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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. Martha Gleason

Dr. Martha Gleason

Psychologist

Virtual • Pacific Grove, CA


I'm not here to just listen while you talk — I'm here to work with you. I show up warm, engaged, and genuinely invested in your growth. I'll ask thoughtful questions, offer honest feedback, and, when the moment feels right, gently challenge the beliefs or behaviors that may be keeping you stuck. You'll always feel heard and respected here, never judged.

Substance use / addiction, Anxiety, Chronic conditions, Depression, End of life care
Direct, Participatory, Solution-oriented
Accepts 4 insurance carriers

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
Stephanie Patrick-Calvillo

Stephanie Patrick-Calvillo

Psychiatric Mental Health NP

Virtual • San Diego, CA


“I take time to explore what's worked before, what hasn't, and why, because effective treatment is never one-size-fits-all.”
Substance use / addiction, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder
Holistic, Humorous, Warm
Accepts 8 insurance carriers
Noah Peter

Noah Peter

Psychiatric Mental Health NP

Virtual • Long Beach, CA


“My practice has a nonjudgmental environment where your feelings and experiences are respected and validated.”
Substance use / addiction, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder
Empowering, Open-minded, Solution-oriented
Accepts 10 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
Lauren Hanson

Lauren Hanson

Therapist

Virtual • California


“Using evidence-based tools like Narrative and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, along with creative Art Therapy interventions, I help you disrupt old thought patterns and reclaim your narrative.”
Substance use / addiction, ADD/ADHD, Anxiety, End of life care, Family issues
Empowering, Solution-oriented, Warm
Accepts 8 insurance carriers
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
Bridget Kleinert

Bridget Kleinert

Therapist

Virtual • California


“My approach is practical, collaborative, and insight-driven, helping you break down complex patterns and build actionable strategies for everyday life.”
Substance use / addiction, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Depression
Creative, Open-minded, Warm
Accepts 6 insurance carriers

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
Richard Houseal

Richard Houseal

Therapist

Virtual • Sacramento, CA


“My care approach is solution-oriented and short-term, but the results are aimed to be long-term through processing, reframing, and utilizing helpful and productive interventions.”
Substance use / addiction, Anger management, Anxiety, Cultural & ethnic issues, Depression
Direct, Empowering, Solution-oriented
Accepts 12 insurance carriers
Phillip McKinnon

Phillip McKinnon

Therapist

Virtual & in-person • Rancho Mirage, CA


I'm a therapist based in the Coachella Valley with a broad scope. I work with individuals, couples, families, and children navigating some of life's most difficult terrain: trauma and PTSD, anxiety and depression, substance use and addiction, family conflict, grief, anger, and the particular pressures that come with being a man in a culture that rarely teaches men how to ask for help.

I offer both in-person sessions in the valley and telehealth appointments throughout California. My approach is direct but never harsh, structured but never rigid. I don't believe in one-size-fits-all therapy, I meet you where you actually are.

Substance use / addiction, Anger management, Anxiety, Chronic conditions, Depression
Humorous, Open-minded, Warm
Accepts 8 insurance carriers
Silvia Vaughn

Silvia Vaughn

Psychologist

Virtual • California


“I provide a supportive, open, and compassionate space where clients feel heard, respected, and understood.”
Substance use / addiction, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Cultural & ethnic issues
Empowering, Open-minded, Warm
Accepts 9 insurance carriers
Mohammad Shahisaman

Mohammad Shahisaman

Therapist

Virtual • California


“Change happens below the level of language, which is why understanding a pattern so rarely dissolves it...”
Substance use / addiction, Anxiety, Cultural & ethnic issues, Depression, Family issues
Creative, Inquisitive, Open-minded
Accepts 8 insurance carriers
Phillip Guttmann

Phillip Guttmann

Therapist

Virtual • Beverly Hills, CA


I specialize in helping clients navigating trauma, anxiety, panic disorder, depression, LGBTQ+ issues, grief, & much more. I earned my MSW from New York University in 2011 and have worked as a forensic social worker in NYC at The Legal Aid Society & have also worked with Gay Men's Health Crisis, Services for the Underserved, Footsteps & Office of the Appellate Defender. I moved to Los Angeles in 2017 and have been in private practice since 2018.

Substance use / addiction, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Cultural & ethnic issues
Humorous, Inquisitive, Participatory
Accepts 6 insurance carriers
Stacey Downing

Stacey Downing

Therapist

Virtual • California


“I offer a holistic approach to therapy. I am here to help you with a mind/body/spirit approach to your own personal healing and wellness.”
Substance use / addiction, Anxiety, Depression, Panic disorders, PTSD
Empowering, Holistic, Warm
Accepts 5 insurance carriers
Maggie Kohout

Maggie Kohout

Therapist

Virtual • Beverly Hills, CA


“My approach is relational, intuitive, and trauma-informed. I blend EMDR, IFS-informed techniques, somatic awareness, and talk therapy to meet each person's unique needs.”
Substance use / addiction, Anxiety, Chronic conditions, Depression, Eating disorders
Affirming, Empowering, Open-minded
Accepts 11 insurance carriers
Cynthia Perez

