Sandra LawsHave you ever heard that grief comes in waves? Some days feel manageable, until a quiet moment or a familiar song suddenly makes everything feel heavy. For a long time, I carried those emotions in silence, telling myself I should be fine—for my sake and my family’s.
Then I realized that it’s okay not to be okay, and that unspoken feelings do not disappear simply because we ignore them. That quiet weight is often the hardest part to explain, even to ourselves.
At this stage, many people turn to counseling services in San Diego for support. The right kind of counseling does not feel cold or clinical. It creates space to talk, reflect, and breathe without judgment.
Below, I share counseling services that stood out for their professionalism and ability to meet people exactly where they are.
How much do counseling services in San Diego cost?
Counseling services in San Diego cost between $120 and $250 per session. However, costs may vary based on session length, therapy type, and whether you choose individual or specialized counseling.
1. Healthy Minds Counseling Services
Address: 591 Camino de la Reina Suite 210, CA 92108
Contact Details: +1 619-206-5271
Operating Hours:
- Monday-Thursday: 8:00 AM – 6:00 PM
- Friday: 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM
- Saturday-Sunday: Closed
When I first reached out to Healthy Minds Counseling Services, I was navigating grief, and what stood out immediately was how intentional their care felt. From the start, the focus wasn’t just on symptoms but on how grief shows up in the body, relationships, and daily life.
Sessions never felt rushed. There was consistent space for reflection, careful listening, and thoughtful responses, which made the work feel genuine.
What really sets them apart is the depth of their clinical focus. Their team works extensively with depression and anxiety, grief and loss, and trauma and PTSD. They also offer therapy for LGBTQIA+ clients and BIPOC individuals.
I also appreciate that they offer specialized therapy for creatives, young adults, and entrepreneurs. These are groups that often face pressure in very different ways.
From a logistics standpoint, pricing is transparent. Individual sessions range from $140 to $200, and couples and family therapy range from $160 to $200. They even accept major insurance plans, including Cigna, Optum, and Molina.
However, their wide range of services makes the intake process more thorough than average.
Walks with you through seasons of change
“I started out with Sunny as my therapist in 2020. I had the privilege to work with her for 5 years. Her support changed my world. I later started doing couples therapy with Antara which has also been incredibly beneficial. Both therapist provided insights that I’m not sure I could have gotten to on my own. This practice is legit and I couldn’t recommend more. Thank you Tati, for creating an amazing team of clinicians. 💜🙏🏽”
- Jenna Carpenter, Google Review
Learned to face trauma with compassion
“I love Healthy Minds Particularly my EMDR Therapist KarmaNia she is amazing I have learned to cope with a lot of my struggles with depression, traumas and stresses she helps me to do it with compassion and care the EMDR Techniques are amazing. I’m so grateful I wish I could give more than 5 stars!”
- Rae Wiggins, Google Review
2. Clear Mind Counseling
Address: 3655 Nobel Dr # 400, CA 92122
Contact Details: +1 858-750-7379
Operating Hours:
- Monday: 8:00 AM – 6:00 PM
- Tuesday-Friday: 8:00 AM – 7:00 PM
- Saturday-Sunday: Closed
I first read about Clear Mind Counseling in the San Diego Business Journal. What stands out is how they are all female therapists, positioning counseling as outcome-focused.
Their work centers on treating anxiety and depression for individuals, couples, and adolescents. They also use evidence-based approaches like CBT, Solution-Focused Therapy, and the Gottman Method.
One aspect that feels especially thoughtful is their therapist-matching process. Their intake team understands goals, concerns, and personality before making a recommendation. They remain open to adjustments if the fit doesn’t feel right.
Their services include individual, couples, and teen therapy. In-person sessions are available in Mission Valley and La Jolla, and virtual counseling options are also offered.
The practice is led by Stephanie Rosenfeld, LMFT, who brings over 15 years of private practice experience and has worked with thousands of clients.
Clear Mind Counseling also offers a free 15-minute consultation to ease the pressure of getting started. I also appreciate how fees are listed upfront, with individual sessions ranging from $165 to $185 and couples sessions from $185 to $220.
One thing to note is that their 48-hour cancellation policy is strict, with full fees charged for late cancellations or missed appointments.
I immediately fell in love with their style and felt like people cared about me
“I spent a long time searching for the right fit, the right therapist for me and Clear Mind Counseling was perfect. I immediately fell in love with their style and felt like people cared about me. I’ve improved so much and it’s only been a couple a months. I would highly recommend it to anyone looking for a good fit.”
- Nick Ernster, Google Review
Provided clarity in the middle of life’s biggest crossroads
“Clear Mind and Stephanie have been life changing in the midst of multiple major life circumstances both personally and professionally. Simply put, I feel cared about and have been provided guidance with compassion, sensitivity and crystal clarity. Each session there are a number of epiphany moments I’ve arrived upon through her objective and potent feedback—have been to numerous therapists and feel every session is worth its weight lol in gold—Stephanie is top notch. The office is pristine and billing, statements are hard-wired for such ease in processing insurance and FSA claims.”
