Find San Diego CBT EMDR: 5 Crucial Tips for Relief!

Finding the Right Therapist in San Diego Just Got Easier

Where can I find a therapist in San Diego who uses a combination of cbt and emdr for treatment? Here’s your quick answer:

• Online directories: Search Psychology Today and EMDRIA for certified providers.
• Filter by both modalities: Look for therapist profiles listing both CBT and EMDR training.
• Treatment programs: Consider programs like those at Thrive Mental Health that integrate multiple evidence-based therapies.
• Ask directly: During a consultation, confirm the therapist actively integrates both approaches—not just lists them.

You’re here because weekly therapy isn’t cutting it. You’ve tried talking through your trauma, anxiety, or depression, but the relief feels temporary. You want something proven to work faster than traditional talk therapy alone.

The truth is, CBT and EMDR together work better than either one solo. CBT gives you tools to manage negative thoughts, while EMDR helps your brain process the traumatic memories that keep you stuck. Together, they heal both the symptoms and the root cause.

But finding a San Diego therapist who truly integrates both can be tough. With session costs ranging from $100-$250, you can’t afford to waste time on the wrong fit. This guide gives you the exact steps to find a qualified therapist—fast.

I’m Nate Raine, CEO of Thrive Mental Health, and I’ve spent over a decade building behavioral health programs that get real-world results. When clients ask where can I find a therapist in San Diego who uses a combination of cbt and emdr for treatment, I point them to the proven strategies in this guide—because finding the right therapist shouldn’t be harder than the healing itself.

Where can I find a therapist in San Diego who uses a combination of cbt and emdr for treatment? vocab explained:

• a combination of cbt and emdr would be treatment for
• cbt therapy vs emdr
• emdr vs cbt for ptsd

Tip 1: Why Combining CBT + EMDR Gets Faster, Deeper Results

You’ve heard that Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) work. But combining them creates something more powerful than either one alone.

Think of it this way:

• CBT teaches you practical skills to manage daily stress, challenge negative thoughts, and build healthier habits. It’s like learning how to maintain your home.
• EMDR goes to the foundation, repairing the structural damage from past trauma. It helps your brain process distressing memories that keep you stuck.

When a therapist uses both, you get the complete package: tools for today’s symptoms and healing for yesterday’s root causes.

What do you gain from this combination?

• Holistic Healing: Address both surface-level struggles and their deeper origins for a more complete recovery.
• Faster Progress: Work on two fronts at once—building coping skills with CBT while processing trauma with EMDR—often leads to significant improvement in fewer sessions.
• Long-Term Change: Build genuine resilience by changing thought patterns and resolving past trauma, creating healthier habits that last.

When you’re asking where can I find a therapist in San Diego who uses a combination of cbt and emdr for treatment, this powerful synergy is exactly what you’re looking for.

Feature	Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)	Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR)
Primary Focus	Thoughts, feelings, and behaviors in the present	Processing distressing memories and past traumatic events
Approach	Structured, goal-oriented, psychoeducational	Eight-phase protocol, bilateral stimulation (eye movements, taps)
Key Techniques	Identifying cognitive distortions, behavioral experiments	Reprocessing target memories, desensitization
Main Conditions	Anxiety, depression, OCD, panic disorder, phobias	PTSD, complex trauma, anxiety, phobias, grief

The bottom line: If you’re dealing with anxiety, depression, or trauma, finding a therapist who expertly combines both approaches gives you the best shot at real, lasting change.

Related: How CBT Can Transform Negative Thought Patterns →

Tip 2: Where to Find a Therapist in San Diego Who Uses Both CBT and EMDR

Where can I find a therapist in San Diego who uses a combination of cbt and emdr for treatment? Let’s cut through the noise. The trick is finding a therapist who expertly blends these two powerful approaches.

Here’s your roadmap to finding the right therapist without wasting weeks scrolling through profiles.

• Use therapist directories and filter smart. The EMDRIA (EMDR International Association) directory is your gold standard for finding therapists with formal EMDR training. You can also use sites like Psychology Today and filter for both “CBT” and “EMDR” to narrow your search.

