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Mental Health Resources

Overview of Anxiety and Depression

  • Anxiety: Anxiety is a normal response to situations in which we feel threatened or concerned. In moderate degree and frequency, anxiety can keep us safe or motivate us to work harder. For millions of people, however, anxiety becomes so persistent or overwhelming that it significantly interferes with the quality of one’s life Fortunately, excessive anxiety is treatable. Our goal is to discover ways of improving existing treatments as well as developing new ones.
  • Depression: Depression is a common reaction to prolonged stress or loss — for example, losing a loved one, going through a relationship ending, or losing one’s job. Depression may lead a person to feel sad, discouraged, unmotivated, or disinterested in their usual activities. Although it is common for most people to experience depression at some point in their life, symptoms that persist for more than 2 weeks and significantly interfere with daily activities may signify a more serious problem.

Given that depression and anxiety often occur together, we are studying treatment approaches that target features of both conditions.

Resources at UC San Diego

UCSD Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS)

For UCSD Students. Click the link for their website or call them at (858) 534-3755. Emergency counseling for UC San Diego students is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

UCSD Outpatient Services

(858) 534-7792 (PSYC)

  • Clinic locations in La Jolla and Hillcrest
  • Individual and/or group therapy
  • Medication management

  • Social services e.g., vocational and housing assistance

Executive Mental Health Program

8950 Villa La Jolla Drive, Suite B225

La Jolla, CA 92037

(858) 534-6200

Co-Occurring Disorders Program (COD)

(619) 543-7625

Bridge to Recovery Program

3851 Rosecrans Street
San Diego, CA 92110
(619) 542-4166

Healer Education Assessment and Referral (HEAR) Program

For trainees and healthcare providers.

UCSD Health Sciences
9500 Gilman Drive 
La Jolla, CA 92093
(858) 657-6795

Other Community Resources

SDSU Psychology Clinic

6363 Alvarado Court, Suite 102
San Diego, CA 92120

(619) 594-5134

  • Individual therapy for trauma, phobias, panic attacks, and other anxiety-related problems
  • Individual and/or group therapy for depression or other emotional difficulties
  • Fees determined on a sliding scale between $15-85 per session

The Cognitive Therapy Institute of San Diego

Cognitive behavioral therapy for anxiety, depression, and stress management. Individual, group, and couples’ therapy.

The Cognitive Therapy Institute, APC
3262 Holiday Court, Suite 220
La Jolla, CA 92037

(858) 450-1101

Center for Understanding and Treating Anxiety (CUTA) at SDSU

Individual and/or group cognitive behavioral therapy for anxiety, may also have clinical research studies available. Fees determined on a sliding scale. Free anxiety support group.

6386 Alvarado Court, Suite 301
San Diego, CA 92120

(619) 229-3740
sdsu.cuta@gmail.com

 

Additional Resources

24 Hr Suicide/Crisis Hotline

(888) 724-7240 or (619) 236-3339

Alcoholics Anonymous

(619) 265-8762

Adult Protective Services

(619) 283-5731

A.I.D.S. Hotline

(800) 590-2437

Child Abuse Hotline

(858) 560-2191

Cocaine Anonymous  

24 hour helpline: (866) 242-2248

Food Addicts in Recovery Anonymous

(800) 600-6028

Narcotics Anonymous

(619) 584-1007

Naranon

(619) 492-8720

Rape and Domestic Violence

(858) 272-1767

Center for Community Solutions

Therapy to address the emotional aspects of sexual assault, domestic violence, child abuse, and relationship issues, also have a rape crisis center, legal services. Sliding scale fees.

4 locations: 

  • Pacific Beach (858-272-5777)
  • La Mesa (619-697-7477)
  • North County (760-747-6282)
  • Family Justice Center (866-933-4673)

24-Hour Toll Free Crisis Line: 888- 385-4657

Planned Parenthood

(619) 881-4500

Affordable Medical Care Clinics

(619) 515-2300

Teen Recovery Center 

(888) 286-5027

Learn More

Association for Behavioral and Cognitive Therapies
Provides information about cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), a form of psychotherapy that is effective for many individuals with anxiety disorders. The web site includes fact sheets about various clinical problems, including anxiety disorders, and a directory of therapists who offer CBT.

Anxiety and Depression Association of America
Information and resources for individuals with anxiety disorders and their families. The website includes a directory of doctors and therapists who treat anxiety disorders, information about support groups, and other resources.

International Society for Traumatic Stress Studies
Organization devoted to advancing knowledge about the effects of severe stress and trauma. The website includes information for the general public such as trauma resources and public education pamphlets.

American Psychological Association
Professional organization for psychologists. The website offers a wide range of information and resources related to mental health issues, including a "find a psychologist" function.

National Institutes of Mental Health (NIMH)
Provides funding for research on mental health problems such as anxiety disorders. The website provides information about mental health issues, including a listing of ongoing clinical trials for individuals who may be interested in participating in a research study.

National Social Anxiety Center (NSAC)
The National Social Anxiety Center (NSAC) is comprised of a group of regional mental health treatment clinics. It is established with the intent of making the highest quality evidence-based psychotherapy services to treat social anxiety available to those in need. We do this through research, collaboration, dissemination, and education to the public.