- Jeremy Raimo, Google Review
3. Serenity Therapy and Counseling
Address: 2525 Camino del Rio S #315, CA 92108
Contact Details: +1 619-630-0646
Operating Hours:
- Monday-Friday: 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM
- Saturday-Sunday: Closed
If you are after a partnership, Serenity Therapy and Counseling makes that clear from the very start.
Therapy is framed as a collaborative process, with both in-person sessions in the city and online counseling available, making care feel flexible.
Their therapeutic approach feels grounded and intentional. They use Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) to help process trauma without reliving every detail.
They also incorporate Internal Family Systems, which explores the different “parts” we carry inside. Another method they use is narrative therapy, which rounds this out by helping reshape personal stories, allowing space for clarity.
The practice is led by Janice Naranjo Harrington, MA, LPCC, whose emphasis on safety and thoughtful pacing clearly shapes how care is delivered. Sessions run 50 minutes, giving enough space to unpack.
I also appreciate the transparency around logistics. Individual sessions are $175, while couples sessions are $185, all paid out of pocket, as insurance is not accepted. Therefore, the out-of-pocket payment for sessions may be a concern for some.
From hard conversations to real connection again
“My wife and I saw Janice for marriage counseling and I was reluctant at first, however, after the first few sessions I started to notice my wife and I having conversations we had never been able to have before without arguing. We are thankful for Janice’s help getting our marriage back on a healthy track!”
- Joel Ratovoson, Google Review
Small guidance for meaningful shifts
“I have found Janice very empathetic and sensible in suggestions on how to deal with challenges in family relationships. I feel I’ve been able to make substantial changes in my life as a result. I strongly recommend her as a counselor!”
- Joan Raphael, Google Review
4. Oasis Counseling Group
Address: 2635 Camino del Rio S #109, CA 92108
Contact Details: +1 619-738-2594
Operating Hours:
- Monday: 9:00 AM – 8:30 PM
- Tuesday-Friday: 9:00 AM – 7:00 PM
- Saturday-Sunday: Closed
A brave friend of mine joined Oasis Counseling’s Men’s Group Therapy on Tuesday nights for $60 per 1.5 hours, and what stood out was how supportive the space felt.
That same steady approach carries through their counseling services in San Diego, from individual, couples, and family therapy. This approach is to support depression, OCD, and trauma.
They also go deeper with specialties like sex addiction therapy and church or religious trauma therapy, as if it were built for real-life situations.
Access is also straightforward. They provide in-person therapy in Mission Valley, virtual sessions across San Diego County, and a satellite office in Rancho Bernardo.
Plus, a dedicated Intake Coordinator, Janneke, helps match clients with the right therapist and assists with scheduling the first appointment.
Pricing is clearly laid out too. Their individual sessions start at $150 for 50 minutes, and groups are listed with specific rates, such as the Women’s Betrayal Trauma Group at $75 per session and the Sexual Addiction Accountability Group at $70 per session.
However, costs can vary by therapist and by the level of specialization. So, budgeting may require some upfront planning.
Support that feels warm
“I’ve known Andrew for over 20 years and he’s a very warm, kind person. He’s a great listener, very open and thoughtful. I would recommend him to anyone needing some extra support.”
- Sonya Kemp, Google Review
When integrity is felt in every interaction
“I’ve had the pleasure of knowing the owners of this practice for years, and I can say with complete confidence that they are two of the highest-quality people you’ll ever meet. Their character, integrity, and genuine care for others are evident in everything they do.”
- Heather Richmond, Google Review
5. Grow Through Life Counseling
Address: 820 Oberlin Dr STE 112, CA 92121
Contact Details: +1 619-549-0329
Operating Hours:
- Monday-Thursday: 8:00 AM – 8:00 PM
- Friday-Sunday: 8:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Grow Through Life Counseling offers in-person sessions at 9 locations across San Diego County, plus Riverside. They also do telehealth anywhere in California, so you are not limited to one office or one schedule.
I also like that they are members of the California Marriage and Family Therapists and that they openly say they are proud to care for Tricare military families. They even work with anyone and usually cover the heavy topics like anxiety, trauma, and life transitions.
But they also offer more specific support like neurodivergent and ADHD care, perinatal and postpartum support up to 18 months, and LGBTQIA+ affirming therapy.
The practical stuff is my favorite, since Grow Through Life Counseling is in-network with many major insurance providers. They will verify benefits, so you have a clearer idea of costs before you start.
They also do the little things, such as having direct voicemail and email access to your therapist, free school absence notes, and a secure portal for scheduling.
You will even spot them on Psychology Today, making it easier to vet them when you are comparing options. The only catch is that the appointment times listed online are not guaranteed.
Every stage of life feels supported
“If you’re looking for a therapy office that truly cares, this is it! The team is wonderfully supportive, making everyone feel right at home. Their therapists are incredibly effective, providing top-notch help to children, teens, adults, couples, and families. A definite recommendation from me.”
- Olivia Price, Google Review
Strong leadership behind care
“I would highly recommend Grow Through Life Counseling because of the exceptional leadership from the owner Kara Kohnan. Her team of counselors and therapists are the best in the industry. It’s nice that they have locations throughout San Diego County and provide Telehealth services. Give them a call to set up an appointment.”
- Keith McLaurin, Google Review