• Read between the lines in therapist bios. Anyone can list “CBT” and “EMDR.” Look for a therapist who explains how they use them together. Keywords like “integrative approach,” “trauma-informed,” or descriptions of combining skill-building with trauma processing are green lights.

• Look for advanced training. Therapists who specialize in trauma-informed care often combine CBT and EMDR. Look for credentials like EMDRIA Approved Consultant—these are the experts who train other therapists and signal a high level of expertise.

• Consider comprehensive treatment programs. At Thrive Mental Health, we integrate evidence-based therapies like CBT and EMDR within our virtual and in-person Intensive Outpatient (IOP) and Partial Hospitalization (PHP) programs. If you need more than once-a-week therapy, our programs offer comprehensive care with flexible scheduling.

Finding the right therapist is about more than credentials. The therapeutic alliance—that bond between you and your therapist—is one of the biggest predictors of success. Use these strategies to build your shortlist, then trust your gut.

Find Thrive’s San Diego Therapy Programs →

Tip 3: How to Vet a Therapist—Don’t Settle for Less

Finding a therapist who lists both CBT and EMDR is just the start. The real question is: can they deliver results? When you’re investing time, money, and emotion, you need an expert, not a dabbler.

Not all therapists are equal. Here’s your checklist:

• EMDRIA-Approved EMDR Training: This is the gold standard. Look for therapists who are “EMDR Certified” or an “EMDRIA Approved Consultant.” This requires extensive training and supervised practice.

• Advanced CBT Credentials: While most therapists learn CBT, look for advanced training in Trauma-Focused CBT (TF-CBT) or related modalities like Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT).

• California State Licensure: This is non-negotiable. Your therapist must hold a current license as an LCSW, LMFT, LPCC, or Psychologist in California.

• Specific Trauma Experience: Ask them directly: How long have you been using EMDR? What percentage of your clients have trauma as a primary concern? Their answers will reveal their level of specialization.

• Ongoing Education: The best therapists are always learning. Ask about recent training or consultation they’ve received to ensure they use the most current, effective techniques.

When you’re searching for where can I find a therapist in San Diego who uses a combination of cbt and emdr for treatment, these credentials separate the highly qualified from the merely adequate. A confident, experienced therapist will welcome your questions.

How to Choose the Right EMDR Therapist →

Tip 4: What Does It Cost? Insurance, Fees, and How to Save in San Diego

Financial stress shouldn’t stand between you and recovery. Combined CBT and EMDR therapy in San Diego is more affordable than you might think—if you know your options.

What to Expect:

• Session Costs: Most experienced therapists in San Diego charge between $100 and $250 per session. Therapists with advanced certifications may charge more, but their expertise can lead to faster results, saving you money long-term.
• Insurance Coverage: Many therapists accept major insurance providers like Cigna, Aetna, BlueCross BlueShield, and Optum. Always call your insurance company to confirm your in-network and out-of-network mental health benefits, deductible, and reimbursement rates.

How to Save Money:

• Sliding Scale Fees: Many therapists offer reduced rates based on income. Don’t be afraid to ask.
• FSA/HSA Accounts: Use your tax-free Flexible Spending Account or Health Savings Account to pay for therapy sessions.
• Superbills for Reimbursement: If your therapist is out-of-network, ask for a “superbill.” You can submit this detailed receipt to your insurance for partial reimbursement (often 60-80% of the cost).

At Thrive Mental Health, we handle the insurance headache for you. We work with most major insurance providers and can verify your benefits in minutes. Our IOP and PHP programs integrate CBT and EMDR, and we’ll explain your coverage clearly before you start. We believe financial barriers shouldn’t block life-changing care.

Don’t let cost be the reason you stay stuck. When asking where can I find a therapist in San Diego who uses a combination of cbt and emdr for treatment, know that affordable options exist.

Verify Your Insurance in 2 Minutes →

What to Expect from Intensive Outpatient Programs (IOP) →

Tip 5: Gut-Check—Is This Therapist and Approach Right for You?

