Anxiety and depression therapists and psychiatrists in Oceanside, CA

I received my Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from California State University at Northridge in 1996, and my Masters in Social Work from the University of California at Los Angeles in 1998.I have been practicing as a mental health therapist since 1998. I earned my Washington state license as a Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker in 2003. I met all qualification and was granted a license in California as a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in 2023.

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.

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 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.

I have been in the psychology field for over 20 years. I have an extensive background treating public safety, military, hospital personnel and there families for trauma, work related stressors and family issues. I have treated people who have survived trauma and I am also a trauma survivor. I have worked substance abuse treatment facilities and both inpatient and out patient psychiatric hospitals treating moderate to severe mental heath problems.

I am experienced in conducting diagnostic testing evaluations, fitness for work and pre-employment evaluations. I am a court recognized expert in a few different areas.

Due to my time practicing and vast experience nothing suprises me. I have seen, heard or dealt with most things in the this field. You cannot put a price tag on experience. I have also lived life and have experienced many things myself that clients come into my office wanting help with. I don't know about you but I like getting help from those that have treated the issues in the past or have gone through it themselves versus those that have read about it in books.