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Offered in-person & online

Our counselors offer grief counseling in San Diego, CA

Start in-person or online sessions with a provider you can trust. We accept most major insurances. Book online or by giving us a call

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Care without the wait

39 licensed therapists & providers in California—9 in San Diego. Available as soon as today, in person and online

Therapy for every life stage

Our providers work with individuals, couples, families, & teens for anxiety, depression, grief, & more

#1 for in-network coverage †

We accept UnitedHealthcare, Cigna, BCBS Plans, Humana, Aetna, & many more. Self-pay options available, no membership fees

Patients who get better

94% of patients feel truly understood by their provider. 3 out of 4 see improvement in depression & anxiety symptoms within 3 months

686,000 people sought help with Thriveworks in the last year

Discover how starting grief & loss counseling can support your own journey toward a happier, more fulfilling life.

Meet with a grief counselor as soon as this week

Sharan Gill
Sharan Gill
Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP)

Through both personal and professional experience, I’ve seen how trauma and loss can reshape us and how, with compassionate care a...

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Sharan Gill

Sharan Gill

PMHNP
Adventist Health Associates | Employee Health Plan, Adventist Health Associates | Non-Employee Health Plan, Aetna, Alignment Health Plan, Anthem Blue Cross of California | Commercial, Anthem Blue Cross of California | Medicare Advantage, Carelon, Cigna | Evernorth, Compsych, Firefly Health Plan | Cigna PPO Network, First Health Network, JP Farley Corporation, Multi Plan PHCS, SCAN Health Plan Medicare Advantage California, Scripps Health Plan, Sharp Health Plan, Sutter Senior Care, Tricare West, UMR, United Healthcare | Optum, United Healthcare | Optum Medicare Advantage, Uprise EAP, Ventura County Health Care Plan, Western Health Advantage, Blue Cross Blue Shield | Anthem (Blue Card), Quest Behavioral Health
LGBTQIA+, Women’s Issues, Bipolar Disorder, Anxiety, Depression, Trauma / PTSD, Dual Diagnosis, Emotional Disturbance, Mood Disorders, Performance Anxiety, Psychosis, Social Anxiety, Stress / Mental Stress / Work Stress, Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD), Grief, Pregnancy, Prenatal, Postpartum
Serves ages 65+, 18-64

About

Through both personal and professional experience, I’ve seen how trauma and loss can reshape us and how, with compassionate care and evidence-based support, it’s possible to rebuild strength, balance, and a renewed sense of self. I aim to make mental health treatment feel like a conversation, not a clinical checklist.

I’m a board-certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner with 6 years of experience supporting individuals on their journey toward emotional well-being and stability. I’m passionate about helping clients navigate challenges such as depression, anxiety, mood instability, trauma, and relationship stressors. My goal is to create a safe, collaborative space where healing and self-discovery can take place. I believe in meeting clients where they are and working together to help them regain a sense of balance and control in their daily lives.

I earned my Master’s in Nursing from Western University of Health Sciences. My approach blends evidence-based psychiatric care with empathy and empowerment, focusing on each person’s unique story. I integrate medication management, education, and lifestyle strategies to support both symptom relief and long-term growth.

Taking the first step toward care is a powerful act of courage. My goal is to make you feel understood, valued, and supported as we work toward greater peace and stability. I’m here to listen without judgment and help you uncover your strength, purpose, and clarity. When you’re ready, I invite you to begin your journey toward healing with me.

Education and training

Years in practice
6 years
Graduating Institute
Western University of Health Sciences
Graduating Degree
Master of Science in Nursing - PMHNP
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Sarah Stovall
Sarah Stovall She/Her
Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist (LMFT)

As a therapist, I feel very fortunate to work in a field where I am helping and supporting others as they work on their personal g...