Cynthia Perez

Therapist

Virtual • California


“I believe you are the expert of your own life. My role is not to hand you a solution but to help you uncover the one that already fits you.”
Substance use / addiction, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder, Depression, Eating disorders
Challenging, Direct, Empowering
Accepts 12 insurance carriers

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
Elena Michaels

Elena Michaels

Therapist

Virtual • California


“My approach is warm, relaxed, non-judgmental and solution-focused, allowing us to explore your concerns and find and/or reconnect you to your inner strength.”
Substance use / addiction, Anxiety, Chronic conditions, Depression, Family issues
Holistic, Open-minded, Solution-oriented
Accepts 4 insurance carriers

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
Clyde Blair

Clyde Blair

Therapist

Virtual • Ventura, CA


“As a licensed Therapist I've helped people find positive solutions to their problems, issues, and challenges for over 25 years.”
Substance use / addiction, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder, Depression, End of life care
Challenging, Empowering, Open-minded
Accepts 5 insurance carriers
Scott Barrett

Scott Barrett

Therapist

Virtual • California


Clients often describe me as warm, approachable, and easy to talk to. I aim to create a supportive and engaging space where you feel safe to be emotionally open, while also bringing a sense of ease.

At the core of my style is curiosity. I’m drawn to the “why” - why we feel, think, and respond to life the way we do. I take a holistic and at times existential approach, exploring not just immediate challenges, but the deeper patterns, life transitions, and questions of meaning that shape your experience.

I draw from a wide range of personal and professional experiences, including working directly with and overseeing a large and diverse group of clients. This allows me to adapt different techniques and perspectives to support growth, insight, and lasting change. Throughout the process, I remain thoughtful, engaged, and focused on what will be most helpful for you.

Substance use / addiction, ADD/ADHD, Anxiety, Depression, End of life care
Holistic, Inquisitive, Warm
Accepts 8 insurance carriers
Gina Digiacomo

Gina Digiacomo

Therapist

Virtual • Anaheim, CA


“To empower people by building each individual a personal tool box with all the strategies and coping skills needed and appropriate to each persons situation, circumstance, personal growth and relationships.”
Substance use / addiction, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder
Empowering, Solution-oriented, Warm
Accepts 10 insurance carriers
Jamie Sweigert

Jamie Sweigert

Therapist

Virtual • California


“I have a gentle, authentic, trauma-informed, and culturally sensitive approach blended with validation and constructive feedback that ideally allows space for you to safely explore emotions, develop new insights, and feel empowered to create desired...”
Substance use / addiction, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Chronic conditions
Affirming, Holistic, Warm
Accepts 8 insurance carriers

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
Dr. Nazanin Karandish

Dr. Nazanin Karandish

Psychologist

Virtual & in-person • Irvine, CA


“I believe therapy is a collaborative work and I enjoy helping my clients live life to their fullest potential.”
Substance use / addiction, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder, Cultural & ethnic issues, Depression
Affirming, Holistic, Participatory
Accepts 10 insurance carriers
Cheyenne Miller

Cheyenne Miller

Therapist

Virtual • California


“My approach to therapy is warm, collaborative, and nonjudgmental. I believe therapy should be a space where you feel comfortable being yourself...”
Substance use / addiction, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Depression
Direct, Open-minded, Warm
Accepts 5 insurance carriers
Brooke Wahlund

Brooke Wahlund

Therapist

Virtual • California


“My goal is to provide my clients with a safe, non-judgmental space to process their emotions, increase self-awareness, and build upon their strengths...”
Substance use / addiction, Anger management, Anxiety, Chronic conditions, Depression
Affirming, Empowering, Warm
Accepts 11 insurance carriers
Christina Edwards

Christina Edwards

Therapist

Virtual • California


“I practice through a client-centered, nonjudgemental lens and really emphasize building a strong therapeutic relationship with my clients.”
Substance use / addiction, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Chronic conditions
Direct, Holistic, Open-minded
Accepts 5 insurance carriers

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
Chinwe Asidanya

Chinwe Asidanya

Psychiatric Mental Health NP

Virtual & in-person • Sacramento, CA


“My goal is for you to feel heard, understood, and optimistic - with clarity and personalized strategies to live your best life.”
Substance use / addiction, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder
Holistic, Open-minded, Warm
Accepts 9 insurance carriers
Dr. Heather Cresswell

Dr. Heather Cresswell

Therapist

Virtual • California


“I believe therapy should be a supportive, collaborative space where you can feel heard, understood, and empowered to make meaningful changes in your life.”
Substance use / addiction, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder, Depression
Direct, Empowering, Warm
Accepts 5 insurance carriers
Brace Bacon

Brace Bacon

Therapist

Virtual & in-person • Palm Springs, CA


“I help adults navigate anxiety, self-esteem, relationship challenges, and life transitions with warmth, insight, and practical support.”
Substance use / addiction, Anxiety, Chronic conditions, Depression, End of life care
Participatory, Solution-oriented, Warm
Accepts 4 insurance carriers

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
Tandrea Thysell

Tandrea Thysell

Therapist

Virtual • Stockton, CA


Hi, I'm Tandrea Thysell, a California-based Marriage & Family Therapist. I've been providing therapy for most of my life (I think I was born to do this!), but professionally for more than 10 years.

