Oxford Therapists in San Diego, CA

Life often hands us challenges that create obstacles to realizing one's fullest potential. Life is unpredictable, and making sense of it and the world around us can be confusing. At times, we need help. We can even start to believe that change isn't possible. Throughout the counseling process, I help individuals find resolution to a wide range of personal concerns, crises, and psychological issues. My approach to counseling balances compassion, and safety while working to find peace from all the challenges that life brings. My style is authentic and practical - I focus on helping you discover your strengths. I listen attentively to your stories with non-judgmental empathy and acceptance. I provide ongoing support with therapeutic insight and expertise in a confidential setting. With a special interest in working with folks struggling with substance abuse issues, I have a great deal of experience in the Substance Abuse & Recovery world. I also enjoy working with older individuals looking to find new values as they move into retirement.

My name is Gary Youssef and I have been providing mental/behavioral health services for children, adolescents, adults and families for 25+ years. I'm a licensed marriage and family therapist specializing mental/behavioral health issues impacting children and adults such as: career/school stressors, depression, anxiety, relational issues, parenting, family systems, medical challenges, healthy lifestyles, etc. I worked for 14 years as a therapist and program manager at the central outpatient psychiatry clinic at Rady Children's Hospital-San Diego which is ranked as one of the top 10 children's hospitals in the United States by U.S. News and World report. I have helped provide behavioral health services for over 10,000 children, adults and families throughout San Diego County. In addition, I helped support U.S. service members and their families while working as a military family life counselor at Naval Medical Center-San Diego in Pediatrics. I also volunteered at San Diego Unified School District and coached little league. I love being a father to my two awesome sons and I enjoy athletics and cooking in my free time. I am practical and eclectic therapist combining elements from theoretical orientations such as cognitive behavioral therapy and solution focused therapy to help clients of all ages. The vast majority of my clients report that they had a good experience working with me and describe me as experienced, professional, friendly, kind, helpful and effective.

I believe that life is a beautiful thing, but at times, hurdles and trials can obscure us from seeing that vision. Do mornings greet you with anxiety or sadness? Have you noticed that your motivation within you has dwindled? Hi, I'm Ben, and my passion is collaborating with individuals like you to help them rediscover their very best selves. I thrive on connecting with my clients right where they are. Whether you're wrestling with depression, grappling with anxiety, or simply feeling adrift, I invite you to take the initial step and schedule an appointment with me! We will work together to chart a new course to rekindle your appreciation for the beauty surrounding us in life. My primary approach is Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), which empowers you to unravel negative behavior patterns, allowing you to break free from thoughts and actions that might be constraining your happiness.

Richard De La Garza is a licensed clinical social worker. His educational background includes a Bachelor's degree from San Jose State University and a Master's degree in Public Administration from Columbia University, and he is currently in pursuit of a Doctorate in Philosophy of Leadership from the University of San Diego. His research intersects multicultural facets of underrepresented first-generation, non-traditional, veteran, and disabled persons and is committed to social justice and culturally competent care. His experience includes working in a variety of settings including the US Army, as a direct commissioned officer for active-duty servicemen. Richard has provided consultation for a non-profit board of directors, case management for a community mental health clinic, and facilitated government partnerships across the military and Palo Alto VA. Richard aligns with a holistic therapeutic approach that is person-centered, psychodynamic, narrative, cognitive behavioral, solution-oriented, integrative systems, and storytelling. Richard's leadership style reflects traits like being bilingual, amiable, and tenacious. Richard strives to expand self-awareness to recognize everyone should be a learner who is capable of growth and redemption. Richard is also trained to provide EMDR therapy.

When life feels heavy or uncertain, you don’t have to navigate it alone. I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker dedicated to supporting children, teens, and families through compassionate, trauma-informed care. With five years of experience working with youth, I understand the real challenges young people and their families face. Over the years, I’ve seen how experiences in early childhood can continue to show up in adulthood, and I’m passionate about helping people understand and heal from that impact. I really enjoy working with trauma, PTSD, and using EMDR, and my goal is to support you for as long as you need.

