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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. Aidin Tajbakhsh

Dr. Aidin Tajbakhsh

Psychologist

Virtual & in-person • Newport Beach, CA


I see therapy as a collaborative journey, where I walk alongside you rather than ahead of you. For nearly a decade, I’ve had the privilege of working with children, adolescents, and adults facing challenges such as anxiety, depression, trauma, ADHD, autism, substance use, chronic pain, and life transitions. My background in clinical psychology, along with board certification in biofeedback and neurofeedback, allows me to integrate both psychological and physiological approaches to healing. Most importantly, I deeply respect the uniqueness of your lived experience and strive to create a space where you feel understood, supported, and empowered.

Substance use / addiction, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Depression
Empowering, Holistic, Solution-oriented
Accepts 8 insurance carriers

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
Diana Garcia

Diana Garcia

Therapist

Virtual • California


I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with 10 years of social work experience and 5 years of experience as a psychotherapist. My experience ranges from treating children ages 5 and older to treating geriatric individuals aged 70+. I am a bilingual, Latina therapist and I conduct therapy in both English and Spanish. I have worked in a variety of settings including community mental health and private practice treating a range of mental health issues such as depression, anxiety, OCD, PTSD, co-occurring disorders, and more. Much of my work has been focused on working with the Latino community in Southern California as well as disadvantaged communities of color.

Substance use / addiction, Anger management, Anxiety, Cultural & ethnic issues, Depression
Empowering, Inquisitive, Warm
Accepts 8 insurance carriers
Dr. Juan Perez

Dr. Juan Perez

Psychologist

Virtual • Pasadena, CA


“I create a nonjudgmental space where you can show up as you are and explore what you want to change.”
Substance use / addiction, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder
Creative, Humorous, Solution-oriented
Accepts 6 insurance carriers
Dr. Fidelis Azeke

Dr. Fidelis Azeke

Psychiatric Mental Health NP

Virtual & in-person • Sacramento, CA


Dr. Fidelis Azeke is a University of the Pacific, Sacramento graduate and a board certified psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner who specializes in treating patients of all ages. He has 13 years of nursing experience, and over 6 years of specialization in the practice of psychiatry, overseeing the care of patients - infants, children, adults, through the lifespan. Dr. Azeke is a licensed psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner in California, Utah, Washington State and New York State.

Substance use / addiction, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder
Empowering, Holistic, Solution-oriented
Accepts 7 insurance carriers
Haig Barsegian

Haig Barsegian

Therapist

Virtual • California


Book knowledge is helpful, but life experience is invaluable. I spent over 30 years in sales and management in the airline industry before becoming a therapist and this real-world experience helps me to better understand the challenges people face. Since embarking on my career as a therapist, I have completed over 12,000 therapy sessions, working with individuals and couples from various cultures and unique challenges. I have been blessed to be in an endeavor that I don't consider to be work.

Substance use / addiction, Anger management, Anxiety, Depression, Eating disorders
Direct, Solution-oriented, Warm
Accepts 5 insurance carriers
Gillermina Alvarado

Gillermina Alvarado

Therapist

Virtual • California


My name is Gillermina Alvarado and I go by Mina. I'm a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist based in Riverside, CA, working with clients statewide via telehealth. I received my Master's from the University of Phoenix and have been practicing for 9 years.

I work with young children, adolescents, young adults, and adults who are navigating anxiety, depression, trauma, stress, grief and loss, behavioral challenges, and life changes. My communication style is calm, accommodating, and personable — I want my clients to feel comfortable speaking with me about anything and feeling safe, and I pride myself on my ability to listen without judgment.

Above all, I believe that you are the expert of your own story, and that you have many strengths that will help you overcome what's challenging you. It takes courage to take the first steps toward change, and I'm here to support and empower you in that journey.

Substance use / addiction, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Depression
Open-minded, Solution-oriented, Warm
Accepts 9 insurance carriers
Joe Lyznick

Joe Lyznick

Therapist

Virtual • California


“I provide an interactive approach to Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) that moves beyond passive listening into interactive growth and development.”
Substance use / addiction, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder, Depression, PTSD
Direct, Participatory, Solution-oriented
Accepts 5 insurance carriers
Stephanie Davidson

Stephanie Davidson

Therapist

Virtual • California


“I see the therapeutic experience as collaborative between the client and the therapist, that you feel heard, seen, understood as well as respected.”
Substance use / addiction, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder
Affirming, Challenging, Creative, Direct, Empowering, Energetic, Humorous, Inquisitive, Open-minded, Participatory, Solution-oriented
Accepts 5 insurance carriers
Cara Behan

Cara Behan

Therapist

Virtual • Santa Barbara, CA


As a therapist, my goal is to help you live a happier and more fulfilling life. It can be difficult to know if you are on the right path, have healthy relationships, and are satisfied with your life's direction. How do you feel about where you are headed? I can support your self discovery in a compassionate and understanding way. I work towards identifying one's strengths and empowering clients struggling with anxiety, depression, substance abuse, relationship problems and life transitions. I specialize in working with young women, new moms and couples navigating the transitional stages of family life.

