Care without the wait

40 licensed therapists & providers in California—11 in San Diego. Available as soon as today, in person and online

Therapy for every life stage

Our providers work with individuals, couples, families, & teens for anxiety, depression, grief, & more

#1 for in-network coverage

We accept UnitedHealthcare, Cigna, BCBS Plans, Humana, Aetna, & many more. Self-pay options available, no membership fees

Patients who get better

94% of patients feel truly understood by their provider. 3 out of 4 see improvement in depression & anxiety symptoms within 3 months

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3,401 people sought child therapy help in California in the last year

Discover how starting child therapy can support your own journey toward a happier, more fulfilling life.

Meet with a child/teen therapist as soon as this week

Your goal is my goal, and I will provide the same support others have provided me to get to where you want to be....

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Through both personal and professional experience, I’ve seen how trauma and loss can reshape us and how, with compassionate care a...

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I have successfully worked with individuals and groups by drawing on my bilingual and bicultural background....

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As a Latina woman, I understand the unique role we play not only in society but in our own family....

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As a therapist, I feel very fortunate to work in a field where I am helping and supporting others as they work on their personal g...

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Throughout my own journey, I have learned how powerful having a strong support is in developing the skills needed to commit to our...

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As a therapist with over 20 years of experience, I am ready to help you through this stage of life!...

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I believe it is important to feel your work brings value and assists in growth and transformation for others....

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I use various approaches to make sure treatment is catered to my client's specific needs....

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I believe we all have the answers to our questions, problems, and desires within ourselves, but having someone else to support us ...

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Life is tough, you are tougher. Let me help you make sense of it and equip you with the tools you need to enjoy a better tomorrow....

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Child therapy FAQs

What is child therapy?

Child therapy, also known as counseling for kids, helps young individuals better understand and manage the challenges that affect their mental health. Common challenges amongst kids include behavioral issues, trauma, bullying, depression, and anxiety. All ages of children can attend and benefit from child therapy at Thriveworks San Diego.

How does child therapy work?

Child therapy works by using multiple techniques tailored to fit the child’s needs based on their age group, their challenges, and the severity of their challenges. It might involve play therapy for younger kids or cognitive behavioral therapy, dialectical behavioral therapy, art therapy, and others for varying ages. In any case, Thriveworks child therapists in San Diego, CA have the expertise and experience to help kids at their level.

Play therapy vs. child therapy

Child therapy is a type of therapy meant for clients within a specific age group, while play therapy is an approach to therapy that helps children with self-expression and stress relief, among others. Play therapy is a technique that is often used in child therapy to help children express what’s running through their minds when they do not have the words to express their thoughts and emotions. It can get children to express what’s wrong, what might be causing unwanted behaviors, or what they might need in a way that is accessible to them so that therapists can then work to treat the issue.

How to tell if my child needs counseling

It’s not always obvious when a child should see a therapist for their behavior, though in the midst of challenges like divorce, loss, bullying, and other mental health conditions, it’s often a good idea to seek it out. Common behaviors that can indicate a need for child therapy include separation anxiety, bedwetting (at inappropriate ages), and agitation/excessive irritability — especially if it reaches a point of physical violence.

What type of therapy is best for children?

Cognitive behavioral therapy at Thriveworks in San Diego, CA is one of the best types of therapy for children. However, it can be administered in child therapy sessions in a variety of ways that are more accessible to young minds, such as play therapy.

Is child therapy conducted in person or online?

Child therapy at Thriveworks is conducted both in person and online by video. We encourage you to choose the option that works best for you.

How long does child therapy last?

The length of child therapy depends on your child’s needs as well as the goals that you and their therapist might have for them. Generally, child therapy sessions will last for several months.

How much does child therapy cost?

At Thriveworks, we accept most major insurance plans, allowing many clients to pay as little as $0–$50 per session with their co-pay. We also offer self-pay options for those out-of-network or without insurance. Self-pay rates for talk therapy range from $160 to $240 for intake sessions and $135 to $195 for follow-ups, depending on your state. For psychiatry services, self-pay intake sessions are $255–$375, with follow-ups ranging from $175–$300, also varying by state. More information on current self-pay costs is available on our pricing page.

Pricing & insurance

Our therapists accept most major insurance and we offer self-pay options too.
Learn more about pricing for therapy and counseling at Thriveworks.

Our therapists and counselors in San Diego accept 38 insurance plans

  • Adventist Health Associates | Employee Health Plan

  • Adventist Health Associates | Non-Employee Health Plan

  • Aetna

  • Alignment Health Plan

  • Anthem Blue Cross of California | Commercial

  • Anthem Blue Cross of California | Medicare Advantage

  • Blue Shield of California | BCBS

  • Blue Shield of California | Medicare Advantage

  • Carelon

  • Cigna | Evernorth

  • Compsych

  • Firefly Health Plan | Cigna PPO Network

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Self-pay costs at San Diego
Talk therapy

Talk therapy

Includes individual, couples, child/ teen, & family therapy

First session

$1

Ongoing sessions

$1

Talk therapy

Psychiatry

Includes reducing symptoms with medication & management

First session

$1

Ongoing sessions

$1

Hear from our clients

4.9 Learn about verified reviews
★★★★★
Ease of use and scheduling
Madi Mar 2026
Thriveworks.com verified review
★★★★★
Alan is so easy to talk to. He makes me feels safe talking about hard subjects.
Yolanda Mar 2026
Thriveworks.com verified review
★★★★★
She was receptive
Jordan Mar 2026
Thriveworks.com verified review
★★★★★
My therapist is highly skilled and nice. Ease of scheduling is appreciated.
Sayge Dec 2025
Thriveworks.com verified review
★★★★★
I say I’d recommend her 10/10, and I would, but she’s so great that she’s sometimes booked up, so yes, I’d recommend Throveworks 100%, but I’d want to be speudo selfish and not share my provider. I mean that lovingly. Pretty please recognize Mauricette! She so deserves it!
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Lourdes Dec 2025
Thriveworks.com verified review
★★★★★
I loved learning the tools I could practice day to day!
Elena Dec 2025
Thriveworks.com verified review
★★★★★
My high rating is primarily attributable to my great therapist. And the ease of communicating online makes it very accessible and of value to me.
Willa Sep 2025
Thriveworks.com verified review
★★★★★
I loved working with Valerie Stern, I worked with her for almost 2 years and she's helped me pull through many hard times and come to understand myself better. I would highly recommend her as anyone's therapist.
Janelle Sep 2025
Thriveworks.com verified review
8 of 36 reviews

Where to find us

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Address

2525 Camino del Rio S Suite 301
San Diego, CA 92108-3717

Getting here

Thriveworks Counseling & Psychiatry San Diego is located near Camino del Rio S and Texas St, off I-8. It is right by the San Diego River and a short distance from the University Heights.

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Phone number

(619) 480-2140
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Languages spoken by CA providers

  • Swedish
  • English
  • Spanish
  • Tagalog
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Hours

Tuesday 8:00am - 9:30pm
Wednesday 8:00am - 9:30pm
Thursday 8:00am - 9:30pm
Friday 8:00am - 9:30pm
Saturday 8:00am - 9:30pm
Sunday 8:00am - 9:30pm
Monday 8:00am - 9:30pm

Shown in PT

Tuesday 8:00am - 11:00pm
Wednesday 8:00am - 11:00pm
Thursday 8:00am - 11:00pm
Friday 8:00am - 11:00pm
Saturday 8:00am - 6:00pm
Sunday 8:00am - 6:00pm
Monday 8:00am - 11:00pm

Shown in PT

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