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Addiction therapists & psychiatrists in San Diego, CA

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Top addiction and substance use disorder therapists and psychiatrists in San Diego, CA

Whether you're navigating recovery from drug addiction, alcohol use disorder, or behavioral addictions in San Diego, Headway's network of compassionate providers offers personalized treatment plans including harm reduction, SMART recovery, and 12-step facilitation therapy. With 70+ insurance plans accepted and average savings of 75% on sessions, support for your sobriety journey is accessible.

Dr. Gina Zirpoli Woodford

Dr. Gina Zirpoli Woodford

Psychologist

Virtual & in-person • <1 mi away • San Diego, CA


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.

Substance use / addiction, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder
Empowering, Inquisitive, Warm
Accepts 10 insurance carriers

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
Dr. Joseph Ritkes

Dr. Joseph Ritkes

Therapist

Virtual & in-person • 1.8 mi away • San Diego, CA


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.

Substance use / addiction, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Depression
Affirming, Open-minded, Warm
Accepts 8 insurance carriers

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
Kelly Carll

Kelly Carll

Therapist

Virtual & in-person • 2.9 mi away • San Diego, CA


“I believe that therapy should be a safe, collaborative space where clients feel empowered to make decisions that most align with their values and needs.”
Substance use / addiction, ADD/ADHD, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder, Chronic conditions
Affirming, Open-minded, Warm
Accepts 2 insurance carriers

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
Shira Rose-Levy

Shira Rose-Levy

Therapist

Virtual & in-person • 3.6 mi away • San Diego, CA


“Healing doesn't require having everything figured out. Wherever you are in your journey, support is available, and meaningful change is possible.”
Substance use / addiction, Anxiety, Depression, Eating disorders, PTSD
Empowering, Open-minded, Warm
Accepts 8 insurance carriers
William Holloway

William Holloway

Therapist

Virtual & in-person • 4 mi away • San Diego, CA


“My approach is active, collaborative, and deeply grounded in the present moment. I believe therapy should be more than just a place to vent; it should be a strategic partnership where you reclaim your life.”
Substance use / addiction, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder, Chronic conditions
Holistic, Participatory, Solution-oriented
Accepts 5 insurance carriers
Micaela Cappa

Micaela Cappa

Therapist

Virtual & in-person • <1 mi away • San Diego, CA


“Her goal is that the client experiences a safe, non-judgmental place in the therapeutic relationship where they can work through their "stuff" in their own personal journey of healing.”
Substance use / addiction, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder, Depression
Inquisitive, Solution-oriented, Warm
Accepts 14 insurance carriers
Claudia Villarreal

Claudia Villarreal

Therapist

Virtual & in-person • 6.9 mi away • Chula Vista, CA


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.

Substance use / addiction, ADD/ADHD, Anxiety, Cultural & ethnic issues, Depression
Empowering, Energetic, Solution-oriented
Accepts 15 insurance carriers

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
Carson Jaffrey

Carson Jaffrey

Therapist

Virtual & in-person • 7.5 mi away • San Diego, CA


“Grief, desperation, and self-inflicted suffering brought me to the point of reaching out for help many years ago and soon the seas began to calm.”
Substance use / addiction, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder, Depression
Affirming, Direct, Inquisitive
Accepts 9 insurance carriers
Nuri Ohn

Nuri Ohn

Psychiatric Mental Health NP

Virtual & in-person • 4.4 mi away • San Diego, CA


“I specialize in helping adults with anxiety, depression, or ADHD when medications haven't worked well or have caused unwanted side effects.”
Substance use / addiction, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder
Direct, Solution-oriented, Warm
Accepts 9 insurance carriers
Jennifer Smith

Jennifer Smith

Therapist

Virtual & in-person • 4.8 mi away • San Diego, CA


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.

Substance use / addiction, Anxiety, Depression, Family issues, Grief or loss
Affirming, Holistic, Warm
Accepts 4 insurance carriers
Mark Raskin

Mark Raskin

Therapist

Virtual & in-person • 3.8 mi away • San Diego, CA


“Mark is a supportive, perceptive and skilled therapist, offering a safe therapeutic space, and capable of being fully present with his clients.”
Substance use / addiction, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder
Humorous, Open-minded, Warm
Accepts 5 insurance carriers
Pamela Joy Abao

Pamela Joy Abao

Psychiatric Mental Health NP

Virtual & in-person • 3.8 mi away • San Diego, CA


“My approach is personalized and collaborative. My goal is to provide a safe, compassionate, culturally responsive, and nonjudgmental environment where you feel heard, respected, and actively involved in decisions about your psychiatric medications...”
Substance use / addiction, ADD/ADHD, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder, Cultural & ethnic issues
Direct, Energetic, Holistic
Accepts 10 insurance carriers
Rachel Gasca

Rachel Gasca

Therapist

Virtual & in-person • 4.1 mi away • San Diego, CA


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.

