Therapy in San Diego, CA | Counselor Johanna Lee

Life in San Diego carries a mix of sun, responsibility and quiet pressure that many mamas feel but rarely voice. Here I support first gen and Latina mothers who want a space that lets them slow down and reconnect with who they are becoming. San Diego’s blend of border culture, constant movement and family expectations can leave you stretched thin, and therapy offers a steady place to come home to yourself.

How it works

We start with a gentle intake session where you can share your experiences and goals. This is where we begin to understand what you’ve been holding and what you truly need,emotionally, mentally, and spiritually.

Intake Session

Through ongoing therapy sessions, we’ll dig into your individual needs. I’ll offer tools rooted in mindfulness, self-compassion, and cultural validation,so healing feels like it fits your life, not someone else’s version of self-care.

Follow Up Sessions

We revisit how far you’ve come, name what’s changed, and create a rhythm of support for what’s next,so you leave feeling steady, not dropped.

(# of sessions will vary based on individual needs)

Integration & Reflection Session-

Explore my therapy services and specializations

  • Therapy for Postpartum

    Everything shifts the moment the baby arrives and in San Diego many mothers are surprised by how loud the inner world becomes once the outside world expects them to be calm. Postpartum therapy here gives you room to sort through the doubts, the tears and the parts of you that feel unfamiliar. You do not have to rush your healing. You get to learn your new self slowly and with support.

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  • Compassion-Focused Therapy for Anxiety

    Anxiety can show up in San Diego as a quiet buzzing under the surface, the kind you carry even while trying to keep everyone else calm. Compassion focused therapy helps you understand why your body reacts the way it does and teaches you to respond with gentleness instead of self blame. You learn how to soothe the fear, slow down the spiraling and rebuild a sense of inner safety that feels steady and real.

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  • Culturally Affirming Therapy for Latina and First-Gen Moms

    There is a moment many Latina and first gen moms experience where the weight of everyone’s expectations settles on your shoulders at once. Before therapy you may feel split between who you were raised to be and who you actually want to become. As we work together that tension softens. You begin choosing from intuition instead of fear and mothering from truth instead of obligation.

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  • Postpartum & Early Motherhood Therapy in San Diego

    The early months of motherhood can feel like stepping into a life that looks familiar but does not feel like yours yet. You try to adjust while your body aches, your mind races and your routines dissolve overnight. Therapy during this season gives you a grounded space to process the emotional chaos, the quiet grief for your old self and the pressure to be grateful even when you are exhausted. You learn to move through this transition with more steadiness, softness and clarity.

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Testimonials

I was working with a first-gen Latina client who shared that she really appreciates that I give her education and examples for different mental health concepts and this helps her think about it in her own terms throughout the week (e.g. like having a full plate and taking just a moment to set it down when we journal so that it doesn’t feel as heavy all the time).

I helped a mom advocate for herself after experiencing workplace harassment throughout her pregnancy. She felt like she was complaining but after processing a couple sessions, she realized that this was one way she could protect herself (even if in the past she wasn’t able to). 

I hosted a Baby & Me Parent Community Event focused on 1) donations/swap station for baby & mom items 2) sensory play stations 3) selena dance along 4) new parent mental health 101 & 5) guest speaker on financial education. I had a few moms come up to me during the event saying how helpful it was to get tangible resources and also information to help them in their current season. 

I serve women in San Diego

​​I offer virtual therapy to women across San Diego including those living near Balboa Park, North Park, Mission Valley and nearby coastal neighborhoods. You can access support from anywhere in California and meet with me from the comfort of your home.

Hello I am Johanna Lee your postpartum and early motherhood therapist in San Diego

Some mothers in San Diego come to therapy feeling like they are carrying the emotional weight of two worlds at once. My virtual sessions give you a protected space to explore the shifts of postpartum and early motherhood without pressure or judgment. I help you reconnect with your identity, soften your internal alarms and build emotional routines that feel nurturing instead of draining. I am licensed in California so therapy sessions are available to clients physically located in California at the time of each session. If you are outside California you can join my escuelita or access my non clinical resources.

Frequently asked questions

  • Is virtual therapy effective?

    Absolutely. Virtual therapy allows you to receive care from the comfort of your home no need to arrange childcare, commute, or even put on pants (lol).  Many mamas actually find it easier to open up in their own safe space.

  • How are virtual therapy sessions held?

    Sessions are held via a HIPAA-compliant video platform to protect your privacy. All you need is a private space, a stable internet connection, and a device with a camera and microphone.

  • What payment methods do you accept?

    I accept FSA/HSA, debit, or credit card for payment. I do not currently accept insurance and many clients appreciate the privacy, flexibility, and control that comes with paying directly for care (versus utilizing insurance).

  • How do I know if I really need therapy, or if this is just “normal” new mom stuff?

    That’s such a common and valid question. Yes, postpartum comes with big emotions—but feeling constantly overwhelmed, anxious, invisible, or disconnected from yourself isn’t something you have to just “push through.” If you’re struggling to feel like you again, or carrying guilt for wanting space to breathe, therapy can help. You don’t need a crisis to deserve support—you just need a safe place to land.

  • Can I bring my baby to the session?

    Yes—babies are absolutely welcome. I know it’s not always possible to find childcare, and you shouldn’t have to put your healing on hold because of that. Whether you’re nursing, rocking, or soothing during our time together, this space is made with mamá life in mind. Come as you are—messy bun, spit-up, baby in arms and all. (ps snacks are also welcome and often encouraged lol)

  • What kind of therapy do you practice?

    My approach blends trauma-informed, culturally responsive care with mindfulness, self-compassion, inner child healing, and grounding tools (yes deep breathing together CAN be part of the work too!)

  • How long is each session, and how often will we meet?

    Sessions are 55 minutes. Most clients start with weekly sessions, but we’ll collaborate to find a rhythm that fits your needs, schedule, and goals.

  • Where are you licensed to provide therapy?

    I’m licensed in California, so therapy sessions are available to clients physically located in California at the time of each session. If you're outside California, you can still join my escuelita &/or access non-clinical resources -  View here 

  • Good faith estimate

    In accordance with the No Surprises Act and ethical standards for California-licensed therapists, I provide a Good Faith Estimate to all clients who are not using insurance for services.


    This estimate outlines the expected cost of services, including session fees and potential length of treatment, so you have full clarity before starting care. While therapy is individualized and timelines may vary, this estimate helps you plan with transparency and trust.


    You’ll receive your Good Faith Estimate in writing before your first session. You can always request a new one if your needs or frequency of care change.


    For more information about your rights under the No Surprises Act, visit cms.gov/nosurprises 

  • Disclaimer Privacy Notice: Do not submit personal health information (PHI) through this site.

    This website is for informational and educational purposes only and does not provide medical or mental health advice. Therapy services are available only to individuals physically located in California and provided by Johanna Lee, LPCC (#13089). Participation in community offerings, digital resources, or workshops does not constitute a therapeutic relationship. If you are experiencing a mental health crisis, please call 988 or visit your nearest emergency room.

  • Therapy vs education disclaimer

    Participation in workshops, classes, memberships, or educational resources does not establish a therapeutic relationship. These services are for support, education, and community and are not a substitute for clinical therapy. Therapy services are only available to clients residing in California, provided through a separate intake and consent process.