To find a psychodynamic therapist in California, look for a licensed therapist who names psychodynamic or depth-oriented therapy as their main way of working. Then use a first call to hear how they describe a session. Because most therapists now offer video sessions, you can work with someone anywhere in the state.
Maybe you've been in therapy before. You learned some tools, and they helped for a while. But the same feelings keep coming back, and you've started to wonder if there's a kind of therapy that goes deeper. There is, and it has a name.
What is psychodynamic therapy?
Psychodynamic therapy is a kind of talk therapy that looks underneath a problem to understand where it comes from. We pay attention to patterns: how you learned to handle feelings, what you expect from other people, and how you treat yourself when things go wrong. Many of those patterns began early in life, for good reasons. They tend to loosen once they're understood.
It also has research behind it. In a review published in American Psychologist, psychologist Jonathan Shedler concluded that "empirical evidence supports the efficacy of psychodynamic therapy" (Shedler, 2010, p. 98). He found that its benefits are as large as those of other well-studied therapies, and that people keep their gains and often keep improving after therapy ends.
Is it the same as depth-oriented therapy?
Mostly, yes. Therapists use several names for this way of working. You may see:
Psychodynamic therapy
Depth-oriented therapy, depth therapy, or depth work
Insight-oriented therapy
Attachment-based or attachment-focused therapy
Relational therapy
Psychoanalytic therapy
If a therapist's profile uses any of these, you're looking in the right place.
How do I know if it's what I'm looking for?
It may be a good fit if:
You've tried CBT or skills-based therapy, and it only helped so much
You understand your patterns and still find yourself repeating them
You're the strong one everyone leans on, and you're tired
You're hard on yourself in ways you'd never be with anyone else
You want to understand why you are the way you are
If some of these sound familiar, you may also relate to Why Am I So Hard on Myself? and I Had a Good Childhood. So Why Do I Feel Like This?
It may not be the best place to start if you're in crisis and need support right away, or if you'd like a short, structured program with skills and homework. Those are real needs, and other kinds of therapy meet them well.
Where do I look?
Therapist directories. Most let you filter by type of therapy. Choose "Psychodynamic," then narrow by California and by your insurance.
Therapists' own websites. Read the page about their approach. You're looking for a clear description of how they work, in words that sound like a real person.
AI tools and search. Include the words "psychodynamic" or "depth-oriented," your state, your insurance, and a little about what you're going through. The more specific you are, the better the match.
What should I look for?
A California license. Your therapist needs to be licensed in California if that's where you'll be during sessions. Psychologists, marriage and family therapists, clinical social workers, and professional clinical counselors can all offer psychodynamic therapy. You can check any license on the state's license search.
Psychodynamic therapy as their main approach. Some profiles list a dozen types of therapy. Look for someone who describes this one in their own words.
Training beyond graduate school. For example, study or a fellowship at a psychoanalytic institute.
A feeling of ease. After a first call, notice how you feel. Feeling comfortable and understood matters a great deal.
What can I ask on a first call?
Most therapists offer a short free call. A few questions that help:
How would you describe the way you work?
What does a typical session with you look like?
How long do people usually work with you?
How will we know it's helping?
Do you take my insurance, or help with out-of-network claims?
There are no wrong questions. You're allowed to take your time and talk with more than one person.
Can I do psychodynamic therapy online?
Yes. Many people find that video sessions work well for this kind of therapy, and they open up the whole state. You only need to be in California at the time of your session. It can also help to talk from home, in a space where you already feel comfortable.
Does insurance cover psychodynamic therapy?
Usually, yes. Most plans cover therapy sessions the same way, whatever approach the therapist uses. What matters is whether the therapist is in your plan's network. If they aren't, many PPO plans pay back part of the fee once you've met your deductible. Ask whether the therapist submits those claims for you.
How I work
I'm Dr. Emily Essid, a licensed clinical psychologist in California (PSY34868). My approach is psychodynamic and attachment-focused, and I completed a fellowship at the San Diego Psychoanalytic Center. I work with adults who are used to being the strong one, and with people going through fertility treatment, pregnancy, and the months after having a baby.
I see adults anywhere in California by secure video, in English or French. I'm in-network with Aetna, Medicare Part B, and TRICARE, and I submit out-of-network claims for most PPO plans.
If you ever have thoughts of not wanting to be here, please call or text 988 to reach the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline any time.
If any of this sounds familiar, I offer a free 15-minute consultation.
Frequently asked questions
What is a psychodynamic therapist? A psychodynamic therapist is a licensed therapist who helps you understand the patterns underneath what you're struggling with, and where they began.
Is depth-oriented therapy the same as psychodynamic therapy? Mostly, yes. Depth-oriented, insight-oriented, and psychodynamic therapy all describe therapy that looks underneath a problem to understand where it comes from.
How long does psychodynamic therapy take? It varies. Some people come for a few months, and others stay for a year or more. It depends on what you'd like to understand and change.
How do I find a psychodynamic therapist in California who takes my insurance? Filter a therapist directory by "Psychodynamic" and by your plan, or ask the therapist directly. If they're out of network, ask whether they submit claims for you.
Is online psychodynamic therapy available in California? Yes. Dr. Emily Essid offers online psychodynamic therapy for adults throughout California, in English or French.
Reference
Shedler, J. (2010). The efficacy of psychodynamic psychotherapy. American Psychologist, 65(2), 98–109. https://doi.org/10.1037/a0018378