Substance use / addiction, ADD/ADHD, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder, Cultural & ethnic issues
Direct, Empowering, Open-minded
Accepts 3 insurance carriers
Eileen Castro

Eileen Castro

Therapist

Virtual & in-person • 4.9 mi away • San Diego, CA


“I also have experience supporting men through substance use and recovery, helping them work through challenges and build a more grounded and fulfilling life.”
Substance use / addiction, ADD/ADHD, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder, Depression
Direct, Open-minded, Warm
Accepts 5 insurance carriers

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
Fabian Escobedo

Fabian Escobedo

Therapist

Virtual & in-person • 7.8 mi away • Chula Vista, CA


“I have trainings in trauma-focused therapies and can hold space even for the most sensitive and personal experiences people have lived.”
Substance use / addiction, Anger management, Anxiety, Cultural & ethnic issues, Depression
Empowering, Humorous, Open-minded
Accepts 2 insurance carriers

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
Terence Shigg

Terence Shigg

Therapist

Virtual & in-person • 7.9 mi away • La Mesa, CA


“I want all of my clients to strenghten their personal development tools so that eventually they can become more self-aware and self-correcting.”
Substance use / addiction, Anger management, Anxiety, Cultural & ethnic issues, Depression
Challenging, Creative, Warm
Accepts 12 insurance carriers
Dr. Darryl Moore

Dr. Darryl Moore

Psychologist

Virtual & in-person • 8.7 mi away • Temecula, CA


“As an interactive therapist I use an integration of complimentary approaches, I offer a highly personalized approach tailored to each client.”
Substance use / addiction, Depression, LGBTQIA+, Men's issues, Relationship issues
Direct, Open-minded, Warm
Accepts 9 insurance carriers
Sokia Shehee

Sokia Shehee

Therapist

Virtual & in-person • 4 mi away • San Diego, CA


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

Substance use / addiction, ADD/ADHD, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder, Depression
Empowering, Solution-oriented, Warm
Accepts 15 insurance carriers
Ashley Quiroz

Ashley Quiroz

Psychologist

Virtual & in-person • 4 mi away • San Diego, CA


“With over fifteen years of clinical experience, I focus on individual, couples, and family therapy for adults 18 and older.”
Substance use / addiction, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder
Humorous, Solution-oriented, Warm
Accepts 3 insurance carriers
Rosemarie Sachs

Rosemarie Sachs

Therapist

Virtual & in-person • 7.8 mi away • Chula Vista, CA


“I am a therapist that builds all therapeutic services and contacts on the foundation of the humanistic approach, that is, a relational style that includes being empathetic, real and genuine as well as being affirming to others.”
Substance use / addiction, Anxiety, Cultural & ethnic issues, Depression, Family issues
Affirming, Empowering, Inquisitive
Accepts 5 insurance carriers

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
Brian Lamoreux

Brian Lamoreux

Therapist

Virtual & in-person • 9.9 mi away • San Diego, CA


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.

Substance use / addiction, ADD/ADHD, Anxiety, Chronic conditions, Depression
Empowering, Open-minded, Warm
Accepts 5 insurance carriers

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
Dr. Roger Brian Storrs

Dr. Roger Brian Storrs

Psychologist

In-person • 14 mi away • San Diego, CA


“The foundation of my training comes from Neo-Freudian thinking and practice, holding an optimistic view of personality development.”
Substance use / addiction, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder
Empowering, Inquisitive, Solution-oriented
Accepts 2 insurance carriers

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
Denise Ross

Denise Ross

Therapist

Virtual & in-person • 18 mi away • Del Mar, CA


“With over 25 years of experience, I use a mix of practical, supportive approaches that meet you where you are.”
Substance use / addiction, Anxiety, Depression, Family issues, PTSD
Humorous, Open-minded, Warm
Accepts 7 insurance carriers

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
Dr. Kyle Glover

Dr. Kyle Glover

Psychologist

Virtual & in-person • 21 mi away • San Diego, CA


“Therapy can be more than "getting by"—it can be about opening space for freedom, meaning, and the life you truly want to live.”
Substance use / addiction, Anxiety, Depression, Family issues, Grief or loss
Humorous, Inquisitive, Open-minded
Accepts 9 insurance carriers

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
John Boyce

John Boyce

Therapist

Virtual & in-person • 23 mi away • Encinitas, CA


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.

