Inherent Worth
Every person has worth, regardless of what they have done or what has happened to them.
Compassionate counseling in San Diego
Counseling for meaningful change
Come as you are.We'll begin there.
You do not need all the answers today. You only need a safe place to begin—one breath, one honest conversation, one step at a time.
LGBTQ+ affirmingTrauma-informedPerson-centered
“We don't heal in isolation.”
Teresa WhitneyOur philosophy
Healing is ashared discovery.
People do not need to be fixed. They need the safety and connection to rediscover their own strength.
Addiction is not a moral failing. It is often a human response to pain, trauma, disconnection, and suffering. Shame keeps people isolated; being seen, accepted, and understood makes room for healing.
Teresa's work is warm, collaborative, and trauma-informed. She integrates mindfulness and somatic awareness with practical skills from cognitive behavioral therapy, dialectical behavior therapy, Rational Emotive Behavioral Therapy, Internal Family Systems, and Compassionate Inquiry.
People of all identities are welcomed with dignity, respect, and compassion, with a special commitment to supporting LGBTQIA+ individuals.
Honest Connection
Trust, honesty, and mutual respect create the foundation for lasting change.
Hopeful Change
Practical skills, gentle challenge, and self-belief help possibility become real.
Ways we can work together
Support for the
whole person.
You do not need a perfectly formed goal to begin. We will start with what is present, get curious, and shape the work around what you need.
01
Individual Counseling
A person-centered space for adults navigating trauma, anxiety, grief, relationships, life transitions, and emotional wellbeing.
Mindfulness, emotional awareness, self-compassion, and practical skills for meaningful change.
Learn more02
Addiction Healing
Compassionate support for substance use, eating disorders, and addictive patterns—without shame or moral judgment.
Support for substances, gambling, compulsive internet use, shopping, sexual compulsivity, and other patterns.
Ask about this service03
Substance Use Assessments
Professional evaluations for court-mandated situations and DOT/SAP return-to-duty requirements.
Clear, respectful guidance for DUI, custody, workplace, and related legal circumstances.
Learn more04
Psychedelic Support
Ethical preparation and trauma-informed integration before or after legal altered-state experiences.
The experience is not the whole healing process. Integration turns insight into lasting change.
Learn moreDOT / SAP & court-mandated assessments
Clear guidance when the next step feels complicated.
Teresa is a qualified Substance Abuse Professional who understands the federally regulated return-to-duty process. Assessments and referrals are also available for DUI cases, custody proceedings, and similar legal circumstances.
See the return-to-duty process
Teresa WhitneyMHS · LAADC · CA-CCS · SAP
Meet Teresa
A steady presence for real change.
Warm, approachable counseling grounded in honesty, compassion, and respect.
Teresa's own journey of healing taught her that lasting change is possible. That experience inspired her to become a counselor and continues to shape the compassion, hope, and authenticity she brings to her work every day.
As a lesbian therapist, Teresa understands the importance of working with someone who appreciates the challenges and strengths that can accompany life as a sexual minority. She offers affirming support around identity, coming out, relationships, family or religious rejection, minority stress, and self-acceptance.
For nearly three decades, Teresa has worked in addiction recovery and behavioral health as a counselor, clinical supervisor, program leader, and DOT Substance Abuse Professional. She is also certified by the California Institute of Integral Studies in Psychedelic Research and Facilitation.
MHSHuman services
LAADCAdvanced addiction counselor
CA-CCSClinical supervisor
SAPSubstance Abuse Professional
Teresa does not prescribe medication or provide emergency psychiatric services. When a need falls outside her scope of practice, she will discuss appropriate referrals whenever possible.
View Teresa's LinkedInWorking together
Practical care,
clearly explained.
In person
Individual counseling in Mission Valley, San Diego.
Across California
Secure virtual counseling sessions are available throughout California.
Transparent fees
A 15-minute consultation is free. Standard 60-minute counseling and integration sessions are $175.
Longer sessions
90-minute preparation or integration sessions are $250. Two-hour intensives are $325–$350.
Private pay
The practice does not bill insurance directly. Superbills are available for possible out-of-network reimbursement.
Mission Valley · San Diego
Local care in the
heart of the city.
Teresa's office is in Mission Valley, near the geographic center of San Diego, with secure virtual counseling available throughout California.
The office is a practical in-person option for people coming from Linda Vista, Serra Mesa, Grantville, Kearny Mesa, Clairemont, Old Town, Uptown, North Park, Normal Heights, and Kensington–Talmadge—as well as other San Diego communities.
7851 Mission Center Court, Suite 110San Diego, CA 92108
Getting started
A simple, human
first step.
- 01
Reach out
You do not need a perfect explanation. Reaching out is already a courageous first step.
- 02
Find the fit
Use a brief consultation to ask questions and see whether you feel safe, heard, and understood.
- 03
Begin safely
Your first session explores your history, strengths, challenges, and hopes. There is no pressure to share everything at once.
Ready when you are
Let's make room
for what's next.
Teresa WhitneyFree phone consultationsYou are not alone, and you do not need to know exactly what comes next. Reach out when you are ready, and together we'll take the next step.
Schedule a free consultation Or send a general inquiry- Phone
- 619-797-5348
- Office
- 7851 Mission Center Court, Suite 110
San Diego, CA 92108