Find a therapist in La Mesa, CA — covered by insurance

Many people come to therapy carrying pain that is difficult to put into words. You may understand why you're struggling, yet still find yourself repeating the same patterns, feeling stuck in painful relationships, grieving losses, or wondering why lasting change feels out of reach. I work with adults experiencing anxiety, depression, grief and loss, relationship difficulties, infertility, trauma, stress, family concerns, maternal mental health challenges, and life transitions. Many of my clients are thoughtful, insightful people who want more than temporary relief, they want to understand themselves more deeply and create meaningful, lasting change. Together, we'll explore the experiences, relationships, and emotional patterns that have shaped your life while building greater self-awareness and self-compassion. My goal is to help you gain clarity, strengthen your relationships, and create a life that feels more connected, purposeful, and authentic.

My goal is to help my clients uncover their true potential and lead an authentic life. Connecting quickly to develop the trust of my clients, I am able to address their conflicts and challenges to help them find resolution. I provide individual, couples and family counseling in a safe and supportive environment. I offer a personalized approach, tailored to each individual client's unique life situation to help them attain the personal growth they are seeking.

I am a licensed therapist who has been working in the field since 2014 with diverse individuals in different settings. I attended California State Polytechnic University for my Bachelors Degree in Psychology and the University of Southern California for my Masters in Social Work. I specialize in working with individuals suffering from anxiety, depression, trauma, women's issues and grief and loss issues. On a personal note, I love to hike, cook and watch movies.

I am a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, certified in Spiritual Guidance and Expressive Art, with a multi-cultural background. I bring a warm, person-centered approach to my practice. I have a passion for working with older adults, especially those navigating life transitions, and I offer therapy in Farsi, Turkish, and English. My focus is on creating a safe, supportive environment where clients feel heard and understood.

As a licensed marriage and family therapist in CA with a MA in Clinical Psychology, I have been in practice for over twelve years.

As a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, I believe healing happens through connection, compassion, and understanding. I partner with clients to explore patterns, build coping skills, and develop greater self-awareness in a supportive and nonjudgmental environment. My goal is to help clients feel more grounded, confident, and aligned with their values.

I believe therapy works best when it’s grounded in understanding who you are as a whole person. Everyone comes to therapy with their own story, background, and way of communicating, and I take time to really get to know each client as an individual. My goal is to create a warm, non-judgmental space where you feel comfortable being yourself, sharing openly, and feeling genuinely heard and supported as we work through what brought you to therapy.

I hold a Doctorate in Social Work and am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW). I’ve been working as a therapist since 2015 and independently licensed since 2018. I primarily work with adults (18+) and support individuals navigating concerns such as anxiety, depression, adjustment challenges, brief grief experiences, life transitions, and women’s issues.

I’m a bilingual (English/Spanish) LCSW who helps individuals navigate anxiety, depression, stress, and life transitions. I will strive to meet my client's needs. Life tends to take us on various journeys. Not all clients are the same, and everyone has the right to their healing process. We will work as a team to overcome challenges. I will strive to meet my client's needs. Life tends to take us on various journeys. Not all clients are the same, and everyone has the right to their healing process. We will work as a team to overcome challenges. My goal is to maintain a safe and confidential environment to help overcome adversity.

I am a California-licensed Marriage and Family Therapist with over a decade of experience providing specialized, confidential telehealth. My practice is built to support ambitious individuals—including busy professionals and dedicated college students—navigating high-pressure environments, life transitions, and relationship challenges.

Because your schedule is already packed with work or demanding coursework, I offer dedicated session times outside standard hours, including early mornings and weekends. Whether you are dealing with academic/professional burnout, family-of-origin issues, or deep emotional blocks, I provide a warm, inclusive space to unburden those patterns. I practice fluidly in English, Spanish, and Spanglish, honoring your unique cultural or bicultural lived experience.

I am a full-time professor of psychology and a licensed therapist for over 10 years. I have a doctorate and two master's degrees so you see psychology is my passion!

I'm Matt Darst, a Licensed Clinical Social Worker trained at the University of Southern California, with advanced training in military and veteran clinical social work. I work with adults who are motivated to change but feel stuck — navigating trauma, addiction, mood disorders, OCD, grief, or the kind of cumulative pressure that quietly builds until something gives.

My clients tend to be high-functioning people who look fine from the outside but are carrying more than they let on. That includes professionals managing stress and burnout, veterans and first responders, and anyone who's ready to do honest, purposeful work — regardless of background or title.

I bring a direct, warm style grounded in kind accountability. I'm not here to tell you what you want to hear. I'm here to help you move.

Welcome!

I believe therapy should be a place where you feel safe, supported, and genuinely understood. As a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, I strive to create a warm, nonjudgmental space where you can openly explore your experiences, gain insight, and move toward the life you want to live.