Substance use / addiction, Anxiety, Depression, Eating disorders, Grief or loss
Affirming, Open-minded, Participatory
Accepts 16 insurance carriers
Jacob Sadan

Jacob Sadan

Therapist

Virtual & in-person • 24 mi away • Encinitas, CA


“I bring genuine curiosity, directness, and yes, humor into sessions — because healing doesn't have to feel like homework.”
Substance use / addiction, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder
Direct, Holistic, Humorous
Accepts 5 insurance carriers
Carolyn Millikin

Carolyn Millikin

Therapist

Virtual & in-person • Vista, CA


“My clients feel seen and understood following our sessions. They have new coping skills and are validated as they progress.”
Substance use / addiction, Anxiety, Depression, End of life care, Grief or loss
Affirming, Empowering, Open-minded
Accepts 11 insurance carriers
Gabriel Davis

Gabriel Davis

Therapist

Virtual & in-person • Fallbrook, CA


“My approach is rooted in supporting clients to reconnect deeply with their authentic selves, fostering renewed health, and rediscovering a sense of purpose and connection.”
Substance use / addiction, ADD/ADHD, Anxiety, Chronic conditions, Cultural & ethnic issues
Direct, Empowering, Solution-oriented
Accepts 4 insurance carriers
Gemma Holmes

Gemma Holmes

Therapist

Virtual & in-person • Temecula, CA


“For 10+ years, I have sought to improve the lives of youth struggling with issues as varied as housing displacement, gender identity, suicidal ideation, & anger management...”
Substance use / addiction, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder
Affirming, Empowering, Holistic
Accepts 8 insurance carriers

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
Mika Heinonen

Mika Heinonen

Therapist

Virtual & in-person • Temecula, CA


Hey there—I'm Mika, a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT) who's here for real talk and real support for adults and teens right here in Southern California. I've spent years helping people work through tough life events like trauma, addictions, ADHD, burnout from high-pressure jobs, anxiety, depression, and rocky relationships. What I love most is seeing folks step into their strength and build the life they want—I'm here to walk that path with you, no judgment, just genuine care.

Substance use / addiction, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder
Creative, Empowering, Solution-oriented
Accepts 7 insurance carriers
Kristen Garubba

Kristen Garubba

Therapist

Virtual & in-person • San Juan Capistrano, CA


“She takes a special interest in trauma, substance abuse, depression, anxiety, fertility issues complex PTSD, and family relational issues.”
Substance use / addiction, Anxiety, Depression, PTSD, Trauma
Empowering, Energetic, Warm
Accepts 5 insurance carriers

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
Aaron Capen

Aaron Capen

Therapist

Virtual & in-person • Murrieta, CA


“Clients can expect safety and acceptance, not judgment. I also want each person I meet to feel seen and heard.”
Substance use / addiction, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder, Depression, Family issues
Humorous, Inquisitive, Warm
Accepts 5 insurance carriers
Marissa Melhuse

Marissa Melhuse

Therapist

Virtual & in-person • San Juan Capistrano, CA


“My goal is to meet you exactly where you are, offering practical tools, fresh perspectives, and compassionate support to help ease the weight of anxiety, depression, trauma, and life transitions.”
Substance use / addiction, Anger management, Anxiety, Depression, Family issues
Inquisitive, Open-minded, Warm
Accepts 11 insurance carriers

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
Jennifer Otis

Jennifer Otis

Therapist

Virtual • California


“Therapy with me is an active, collaborative partnership designed around your strengths rather than your struggles.”
Substance use / addiction, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder
Empowering, Open-minded, Solution-oriented
Accepts 5 insurance carriers
Christian Lozano

Christian Lozano

Therapist

Virtual • California


“I hold specialty certifications in trauma treatment, Dialectical Behavior Therapy, and mindfulness-informed practice, and I've completed Acceptance and Commitment Therapy training under Dr. Richard Sears.”
Substance use / addiction, Anger management, Anxiety, Cultural & ethnic issues, Depression
Direct, Humorous, Warm
Accepts 6 insurance carriers
Diane Hough

Diane Hough

Therapist

Virtual • California


“My goal is to create a space where you feel comfortable, understood, and accepted from our very first conversation.”
Substance use / addiction, ADD/ADHD, Anxiety, Cultural & ethnic issues, Depression
Empowering, Open-minded, Warm
Accepts 5 insurance carriers

