Therapists in Poway, CA
Laura Steder-Myers, LCSW is a licensed clinical social worker, trained at the Smith College School of Social Work in Northampton, MA. Her specialties are children, adolescents and adults who are struggling with depression and anxiety. Her work focuses on helping her clients to achieve their best life and approach every day as a new chance to grow into their authentic selves.
Laura Steder-Myers, LCSW is a licensed clinical social worker, trained at the Smith College School of Social Work in Northampton, MA. Her specialties are children, adolescents and adults who are struggling with depression and anxiety. Her work focuses on helping her clients to achieve their best life and approach every day as a new chance to grow into their authentic selves.
Mauricio Perdomo
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
Poway, CA 92064 (Online Only)
My passion is to help families, marriages and individuals know personal and relational healing. I believe that we all have unique life experiences that shape who we are and how we connect with others. Sometimes these experiences do not foster compassion or the ability to connect with those you love in the way in which you desire. I understand this; it is part of my story, too! I hope to join you in the process of healing to not go it alone.
My passion is to help families, marriages and individuals know personal and relational healing. I believe that we all have unique life experiences that shape who we are and how we connect with others. Sometimes these experiences do not foster compassion or the ability to connect with those you love in the way in which you desire. I understand this; it is part of my story, too! I hope to join you in the process of healing to not go it alone.
Patricia Loy
Marriage & Family Therapist Associate, MA, AMFT
Verified Verified
Poway, CA 92064 (Online Only)
Not accepting new clients
Are you looking for connection, understanding and acceptance? Do you struggle with depression, fear, disappointment, tragedy, loss, isolation, addiction, and/or dealing with everyday life? Through our work together you will learn practical skills to lower your anxiety, find new meaning and purpose in your life, learn to manage your emotions, and learn skills to improve your relationships. You can learn how to communicate more effectively and resolve problems.
Are you looking for connection, understanding and acceptance? Do you struggle with depression, fear, disappointment, tragedy, loss, isolation, addiction, and/or dealing with everyday life? Through our work together you will learn practical skills to lower your anxiety, find new meaning and purpose in your life, learn to manage your emotions, and learn skills to improve your relationships. You can learn how to communicate more effectively and resolve problems.
Kathleen Stewart
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Poway, CA 92064 (Online Only)
Things in life aren't going how you want? Are you stressed all the time? Maybe you feel sad, mad, or lost, and others don't understand. Sometimes life looks okay from the outside, but it doesn't feel that way. Has your relationship changed and you're not sure how to fix it? I'm here to help! Let's look at what you want, what you need, and how we can work together to help you move toward making your life satisfying. I enjoy helping people work toward making their lives more content, more fulfilling, and characterized by happier relationships. Feel free to reach out for a consultation to see if I seem like a good fit.
Things in life aren't going how you want? Are you stressed all the time? Maybe you feel sad, mad, or lost, and others don't understand. Sometimes life looks okay from the outside, but it doesn't feel that way. Has your relationship changed and you're not sure how to fix it? I'm here to help! Let's look at what you want, what you need, and how we can work together to help you move toward making your life satisfying. I enjoy helping people work toward making their lives more content, more fulfilling, and characterized by happier relationships. Feel free to reach out for a consultation to see if I seem like a good fit.
Michele R Madson Johnson Formerly Manker
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Poway, CA 92064
I like working with individuals, couples, or families who are motivated to examine patterns in their thinking or behavior for positive change. I enjoy working in a collaborative manner where there is an active exchange and where my client is open to feeling some discomfort for change - no pain/no gain. I believe that we are all capable of change through insight and that our upbringing can result in both good and bad habits that are flexible as long as we are conscious. I enjoy bringing in spirituality/meaning of life discussions to further my clients self awareness and growth.
I like working with individuals, couples, or families who are motivated to examine patterns in their thinking or behavior for positive change. I enjoy working in a collaborative manner where there is an active exchange and where my client is open to feeling some discomfort for change - no pain/no gain. I believe that we are all capable of change through insight and that our upbringing can result in both good and bad habits that are flexible as long as we are conscious. I enjoy bringing in spirituality/meaning of life discussions to further my clients self awareness and growth.
Feeling stuck or overwhelmed? The decision to seek self-knowledge through therapy takes a leap of faith and sometimes courage, and one of my primary goals is to facilitate a genuine and authentic therapeutic space in which you feel safe being vulnerable. I am always humbled by my clients abilities to know what they need to manage issues with mood and anxiety, chronic, transitional, and/or traumatic stress, interpersonal relationships, and substance overuse. I look forward to helping my clients find their roadmap to learning more about themselves and living their best lives.
