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 sayAccepted insurance & self-pay
About Madeline
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.

"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
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
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.
Other areas of focus
Education and training
- Years in practice
- 12 years
- Graduating institute
- Argosy University
- Graduating degree
- Doctor of Psychology in Clinical Psychology




