Find a therapist, counselor or psychologist in San Diego, CA

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

Alan Okamoto is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist with over 10 years of experience. He provides counseling to individuals ages 18 and older and also to families and couples. Alan’s clients may be facing mental health concerns including anxiety and depression. His approach to therapy gets to the heart of the matter to help create significant changes in self, behavior, and perspective. Alan’s goal is to offer you the support you need and help build the skills to sustain change. Outside of work, Alan loves spending time with his family, trying new recipes, and being outdoors.

Alan has a Master’s in Counseling from San Diego State University. His most often used approaches are cognitive behavioral therapy, solution-focused therapy, and mindfulness-based techniques.

Alan was drawn to the field of therapy to serve others and help individuals, families, and couples create significant changes and life-changing impacts. If you’re ready to begin working on a brighter future, Alan looks forward to meeting you!

"I believe that while we cannot change the past, we can change the way we relate to what hurt us and work from there."

Stella Galarza is a Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor with 25 years of experience. Stella has worked with diverse populations in both public and private settings. She uses a comprehensive approach to support biological, psychological, social, and spiritual well-being. Stella helps clients address anxiety, grief, trauma, chronic pain, and life transitions.

Stella earned her Doctorate in Psychology from Southern California University. She uses mindfulness, calming strategies, and a trauma-informed approach to support healing, build self-worth, and improve communication in present and past relationships.

Stella is passionate about creating a safe, supportive space where clients feel seen, heard, and empowered. Her warm, client-centered style fosters healing, resilience, and personal growth. Begin your journey toward emotional wellness and schedule an appointment with Stella today.

"I am passionate about helping others find harmony, cultivating compassion, and instilling hope."

Dr. Kimberlee Rubin is a Licensed Clinical Psychologist (LCP)specializing in anxiety disorders, depression, grief and loss, and addictive disorders. She has over 15 years of experience in the mental health field. She is passionate about working with adults aged 18 and older.

Dr. Rubin completed her Doctoral degree in Clinical Psychology (Psy.D.) at Alliant International University. Dr. Rubin has a subspeciality in geriatric mental healthcare. Her therapeutic approach is nonjudgmental, person-centered, strengths-based, and humanistic. Dr. Rubin has in-depth experience working with individuals from different backgrounds who have struggled with a variety of hardships. She is passionate about helping those who struggle with performance anxiety, imposter syndrome, body image, and self-acceptance.

Dr. Rubin's treatment philosophy includes honoring each person's individuality and what they may need. Dr. Rubin's specific aim in therapy is to help individuals find harmony and stability in their life and help each person move forward, cultivating compassion, and instilling hope. Dr. Rubin values diversity, equity, and inclusion. She will help you live the life you desire, session by session.

"I believe we all have the answers to our questions, problems, and desires within ourselves, but having someone else to support us on our journey can make it much easier."

Mia Velarde is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist with over 10 years of experience. She specializes in helping individuals ages 16 and older with concerns including depression, anxiety, chronic stress, PTSD, and LGBTQIA+-related issues. Mia creates a safe, non-judgmental space where clients can show up exactly as they are while they focus on strengths and evolve goals. In her free time, Mia enjoys running, spending time with family, visiting museums, and listening to records.

Mia received her Master’s in Marriage and Family Therapy from the University of LaVerne. She uses family systems, attachment and commitment therapy, and mindfulness-based techniques depending on their needs.

Life isn’t about toughing it out alone. There are so many people around to learn from and grow with. Mia would be humbled and honored to support you and encourages you to schedule your first appointment today! 

"You don't have to face your challenges alone — let me walk the path of self-care with you. It's important to me that my clients feel that I'm able to help them reach their goals and find peace and healing in their therapeutic journey. While I do not provide ESA or FMLA letters and am not experienced in treating substance use/abuse, eating disorders, obsessive compulsive disorders, or active psychosis, I encourage you to continue to review many of the great Thriveworks therapists who could be an excellent fit for you!"

Dr. Maddy Brener, a Licensed Clinical Psychologist based in San Diego, California has over a decade of experience in the mental health field. She has worked with a diverse range of children, teens, adults, and seniors with a wide variety of diagnoses. Dr. Brener's particular areas of expertise include LGBTQIA+ issues, nonmonogamy/polyamory, kink/BDSM, chronic pain, negative self-talk, military service-related issues, anxiety, depression, grief and loss, and interpersonal communication. She puts a great deal of focus on increasing clients' self-acceptance, which includes aiding them in rising above stereotypes and stigmas.

The therapy Dr. Brener provides is primarily based in Cognitive Behavioral and Acceptance and Commitment Therapies. She believes that everyone is the expert on themselves and that it is her role to assist people in the process of creating the road map for their individual emotions, thoughts, and behaviors. Her counseling style is pretty laid back and patient-centered, and she is always open to questions.

Dr. Brener has been described as supportive, relatable, and compassionate, with a pretty good sense of humor. She likes to focus on identifying patients' strengths and helping to maximize them to overcome obstacles in a safe place to be open and honest without fear of judgment. You are not alone. You have taken the first and most important step by reaching out for help — things can and will get better.

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

Mauricette Mancini is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist with over 18 years of experience. She specializes in supporting adolescents, adults, and seniors who are struggling with depression, anxiety, stress, relationship conflict, trauma, and ADHD. Mauricette was inspired to become a therapist because of the positive effect helping others has on her personal and professional journey. When she isn’t at work, Mauricette likes to read, hike, paint, and meditate.

Mauricette has a Master’s in Marital and Family Therapy from Loyola Marymount University. She treats all clients with respect and compassion and utilizes approaches including cognitive behavioral therapy, solution-focused therapy, motivational interviewing, and mindfulness techniques. 

It takes courage to seek a more meaningful and happier life, and Mauricette is honored to support and empower you to reach your goals.If you are ready to get started, schedule an appointment with Mauricette today!

I enjoy reading, learning, hiking in nature, health, cooking raw, meditation, self inquiry, drawing and painting.

"I started in this field because I want to help others and often enough, simply having someone to talk to can be healing"

Katrice Maliszewski is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with more than 6 years of experience supporting individuals and couples ages 10 and above as they move through life’s challenges. She specializes in treating depression, anxiety, stress, PTSD, and burnout. Katrice has worked with the military population and foster families and offers a holistic, empathetic, non-judgmental, and trauma-informed approach to help clients progress toward their goals. In her free time, she enjoys doing yoga and being in nature.

Katrice received her Master of Social Work from the University of Southern California. She utilizes evidence-based methods including solution-focused therapy, cognitive behavioral therapy, motivational interviewing, and mindfulness techniques.

Whether you are looking for a non-biased listening ear or seeking help in brainstorming solutions to a problem, Katrice is confident she can support you. If you are ready to begin, schedule an appointment today!

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

I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist with 6 years of experience helping individuals, couples, and families navigate life’s challenges. My background includes providing support in outpatient settings and community-based programs, where I have guided clients through struggles with relationships, life transitions, and emotional well-being. I take a collaborative, compassionate approach, working alongside clients to help them feel empowered and supported in their journey toward healing.

I earned my Master’s in Counseling, Marriage, Family, and Child Therapy from the University of Phoenix. I integrate family systems and client-centered approaches to create a safe, balanced space for healing. My goal is to support clients in strengthening relationships, improving communication, and building resilience.

Starting therapy can feel overwhelming, but you don’t have to face it alone. I strive to create an environment where you feel safe, respected, and heard. Whether you’re seeking support for yourself, your relationship, or your family, I welcome you to reach out. Together, we can work toward the growth and balance you’re looking for.