Depression is a serious mental health condition that can affect anyone, making everyday life feel overwhelming and difficult. It’s important to find the right kind of help from professionals who understand how to treat it. There are many depression psychologist In San Diego and therapists who specialize in helping people manage and overcome depression.
These therapists use different methods, like Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and holistic approaches, to help individuals feel better and take back control of their lives. Whether it’s dealing with past trauma, anxiety, or major life changes, these experts provide personalized care to support emotional healing.
Depression Psychologist in San Diego
1. Dr. Salvatore Dinovo, Ph.D.
Dr. Dinovo is a skilled psychologist specializing in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) for individuals experiencing depression, anxiety, and personality disorders. CBT is a well-known evidence-based therapy particularly effective in managing depression by helping patients identify and change negative thought patterns.
Based at Sage Psychology SD, Dr. Dinovo provides personalized, research-driven interventions tailored to the unique needs of each client. His goal is to equip individuals with the tools needed to manage their emotions, restructure their thought processes, and ultimately improve their mental health and well-being. His use of CBT is particularly effective in helping clients learn coping mechanisms for recurring depressive episodes and anxiety triggers.
2. Dr. Cheryl B. Lamin, PhD
Dr. Lamin has earned a reputation as an expert in trauma-focused therapy and depression treatment. She adopts a holistic approach to mental health, which means she integrates various therapeutic practices aimed at healing both the mind and body. Dr. Lamin works with individuals to navigate complex emotional experiences, trauma recovery, and persistent depression.
Her therapy sessions are known to foster deep personal insight and resilience, making her a popular choice for people going through life transitions and emotional challenges. The holistic aspect of her practice includes mindfulness, relaxation techniques, and other therapies that target emotional regulation and stress management.
3. Dr. Lisa Graff-Marsh, LCSW
Dr. Graff-Marsh is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) who focuses on treating depression, anxiety, and trauma. She brings extensive experience in helping clients manage emotional distress, offering therapies designed to increase emotional resilience and improve day-to-day functioning.
Her approach centers on creating a supportive therapeutic environment where clients can safely explore their feelings, gain emotional insight, and build healthy coping strategies. Dr. Graff-Marsh’s focus on trauma and anxiety allows her to work with individuals who are not only struggling with depressive symptoms but also those dealing with past traumatic experiences that exacerbate their mental health issues.
4. Dr. Christy A. George, LMFT
As a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT), Dr. Christy George specializes in helping individuals cope with depression and trauma, with a particular focus on relationship healing and emotional regulation. Her work primarily involves guiding clients through the complex emotional impacts of depression, such as feelings of isolation, sadness, and helplessness.
Dr. George emphasizes the importance of healing emotional wounds and rebuilding personal relationships that may have been strained due to depressive episodes. She helps her clients develop skills to manage their emotions and improve their interpersonal relationships, offering them a path toward greater mental health stability and personal growth.
5. Grow Through Life Counseling
This practice is focused on providing therapy for depression and anxiety tailored to individuals, families, and children. They offer both in-person and telehealth options, allowing clients flexibility in accessing care. Their comprehensive approach emphasizes family support, which can be crucial when treating children and teens struggling with depression. They use evidence-based therapies like CBT and play therapy to help individuals grow emotionally and overcome challenges.
6. Dr. Scott Altamirano
Dr. Altamirano is a seasoned therapist specializing in men’s mental health and depression. He offers counseling services aimed at empowering clients to confront the challenges that often arise with depression. His focus is on fostering resilience, offering strategies to help individuals thrive, even in the face of adversity. His therapy is particularly well-suited to men dealing with the pressures of societal expectations, family issues, and personal loss, which can contribute to depressive symptoms.
7. Dr. Giselle Laguna
As a brainspotting trauma therapist, Dr. Laguna uses innovative techniques to help clients navigate depression and anxiety, especially when these issues are rooted in past trauma. Brainspotting is a relatively newer therapeutic method that taps into the brain’s capacity to process and resolve trauma, making it an effective approach for individuals whose depression stems from unresolved emotional pain. Dr. Laguna’s practice aims to bring about emotional healing through this targeted, neurological approach.
8. LifeMark Behavioral Health
LifeMark offers a range of therapies for individuals dealing with depression, anxiety, and trauma. Their services are designed to foster personal growth and emotional stability, using therapeutic interventions such as CBT, Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT), and trauma-focused therapies. The practice is dedicated to supporting individuals on their journey toward mental wellness, helping them gain control over their depressive symptoms and lead a more balanced, fulfilling life.
9. Dr. Shannon Jones
Dr. Shannon Jones is a holistic therapy expert who focuses on helping individuals recover from depression and trauma. Her approach combines traditional psychotherapy with integrative methods like mindfulness, somatic therapy, and nutritional counseling. This comprehensive strategy allows individuals to heal not only emotionally but also physically and spiritually. Dr. Jones specializes in treating individuals who have experienced long-term emotional distress, offering them a pathway toward complete recovery and emotional wellness.