Feeling stuck or overwhelmed? The decision to seek self-knowledge through therapy takes a leap of faith and sometimes courage, and one of my primary goals is to facilitate a genuine and authentic therapeutic space in which you feel safe being vulnerable. I am always humbled by my clients abilities to know what they need to manage issues with mood and anxiety, chronic, transitional, and/or traumatic stress, interpersonal relationships, and substance overuse. I look forward to helping my clients find their roadmap to learning more about themselves and living their best lives.
Sarah Stromwall
Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor, LPCC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Poway, CA 92064
My name is Sarah Stromwall and I am a Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor (LPCC) specializing in working with youth and adults who have experienced trauma and/or facing challenges in every day life. I strive to provide a compassionate, safe, and encouraging space to work alongside you to become all that you were created to be. I believe that together we will learn healthy responses, establish healthy boundaries, gain insight, untangle unhealthy thought/behavior patterns, and develop skills to assist you and/or your child cope with the challenges of life, and face these challenges with confidence.
My name is Sarah Stromwall and I am a Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor (LPCC) specializing in working with youth and adults who have experienced trauma and/or facing challenges in every day life. I strive to provide a compassionate, safe, and encouraging space to work alongside you to become all that you were created to be. I believe that together we will learn healthy responses, establish healthy boundaries, gain insight, untangle unhealthy thought/behavior patterns, and develop skills to assist you and/or your child cope with the challenges of life, and face these challenges with confidence.
Hey there! My name is Caron and I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist with over 22 years of experience. I specialize in helping individuals navigate issues including aging, coping skills, depression, family conflict, and stress. The client's I currently work with seem to like the Solution Focused, Narrative Therapy approach I use, because the therapy work is client focused and is usually brief (3-6 months sometimes). This approach works best with people who are truly motivated to explore the root causes of their discomfort, and begin working on resolving them.
Hey there! My name is Caron and I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist with over 22 years of experience. I specialize in helping individuals navigate issues including aging, coping skills, depression, family conflict, and stress. The client's I currently work with seem to like the Solution Focused, Narrative Therapy approach I use, because the therapy work is client focused and is usually brief (3-6 months sometimes). This approach works best with people who are truly motivated to explore the root causes of their discomfort, and begin working on resolving them.
Marilee Davis
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Poway, CA 92064 (Online Only)
I specialize in couples therapy. I have extensive, specialized training helping couples in crisis communicate with honesty, respect and understand what it means to have healthy boundaries. I can help you and your partner move towards physical and emotional intimacy that currently feels out of reach. Investing in your relationship is a gift to the generations that come after you. If you're ready for real, lasting change and feel discouraged about how to go about it, I can help. As a wife and mother, I bring clinical and life experience to my work and love working with couples.
I specialize in couples therapy. I have extensive, specialized training helping couples in crisis communicate with honesty, respect and understand what it means to have healthy boundaries. I can help you and your partner move towards physical and emotional intimacy that currently feels out of reach. Investing in your relationship is a gift to the generations that come after you. If you're ready for real, lasting change and feel discouraged about how to go about it, I can help. As a wife and mother, I bring clinical and life experience to my work and love working with couples.
I am an LCSW therapist located in Poway California. I specialize in EMDR therapy, PTSD, domestic violence, children's play therapy, grief and loss issues and self esteem building. I see individuals, couples, families and have group therapy sessions. I am committed to helping individuals, couples and families develop the relationships they desire among other people and themselves. My office is a safe place to begin the process of change and help people learn the tools needed in order to make the desired changes.
I am an LCSW therapist located in Poway California. I specialize in EMDR therapy, PTSD, domestic violence, children's play therapy, grief and loss issues and self esteem building. I see individuals, couples, families and have group therapy sessions. I am committed to helping individuals, couples and families develop the relationships they desire among other people and themselves. My office is a safe place to begin the process of change and help people learn the tools needed in order to make the desired changes.
Marsha Orman
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW, MSW
Verified Verified
Poway, CA 92064 (Online Only)
My work is based on the belief that by working together, we can improve the quality of your life. Many of my clients are in stressful life situations that have caused them to turn to such destructive behaviors as misuse of alcohol and drugs, over-eating, or over-working. Many haven't learned how to communicate in a way that promotes satisfying relationships. Within a safe, non-judgmental environment where you are truly listened to, we'll work together to help you understand how some of your behaviors and thoughts may not be serving you well.
