Book family therapy, covered by insurance
Family therapy and counseling in San Diego, CA
Top family therapists in San Diego, CA
Navigate family relationships across San Diego neighborhoods with Headway's diverse network of 3,089 providers trained in evidence-based family therapy approaches. Many sessions are covered by insurance, with patients saving an average of 75% on care through our platform.
I'm a licensed clinical neuropsychologist and board-certified behavior analyst with specialized training in neuropsychology and neurodiversity-affirming care. I work with children, adolescents, and adults across a wide range of presenting concerns, including ADHD, autism, trauma, anxiety, and complex relational patterns.
My background includes extensive experience in psychological and neuropsychological assessment, helping clients better understand how their brains work and how to adapt with insight and clarity. I also work with high-achieving and twice-exceptional individuals navigating emotional depth, perfectionism, and identity.
Beyond credentials, I bring curiosity, honesty, and a strong sense of ethics into the room. Therapy with me often feels both structured and deeply personal, we're not just managing symptoms; we're making meaning.
I specialize in supporting adolescents, adults, and families navigating trauma, systemic stress, life transitions, anxiety, depression, and relationship challenges. With 11 years as a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, I’ve worked across diverse communities, including Black, Native American, Veteran, and criminal justice-involved populations. Clients often describe me as grounded, direct, and compassionate, and I bring deep respect for each person’s lived experience into the work we do together.
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I am passionate of all things mental health! I enjoy working in crisis situations, and supporting individuals going through the ups and lows of life. My goal is to sprinkle confidence and joy into life
Starting therapy can feel overwhelming, but you don’t have to figure it out alone. I’m Maria Zavala, a Bilingual/Bicultural Licensed Clinical Social Worker based in California. I offer a warm, supportive space where you can show up exactly as you are. I work with individuals navigating stress, life transitions, identity exploration, and emotional challenges, with a strong focus on culturally responsive care. My goal is to help you feel seen, understood, grounded, and safe while we gently explore what’s been weighing on you and begin creating a path forward that feels authentic, steady, and truly yours.
I am dedicated to helping teens struggling with trauma and self-harm behavior. My experience working with Orange Unified School District, running groups from grade 6-12 for students struggling with emotional and behavioral problems has given me unique insight into not only helping teens, but also working with the families, schools, and community to provide more effective treatment. I have partnered with Western Youth Services in helping at risk teens and low income families in helping adolescents to overcome academic barriers and families cope with serious defiance and drug use.
I’m someone who truly listens and strives to meet each person exactly where they are. My style is adaptive, reflective, and flexible. I bring authenticity, compassion, and a good sense of humor into my work because I believe that laughter and honesty can be just as healing as insight. I was inspired to become a therapist by my own desire for the kind of support I would have wanted, and I aim to offer that same understanding and care to my clients. People often describe me as warm, genuine, and empowering. I am someone who helps them feel deeply heard and supported while encouraging growth in meaningful ways.
Frequently asked questions
Find the right counselor for your family
Headway makes it easier to find family-focused support — from finding the right provider, to understanding costs, to scheduling with ease.
Factors to Consider When Choosing a Family Therapist in San Diego
Finding family therapists in San Diego starts with understanding what your family wants support with. Family therapy can help with parenting conflict, adolescent struggles, blended family dynamics, relationship strain, and communication across generations. Family therapists are trained to work with the relational system, not just one person. As you compare San Diego therapists, look for someone whose profile lists family therapy experience, relevant training, and an approach that fits the concerns you want to discuss.
San Diego has many therapy options across neighborhoods like North Park, Hillcrest, La Jolla, and Chula Vista, which can make the search easier to start and harder to narrow. Consider whether in-person sessions near home, school, or work fit your schedule, or whether virtual appointments make it easier for more family members to join. Session attendance may vary, including the full family, smaller groups, or individual family members. Reading therapist bios can help you see how each therapist structures family sessions, handles communication patterns, and supports fit before you book.
Family therapy in San Diego can be a significant investment without insurance. Using in-network insurance is one of the most reliable ways to lower session costs and understand what you may pay before care begins. Headway helps you search for family therapists who are accepting new patients, compare availability, review detailed profiles, and see estimated out-of-pocket costs after you enter your insurance details. From there, you can browse therapists, review bios, and book directly when you’re ready.
If anyone in your family is experiencing or worried about abuse, threats, or coercion, joint family or couples therapy usually isn't the right starting point — individual support is safer. The Childhelp National Child Abuse Hotline (1-800-422-4453) and National Domestic Violence Hotline (1-800-799-7233, or text START to 88788\) can help you think through next steps.
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