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Sarah Stovall

Sarah Stovall

LMFT
Adventist Health Associates | Employee Health Plan, Adventist Health Associates | Non-Employee Health Plan, Aetna, Alignment Health Plan, Anthem Blue Cross of California | Commercial, Anthem Blue Cross of California | Medicare Advantage, Blue Shield of California | BCBS, Blue Shield of California | Medicare Advantage, Carelon, Cigna | Evernorth, Compsych, Firefly Health Plan | Cigna PPO Network, First Health Network, Humana Medicare Advantage, Imperial Health Holdings Medical Group CA, Imperial Health Plan of California, JP Farley Corporation, Medicare CA, Molina Healthcare Exchange, Molina Healthcare Medicare Advantage, Multi Plan PHCS, Railroad Medicare , SCAN Health Plan Medicare Advantage California, Scripps Health Plan, Sharp Health Plan, Sutter Health Plan, Sutter Senior Care, Tricare West, UMR, United Healthcare | Optum, United Healthcare | Optum Medicare Advantage, Uprise EAP, Ventura County Health Care Plan, Western Health Advantage, Aetna Medicare Advantage, Blue Cross Blue Shield | Anthem (Blue Card), Cigna | Evernorth - Employee Assistance Program (EAP), Poppins Health, Quest Behavioral Health , United Healthcare | Optum - Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
Behavioral Issues, Coping Skills, Self Esteem, Life Transition, Relationships, Anxiety, Depression, Self-Harming, Stress / Mental Stress / Work Stress, Anger Management, Grief, Pregnancy, Prenatal, Postpartum
Serves ages 18-64

About

As a therapist, I feel very fortunate to work in a field where I am helping and supporting others as they work on their personal goals.

Sarah Stovall is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT) with over 15 years of broad experience in the mental health field. She is dedicated and compassionate about helping others grow, develop healthy relationships, and strengthen their overall emotional well-being. Sarah works with children, adolescents, adults, and families to address their personal challenges. She specializes in depression, anxiety, trauma-related issues, PTSD, relationship issues, parenting, and adjustment to recent life changes.

Sarah completed her Master's degree in Psychology at Phillips Graduate Institute in Encino, CA. She has since used her skills and knowledge with all types of clients, where she has observed positive growth and change in others who have overcome many challenges. Sarah utilizes multiple treatment modalities including cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), motivational interviewing (MI), solutions-focused therapy (SFT), family systems (FST), parent-child relations, trauma-focused cognitive behavioral therapy (TF-CBT), and rational emotive behavioral therapy (REBT).

Sarah has a great understanding of many different challenges and life experiences that come to each and every one of us. She also has the tools and techniques to offer supportive change. Sarah has the genuineness, open mind, and willingness to work together with you to support whatever challenges you might be facing. She looks forward to you scheduling your first session.

Education and training

Years in practice
15 years
Graduating Institute
Phillips Graduate Institue
Graduating Degree
Master of Arts in Psychology
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Elizabeth Janca
Elizabeth Janca She/Her
Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC)

I understand the internal conflict associated with life transitions and exploration of self-identity. I strive to support clients ...

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Elizabeth Janca

Elizabeth Janca

LPC
Adventist Health Associates | Employee Health Plan, Adventist Health Associates | Non-Employee Health Plan, Aetna, Alignment Health Plan, Anthem Blue Cross of California | Commercial, Anthem Blue Cross of California | Medicare Advantage, Blue Shield of California | BCBS, Blue Shield of California | Medicare Advantage, Carelon, Cigna | Evernorth, Compsych, Firefly Health Plan | Cigna PPO Network, First Health Network, Health Net | Commercial, Imperial Health Holdings Medical Group CA, Imperial Health Plan of California, JP Farley Corporation, Medicare CA, Molina Healthcare Exchange, Multi Plan PHCS, SCAN Health Plan Medicare Advantage California, Scripps Health Plan, Sharp Health Plan, Sutter Senior Care, Tricare West, UMR, United Healthcare | Optum, United Healthcare | Optum Medicare Advantage, Uprise EAP, Ventura County Health Care Plan, Western Health Advantage, Aetna Medicare Advantage, Blue Cross Blue Shield | Anthem (Blue Card), Cigna | Evernorth - Employee Assistance Program (EAP), Poppins Health, Quest Behavioral Health , United Healthcare | Optum - Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
LGBTQIA+, Coping Skills, Women’s Issues, ADHD, Sleep / Insomnia, Life Transition, Anxiety, Depression, Trauma / PTSD, Stress / Mental Stress / Work Stress, Grief
Serves ages 6-10, 11-13, 18-64, 14-17

About

I understand the internal conflict associated with life transitions and exploration of self-identity. I strive to support clients to reach their goals.

