1. The Center for Stress and Anxiety Management (CSAM)
Credentials: Director: Jill Stoddard, PhD (trained at Boston University Center for Anxiety and Related Disorders under Dr. David Barlow and Dr. Stefan Hofmann). Associate Director: Michelle Lopez, PhD, Licensed Clinical Psychologist. Additional staff includes Terra Fuhr, PhD, Thi Wlodarski, LMFT, and Annabelle Mebane, LMFT.
Specialization: Anxiety disorders, OCD, panic disorder, agoraphobia, social anxiety, generalized anxiety, specific phobias, PTSD, acute stress disorder, illness anxiety disorder, somatic symptom disorder, depression, habit change, life transitions.
Therapy Approaches: Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP), EMDR for trauma and phobias. Practice applies only the most effective short-term psychological therapies supported by scientific research.
Populations Served: Adults, children, and teens experiencing anxiety, OCD, PTSD, and stress. Clinicians have specialized training that distinguishes them from generalist providers.
Background: Dr. Stoddard is a TEDx speaker, writer, peer-reviewed ACT trainer, and co-host of the Psychologists Off the Clock podcast (ranks in top 0.5% of podcasts worldwide). Staff includes clinicians with over 15 years of private practice experience. Dr. Lopez has over a decade of specialized training.
Insurance Accepted: Contact practice for insurance and fee information.
Session Format: In-person sessions at Mission Valley, Rancho Bernardo, and Carlsbad locations. Telehealth available.
Location: Mission Valley, Rancho Bernardo, and Carlsbad, CA
Contact: (858) 354-4077 | https://www.csamsandiego.com
Initial Consultation: Contact Client Coordinator to learn about treatments and make an appointment.
2. The Cognitive Therapy Institute
Credentials: Dr. Shenk, Founding Fellow, Diplomate, and Trainer certified by the Academy of Cognitive and Behavioral Therapies. Staff includes licensed therapists with extensive CBT training.
Specialization: Depression, panic attacks, agoraphobia, phobias, PTSD, OCD, social anxiety, excess worry, low self-esteem.
Therapy Approaches: Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) using empirically supported treatment (EST) plans, Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP) for OCD. Therapists receive weekly consultation and guidance from Dr. Shenk.
Populations Served: Primarily adolescents and adults, with some children or families accepted for specific conditions. Serves as the San Diego Regional Clinic of the National Social Anxiety Center.
Background: Practice strives to offer the highest quality CBT using established, empirically supported treatment plans proven effective for various conditions. Also offers training, consultations with mental health professionals, and supervision of interns.
Insurance Accepted: Contact practice for insurance information.
Session Format: Individual therapy and group therapies available (Panic and Agoraphobia Group, OCD Therapy Group, Generalized Anxiety/Worry Group).
Location: 3252 Holiday Court, Suite 107, La Jolla, CA 92037
Contact: https://cognitivetherapysandiego.com
Initial Consultation: Contact practice to discuss treatment needs and available groups.
3. Clear Mind Counseling San Diego
Credentials: Stephanie Rosenfeld, Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT) with over 15 years of private practice experience.
Specialization: Anxiety, depression, trauma, relationships, eating disorders, OCD, adolescent and teen issues, couples therapy, premarital counseling.
Therapy Approaches: Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), EMDR, Gottman Method for couples therapy.
Populations Served: Individuals, couples, and teens. Practice has helped more than 3,000 patients in individual, couples, and group settings.
Background: Practice emphasizes consistent, incremental change coupled with healthy thoughts leading to a more satisfying life. Locations in UTC/La Jolla and Mission Valley areas.
Insurance Accepted: Contact practice for insurance information.
Session Format: In-person sessions at UTC/La Jolla and Mission Valley offices. Teletherapy available.
Location: UTC/La Jolla and Mission Valley, San Diego, CA
Contact: https://www.clearmindcounselingsd.com
Initial Consultation: Contact through website to schedule consultation.
4. San Diego Psychotherapy (Dr. Shoshana Shea)
Credentials: Shoshana Shea, PhD, Licensed Clinical Psychologist. Former Assistant Clinical Professor in the Department of Psychiatry at UCSD.
Specialization: Stress, anxiety, depression, trauma, weight and eating disorders, body image, substance use disorders, relationships, family, career, academic challenges, parenting, life transitions.
Therapy Approaches: Mindfulness, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT). Focus on managing painful emotions and understanding/overcoming uncomfortable behaviors involved in self-regulation.
Populations Served: Clients from diverse backgrounds and age ranges with various clinical issues. Adults seeking mindfulness-based and cognitive behavioral approaches.
Background: Over 25 years of combined experience at UCSD, VA hospitals, in research, and private practice. Practice works collaboratively with clients to create life balance, facilitate self-growth, and enhance self-esteem.
Insurance Accepted: Contact practice for insurance and fee information.
Session Format: Video telehealth and in-person sessions available.
Location: San Diego, CA
Contact: (619) 269-2377 | https://www.shoshanashea.com
Initial Consultation: Contact practice to discuss how needs can best be served.
5. Resilience Counseling San Diego
Credentials: Team of licensed therapists specializing in anxiety, OCD, and trauma treatment.