If you're struggling with stressors, attempting to heal from past traumas, facing anxiety in certain areas of life, or are feeling down I can help you navigate these difficulties. I specialize in anxiety and trauma as well as female and maternal mental health. I have a very person centered approach; meaning that I try to understand fully what brings you in and where you are coming from. Once we have a solid foundation of understanding I assist in evaluating beliefs and processes that keep people stuck, I provide practical skills for relief, and break down barriers to creating and maintaining new habits. I know it can feel overwhelming as you decide who to trust with these needs, your comfort, safety and needs are my main concern. I'll meet you where you are to build a trusting relationship with you and once that is in place you will have a solid foundation for then trusting the process.

I'm a bilingual (English and Spanish) Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT) based in California. I specialize in working with clients who are struggling with anxiety, depression, ADHD and trauma. I enjoy working with clients who are ready to work on their relationships with partners, family and themselves. Whether you're seeking support for anxiety, depression, relationship issues, trauma or personal development, I am here to work alongside you, offering evidence-based techniques and empathetic guidance to promote healing and enhance your well-being.

Hey I’m Claire, I’m a Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor based in California. During my time with clients, I aim to provide a safe space through a client centered approach where we work together with what you bring to therapy. I work from a lens of creativity — meaning each session will be unique to you by incorporating your strengths and interests in order to empower you to find a meaningful way of expression that feels both comfortable and safe. I lead with empathy and my belief that people are capable of change and can use our strengths to navigate life’s bumps.

Hi I am Ashli and I am a Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor, I prioritize guiding clients down the path to wholeness through the practice of creating balance, healing and integrating all parts. I include processing shadow work, healing parental and childhood attachment wounds, ego dissolution, releasing energetic trauma from the body, and reprogramming belief systems to become the highest version of your authentic self.

Luke is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with a background in emergency medical services and hospital emergency departments. He is a United States Coast Guard veteran located in California. Luke believes in healthy habit development, consistent focus on goals, and problem solving to improve quality of life. Luke's approach to therapy includes: positive psychology, stress management, reducing substance use, communication skills, solution focused therapy, and cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT). Outside of work Luke enjoys outdoor activities like camping, mountain biking, sailing, and scuba diving.

Welcome to Grow Therapy. My name is Jose, and I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist with over 10 years of experience supporting children, individuals, and families. I focus on strengths, collaboration, and use practical strategies that support lasting personal growth. I strive to create a truly warm, respectful environment where clients feel understood, supported, and empowered to grow.

I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) licensed in California, Florida, and Tennessee, providing psychotherapy to individuals seeking meaningful, lasting change. My clinical training includes EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing), Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR), Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), and Existential Therapy. I take an integrative, eclectic approach—thoughtfully tailoring each treatment plan to the unique needs, history, personality, and goals of the person in front of me. My areas of specialization include death and dying, grief and loss, traumatic experiences, serious mental health conditions, and mood disorders. I have extensive experience working with complex presentations, including trauma-related disorders, complicated grief, anxiety, depression, and life transitions. Clients often seek me out when they are feeling stuck despite previous therapy, looking for a depth-oriented yet practical approach that integrates evidence-based interventions with insight, meaning-making, and nervous system regulation. I earned my Master’s degree in Social Work from Florida Atlantic University in 2014 and have continued to refine my clinical focus through advanced training, consultation, and ongoing professional development. My work is grounded in both neuroscience and compassion—balancing structured, results-oriented strategies with warmth, attunement, and respect for each client’s pace. In our work together, you can expect a space that is direct yet supportive, reflective yet action-oriented. I value measurable progress, collaborative goal setting, and empowering clients with tools they can use beyond the therapy room. I am currently in private practice, serving clients in Jupiter, West Palm Beach, and Palm Beach Gardens, Florida, as well as providing virtual therapy throughout Tennessee and California. My Good Life Therapy is a whole-person-centered practice grounded in the belief that healing involves the mind, body, relationships, and deeper sense of meaning. While I primarily offer virtual sessions for accessibility and flexibility, I may accommodate in-person meetings in select cases.