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
Sean Roche

Sean Roche

Psychologist

Virtual • California


“My goal as your therapist is to help you gain clarity, build effective tools, and move toward a life that feels more manageable and meaningful.”
Substance use / addiction, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Chronic conditions
Empowering, Humorous, Warm
Accepts 3 insurance carriers

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
Christina Mander

Christina Mander

Therapist

Virtual • California


“I'm trained in multiple modalities including Psychodynamic, Attachment Theories, Mindfulness, Humanistic, and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy.”
Substance use / addiction, Anger management, Anxiety, Depression, End of life care
Direct, Humorous, Warm
Accepts 8 insurance carriers

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
Dr. James Armour

Dr. James Armour

Therapist

Virtual • California


I’m a licensed clinical social worker who specializes in helping children, adolescents, adults, couples, and families navigate anxiety, depression, panic, trauma, PTSD, and other life stressors. With experience in psychiatric crisis care and community outreach, I believe healing starts with feeling safe enough to show up. My goal is to offer real, judgment-free support that meets you where you are and helps you move toward lasting growth.

Substance use / addiction, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder
Affirming, Empowering, Humorous
Accepts 7 insurance carriers
Ifunanya Ifeacho

Ifunanya Ifeacho

Psychiatric Mental Health NP

Virtual • California


“My work sits at the intersection of psychiatry, primary care, and behavioral health — because I believe that true healing requires treating the whole person, not just a diagnosis.”
Substance use / addiction, ADD/ADHD, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder, Depression
Holistic, Open-minded, Solution-oriented
Accepts 7 insurance carriers

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

Number of therapists within 20 miles of San Diego, CA
There are over 22 therapists in San Diego, CA accepting new patients.
22+
Average years in practice
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11 years
Top specialties offered
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  • 100%Substance use / addiction
  • 100%Depression
  • 95%Anxiety
  • 91%Stress management
  • 91%Trauma
Insurances accepted
Watercolor illustration of insurance cards
  • 100%Aetna
  • 68%Anthem Blue Cross California
  • 68%Carelon Behavioral Health
  • 55%Providence Health Plan
  • 50%Blue Cross Blue Shield of Massachusetts
Languages spoken
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  • 86%English
  • 18%Spanish
  • 5%Korean
How they see their clients
Watercolor illustration of therapy session
  • 95%In-person or online
  • 5%In-person only
Provider gender
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  • 55%Woman
  • 45%Man
License types
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  • 36%Licensed Clinical Social Worker
  • 36%Licensed Marriage/Family Therapist
  • 18%Clinical Psychologist
  • 5%Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor
  • 5%Nurse Practitioner
Treatment approaches
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  • 100%Individual therapy
  • 36%Family therapy
  • 23%Child or adolescent therapy
  • 23%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.

Factors to Consider When Choosing an Addiction Therapist in San Diego

Finding addiction therapists in San Diego starts with knowing what kind of support fits your needs. Addiction care can include support for alcohol use, drug use, prescription substance concerns, gambling, compulsive behaviors, and co-occurring concerns like anxiety, depression, or trauma. As you compare therapists, look for training that matches your goals, such as motivational interviewing, cognitive behavioral therapy for substance use, harm reduction, or coordination with a prescriber when medication management may be part of your care team.

San Diego has many therapists across neighborhoods like Hillcrest, North Park, La Jolla, and Chula Vista, which can make the search feel broad. Location matters, especially if you prefer in-person sessions near work, school, transit, or home. Virtual appointments can also expand your options if schedule, commute, or privacy matters most. As you narrow your search, review whether each therapist is accepting new patients, offers appointment times that fit your calendar, and has experience with addiction recovery. Reading bios can help you understand how a therapist talks about relapse, harm reduction, accountability, and long-term support.

Therapy in San Diego can be a significant investment without insurance. Using in-network insurance is one of the most reliable ways to reduce session costs and make ongoing support easier to plan. Headway helps you find addiction therapists, see estimated costs before you book, compare available appointment times, and confirm coverage for your specific plan on Headway. You can browse therapists, review bios, and book directly when you’re ready.

If you or someone you know is experiencing severe withdrawal symptoms — especially from alcohol or benzodiazepines — talk to a medical provider or seek emergency care before starting outpatient therapy. If you or someone you know is struggling with addiction or substance use and is in a crisis, immediately reach out to:

* 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline — call or text 988 * SAMHSA National Helpline — 1-800-662-HELP (4357), free, confidential, 24/7 * Crisis Text Line — text HOME to 741741

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