Find a therapist in San Diego, CA — covered by insurance


Top therapists in San Diego, CA accepting new patients
Seeking therapy in San Diego? Access 8,380 providers across neighborhoods including Mission Hills, Ocean Beach, and Hillcrest. Headway supports talk therapy and medication management with sessions available as soon as next day, often covered by insurance.
Danika Pflueger - Porta Verum Psychotherapy Services
Therapist
Virtual & in-person • 2.3 mi away • San Diego, CA
A lot of young men grow up getting the message that they're supposed to have it handled — keep it together, don't make it a big deal, figure it out on your own. So when anxiety, anger, low motivation, or just feeling lost starts piling up, reaching out for help can feel like the last thing they'd want to do. If that's you, or if you're a parent watching your son struggle and shut down, I get it — and I can help.
I'm a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, and I work primarily with teenage boys and young men. I've spent years working with guys in some of the hardest settings there are — residential treatment, high-acuity programs, and intensive work helping young men take an honest look at their choices, their patterns, and who they want to become. That experience taught me how to actually connect with someone who doesn't necessarily want to be in therapy, and how to make this feel less like a lecture and more like a real conversation.
My style is warm but direct, and I don't think therapy has to be heavy or stiff to work. I'll meet you exactly where you are — no judgment, no pressure to have it figured out — and we'll get into the real stuff at a pace that feels right. I also work with adults navigating anxiety, life transitions, and figuring out who they are, bringing that same grounded, real presence to the work.
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 have significant experience working in higher levels of care settings and with folks navigating suicidal ideation and self-harm.
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.
Hello, and welcome! I'm a Licensed Clinical Social Worker based in San Diego, CA. I specialize in helping individuals overcome the lasting effects of childhood experiences, as well as present traumas they may be facing. I have worked with adults, children and families in a variety of settings. I have provided space for people during the toughest of life transitions while teaching them tools to cope with the overwhelming emotions of grief and trauma. I’d like to be there for you too!
Hello and welcome! There is so much I want to share with you!
I acknowledge that finding a therapist can sometimes feel overwhelming because you want to find a good fit, someone who “gets” you, so I thank you for being here.
I identify as a Latinx, cis gender woman, feminist, BIPOC and LGBTQIA+ ally, and spiritual. I am the granddaughter of immigrants from Mexico and the daughter of working class parents. Before coming to Marriage and Family Therapy, I earned a Master’s degree in Women’s Studies, and wrote my thesis on the jurisprudence of Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg. I am aware of the dominant societal structures, narratives, expectations and pressures that can impact your story and how you live it. I look forward to being alongside you as you write a preferred story – one that is fully authored by you.
Prior to focusing on Marriage and Family Therapy, I worked for close to nineteen years in higher education leadership, advising and mentoring college students at a public university in Southern California. The relationships I fostered with students and the stories they shared with me inspired me to move into Marriage and Family Therapy. Like my work with the students, my therapy work is filled with compassion, empathy and understanding. And while there may sometimes be difficult conversations and tears in our work, I also invite in laughter, lightness and joy.
I am currently scheduling online and in-person appointments. I am available Mondays- Thursdays, and Saturdays.
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
I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist.I specialize in working with adolescents and adults who are struggling with anxiety disorders, OCD, phobias, and trauma.
You can visit my website for more information: https://www.thiwlodarskilmft.com
I'm a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist passionate about helping individuals, children, and families navigate life's challenges with strength and self-awareness. My style is collaborative, down-to-earth, and relational- I believe therapy should feel safe and empowering. Together, we'll explore on patterns, build resilience , and work toward meaningful change at your own pace.
About our therapists located within 20 miles of San Diego, CA



- 99%Anxiety
- 96%Depression
- 92%Stress management
- 91%Relationship issues
- 75%Trauma

- 99%Aetna
- 70%Carelon Behavioral Health
- 63%Anthem Blue Cross California
- 53%Cigna
- 47%Providence Health Plan

- 92%English
- 22%Spanish
- 4%French
- 3%Arabic
- 1%Farsi

- 95%In-person or online
- 5%In-person only

- 68%Woman
- 32%Man

- 55%Licensed Marriage/Family Therapist
- 21%Licensed Clinical Social Worker
- 13%Clinical Psychologist
- 11%Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor

- 100%Individual therapy
- 37%Family therapy
- 24%Couples therapy
- 18%Child or adolescent 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 an Anxiety Therapist in San Diego
Searching for therapists in San Diego starts with knowing what kind of support fits your needs. A San Diego therapist may help with anxiety, depression, relationship challenges, grief, trauma, or life transitions. As you compare options, look for a therapist whose listed specialties and approach match what you want to address. Some profiles mention methods like cognitive behavioral therapy, eye movement desensitization and reprocessing, or acceptance and commitment therapy, while others focus on areas like couples counseling in San Diego, identity-affirming care, or support for specific life stages.
San Diego has many therapists across neighborhoods like Hillcrest, Mission Hills, North Park, La Jolla, and Ocean Beach, which can make the search broad rather than simple. Consider whether you prefer an office near home, work, or school, or whether virtual sessions fit your schedule better. You can also narrow your search by appointment availability, whether a therapist is accepting new clients, and whether they offer a free phone consultation. Reading therapist profiles before booking can help you understand their communication style, session structure, and experience with concerns that matter to you.
Therapy in San Diego can be a significant expense without insurance. Using in-network insurance is one of the most reliable ways to reduce session costs and understand what you may pay before care begins. Headway helps you search for therapists in San Diego, CA, compare profiles, see estimated out-of-pocket costs, and book directly when you are ready. Nationally, Headway partners with 70+ insurance plans, and you can enter your plan details to confirm coverage for your location and specific benefits.
If you're experiencing or worried about violence, threats, or coercion in your relationship, couples therapy isn't usually the right starting point — individual support is safer. The National Domestic Violence Hotline (1-800-799-7233, or text START to 88788\) can help you think through next steps.
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