Book a therapist or psychiatrist in San Diego, CA covered by United Healthcare

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 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

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!

I’m passionate about helping those seeking change in their lives. My education in multi-cultural counseling and social justice means that I approach each individual with empathy and awareness when it comes to navigating racial and gender identities, and life experiences. I understand we each have our own story and challenges, making the recovery and healing process unique for each of us. I help clients to identify and achieve small-scale, doable goals which build a foundation for lasting change.

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.

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

If you’re facing challenges with anxiety, depression, trauma, bipolar disorder, PTSD, or other mental health concerns, I’m here to help. I specialize in treating mood disorders, anxiety disorders, trauma-related conditions, and co-occurring substance use disorders. I offer a personalized, evidence-based approach that combines medication management with therapeutic techniques, tailored to your unique needs. My goal is to help you find relief, build resilience, and regain control over your life.

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"?

Through the course of my career I have primarily worked with individuals who are experiencing Depression and Anxiety, adjusting to life changes and transitions, having difficulty managing stress, and challenges with interpersonal relationships. I support healthy communication in relationships and explore parenting skills to encourage healthy family dynamics. I also work with the Deaf individuals and understand the cultural needs.

For nearly 13 years, I worked as a psychotherapist at a mens' long term substance abuse treatment program, The Fellowship Center, Inc. in Escondido California. I obtained several certifications as a drug and alcohol counselor, but I relied primarily on my training as a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist to perform individual psychotherapy for residents in the treatment program.

I also have obtained training in Eye Movement Desentitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) which I believe provides a robust treatment intervention for trauma. I now have 10 years experience using EMDR both in person and by telehealth with more than one hundred fifty clients.

I also have a strong interest in mindfulness and somatic interventions which I believe are essential in the integration of the treatment of both substance abuse and trauma.

In addition to trauma and substance abuse, I most frequently work with clients suffering from anxiety, depression, or complex grief.

Finally, I enjoy working with clients who are struggling in the midst of major life transitions.

I am a board-certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner and Family Nurse Practitioner with over 15 years of experience in healthcare. I work with adolescents, teenagers, and adults navigating anxiety, depression, stress, trauma, mood disorders, life transitions, and emotional burnout.

My goal is to create a safe, supportive, and judgment-free environment where clients feel heard, respected, and empowered. I understand that mental health is deeply connected to daily life, relationships, culture, and personal experiences, and I take a compassionate, whole-person approach to care.

I believe in going beyond the belief that all we can do is manage trauma and symptoms forever. I believe our mind, body, and spirit already has the power to overcome it, we just have to learn how to tap into it and put it to use