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Addiction therapists & psychiatrists in San Diego, CA


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.
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
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


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, CA
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
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