Elizabeth Janca is a Licensed Professional Counselor with 9 years of experience who specializes in depression, stress and anxiety, child therapy and parenting, self-esteem, and coping with life changes. She also works with those with concerns around autism, LGBTQ+-related issues, polyamory/ENM, trauma, grief, chronic pain, and ADHD. Elizabeth offers play therapy for children, activity and group therapy for adolescents, and talk therapy for adults. Before becoming a counselor, she spent 5 years in middle school education as an Academic Counselor and Assistant Principal.

Elizabeth holds a Master’s in Counseling and Development from Texas Woman's University. She supports a person-centered approach with techniques and psychoeducation from cognitive behavioral therapy and dialectical behavior therapy to challenge and change unhelpful thoughts and behaviors, improve emotional regulation, and develop coping strategies.

Elizabeth believes counseling is a collaborative process to support and guide individuals to reach their goals. She lets clients set the focus of sessions and encourages them to take an active role in treatment planning. If you are ready to begin, book an appointment with Elizabeth today.

Education and training

Years in practice
9 years
Graduating Institute
Texas Woman's University
Graduating Degree
Master of Art in Counseling and Develoment
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Monica Basquez
Monica Basquez She/Her
Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist (LMFT)

As one who experienced difficulty with managing my mental health, I have an authentic understanding of how we are impacted by life...

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Monica Basquez

Monica Basquez

LMFT
Adventist Health Associates | Employee Health Plan, Adventist Health Associates | Non-Employee Health Plan, Aetna, Alignment Health Plan, Anthem Blue Cross of California | Commercial, Anthem Blue Cross of California | Medicare Advantage, Carelon, Cigna | Evernorth, Compsych, Firefly Health Plan | Cigna PPO Network, First Health Network, Humana Medicare Advantage, Imperial Health Holdings Medical Group CA, Imperial Health Plan of California, JP Farley Corporation, Medicare CA, Multi Plan PHCS, SCAN Health Plan Medicare Advantage California, Scripps Health Plan, Sharp Health Plan, Sutter Health Plan, Sutter Senior Care, Tricare West, UMR, United Healthcare | Optum, United Healthcare | Optum Medicare Advantage, Uprise EAP, Ventura County Health Care Plan, Western Health Advantage, Aetna Medicare Advantage, Blue Cross Blue Shield | Anthem (Blue Card), Cigna | Evernorth - Employee Assistance Program (EAP), Poppins Health, Quest Behavioral Health , United Healthcare | Optum - Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
Military / Veteran, LGBTQIA+, Coping Skills, Addiction, Life Transition, Anxiety, Depression, Trauma / PTSD, Stress / Mental Stress / Work Stress, Anger Management, School Issues, Grief
Serves ages 18-64

About

As one who experienced difficulty with managing my mental health, I have an authentic understanding of how we are impacted by life circumstances and how learning new skills can empower us.

Do you feel pulled in a million directions, unable to fit it all in? Are you struggling to keep up with your relationships, work and health? Is it hard to be kind to yourself? I help high performers manage anxiety and avoid burnout. Together, we can identify what's not working and get you back to balance. 

We'll use a whole self approach, addressing the needs of your mind, body and spirit. I also integrate mindfulness and somatic movement to help you develop a stronger relationship with yourself. Whether you're dealing with overwhelm, relationship issues or cycles of anxiety and depression, I'm here to help. 

Seeking therapy can feel scary but you're making the right choice. You deserve a safe space to heal and grow. In our sessions together, I'll meet you with compassion and evidence-based techniques so you can overcome the hangups and habits holding you back.Let's work together!

Education and training

Years in practice
9 years
Graduating Institute
California Baptist University
Graduating Degree
Master of Science in Clinical Psychology
View all availability
Book Now

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Common approaches to Grief & loss counseling

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Grief & loss counseling FAQs

What type of counseling is needed when a person cannot get over the grief of losing a loved one?

