Dr Maddy is warm, receptive, intuitive and supportive. She offers wonderful advice and I feel heard. She is a gem and I highly recommend her!

A Thriveworks Client, verified client of Madeline

See what other clients say
geometry-shapes iconDepression, Anxiety, Women’s Issues, Coping Skills, LGBTQIA+
LGBTQ+ Community ExperienceLGBTQ+ Community Experience
In Person & Online in San Diego, CA
12 years in practice
Ages served: 18-65+
shield check with plus icon

Accepted insurance & self-pay

Madeline accepts 40 insurers
Aetna
Aetna Medicare Advantage
Blue Cross Blue Shield
Cigna | Evernorth
Cigna | Evernorth - Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
Adventist Health Associates | Employee Health Plan
Adventist Health Associates | Non-Employee Health Plan
Blue Shield of California | BCBS
Blue Shield of California | Medicare Advantage
Carelon
Compsych
Firefly Health Plan | Cigna PPO Network
First Health Network
Health Net | Commercial
HealthSpring | Medicare Advantage
Humana Medicare Advantage
Imperial Health Holdings Medical Group CA
Imperial Health Plan of California
JP Farley Corporation
Magellan
Medcost VA
Medica
Medicare CA
Multi Plan PHCS
Oscar Health
Quest Behavioral Health
Railroad Medicare
SCAN Health Plan Medicare Advantage California
Scripps Health Plan
Sharp Health Plan
Sutter Health Plan
Sutter Senior Care
Tricare West
UMR
United Healthcare | Optum
United Healthcare | Optum - Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
United Healthcare | Optum Medicare Advantage
Uprise EAP
Ventura County Health Care Plan
Veterans Affairs (VA) TriWest California
Western Health Advantage
SELF-PAY COSTS
Out-of-pocket session costs for clients who don’t have insurance or aren’t covered by their insurance for mental health services.
$200
first session
$170
subsequent sessions
About Provider

About Madeline

Video Play Button

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.

Provider background floral illustration
Madeline Brener's profile image

"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!"

What clients say

What clients say

These testimonials are from real clients who completed a satisfaction survey after their sessions and agreed to share their feedback. Results may vary.

Dr Maddy is warm, receptive, intuitive and supportive. She offers wonderful advice and I feel heard. She is a gem and I highly recommend her!

A Thriveworks Client, verified client of Madeline

Nothing to improve, my providers are excellent.

A Thriveworks Client, verified client of Madeline

chats icon

Get to know Madeline

What type of clients are you most excited to work with?

I have a huge passion for the LGBTQIA+ and marginalized relationship/sexuality communities, but I'm excited to work with a wide range of folks!

Why did you choose to practice at Thriveworks?

I'm excited about the flexibility, the diversity in clientele, and the ease of access for patients/clients.

What types of clients do you work with best?

My favorite clients are able to find humor in their challenges, are motivated to make change in their lives, and are willing to put work into vulnerability and personal growth.

What do you do for fun/on your time off?

I love spending time with my kids, partner, friends, cats, and plants. My hobbies include cooking, crocheting, gardening, movies, and going to the beach. 

Lady on bicycle icon

Other areas of focus

SpecialitiesDepression, Anxiety, Women’s Issues, Coping Skills, LGBTQIA+, Pregnancy, Prenatal, Postpartum, Divorce, Stress / Mental Stress / Work Stress, Relationships, Life Transition, Self Esteem, Infidelity
ApproachesStrength-Based Therapy, Person-Centered Therapy, Compassion Focused Therapy (CFT), Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Any / Eclectic, Feminist
Academic cap icon

Education and training

Years in practice
12 years
Graduating institute
Argosy University
Graduating degree
Doctor of Psychology in Clinical Psychology
magnify glass with eyes icon

Additional details

Languages spoken by this provider
English
file icon
NPI number1285864918
practice location icon
State of practiceCA
Practice location

Practice information

Media and Blogs

Book your first session

Individual Counseling
Video
In-person
Want help booking? 
Existing client? and rebook
Madeline Brener's profile image

Madeline Brener

Doctor of Psychology (Psy.D)she/her