Substance use / addiction, Anxiety, Depression, Family issues, Grief or loss
Empowering, Holistic, Warm
Accepts 1 insurance carrier

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
Lauren Bittner

Lauren Bittner

Therapist

Virtual & in-person • San Jose, CA


“I work with adolescents and adults navigating anxiety, trauma, identity, and the complex terrain of relationships and life transitions.”
Substance use / addiction, ADD/ADHD, Anxiety, Depression, Family issues
Affirming, Open-minded, Warm
Accepts 3 insurance carriers

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
Tyhesha Ware

Tyhesha Ware

Psychiatric Mental Health NP

Virtual • California


“My background includes caring for veterans, individuals with complex medical and psychiatric needs, and people from diverse cultural and socioeconomic backgrounds.”
Substance use / addiction, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Chronic conditions
Humorous, Open-minded, Solution-oriented
Accepts 5 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
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
Mackenzie Theis

Mackenzie Theis

Therapist

Virtual • California


“I am committed to creating a safe, inclusive space where all clients feel heard and respected, with a strong focus on supporting minority populations.”
Substance use / addiction, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder, Cultural & ethnic issues
Direct, Humorous, Open-minded
Accepts 5 insurance carriers
Jacqueline Morris

Jacqueline Morris

Therapist

Virtual • California


“I customize the treatment plan based on each client's specific needs and utilize many therapeutic modalities to help support and treat my clients.”
Substance use / addiction, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Depression
Challenging, Open-minded, Warm
Accepts 9 insurance carriers
Gilbert Tippy

Gilbert Tippy

Psychologist

Virtual • California


“Focus will be on issues in development that have an impact on being able to lead the life that you want for yourself.”
Substance use / addiction, ADD/ADHD, Family issues, Physical health issues, Relationship issues
Empowering, Open-minded, Warm
Accepts 8 insurance carriers

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
Susan Hayatghaib

Susan Hayatghaib

Therapist

Virtual • California


“I believe each of us already carries the capacity to heal, and that the right support helps us find it.”
Substance use / addiction, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder
Empowering, Holistic, Solution-oriented
Accepts 10 insurance carriers
Consuelo Gomez

Consuelo Gomez

Therapist

Virtual • California


“I believe everyone deserves a space where they can feel heard, understood, and supported without judgment.”
Substance use / addiction, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder
Empowering, Open-minded, Warm
Accepts 7 insurance carriers
Dr. Tracy Griffith

Dr. Tracy Griffith

Therapist

Virtual • California


Seeking help can be the first step to acquire greater understanding and insight into our lives and relationships.

Substance use / addiction, Anger management, Chronic conditions, Depression, End of life care
Empowering, Open-minded, Warm
Accepts 5 insurance carriers

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
Casey Swank

Casey Swank

Therapist

Virtual • California


“With 17 years in the addiction treatment field, I'm deeply passionate about supporting people as they work toward meaningful, lasting change.”
Substance use / addiction, Anger management, Anxiety, Chronic conditions, Depression
Open-minded, Solution-oriented, Warm
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
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
Robert Kilgore

Robert Kilgore

Therapist

Virtual • California


“Understanding, listening, and proving feedback on one's perspectives that hinders their happiness can open unforeseen possibilities for fulfillment.”
Substance use / addiction, Anger management, Anxiety, Cultural & ethnic issues, Depression
Affirming, Inquisitive, Solution-oriented
Accepts 4 insurance carriers
Calista Ezeokoye

Calista Ezeokoye

Psychiatric Mental Health NP

Virtual • Los Angeles, CA


“Dr. Calista is both a Certified Family Nurse Practitioner and Certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner.”
Substance use / addiction, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder
Creative, Direct, Warm
Accepts 8 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
Alec Bustos

Alec Bustos

Therapist

Virtual • California


“I specialize in working with children, teens, adults, and families, especially those navigating trauma, emotional dysregulation, neurodivergence, adoption/foster care, and identity exploration.”
Substance use / addiction, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder
Open-minded, Solution-oriented, Warm
Accepts 8 insurance carriers
Jamie Littleton

Jamie Littleton

Therapist

Virtual • California


I believe therapy should feel like a space where you can finally exhale. I strive to create an environment that is supportive, honest, and free of judgment; a place where you feel truly seen and emotionally safe. My approach is collaborative and practical. I don’t just help you understand why you feel the way you do; I help you build real tools to navigate it.

I earned my degree from Cal State Fullerton and have extensive experience working in addiction treatment, eating disorder recovery, and women’s issues. Supporting women is especially meaningful to me. I am deeply passionate about helping women navigate challenges related to self-worth, body image, relationships, boundaries, life transitions, and identity. I understand how trauma, societal expectations, and relational dynamics can shape how women see themselves, and I approach this work with both compassion and clarity.

Together, we focus on strengthening mindfulness, emotional regulation, distress tolerance, and communication skills in ways that feel realistic and sustainable. I blend insight-oriented exploration with concrete strategies, because meaningful change happens when insight meets action. My goal is to help you better understand your patterns, feel more confident managing your emotions, and move forward with greater clarity, self-trust, and resilience.

Substance use / addiction, ADD/ADHD, Anxiety, Depression, Eating disorders
Affirming, Empowering, Warm
Accepts 2 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
Shanna Holladay

Shanna Holladay

Therapist

Virtual • California


“I'm a deeply affirming therapist for LGBTQIAS2+ clients and have extensive experience supporting transgender folks navigating transition, identity, and the mental health weight that often comes with it.”
Substance use / addiction, ADD/ADHD, Anxiety, Depression, Grief or loss
Humorous, Open-minded, Participatory
Accepts 7 insurance carriers

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
Dr. Keith Jacob

Dr. Keith Jacob

Therapist

Virtual • California


“Clients can expect a mix of insight and action—greater clarity about themselves and their relationships, practical tools for communication and stress, and a stronger sense of confidence moving forward.”
Substance use / addiction, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Depression
Empowering, Humorous, Solution-oriented
Accepts 7 insurance carriers

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
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
Jessica La Rocca

Jessica La Rocca

Therapist

Virtual • California


“I strive to create a space where you can feel emotionally safe, deeply understood, and supported without judgment.”
Substance use / addiction, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder
Empowering, Energetic, Warm
Accepts 8 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
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  • 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.