Grief and loss counseling helps people grieve difficult losses including the death of a loved one, the loss of a job, or the end of a relationship. It helps people navigate their grief process and eventually accept, understand, and move forward from their loss. Thriveworks grief therapists in San Diego, CA have specific experience, training, and skills that enable them to best support grieving individuals.

How does grief and loss counseling work?

Grief and loss counseling isn’t one-size-fits-all, but it involves sharing about your loss and then working with your counselor to acknowledge and accept your new reality in its wake. Your provider at Thriveworks in San Diego, CA will design your treatment plan around your unique needs and goals for therapy, applying the counseling techniques that best support them.

Signs I should seek grief counseling

If you have recently experienced an event like the death of a loved one, a breakup or divorce, the loss of a job, or another major life change, then you may want to seek grief and loss counseling. Grief can be caused by many experiences and events, so if you feel that you are having trouble moving on from a certain event or find that it is still impacting your life and functioning, grief and loss counseling can help you process it more effectively so that you can move on and once again find fulfillment and satisfaction in your life.

What counseling theory is best for grief?

There are many counseling theories for treating grief, one of the most frequently used being the dual process model of grief which helps people acknowledge who or what they’ve lost through rumination while also adjusting to the new roles and identities that this loss has now placed on them. There are also many commonly used therapy approaches used in grief and loss counseling, including Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), Acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT), and traumatic grief therapy.

Is grief counseling conducted in person or online?

Grief & loss counseling at Thriveworks is conducted both in person and online by video. We encourage you to choose the option that works best for you.

How long does grief counseling last?

For many, grief and loss counseling lasts for about 6 months. For others, it may last shorter or longer, depending on the severity of their loss and their grief.

Need more help deciding?

Have you experienced the impact of a significant change or loss in your own life? That’s where the grief counseling experts at Thriveworks San Diego, CA can assist you. We offer comprehensive, personalized grief counseling on an individualized basis, addressing your needs, wants, and goals. Learn more below and reach out to schedule your first session.

Do I Need Grief Therapy? 

In most instances, the decision to seek out grief counseling (or grief therapy, as it’s referred to interchangeably) is yours. But there are some key indicators that you might benefit more from talking to someone include: 

  • Sadness that doesn’t seem to fade 
  • Anger about your loss and what could have been done to prevent it
  • Regret toward past feelings or actions 
  • Guilt in regards to your inability to prevent the event(s)
  • Confusion about how to move forward after experiencing the loss
  • Yearning for the individual or “thing” you have lost

These emotions are normal to experience during the grieving and bereavement process. But if these feelings prevent you from being able to function during your daily life, it’s highly likely that grief counseling could offer a helping hand. 

How Does Grief Therapy Work? 

Yes, grief therapy can help you work through one of the most difficult times in your life. By talking with a therapist in grief counseling sessions, you’ll begin to sort through the emotional weight, the shock, and the emptiness left in the wake of a significant loss. 

Grief therapy works to help you: 

  • Accept loss: Sometimes, the hardest part of your loss is accepting the permanence that this person, job, object, or relationship is gone permanently. Your grief counselor can help you completely understand this process.
  • Cope more healthily: Though we might try our hardest, sometimes vices take hold when we’re grieving. It’s not uncommon to cope with alcohol, drugs, risky sex, or self-harming behaviors while grieving—but a therapist can help you learn to meditate, journal, organize your day, and even run your household more effectively. 
  • Process difficult emotions: Some people experience difficult emotions immediately—others experience their whirlwind of emotions much later. One goal of grief counseling is to express and explore whatever emotions you are feeling at the moment.
  • Move forward with your lives: When you lose a loved one, your whole life changes. A grief counselor can help you adjust to life without this person, in a way that will still allow you to live a happy, successful life.

Schedule Grief Counseling in San Diego, CA

Without the right support and coping skills, the grieving process can feel like a never-ending nightmare. There’s no need to endure that and suffer alone.  

