Skip to main content
Headshot of Joseph Ritkes, LCSW

Dr. Joseph Ritkes

(He/Him)
Licensed Clinical Social Worker
California

In-network with

Aetna, Oxford (Optum), Quest Behavioral Health, and United Healthcare (Optum)

Specializes in

Depression, LGBTQIA+, and Substance Use / Addiction

Great to meet you!

My name is Joey Ritkes (he/him). I have been working as a mental health therapist for over five years. My practice has primarily been specialized in working with LGBTQ+ youth. However, I have worked with couples, families, emerging adults, and adults from all backgrounds. I am a client-centered therapist who enjoys working collaboratively with my clients to meet their goals.

A bit about my approach to therapy

My approach in working with clients in a therapeutic setting is to create a safe, affirming, and welcoming environment where clients feel comfortable sharing. My approach is eclectic in terms of theoretical orientation and interventions. I tailor my approach to fit the individual client, rather than the other way around. I celebrate the fact that everyone is unique and deserves an approach that meets their own individual goals.

What you can expect from our first session

My overarching goal during therapy is to provide clients with an opportunity to place themselves at the center, even if for only one hour. Our days are overly scheduled with little time to focus on ourselves so my goal has always been to approach therapy with placing the client's needs at the center. Clients can expect to leave sessions feeling empowered and supported.


Joseph's style is

Affirming
Warm
Open-minded

Insurance carriers Joseph accepts

Aetna
Oxford
Quest Behavioral Health
UnitedHealthcare

More about Joseph

MSW (Master of Social Work) at San Jose State University
License type: LCSW (Licensed Clinical Social Worker) (California)
Gender: Cisgender Male
Ethnicity: Caucasian
Works with: Children, Adolescents, Adults, and Seniors
More specialties: Anxiety, ADD/ADHD, and Anger Management
Modalities: Positive Psychology, Psychoanalytic, Solution Focused Brief Therapy (SFBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Humanistic, Cognitive Behavioral (CBT), Strength-Based, Structural Family, Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT), Gestalt, Experiential, Psychodynamic, Motivational Interviewing, Behavior Modification, Trauma Focused CBT, and Art Therapy

Location

2302 Sixth Avenue
San Diego, CA 92101