You’ve checked credentials and costs. Now comes the most crucial step: trusting your gut. Credentials matter, but connection matters more. The bond of trust between you and your therapist is one of the strongest predictors of success.

Here’s how to know if it’s the right fit:

• Book a consultation and ask how they combine CBT and EMDR. Don’t just ask if they use both. A skilled therapist will clearly explain their integrated approach. If they can’t, that’s a red flag.

• Assess the “fit.” During the consultation, do you feel heard and understood? A good therapist demonstrates genuine empathy and asks thoughtful questions. The personal connection isn’t just nice—it’s essential for healing.

• Clarify your goals. A good therapist will help you define clear, achievable goals for what you want to change. This collaborative process is a hallmark of effective therapy.

• Ask about duration. Combined CBT and EMDR therapy often takes 12–20 sessions (3–6 months) for significant progress, though complex trauma may take longer. Be wary of anyone promising a quick fix.

• Be honest about your readiness for trauma work. EMDR involves revisiting distressing memories. A skilled therapist will assess your stability and readiness before beginning intensive trauma processing.

If you need more support, consider a higher level of care. If weekly therapy isn’t enough, our virtual and in-person Intensive Outpatient (IOP) and Partial Hospitalization (PHP) programs at Thrive Mental Health offer more frequent sessions and a comprehensive, integrated approach to healing.

Trust your intuition. The right therapist will make you feel empowered, not overwhelmed. If something feels off, it’s okay to keep looking.

See Thrive’s Virtual and Hybrid Therapy Options →

FAQs: Finding a CBT & EMDR Therapist in San Diego

What conditions are best treated with CBT and EMDR together?
CBT and EMDR are particularly effective when combined for conditions rooted in trauma, such as PTSD, complex trauma, severe anxiety, panic disorder, and phobias. They are also beneficial for depression that has underlying trauma components, as well as for grief and other difficult life experiences.

How long does combined CBT and EMDR therapy take?
The duration varies based on individual needs and the complexity of the issues. Many individuals begin to see significant results within 3–6 months, especially for single-incident trauma. For more complex trauma or long-standing issues, treatment may last longer. Your therapist will discuss a personalized treatment plan and estimated duration with you.

How do I know if a therapist is truly skilled in both?
Look for specific certifications: an EMDRIA-approved EMDR certification is crucial for EMDR, and advanced training or specialization in CBT indicates expertise. During your consultation, ask how they integrate both modalities, what their experience is with your specific concerns, and how they stay current with best practices in both fields.

Does insurance cover CBT and EMDR in San Diego?
Yes, many PPO insurance plans, including those from Cigna, Aetna, BlueCross BlueShield, Optum, and others, typically cover mental health therapy, including CBT and EMDR. Coverage details vary, so always contact your insurance provider directly to verify your specific benefits, deductible, and any out-of-network reimbursement options before starting treatment.

What if I need more than weekly therapy?
If weekly therapy isn’t providing the level of support you need, consider a higher level of care such as an Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP) or Partial Hospitalization Program (PHP). Thrive Mental Health offers virtual and hybrid IOP/PHP programs that provide more frequent, structured therapy sessions, often integrating CBT and EMDR, to offer deeper support and faster progress.

Summary: Your Fast-Track to Healing in San Diego

Finding where can I find a therapist in San Diego who uses a combination of cbt and emdr for treatment? is a crucial step toward lasting healing from trauma, anxiety, and depression. By combining the practical coping skills of CBT with the deep trauma processing of EMDR, you can achieve faster, more profound, and long-term results.

We’ve shown you how to steer therapist directories, what essential qualifications to look for, how to understand and manage the costs, and how to perform that all-important “gut-check” to ensure a good therapeutic fit. Don’t let the search for the right care delay your recovery. With these insider tips, you’re empowered to find a qualified expert and get the comprehensive support you deserve. Your path to real, lasting change starts now.

Ready for support? Thrive offers virtual and hybrid IOP/PHP programs with evening options. Verify your insurance in 2 minutes (no obligation) or call 561-203-6085. If you’re in crisis, call/text 988.

If you’re in crisis, call/text 988 right now. You are not alone.

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