My work is based on the belief that by working together, we can improve the quality of your life. Many of my clients are in stressful life situations that have caused them to turn to such destructive behaviors as misuse of alcohol and drugs, over-eating, or over-working. Many haven't learned how to communicate in a way that promotes satisfying relationships. Within a safe, non-judgmental environment where you are truly listened to, we'll work together to help you understand how some of your behaviors and thoughts may not be serving you well.
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Nicole Neace
Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor, MEd, LPC, LPCC
Verified Verified
Poway, CA 92064 (Online Only)
It is never too late to begin deep and meaningful work reimagining how traumas or other experiences can become integrated, meaningful parts of our lives and ourselves, rather than barriers or obstacles. The key to this important work is the recognition that your story has deep and significant meaning. No detail is ultimately insignificant, if we can but muster the courage, patience, and presence required. I will help you! I am so eager to understand and explore with you, and help create a safe space that ultimately facilitates not just growth and transition, but true healing and transformation.
It is never too late to begin deep and meaningful work reimagining how traumas or other experiences can become integrated, meaningful parts of our lives and ourselves, rather than barriers or obstacles. The key to this important work is the recognition that your story has deep and significant meaning. No detail is ultimately insignificant, if we can but muster the courage, patience, and presence required. I will help you! I am so eager to understand and explore with you, and help create a safe space that ultimately facilitates not just growth and transition, but true healing and transformation.
Ryan Thomas Neace
Counselor, MA, LPCC, LPC, NCC, CCMHC
Verified Verified
13 Endorsed
Poway, CA 92064 (Online Only)
Understanding ourselves and our lives can be difficult. On the one hand, our inner critics may be so loud, self-examination is torturous. On the other, well-meaning people in our lives may be so eager to validate us that we are never quite sure we're getting a real picture of who we are. So, counseling is essentially about receiving the support to work creatively with all of this noise long enough to allow change to happen in and through you. The only way to do this to let someone get to know the real you. If we can do that, therapy can be a deeply authentic, radically human, even life-changing encounter!
Understanding ourselves and our lives can be difficult. On the one hand, our inner critics may be so loud, self-examination is torturous. On the other, well-meaning people in our lives may be so eager to validate us that we are never quite sure we're getting a real picture of who we are. So, counseling is essentially about receiving the support to work creatively with all of this noise long enough to allow change to happen in and through you. The only way to do this to let someone get to know the real you. If we can do that, therapy can be a deeply authentic, radically human, even life-changing encounter!
Trevor Paul is a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist with over 13 years of experience working with children, adolescents, adults, and families. He earned his Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology and Social Behavior at the University of California, Irvine, and his Master of Arts degree in Counseling at Sonoma State University. Trevor has worked in a variety of settings including schools, outpatient clinics, and community mental health agencies thereby giving him a wealth of experience in aiding clients from all walks of life achieve their goals.
Trevor Paul is a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist with over 13 years of experience working with children, adolescents, adults, and families. He earned his Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology and Social Behavior at the University of California, Irvine, and his Master of Arts degree in Counseling at Sonoma State University. Trevor has worked in a variety of settings including schools, outpatient clinics, and community mental health agencies thereby giving him a wealth of experience in aiding clients from all walks of life achieve their goals.
Current Openings Available (Mon-Fri: 5-8pm and Sat: 8am-12pm): Meet Natasha Mills, a dedicated and compassionate therapist who believes that healing can be both effective and, yes, even a little fun! Specializing in Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP) therapy for OCD, Natasha has a passion for helping clients navigate the challenges of anxiety, Body-Focused Repetitive Behaviors (BFRB), Body Dysmorphic Disorder, and PTSD.
Current Openings Available (Mon-Fri: 5-8pm and Sat: 8am-12pm): Meet Natasha Mills, a dedicated and compassionate therapist who believes that healing can be both effective and, yes, even a little fun! Specializing in Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP) therapy for OCD, Natasha has a passion for helping clients navigate the challenges of anxiety, Body-Focused Repetitive Behaviors (BFRB), Body Dysmorphic Disorder, and PTSD.
Victoria Velasquez
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
Poway, CA 92064 (Online Only)
Victoria is a member of the American Association for Marriage and Family Therapy. Victoria has experience working with groups, individuals, couples, and families across different populations and mental health challenges. Victoria aims to create a safe and non-judgmental environment. Including, individualizing therapy according to the needs of the couple, individual and/or family.