At Thriveworks San Diego, our therapists are here to help. If you think you could benefit from partnering with them, schedule a grief counseling session online, or give our office a call to get started. When you schedule with Thriveworks, you get access to industry-leading perks, such as: 

  • We make therapy and psychiatry affordable—we’re in network with insurance
  • Compassionate care from experts in the mental health field
  • Schedule your session easily over the phone with our support team
  • Meet with a therapist in person at our San Diego, CA office today—or online, with virtual video therapy options 
  • Get high-quality therapy and psychiatry from expert mental health professionals 

You may not be able to change the past—but you can prepare for a better future by booking a session with one of our grief therapists. We look forward to hearing from you at Thriveworks San Diego, CA. 

Pricing & insurance

Our therapists accept most major insurance and we offer self-pay options too.
Learn more about pricing for therapy and counseling at Thriveworks.

Our therapists and counselors in San Diego accept 38 insurance plans

  • Adventist Health Associates | Employee Health Plan

  • Adventist Health Associates | Non-Employee Health Plan

  • Aetna

  • Alignment Health Plan

  • Anthem Blue Cross of California | Commercial

  • Anthem Blue Cross of California | Medicare Advantage

  • Blue Shield of California | BCBS

  • Blue Shield of California | Medicare Advantage

  • Carelon

  • Cigna | Evernorth

  • Compsych

  • Firefly Health Plan | Cigna PPO Network

View more
Self-pay costs at San Diego
Talk therapy

Talk therapy

Includes individual, couples, child/ teen, & family therapy

First session

$1

Ongoing sessions

$1

Talk therapy

Psychiatry

Includes reducing symptoms with medication & management

First session

$1

Ongoing sessions

$1

Hear from our clients

4.9 Learn about verified reviews
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★★★★★
My high rating is primarily attributable to my great therapist. And the ease of communicating online makes it very accessible and of value to me.
Willa Sep 2025
Thriveworks.com verified review
★★★★★
I loved working with Valerie Stern, I worked with her for almost 2 years and she's helped me pull through many hard times and come to understand myself better. I would highly recommend her as anyone's therapist.
Janelle Sep 2025
Thriveworks.com verified review
★★★★★
I appreciate the immediate response and prompt scheduling with a psychologist. The psychologist was a perfect match for my needs. The experience was the best outcome possible. . Thank you
Alice Sep 2025
Thriveworks.com verified review
★★★★★
She was very supportive the last three years and always encouraged me and helped me to keep to my goals.
Tatum Sep 2025
Thriveworks.com verified review
★★★★★
Nothing to improve, my providers are excellent.
Isabelle Sep 2025
Thriveworks.com verified review
★★★★★
I've been seeing Mia for over 3 years now, and it's always a pleasure having a session with her.
Mary Sep 2025
Thriveworks.com verified review
★★★★★
I've appreciated having Val as someone who I could talk to about all the troubles in my life. She has worked with me to understand my issues and given me coping strategies for dealing with things in the future.
Raechel Sep 2025
Thriveworks.com verified review
★★★★★
I have easily connected with my provider and feel safe and comfortable with her, I would recommend Mia to any of my friends or family.
Sean Sep 2025
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Where to find us

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Address

2525 Camino del Rio S Suite 301
San Diego, CA 92108-3717

Getting here

Thriveworks Counseling & Psychiatry San Diego is located near Camino del Rio S and Texas St, off I-8. It is right by the San Diego River and a short distance from the University Heights.

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Phone number

(619) 480-2140
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Languages spoken by CA providers

  • Swedish
  • English
  • Spanish
  • Filipino
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Hours

Thursday 8:00am - 9:30pm
Friday 8:00am - 9:30pm
Saturday 8:00am - 9:30pm
Sunday 8:00am - 9:30pm
Monday 8:00am - 9:30pm
Tuesday 8:00am - 9:30pm
Wednesday 8:00am - 9:30pm

Shown in PT

Thursday 8:00am - 11:00pm
Friday 8:00am - 11:00pm
Saturday 8:00am - 6:00pm
Sunday 8:00am - 6:00pm
Monday 8:00am - 11:00pm
Tuesday 8:00am - 11:00pm
Wednesday 8:00am - 11:00pm

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