Specialization: Anxiety disorders, OCD, body-focused repetitive behaviors (BFRBs such as hair pulling and skin picking), PTSD, trauma.
Therapy Approaches: Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP), Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), EMDR, mindfulness-based approaches.
Populations Served: Kids, teens, young adults, and adults struggling with OCD, anxiety, and trauma.
Background: Practice has helped hundreds of people get relief from OCD and anxiety. Clinicians trained in multiple evidence-based specialties with focus on helping clients live free from obsessions, thoughts, and pain.
Insurance Accepted: Contact practice for insurance information.
Session Format: In-person therapy in San Diego. Online therapy available throughout California.
Location: San Diego, CA (contact for specific address)
Contact: https://counselingca.com
Initial Consultation: Free 15-minute consultation available to meet with therapist.
Mental Health Industry in California
Average Therapy Session Costs
Individual therapy sessions in San Diego range from $150 to $300 per session depending on the provider’s credentials and experience. Licensed Marriage and Family Therapists (LMFT) and Licensed Clinical Social Workers (LCSW) typically charge $150 to $225 per session. Licensed Psychologists with doctoral degrees generally charge $200 to $300 per session. Psychiatrists may charge $275 to $450 for sessions including medication management. Couples therapy sessions typically range from $175 to $350. Group therapy sessions are more affordable, generally $50 to $100 per session.
State Licensing Requirements for Psychologists
To practice as a licensed psychologist in California, professionals must complete a doctoral degree (PhD or PsyD) from an accredited institution. Candidates must accumulate 3,000 hours of supervised professional experience, with at least 1,500 hours completed after receiving the doctoral degree. Two examinations are required: the Examination for Professional Practice in Psychology (EPPP) and the California Psychology Laws and Ethics Examination (CPLEE). Pre-licensure coursework is required in six areas: human sexuality, alcohol and chemical dependency, child abuse assessment, partner abuse assessment, aging, and long-term care. The California Board of Psychology administers licensure. License renewal requires 36 hours of Continuing Professional Development every two years.
Telehealth Regulations
California permits licensed psychologists to provide telehealth services to clients located within the state. California is a member of PSYPACT (Psychology Interjurisdictional Compact), allowing psychologists with E.Passport credentials to practice telepsychology across member states. Providers must use HIPAA-compliant platforms and obtain informed consent specific to telehealth services.
Mental Health Parity Laws
California’s Mental Health Parity Act requires health insurers to provide coverage for mental health conditions equal to coverage for physical health conditions. The federal Mental Health Parity and Addiction Equity Act (MHPAEA) applies to group health plans. California’s Network Adequacy Standards require insurers to maintain sufficient mental health provider networks.
Professional Organizations
The California Psychological Association (CPA) represents psychologists statewide, offering continuing education, advocacy, and professional resources. The San Diego Psychological Association provides local networking and professional development. The California Association of Marriage and Family Therapists (CAMFT) supports licensed marriage and family therapists.
Workforce Availability and Wait Times
San Diego has a substantial mental health workforce. Wait times for new patients typically range from one to four weeks depending on the provider, specialty, and insurance acceptance. Specialized services such as OCD treatment, trauma therapy, or psychological assessment may have longer wait times.
Common Mental Health Concerns
In the San Diego region, commonly treated conditions include anxiety disorders, depression, trauma and PTSD (including military-related trauma due to proximity to military installations), relationship difficulties, stress related to high cost of living, and adjustment disorders.
State-Funded Mental Health Resources
San Diego County Behavioral Health Services provides mental health services to residents regardless of ability to pay. The County operates crisis services and outpatient treatment programs. California’s Mental Health Services Act (Proposition 63) funds community mental health programs.
Frequently Asked Questions
What should I expect to pay for therapy in San Diego without insurance?
Private pay rates in San Diego typically range from $175 to $275 per 50-minute session with a licensed therapist. Sessions with doctoral-level psychologists generally cost between $200 and $300. San Diego therapy costs are comparable to other coastal California cities. Many therapists offer sliding scale fees based on income.
How do I verify that a psychologist is licensed in California?
The California Board of Psychology maintains an online license verification system through the Department of Consumer Affairs website (search.dca.ca.gov) where you can search by name or license number. This database shows current license status, expiration date, and any disciplinary actions.
What is the difference between CBT and ACT therapy offered in San Diego?
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) focuses on identifying and changing negative thought patterns and behaviors. Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) is a newer form of behavioral therapy that emphasizes psychological flexibility, accepting difficult thoughts and feelings while committing to value-based action. Many San Diego practices offer both approaches, sometimes combined.
Are there specialized OCD treatment programs in San Diego?
Yes, several San Diego practices specialize in OCD treatment using Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP), which is considered the gold standard treatment for OCD. The Center for Stress and Anxiety Management, The Cognitive Therapy Institute, and Resilience Counseling all offer specialized OCD treatment programs.
Does San Diego have therapists experienced with military families?
Yes, San Diego’s significant military presence (including Naval Base San Diego and Marine Corps bases) means many local therapists have experience with military family concerns, deployment stress, and PTSD. UCSD and VA San Diego also provide mental health services to veterans and active duty service members.