processing Therapy for Trauma as well as stress...”
Substance use / addiction, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder, Chronic conditions
Affirming, Inquisitive, Solution-oriented
Accepts 7 insurance carriers
Megan Ward

Megan Ward

Therapist

Virtual • California


Are you feeling overwhelmed by anxiety, grief, trauma, relationship stress, or family boundaries? I support adults with anxiety, depression, OCD, postpartum concerns, trauma, PTSD, grief, substance use, and relationship challenges. I especially support daughters of narcissistic mothers and people navigating estrangement or no contact. I welcome all races, genders, identities, LGBTQIA+ clients, and neurodivergent adults, including those with ADHD or ADD. As a licensed clinical social worker with over a decade of experience, I offer warmth, empathy, and respect for how identity and life shapes what you carry.

Substance use / addiction, ADD/ADHD, Anxiety, Chronic conditions, Depression
Affirming, Open-minded, Solution-oriented
Accepts 4 insurance carriers
Tasha Kahoalii

Tasha Kahoalii

Therapist

Virtual • California


Hi, I’m a clinical social worker who believes that therapy starts with feeling heard, understood, and accepted for who you are. I earned my Master of Social Work from The Ohio State University, and I approach therapy with curiosity, compassion, and a genuine interest in getting to know the person behind the challenges that bring them to therapy.

Substance use / addiction, Anger management, Anxiety, Cultural & ethnic issues, Depression
Empowering, Open-minded, Warm
Accepts 4 insurance carriers
Sage Coler

Sage Coler

Psychologist

Virtual • California


“My goal is to create a supportive space where clients feel understood, empowered, and equipped with the tools to move toward the life they want.”
Substance use / addiction, Anxiety, Depression, Grief or loss, Relationship issues
Inquisitive, Open-minded, Warm
Accepts 3 insurance carriers
Lorne Lieberman

Lorne Lieberman

Therapist

Virtual • Los Angeles, CA


“I believe, it is not 'what' we are facing but how we are 'relating' that makes the difference in our life outcomes.”
Substance use / addiction, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder
Empowering, Holistic, Warm
Accepts 6 insurance carriers

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
Lan Vu

Lan Vu

Therapist

Virtual • California


“My style in all sessions is warm, non-judgmental, and collaborative to create a safe space for you to navigate through any difficulties you are experiencing in a way that feels meaningful.”
Substance use / addiction, ADD/ADHD, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder, Cultural & ethnic issues
Empowering, Humorous, Inquisitive
Accepts 7 insurance carriers

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
Barney Straus

Barney Straus

Therapist

Virtual • California


“I specialize in helping people recover from additions and compulsive behaviors, such as online porn use and gambling.”
Substance use / addiction, Anxiety, Depression, Eating disorders, Men's issues
Direct, Open-minded, Solution-oriented
Accepts 4 insurance carriers
Mike Strauss

Mike Strauss

Therapist

Virtual • California


Hi! Im Mike Strauss and I specialize in anxiety, PTSD, depression and substance abuse. With my own background as an addict now with 17 years clean and sober, I organically found my purpose as a clinician. What initially started with drug and alcohol counseling immediately turned into something bigger, as I pursued a master’s degree in social work. Understanding that addiction is but a symptom of underlying fears and traumas resulting in mood disorders, I was able to REALLY look at myself as I encourage my clients to do during their journeys toward self-realization.

Substance use / addiction, Anxiety, Depression, Family issues, Grief or loss
Challenging, Empowering, Open-minded
Accepts 7 insurance carriers

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
Rachel Jenkins Stevens

Rachel Jenkins Stevens

Therapist

Virtual • California


“I'm listening for feelings, themes, patterns, and especially experiences that haven't been articulated or spoken out loud yet.”
Substance use / addiction, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder
Direct, Open-minded, Warm
Accepts 4 insurance carriers

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
Dr. Darrin Erb

Dr. Darrin Erb

Therapist

Virtual • California


I have spent over 40 years teaching, training, and developing mental health programs for individuals from 4 to 84 find hope once again. I am a life-long learner and add at least one certificate a year to ensure clients are given multiple approaches to what they encounter. I am very honest and direct, but also understand the need for pause and reflection. You know the level of your pain and suffering. My job is to meet you where you are and lead you to the place you want to go.