10. Beauty for Ashes Transformation Center
This center provides a holistic approach to treating depression, anxiety, and emotional trauma. The team at Beauty for Ashes focuses on long-lasting transformation through therapeutic methods that incorporate emotional, physical, and spiritual healing. They aim to help clients overcome deeply rooted emotional pain, offering tools and techniques for sustainable mental health improvements. Their treatment philosophy is grounded in the belief that emotional well-being can lead to significant life transformation.
11. Cindy Jia, LPCC
Cindy Jia is a Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor specializing in treating depression, anxiety, trauma, grief, and self-esteem issues. She works with adults, children, and families, tailoring her approach to each client’s unique needs. Cindy’s therapy style is forward-focused, aiming to help clients build resilience and develop healthy coping mechanisms after addressing unresolved emotional pain from the past. Her experience working with families and individuals across various stages of life makes her practice particularly effective in creating strong emotional support systems.
12. Samantha Friedman, LMFT
Samantha Friedman is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist who works with adolescents and young adults, helping them navigate depression, anxiety, and major life transitions. Her approach is neurodiversity-affirming, meaning she tailors her therapeutic methods to respect and support individuals who identify as neurodivergent, such as those with ADHD or autism.
She emphasizes telehealth services, offering flexibility for clients who may prefer virtual therapy sessions. Samantha’s commitment to providing inclusive and personalized therapy makes her an ideal choice for younger clients seeking emotional support and understanding.
13. Kimberly Lauro, PhD
Dr. Kimberly Lauro brings a unique blend of cognitive and mind-body treatments to her practice. Specializing in treating depression, anxiety, PTSD, and chronic pain, she uses a holistic approach that includes ketamine-assisted psychotherapy, a cutting-edge treatment that can help individuals with severe depression or trauma-related disorders. Dr. Lauro is known for working with both individuals and couples, ensuring that clients have the emotional tools to overcome life’s challenges while improving their overall health and well-being. Her innovative therapeutic methods address not just the mind but the whole person.
14. Carie Bassett, LACPC
Carie Bassett is a Licensed Associate Clinical Professional Counselor who focuses on helping individuals work through family conflicts, depression, anxiety, and major life changes. With a strong foundation in emotional healing and resilience-building, Carie collaborates with her clients to set achievable goals and fosters emotional growth. Her empathetic approach allows individuals to confront their emotional difficulties and make meaningful progress in their personal lives.
15. Charlie Perez, PMHNP-BC
Charlie Perez is a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner with a rich background in psychiatry, emergency, and critical care. She specializes in managing depression and other psychiatric conditions by offering individualized treatment plans that consider both the psychological and medical needs of her patients. Charlie’s emphasis on patient-centered care ensures that each individual feels supported throughout their mental health journey, especially those dealing with more severe forms of depression. Her approach combines medication management with therapeutic interventions to deliver comprehensive care.
Conclusion
Getting the right therapy is key to overcoming depression. In San Diego, therapists like Samantha Friedman, Dr. Kimberly Lauro, Carie Bassett, and Charlie Perez are dedicated to helping individuals manage their mental health. With a focus on personalized care and proven treatment methods, they help people find strength, heal from emotional pain, and move toward a happier, healthier life. Reaching out for help is a big step, but it can make a real difference in building a better future.
FAQS
What type of psychologist is best for depression?
The most effective psychologist for treating depression is typically a clinical psychologist. These professionals are trained to diagnose and treat a wide range of mental health disorders, including depression, using evidence-based therapies. They often hold advanced degrees in psychology and specialize in cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), interpersonal therapy (IPT), and other therapeutic approaches that are proven to be effective in managing depression. Clinical psychologists can also collaborate with psychiatrists for cases where medication may be necessary.
What therapy is most successful in treating depression?
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is the most widely recognized and successful form of therapy for treating depression. CBT helps individuals identify and change negative thinking patterns and behaviors that contribute to their depression. Research has shown it to be highly effective, especially for mild to moderate cases of depression. Other therapies, such as Interpersonal Therapy (IPT), which focuses on improving relationships and communication skills, and Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), which combines CBT with mindfulness, are also effective in certain cases. For treatment-resistant depression, psychodynamic therapy or Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) might also be considered.
What type of psychologist would be focused on treating severe depression?
For severe depression, a clinical psychologist with specialization in mood disorders is ideal. These psychologists may focus on treating more severe forms of depression, such as major depressive disorder (MDD), and are experienced in managing complex cases. Some might also have experience with neuropsychology, which can be beneficial in understanding the brain’s involvement in mood regulation. Clinical psychologists in collaboration with psychiatrists might provide a more comprehensive treatment plan, including both psychotherapy and medication.
Do psychologists help people with depression?
Yes, psychologists play a crucial role in helping people with depression. They provide psychotherapy, also known as talk therapy, which is a key component in the treatment of depression. Psychologists help patients understand their condition, identify triggers, change harmful thought patterns, and develop coping mechanisms. In cases of depression, therapy can be as effective as medication, especially for mild to moderate depression. For more severe cases, psychologists may collaborate with psychiatrists to provide a combination of therapy and medication.