Substance use / addiction, Anger management, Anxiety, Cultural & ethnic issues, Depression
Direct, Empowering, Solution-oriented
Accepts 7 insurance carriers

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
Jorge Alvarez

Jorge Alvarez

Therapist

Virtual • Fillmore, CA


“I offer a supportive, practical space where you can explore these challenges, gain clarity, and develop real-world tools to move forward.”
Substance use / addiction, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Cultural & ethnic issues
Humorous, Solution-oriented, Warm
Accepts 4 insurance carriers
Fiel Gamad

Fiel Gamad

Psychiatric Mental Health NP

Virtual & in-person • Modesto, CA


“I have years of experience serving patients with mental health illnesses i.e anxiety, depression, schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, substance/alcohol abuse, sleep disorder, etc.”
Substance use / addiction, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder
Empowering, Participatory, Solution-oriented
Accepts 8 insurance carriers
Jeanette Perez

Jeanette Perez

Therapist

Virtual • California


“I want you to feel safe, heard, and genuinely understood. You don't have to make your story sound better, worse, or more put-together than it is.”
Substance use / addiction, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder
Energetic, Inquisitive, Warm
Accepts 6 insurance carriers
Bonnie Merritt

Bonnie Merritt

Psychologist

Virtual • California


“I have worked for the last 18 years with a Spanish speaking population supporting healing around trauma and a variety of issues from prevention to severe and chronic suffering.”
Substance use / addiction, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Cultural & ethnic issues
Affirming, Solution-oriented, Warm
Accepts 9 insurance carriers

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
Joy Zembruski

Joy Zembruski

Therapist

Virtual • Laguna Beach, CA


“In your first therapy session, you can expect a welcoming, low-pressure environment designed to help us get to know one another and begin building rapport.”
Substance use / addiction, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder
Creative, Inquisitive, Open-minded
Accepts 19 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
Sabrina Tumelson

Sabrina Tumelson

Psychiatric Mental Health NP

Virtual • California


“My goal is not just to reduce symptoms, but to empower you with the understanding and tools you need to thrive.”
Substance use / addiction, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder
Affirming, Empowering, Open-minded
Accepts 5 insurance carriers
Mary Carter

Mary Carter

Therapist

Virtual • West Covina, CA


I bring 14 + years of experience providing thrrapy in both private and clinical settings. My work is grounded in a client centered strengths-based approach, rooted in unconditional, positive regard and a commitment to providing a safe, non-judgmental space where client can openly share their stories.

I identify as neurodivergent and have personally and professionally navigated ADHD. This experience allows me to bring both clinical knowledge lived understanding to my work, helping clients recognize their strengths, develop effective strategies, and move toward meaningful growth and stability.

Substance use / addiction, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder
Empowering, Open-minded, Warm
Accepts 9 insurance carriers
Adrian Camacho

Adrian Camacho

Therapist

Virtual • California


“My approach centers on empathy, listening, and using evidence-based techniques to empower individuals to lead fulfilling lives.”
Substance use / addiction, Anger management, Anxiety, Depression, PTSD
Inquisitive, Open-minded, Warm
Accepts 5 insurance carriers
Helma Jafari

Helma Jafari

Therapist

Virtual • California


“I am deeply committed to supporting individuals in reconnecting with themselves, healing, and growing in meaningful ways.”
Substance use / addiction, ADD/ADHD, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder, Cultural & ethnic issues
Empowering, Open-minded, Warm
Accepts 7 insurance carriers
Alexandra Pullen

Alexandra Pullen

Therapist

Virtual • California


My goal is to create a space where you feel seen, understood, and supported. I believe mental wellness is an essential part of overall health, and that healing begins by moving from survival to thriving through nervous system regulation, processing past experiences, and strengthening the mind-body connection. Meaningful change and healing happens within a strong therapeutic relationship built on trust, authenticity, and collaboration. Whether you're navigating anxiety, depression, trauma, relationship challenges, addiction, performance anxiety, work-related stress... or simply feeling overwhelmed by life's demands, we'll work together to build insight, process difficult experiences when appropriate, develop practical coping skills, and create meaningful, lasting change.

Substance use / addiction, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder
Direct, Holistic, Solution-oriented
Accepts 6 insurance carriers
Megan Williamson

Megan Williamson

Therapist

Virtual • California


Hi,

I’m Megan , an LMFT , licensed in California. I am an easy going , kind and compassionate psychotherapist who provides a safe and non-judgmental space for clients to process life’s challenges and grow in self awareness . I empower clients to find their peace and restore balance.

Substance use / addiction, ADD/ADHD, Anxiety, Depression, Eating disorders
Humorous, Open-minded, Solution-oriented
Accepts 11 insurance carriers

Offers free consultationsView profile and book

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

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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.