

Finding the right support in Carlsbad is easier with Headway's 8,096 licensed providers serving neighborhoods including Carlsbad Village, Aviara, and Poinsettia. Providers offer both talk therapy and medication management with flexible scheduling and free initial consultations. Through partnerships with 70+ insurance plans, Headway helps patients maximize their coverage and minimize out-of-pocket costs.
I am Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist. I have been practicing therapy since November 2015 and licensed since January 2023. The modality I mainly use is Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), but also pull from other modalities as one modality may not fit all clientele. I have had experience with self-esteem, couples, anxiety (mild to moderate levels), depression (mild levels), grief/loss and end of life. I have work with prior law enforcement experience, substitute teacher (Elementary thru High School), and various other vocational experience. NOTE: I am not a psychiatrist, so I do NOT prescribe medication.
I'm a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist passionate about helping individuals, children, and families navigate life's challenges with strength and self-awareness. My style is collaborative, down-to-earth, and relational- I believe therapy should feel safe and empowering. Together, we'll explore on patterns, build resilience , and work toward meaningful change at your own pace.
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.
I’m a licensed therapist with a Master’s in Counseling with an emphasis in Child and Family Therapy, and I’m certified in Perinatal Mental Health. I work with children, adolescents, and families, and I also support moms navigating pregnancy, postpartum, and the emotional challenges of early parenthood. I have experience helping with anxiety, emotional regulation, behavioral challenges, and school-related concerns, and I especially enjoy working with children and pre-teens using play and creative approaches.
I work with adolescents and adults and offer individual, couples, and family therapy. I help individuals identify their goals and make the changes necessary to help them lead more productive and fulfilling lives. I am directive, and I provide a warm, caring and non-judgmental environment to explore the issues and life-events with which you may be struggling.
I genuinely like people, have always love to help ,
Will take my clients through the therapeutic process, with empathy and care for their experience in therapy to be a positive one.


Headway makes it easy to find support for your mental health — from finding the right provider, to understanding costs, to scheduling with ease.
Finding the right therapist in Carlsbad starts with getting clear on what you're looking for. Consider whether you need support for a specific concern — such as anxiety, depression, relationship challenges, or trauma — or whether you're looking for general talk therapy. Therapists in Carlsbad hold a range of licenses, including LMFT, LCSW, LPCC, and psychologist credentials, and many specialize in approaches like Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), EMDR, or couples counseling.
Beyond specialty and approach, practical factors matter too. Think about whether you prefer in-person sessions in Carlsbad or virtual appointments, what days and times work with your schedule, and whether a provider's background and style feel like a good match. Reading a provider's bio before booking can help you feel more confident about your choice.
Therapy in the San Diego County area can be expensive without coverage, but using in-network insurance is one of the most reliable ways to reduce what you pay per session. On Headway, you can enter your insurance details to see estimated session costs before you book, and many patients pay as low as $0 per visit. Nationally, Headway partners with over 100 insurance plans. You can enter your insurance details on Headway to confirm what coverage is available in Carlsbad and see estimated session costs before you book.
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