Victoria is a member of the American Association for Marriage and Family Therapy. Victoria has experience working with groups, individuals, couples, and families across different populations and mental health challenges. Victoria aims to create a safe and non-judgmental environment. Including, individualizing therapy according to the needs of the couple, individual and/or family.
Bharati Patwardhan
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
Poway, CA 92074 (Online Only)
Are you feeling rejected, abandoned, humiliated, hurt, and lonely in relationships with your spouse, parents, siblings, children, and in social relationships? Do you think people have taken advantage of you & nobody cares about you? Left untreated, this rejection, emotional wounds, and trauma affect the rest of our life. It manifests in the form of sadness, low self-esteem, unstable relationships, occupational stress, and even health issues. Don't wait to seek help for emotional pain/ injury as you wouldn't for physical injury. Yes, it is not easy to be vulnerable but growth begins with vulnerability!
Are you feeling rejected, abandoned, humiliated, hurt, and lonely in relationships with your spouse, parents, siblings, children, and in social relationships? Do you think people have taken advantage of you & nobody cares about you? Left untreated, this rejection, emotional wounds, and trauma affect the rest of our life. It manifests in the form of sadness, low self-esteem, unstable relationships, occupational stress, and even health issues. Don't wait to seek help for emotional pain/ injury as you wouldn't for physical injury. Yes, it is not easy to be vulnerable but growth begins with vulnerability!
Accepting clients ages 9-18 only. I work with children and adolescent clients who have had a thorough medical investigation, been told there are no more tests, and find themselves with either a descriptive diagnosis or no diagnosis that can explain their level of chronic pain or neural circuit dizziness. I utilize three primary evidence-based practices: Pain Reprocessing Therapy (PRT), Emotional Awareness and Expression Therapy (EAET), and Attachment-Based Intensive Short-Term Dynamic Psychotherapy (AB-ISTDP). PRT focuses primarily upon psychoeducation on the neuroscience of pain and behavioral shifts, such as exposure work.
Accepting clients ages 9-18 only. I work with children and adolescent clients who have had a thorough medical investigation, been told there are no more tests, and find themselves with either a descriptive diagnosis or no diagnosis that can explain their level of chronic pain or neural circuit dizziness. I utilize three primary evidence-based practices: Pain Reprocessing Therapy (PRT), Emotional Awareness and Expression Therapy (EAET), and Attachment-Based Intensive Short-Term Dynamic Psychotherapy (AB-ISTDP). PRT focuses primarily upon psychoeducation on the neuroscience of pain and behavioral shifts, such as exposure work.
Some research states that the average couple will wait up to 6 years AFTER noticing something is wrong in their marriage before seeking help. So congratulations if you are seeking help before that! You've already made the first big step towards improving your marriage just by looking for a counselor. Now if you are experiencing a bit of choice paralysis that's normal. Its a big choice! My first goal in establishing a good counseling relationship is making sure it's a good fit for both of us. So know that if you call you're not stuck!
Some research states that the average couple will wait up to 6 years AFTER noticing something is wrong in their marriage before seeking help. So congratulations if you are seeking help before that! You've already made the first big step towards improving your marriage just by looking for a counselor. Now if you are experiencing a bit of choice paralysis that's normal. Its a big choice! My first goal in establishing a good counseling relationship is making sure it's a good fit for both of us. So know that if you call you're not stuck!
We can work together as you build a life that has meaning for you. I will teach you techniques to change your self-talk so you can build your self-confidence and feel good about yourself and your relationships.
We can work together as you build a life that has meaning for you. I will teach you techniques to change your self-talk so you can build your self-confidence and feel good about yourself and your relationships.
See more therapy options for Poway
How does your Therapist compare?
Number of Therapists in Poway, CA
100+
Average cost per session
$175
Therapists in Poway, CA who prioritize treating:
96% | Anxiety |
90% | Depression |
73% | Relationship Issues |
70% | Self Esteem |
66% | Trauma and PTSD |
65% | Coping Skills |
64% | Grief |
Average years in practice
14 Years
Top 3 insurances accepted
72% | Aetna |
72% | Cigna and Evernorth |
70% | UnitedHealthcare UHC | UBH |
How Therapists in Poway, CA see their clients
78% | In Person and Online | |
22% | Online Only |
Gender breakdown
81% | Female | |
19% | Male |
FAQs - About Therapy and Counseling
How can I find a therapist in Poway?