Substance use / addiction, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder
Challenging, Humorous, Solution-oriented
Accepts 7 insurance carriers
Sarah Udor

Sarah Udor

Psychiatric Mental Health NP

Virtual & in-person • Sausalito, CA


“My expertise is in delivering comprehensive healthcare that addresses both physical and psychological aspects of wellness.”
Substance use / addiction, ADD/ADHD, Anxiety, Depression, Family issues
Holistic, Participatory, Solution-oriented
Accepts 7 insurance carriers
Mauricio Mairena

Mauricio Mairena

Therapist

Virtual • California


“I like to take a non judgmental, collaborative and holistic approach in order to consider all areas of life and improve the individual's quality of life.”
Substance use / addiction, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder, Cultural & ethnic issues
Challenging, Holistic, Solution-oriented
Accepts 9 insurance carriers
Baleska Alfaro

Baleska Alfaro

Therapist

Virtual • California


“I believe therapy is most effective when it is collaborative, compassionate, and tailored to your unique experiences and goals.”
Substance use / addiction, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder
Affirming, Inquisitive, Warm
Accepts 8 insurance carriers

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
Therese Apontti

Therese Apontti

Therapist

Virtual • California


“My style is warm and inquisitive, but also proactive. We'll get curious about the patterns that show up in your life, and see whether they still serve you.”
Substance use / addiction, ADD/ADHD, Anxiety, Cultural & ethnic issues, Depression
Inquisitive, Participatory, Warm
Accepts 5 insurance carriers
Jessica Mosqueda

Jessica Mosqueda

Therapist

Virtual • California


“I believe therapy should be a safe place. I create a non-judgmental environment where patients feel they can unwrap their feelings and really dive into what they are experiencing.”
Substance use / addiction, Anxiety, Chronic conditions, Depression, End of life care
Empowering, Solution-oriented, Warm
Accepts 6 insurance carriers
Jeana Owens

Jeana Owens

Therapist

Virtual • California


“I am a trauma therapist with special interests in neurodiversity, LGBTQ+ issues, religious trauma, and grief.”
Substance use / addiction, Anxiety, Cultural & ethnic issues, Depression, End of life care
Affirming, Empowering, Warm
Accepts 10 insurance carriers
Jenna Brown

Jenna Brown

Therapist

Virtual • California


“I strive to create a compassionate, judgment-free environment where you feel heard, valued, and understood.”
Substance use / addiction, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder
Empowering, Open-minded, Warm
Accepts 6 insurance carriers
G. Max Landes

G. Max Landes

Therapist

Virtual • Pasadena, CA


If you keep circling the same patterns — in your relationships, your creative work, or the quiet anxiety underneath both — you already know that surface-level fixes haven't held. I work with individuals, couples, and adolescents navigating anxiety, relationship struggles, creative blocks, grief, and that hard-to-name feeling of being stuck. I'm a Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist, and after years working in the arts myself, I have a particular home with artists and creative professionals — people whose inner lives are their raw material.

Substance use / addiction, Anxiety, Depression, Family issues, Grief or loss
Creative, Holistic, Humorous
Accepts 5 insurance carriers

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
Bryan Strycula

Bryan Strycula

Therapist

Virtual • Rancho Cucamonga, CA


“My therapeutic approach is client centered, collaborative, and eclectic consisting of a wide array of theoretical orientations and modalities to suit your needs.”
Substance use / addiction, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder
Empowering, Open-minded, Solution-oriented
Accepts 9 insurance carriers
Dr. Nicole Penick

Dr. Nicole Penick

Psychologist

Virtual • California


“Nicole takes an integrative (humanistic and psychodynamic) approach to tackle the individual desires of each person.”
Substance use / addiction, ADD/ADHD, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder, Cultural & ethnic issues
Challenging, Humorous, Participatory
Accepts 14 insurance carriers
Dr. Shawn Silverstein

Dr. Shawn Silverstein

Psychologist

Virtual • California


“I approach all of the clinical work I do with cultural humility. I conceptualize my work with each client utilizing an eclectic approach that combines elements of Psychodynamic/Self-Psychological approaches, Motivational Interviewing and with...”
Substance use / addiction, Anger management, Anxiety, Chronic conditions, Depression
Participatory, Solution-oriented, Warm
Accepts 8 insurance carriers
Christian Yanez

Christian Yanez

Therapist

Virtual • California


I have experience working with individuals struggling with their mental health issues. Through therapy, we can discuss the areas of support that need your attention.