I was born in the US, but I was raised in Mexico. I lived in Tijuana for 10 years when my parents decided to move us across the border to Chula Vista, California. As a first-generation Mexican-American, I experienced a duality of cultures. I was often judged for either being “not Mexican enough” OR “not American enough.” I also faced enormous pressure to be successful – to justify my parents’ having left their beloved country so my sibling and I could have a better life. This is one of many reasons I decided to follow this path: to help those who feel alone in their journey. That’s how I felt when acculturating to this country. I earned my Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) at San Diego State University (SDSU). I was going to go directly into the workforce and eventually go back for my master’s, but an awesome professor challenged me to apply right away so I wouldn’t lose momentum. So, that’s what I did. I ended up getting my Master of Social Work (MSW) at the University of Southern California. It took some time and courage to finish all my licensing requirements, but it was worth it! I’ve been licensed as a clinical social worker in California since 2019. I am certified in Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Trauma-Focused CBT.

Soy un consejero con más de 25 años de experiencia trabajando con la población latina. Nací y crecí en México y llegué a los Estados Unidos en mis veintes. Entiendo la lucha y la riqueza de vivir en dos culturas. Soy bilingüe en inglés y español. Toda mi experiencia profesional ha sido trabajando con latinos y latinas, que hablan español, y que como yo son inmigrantes o de primera generación. I am a counselor with over 25 years of experience working with the Latino population. I was born and raised in Mexico and came to the US in my twenties. I understand the struggle and the richness of living in two cultures. I am bilingual in English and Spanish. All my professional experience has been working with Latinos and Latinas, who speak in Spanish, and who are as myself migrants or first generation.

Welcome! I'm Annemarie and I would love to be your guide on your journey toward peace and self-discovery. Seeking support is such a huge step and often times a difficult one to take. But here you are! Now that the difficult part is behind you, let's talk about how I can help. Over the last 6 years, I have worked with a wide range of emotional and behavioral challenges which include depression, anxiety, relationship challenges, grief and loss, and life transitions. During our sessions, you can expect compassion and collaboration. Ours will be a non-judgmental, safe space where you can learn and practice evidence-based strategies to assist you with your challenges.

I have been providing mental health diagnostic assessments and therapy for almost 10 years. I use a down-to-earth, straight-forward approach to address adults struggling with relationships, attachment trauma, depression, anxiety, and Borderline Personality Disorder. I create space to explore all aspects of oneself without judgement. I have a background in medical research, case management, mental health diagnostic assessments, and psychotherapy. I've worked in various healthcare environments that include emergency rooms, pediatric intensive care, hospital psychiatric floors, crisis stabilization, residential treatment facilities, and outpatient private practice. I'm a proud USC graduate.

Janet Distefan, PhD LMFT is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist. She received a B.A. from the University of California, San Diego; an M.A. in Counseling Psychology from National University and a Ph.D. in Behavioral Epidemiology from the University of California, San Diego. She has been licensed since 2006 providing comprehensive clinical care for issues such as depression, anxiety, post-traumatic stress, bipolar disorder, relational difficulties, grief and loss, and major life transitions. Her clinical practice is collaborative and strength-based, drawing from cognitive-behavioral, object relations and attachment theories; and mindfulness-based stress reduction.

Hello, My name is Debbie! I am a Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor (LPCC). I am passionate about helping others on their mental health journey to wellbeing. I earned my Bachelor's in Psychology from the University of California, Santa Barbara, and obtained my Master's in Counseling at the University of San Diego. My interest in helping others started in early childhood. Supporting others was something I always found very rewarding, and continue to feel that way to this day. For the past 10 years, I have had the opportunity to help others in a variety of mental health settings. I have worked in residential group homes, provided one on one mental health skills coaching, been a school counselor, and recently have been a therapist for the last 6 years.