Search for nearby therapists or counselors by inputting your city, town, or suburb; or zip code; or a provider’s name into the search bar. From there, you can filter providers by the issues they treat, cost, insurance, gender, and other factors to find providers who are well-suited to your needs. To navigate between locations within the same country, enter a new city or zip code into the search bar.
Learn more about how to find a therapist
Learn more about how to find a therapist
Is everyone in the Psychology Today Therapy Directory a licensed therapist?
The Psychology Today directory lists providers who offer legitimate mental health services to the public, including psychologists, psychiatrists, social workers, and counselors.
Many have been licensed by the country or state where they practice; providers whose license or primary credential has been verified by Psychology Today are signified by a “Verified” symbol. Some clinicians or organizations provide services for which their state or country does not offer licenses, such as pastoral counseling. They may be selectively included without the “Verified” seal.
Many have been licensed by the country or state where they practice; providers whose license or primary credential has been verified by Psychology Today are signified by a “Verified” symbol. Some clinicians or organizations provide services for which their state or country does not offer licenses, such as pastoral counseling. They may be selectively included without the “Verified” seal.
What’s the difference between a psychologist, a therapist, and a counselor?
Therapists, psychologists, and counselors are all licensed mental health professionals. In the US, psychologists have earned a doctoral degree. The terms “therapist” and “counselor” are used somewhat interchangeably, but generally therapists offer longer-term, mental health care, while counselors offer shorter-term care that may focus on one domain, such as marriage, career, or academic challenges.
Clients should consider factors such as insurance coverage and their primary reason(s) for seeking therapy to determine the type of professional best suited to their needs. Someone struggling with mental health challenges such as depression or anxiety, for example, may wish to seek out a clinical psychologist or therapist, while someone navigating career obstacles or marital upheaval may benefit from seeing a counselor who can offer short-term, targeted support.
Clients should consider factors such as insurance coverage and their primary reason(s) for seeking therapy to determine the type of professional best suited to their needs. Someone struggling with mental health challenges such as depression or anxiety, for example, may wish to seek out a clinical psychologist or therapist, while someone navigating career obstacles or marital upheaval may benefit from seeing a counselor who can offer short-term, targeted support.
What type of therapy is right for me?
The type of therapy best suited to a particular individual depends on several factors, including their primary reason for seeking therapy, their preferred timeline (some therapy types last for a set number of sessions, while others are open-ended), and their personality and preferences—some may prefer a more structured approach. For many individuals, multiple types of therapy could provide a good fit.
How much does therapy cost?
The cost of therapy depends on a number of variables, including location and the therapist’s experience and training. On average, a therapy session in the United States could cost between $100 and $200 or more. If you have insurance, the expense of mental health care is typically lower, but it varies based on your insurance plan details and whether you choose an in-network or out-of-network mental healthcare provider.
What are more affordable or low cost therapy solutions?
Many therapists offer sliding scale payments, usually on a limited number of slots, which consists in an agreement between the therapist and a client to pay a reduced rate. Therapists who provide such arrangements often consider the client's income or ability to pay, but the extent of the discount is ultimately at the therapist's discretion. Furthermore, while group therapy may have different goals and benefits compared to individual therapy, it can be a more affordable solution to address certain types of issues.
Is online therapy cheaper than in-person therapy?
Many therapists charge the same amount for online therapy as they do for in-person therapy—though clients may still find this cost-effective if it cuts down on their transportation costs. Health insurance plans often offer equivalent coverage for online and in-person therapy; indeed, in many places, they are legally required to do so. Text-based or on-demand therapy apps may be cheaper than traditional one-on-one psychotherapy; however, the practice may be less effective and is not likely to be covered by insurance.
Is online therapy a good option?
Therapy conducted online can be just as effective as in-person therapy, as long as there is a strong alliance between the client and the therapist. To find a therapist who provides telehealth services to clients in your area, click “Online Therapy” on the directory homepage and search by your city or town or your zip code.
Are therapy sessions confidential?
Confidentiality is a crucial part of the therapeutic relationship. Therapists in the United States are bound by the regulations set out by the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996 (HIPAA), which aims to protect sensitive health information. With very few exceptions, a therapist will only discuss their client with others when the client has given their written permission. The instances in which a therapist would be required to disclose personal information are: if a client poses a danger to themselves or others, if the therapist suspects the abuse of a child or an elderly or otherwise dependent adult, or if they are legally forced to by court order. These exceptions to the confidentiality agreement are usually discussed with a client before their first session.