Substance use / addiction, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder
Challenging, Direct, Solution-oriented
Accepts 9 insurance carriers
Nimish Chakarwarti

Nimish Chakarwarti

Psychiatric Mental Health NP

Virtual • California


“I provide medication management alongside supportive therapy-informed care. My approach is comprehensive and collaborative...”
Substance use / addiction, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder
Creative, Empowering, Open-minded
Accepts 5 insurance carriers
Jaleesa Banks

Jaleesa Banks

Psychiatric Mental Health NP

Virtual • California


I am a board-certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP) who is passionate about providing compassionate, supportive, and individualized mental health care. I work with adolescents and adults who may be struggling with anxiety, depression, mood changes, trauma-related concerns, or life stressors.

Substance use / addiction, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder
Energetic, Open-minded, Warm
Accepts 6 insurance carriers
Mariela Gorosito

Mariela Gorosito

Psychologist

Virtual • California


“Building a trusting therapeutic relationship is one of the most important parts of my work because meaningful change begins when people feel safe enough to be themselves.”
Substance use / addiction, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder, Cultural & ethnic issues
Empowering, Solution-oriented, Warm
Accepts 7 insurance carriers
Deena Duncan

Deena Duncan

Therapist

Virtual • California


“I believe therapy works best when you can show up as yourself and feel genuinely heard, understood, and accepted.”
Substance use / addiction, Anger management, Anxiety, Depression, Eating disorders
Empowering, Holistic, Open-minded
Accepts 4 insurance carriers
Justin Sundgot-Smith

Justin Sundgot-Smith

Therapist

Virtual & in-person • Goleta, CA


“I especially enjoy working with people who are highly thoughtful, sensitive, creative, or introspective—and who may find themselves overthinking, putting significant pressure on themselves, or feeling disconnected from what they actually want.”
Substance use / addiction, Anxiety, Depression, Family issues, Grief or loss
Affirming, Creative, Holistic
Accepts 7 insurance carriers

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
Dr. Norma Rosales

Dr. Norma Rosales

Therapist

Virtual • San Fernando, CA


“Helping my clients grow, heal from trauma, and find solutions to their challenges has been a fulfilling journey...”
Substance use / addiction, Anger management, Anxiety, Depression, Eating disorders
Holistic, Solution-oriented, Warm
Accepts 8 insurance carriers
Benjamin Gage

Benjamin Gage

Therapist

Virtual • Los Angeles, CA


“Much of the work centers on trauma and anxiety: processing experiences that have not fully settled, and building new ways of responding so the same moments do not keep holding the same power.”
Substance use / addiction, ADD/ADHD, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder, Depression
Empowering, Open-minded, Warm
Accepts 5 insurance carriers

About our therapists who can help with addiction and substance use located within 20 miles of La Mesa, CA

Number of therapists within 20 miles of La Mesa, CA
There are over 25 therapists in La Mesa, CA accepting new patients.
25+
Average years in practice
Watercolor illustration of a bookshelf
12 years
Top specialties offered
Watercolor illustration of specialties
  • 100%Substance use / addiction
  • 100%Depression
  • 96%Anxiety
  • 88%Stress management
  • 88%Relationship issues
Insurances accepted
Watercolor illustration of insurance cards
  • 100%Aetna
  • 76%Anthem Blue Cross California
  • 68%Carelon Behavioral Health
  • 60%Blue Shield of California
  • 60%Providence Health Plan
Languages spoken
Watercolor illustration of languages
  • 84%English
  • 16%Spanish
  • 4%Korean
  • 4%Tagalog
How they see their clients
Watercolor illustration of therapy session
  • 96%In-person or online
  • 4%In-person only
Provider gender
Watercolor illustration of gender identity
  • 60%Woman
  • 40%Man
License types
Watercolor illustration of license
  • 36%Licensed Marriage/Family Therapist
  • 32%Licensed Clinical Social Worker
  • 20%Clinical Psychologist
  • 8%Nurse Practitioner
  • 4%Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor
Treatment approaches
Watercolor illustration of treatment approach
  • 100%Individual therapy
  • 28%Family therapy
  • 24%Child or adolescent therapy
  • 24%Couples therapy

Frequently asked questions

Therapy Chair

Happy patient looking away

Find the right addiction counselor for you

Headway makes it easier to find support for overcoming addiction — from finding the right provider, to understanding costs, to scheduling with ease.

Find a provider - your way

Use left and right arrow keys to switch tabs. Press Shift+Tab to return to the tab list from links in the selected tab.

1 Cost may vary based on your location, age, and insurance coverage.