Depression Therapists for Women in San Diego, CA: Top 8 Options to Consider

Written By

Dr. Radhika Goyal

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Many women in San Diego, CA face depression at some point in their lives.

Therapy can offer support, understanding, and tools to help manage these challenges.

Finding the right depression therapist for women in San Diego can make a real difference in their overall well-being.

Local resources and professionals are available to guide women through the recovery process and support their mental health needs.

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1) Nora Abbou, MA – specializes in women’s mental health and depression

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Nora Abbou, MA, is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist in San Diego.

She has experience helping women dealing with depression, anxiety, and self-worth issues.

Nora’s therapy approach includes supporting women who struggle with codependency and people-pleasing.

She creates a safe space to talk about life challenges and mental health.

Learn more about her practice at Psychology Today.

2) Marissa Botello, MA, LMFT – expert in mood disorders and anxiety

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Marissa Botello is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist who works with adults experiencing depression, anxiety, ADHD, and chronic health issues.

She focuses on creating a supportive, non-judgmental environment for her clients.

Marissa also has special training in art therapy and is an ADHD Certified Clinical Services Provider.

Learn more about her on Psychology Today and her therapy website.

Ad, keeps our community free. The perspectives presented on this website are genuinely our own and we do not accept money for reviews.

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Fill out a brief questionnaire and get matched with an experienced therapist online in as little as 24 hours.

✓ Over 35K licensed professionals

✓ Subscriptions as low as $65/week, billed every four weeks

✓ Financial aid available

✓ Cancel plan or change therapist anytime

20% off your first month through Therapy Helpers

3) Erica Alade, LMFT – focuses on trauma and depression in women

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Erica Alade is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist who works with women dealing with trauma and depression.

She uses Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Client-Centered Therapy, and Solution Focused Therapy to help clients make progress.

Her approach centers on understanding each person’s unique situation.

She is based in Southern California and has offices in San Diego.

Learn more about her on Psychology Today and Kaiser Permanente.

4) Andrea Vega, LMFT – offers solution-oriented therapy for depression

A female therapist sitting in a comfortable office with plants and bookshelves, smiling warmly.

Andrea Vega, LMFT, is a therapist in San Diego who works with women facing depression.

She supports those struggling with confidence, anxiety, and other emotional challenges.

Andrea uses solution-oriented techniques that target practical changes in daily life.

She is especially focused on the mental health needs of mothers and women at any stage.

Her approach blends supportive listening with tools for positive growth.

Learn more about Andrea Vega, LMFT and Andrea Vega at Psych Hub.

5) Krissie Le-Hermida, LCSW – EMDR therapy for depression and trauma

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Krissie Le-Hermida, LCSW, offers EMDR therapy focused on treating trauma and depression.

She uses a simple and direct approach to help clients process difficult experiences.

Krissie has over 30 years of experience supporting people with emotional challenges.

She helps with issues like anxiety, depression, and work-related stress.

Learn more about her services at Krissie Le Hermida’s official website and get details on EMDR therapy for trauma and depression.

6) Stephanie Sandoval – experienced in treating depressive disorders

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Stephanie Sandoval is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist based in San Diego.

She is experienced in helping adults with depression, anxiety, and trauma-related issues.

Her approach is individualized and integrative, focusing on each person’s unique needs.

Stephanie also addresses challenges like low self-esteem and grief in her sessions.

Learn more about Stephanie Sandoval on Psychology Today, Latinx Therapy, and TherapyDen.

7) Azmaira Maker, Ph.D. – specializes in mood disorders in women

A female therapist sitting in a bright office, smiling warmly and holding a notepad, with a bookshelf and window showing a sunny cityscape in the background.

Dr. Azmaira Maker is a licensed clinical psychologist with over twenty years of experience.

She focuses on treating mood disorders in women, including depression and anxiety.

She works with adults as well as families to help them overcome emotional challenges.

Dr. Maker is the founding director of Aspiring Families.

Learn more about her work at Aspiring Families and Psychology Today.

8) UC San Diego Health – specialized care for postpartum depression

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UC San Diego Health offers specialized support for women facing postpartum depression.

Their team helps with emotional issues linked to pregnancy, childbirth, and bonding with a new baby.

Care includes therapy and guidance focused on each woman’s needs.

Services are available for postpartum depression, PMS, and mood swings related to menopause.

Find more about their programs at UC San Diego Health’s women’s reproductive mental health care and reproductive mental health.

Frequently Asked Questions

A female therapist attentively listening to a female client in a bright therapy office with a view of San Diego outside.

Finding the right therapist in San Diego is important for addressing depression and related issues.

There are options for specialized care, affordable services, and different therapy methods to meet women’s unique mental health needs.

How can I find a qualified female therapist specializing in depression in San Diego?

Start by searching directories that list licensed therapists, especially those who focus on women’s mental health.

Reputable platforms such as Psychology Today allow users to filter for female therapists and specific expertise, such as depression.

Many women prefer working with someone who understands their unique concerns, so look at therapist profiles to review credentials and specializations.

What are the most recommended therapists for women dealing with anxiety and depression in San Diego?

Some highly recommended providers in the San Diego area include Nora Abbou, MA, who specializes in women’s mental health and depression, and Marissa Botello, MA, LMFT, who has expertise in mood disorders and anxiety.

Other skilled therapists include Erica Alade, LMFT, who focuses on trauma and depression in women.

Andrea Vega, LMFT, provides solution-oriented therapy, while Krissie Le-Hermida, LCSW, offers EMDR therapy for depression and trauma.

Which counseling approaches are particularly effective for women experiencing depression?

Several counseling methods are shown to help women with depression.

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is common and helps people change negative patterns of thinking.

Solution-oriented therapy, such as that offered by Andrea Vega, LMFT, can help set goals and look for practical steps.

EMDR therapy, provided by Krissie Le-Hermida, LCSW, is another method that is especially helpful for depression linked to trauma.

Group therapy and support groups may also provide extra support.

Are there any resources for free or low-cost depression therapy for women in San Diego?

San Diego has clinics and counseling centers that provide free or affordable therapy to those who qualify.

Community clinics, non-profits, and student counseling centers at local universities may offer sliding-scale fees.

UC San Diego Health provides specialized mental health care for women, including those dealing with depression and other mood concerns.

Some online platforms also connect women to low-cost therapy based on income.

How can you evaluate the effectiveness of a therapist for treating depression in women?

To judge if a therapist is effective, consider ongoing progress and comfort in sessions.

Regularly check if mood, daily functioning, and coping skills are improving.

Open communication and trust with the therapist also matter.

A good therapist will set clear treatment goals, monitor progress, and adjust the approach if needed.

Can women covered by Medi-Cal access specialized depression therapists in San Diego?

Medi-Cal covers many mental health services in California, including therapy for depression. Many clinics and private practices in San Diego accept Medi-Cal and have therapists who focus on women’s issues.

Women can contact their insurance plan or visit Medi-Cal’s website for specific providers in their area.

Some clinics listed on Clear Mind Counseling and other community resources accept Medi-Cal.

Looking for more mental health tips? Make sure to follow our Mental Health Board on Pinterest!

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About the author

Dr. Radhika Goyal

Dr. Radhika Goyal

I am Dr. Radhika Goyal, a Health Psychologist, Psychotherapist, and Clinical Hypnotherapist based in Delhi, with over five years of experience. I hold a Ph.D. from Maryland University and am a proud member of both the Indian Academy of Health Psychology and the American Psychological Association. My experience as a research assistant at Harvard University, combined with my professional counseling experience, allows me to guide individuals toward making healthier life choices. My LinkedIn

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