Addiction therapists & psychiatrists in Vista, CA

Hi I'm Natalie and I want to help you build a life that feels authentic and purposeful. Do you feel like you’re navigating life on autopilot, and have difficulty showing up for your work, your relationships, or yourself? You may find yourself caught in cycles of people-pleasing or seeking external validation, only to end up feeling drained and unfulfilled. If you feel stuck in patterns that no longer serve you, know that you don’t have to navigate this alone. In our sessions, we’ll move beyond the 'what' to understand the roots of your struggle while building practical, compassionate strategies to help you reclaim your confidence and advocate for your 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.

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.

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.

Many of the struggles that bring us to therapy—anxiety, trauma, relationship challenges, grief, self-doubt, or feeling stuck—have deeper roots than we realize. Sometimes these patterns develop through painful experiences, major life transitions, or family systems that taught us to prioritize others, question ourselves, or adapt in ways that no longer serve us. Therapy offers the opportunity to understand these patterns and create lasting change.

As a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist and the spouse of a retired Army Veteran, I've spent much of my adult life living in different parts of the country and world, continually building community and connection wherever life led. Those experiences deepened my understanding of resilience, belonging, and the many ways people adapt through change, loss, and transition. I bring that perspective into my work, creating a warm, compassionate, and collaborative space where individuals, couples, and families feel genuinely seen and understood.

Together, we'll work to understand the deeper patterns shaping your life, strengthen your relationships, and help you move toward a more authentic, fulfilling way of living.

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 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.

I have been in the psychology field for over 20 years. I have an extensive background treating public safety, military, hospital personnel and there families for trauma, work related stressors and family issues. I have treated people who have survived trauma and I am also a trauma survivor. I have worked substance abuse treatment facilities and both inpatient and out patient psychiatric hospitals treating moderate to severe mental heath problems.

I am experienced in conducting diagnostic testing evaluations, fitness for work and pre-employment evaluations. I am a court recognized expert in a few different areas.

Due to my time practicing and vast experience nothing suprises me. I have seen, heard or dealt with most things in the this field. You cannot put a price tag on experience. I have also lived life and have experienced many things myself that clients come into my office wanting help with. I don't know about you but I like getting help from those that have treated the issues in the past or have gone through it themselves versus those that have read about it in books.

I am passionate about helping individuals navigate life’s challenges with greater clarity, confidence, and self-compassion. I work with adolescents and adults who may be struggling with anxiety, depression, eating disorders, low self-worth, family conflict, and major life transitions.

My approach is both compassionate and collaborative. I strive to create a safe, supportive space where you feel heard, understood, and not judged. I believe that therapy is not one-size-fits-all, so I tailor my work to meet your unique needs and goals. Together, we’ll explore patterns, build healthier coping strategies, and work toward meaningful, lasting change.

I have experience supporting clients through complex family dynamics, cultural expectations, and identity development. I also work closely with individuals dealing with disordered eating and body image concerns, helping them develop a more balanced and trusting relationship with themselves.

Clients often describe me as warm, direct, and thoughtful. I will meet you with empathy while also gently challenging you when needed to help you grow.

Starting therapy can feel overwhelming, but you don’t have to do it alone. My goal is to walk alongside you as you build insight, resilience, and a life that feels more aligned with who you are.

Hi, I’m Abdel! With over 15 years of experience in healthcare, I am a board-certified Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP-BC) dedicated to providing compassionate care for individuals managing anxiety, depression, ADHD, and trauma. As a bilingual speaker in English and Arabic, I specialize in creating an inclusive environment where patients from all backgrounds feel truly heard and respected. My goal is to empower you through open communication and evidence-based treatment to help you achieve lasting wellness.

I'm a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist with a PhD and 34 years of experience, offering telehealth therapy to clients in California. I'm most in my element with people who are learning their needs, what's getting in their way and feel ready to meet their challenges. My clients come from all walks of life. I help those who are too hard on themselves to become their own best friend.