I work with clients of all ages, helping children and their families navigate emotional, behavioral, and developmental challenges. My focus is creating a warm, supportive space where you feel heard and understood as we work together toward positive change. I walk side-by-side with you, holding you with unconditional positive regard. I use Client-Centered, Family Systems, Attachment, Solution-Focused, CBT, Play Therapy, Trauma-Informed Care approaches. Rather than focus on problems, I look at solutions through a positive psychology lens to elicit hope and change.

Hi there. My name is Alexis Morris and my preferred name is Lexi. As a Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor in the state of California, my primary goal is to provide compassionate and effective therapy to individuals seeking support and guidance. With a foundation in evidence-based practices, I specialize in helping clients navigate through life's challenges and achieve their personal goals. Drawing from various therapeutic modalities, including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), and mindfulness-based approaches, I tailor my interventions to meet the unique needs and preferences of each client. My approach is collaborative, focusing on building a trusting therapeutic relationship that fosters openness and growth. I believe in the importance of creating a safe and non-judgmental space where clients can explore their thoughts, emotions, and experiences without fear of criticism. Through exploration and self-discovery, my aim is to empower clients to cultivate resilience, enhance self-awareness, and develop effective coping strategies. As a counselor committed to ethical standards and ongoing professional development, I strive to stay informed about the latest research and best practices in the field. My dedication to the well-being of my clients is reflected in my advocacy for their mental health and personal growth throughout the therapeutic process.

Change is hard, not having the tools, direction and support make the process even harder. I can help you identify areas that may be keeping you stuck. I also provide wellness and behavioral health coaching in addition to traditional therapy. The atmosphere that is created in the therapy session is one of warmth, safety, and acceptance. I have a straightforward, interactive approach to treatment. I am passionate about my work and strongly believe in the healing benefits of therapy. Reach out to me, I’d love to help you help heal, connect, & thrive. Together we can create the life you want.

Hello and welcome! My name is Shannon Merritt and I am a Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist (LMFT). I am based in Southern California and offer telehealth services to clients across the state. My expertise includes supporting individuals through life transitions, managing depression and anxiety, coping with loss, and addressing various mental health challenges. I am also passionate about helping people recover from addiction and/or trauma.

I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist who works with individuals, couples, and families. Many of my clients have commented they like my insight and non-judgmental approach when discussing their issues. In my experience, I have observed many are struggling to make changes in their lives because they received the message they are not good enough. However, I am determined to provide a safe environment for all therapeutic participants by ensuring they can embrace themselves and recognize they are good enough. I am a U.S. Navy Veteran who has personal experience with some of the hardships faced when families are separated due to long deployments. In addition, I have worked with men and women who have recently been released from incarceration. I have experience and training with domestic violence and other traumas as well. Clients tell me that I have a calm demeanor and approachable character which help them connect with me.

Tired of being at war with your own mind? If anxiety, self-criticism, or a sense of being "stuck" has you feeling trapped in cycles of rumination, I specialize in helping people make peace with their inner chaos. Together, we won't just manage symptoms, we'll transform your relationship with them so that you can build a life of purpose from the inside out. I earned my Master’s Degree in Social Work from San Diego State University and have been practicing for over 5 years. I'm a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) and psychotherapist who believes healing happens in connection. My own lived experience with trauma and the transformative support I received inspired me to become the therapist I needed growing up. This personal journey fuels a deep, empathetic commitment to walking alongside my clients with genuine understanding.

Hello, I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT). I am passionate about working with individuals in creating generational healing within themselves and their families. I believe any healing starts within ourselves and identifying our own patterns and behaviors. The relationship we have with ourself has the power to transform our lives for the better and also improve relationships with those in our lives. I emphasize both in therapy. I approach therapy with a humanistic, client-centered, holistic and goal-oriented lens, focusing on reconnecting back to the self.