Last edited 06/03/2024

Identifies As
He / Him / HisManWhiteGayLGBTQIA+
Get To Know Me
What was your path to becoming a therapist? What inspired you to choose this profession?
I discovered that I wanted to be a therapist my senior year of high school. I was placed in a Psychology 101 elective and absolutely fell in love with the subject. From then on, my goal was to become a therapist. Over the years in preparing to become a therapist, I gained a better understanding of the populations that I wanted to focus on. I discovered that I most enjoyed working with the LGBTQ+ community and children/adolescents.
In what ways have your personal experiences influenced your work with your clients?
I am a career shifter. I spent 10 years in non-profit fundraising before coming back to the mental health profession. My time spent as a fundraiser has greatly influenced my clinical work with clients. I was able to develop skills such as being adaptive, nimble, approachable, and able to work with a wide array of personalities and backgrounds.
Location
Loading...
Loading...
Specialties
Specializes in
DepressionAnxietyAdolescent mental healthGender identity & transgender healthLGBTQIA related issues
General Expertise
DepressionAnxietyRelationship IssuesSelf-EsteemSexuality Based IssuesSocial AnxietyAcademic challengesAdolescent mental healthCollege & graduate student issuesFamily issuesGender identity & transgender healthLGBTQIA related issuesMood disordersPanic attacks & panic disorderPhobias & fearsSelf HarmSuicidal ideationTraumaSchool IssuesTrans+
Treatment Approaches
Strength Based TherapyMindfulness PracticesEclectic TherapyPerson-Centered TherapyHumanistic TherapyCognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)Positive Psychology
Clientele
Types of Therapy
Family TherapyCouples CounselingIndividual TherapyChild Counseling
Serves Ages
Young Adults (18-24)Adults (25-65)Children (5-12)Adolescents (13-17)
Languages
English
Insurance & Fees
Insurances Accepted
AetnaAnthemCignaUnitedHealthCare (UHC)Optum
Cash Pay Rates/Out-of-Pocket
| First Session: | $200 |
| Family Therapy: | $200 |
| Couples Counseling: | $200 |
| Individual Therapy: | $200 |
| Child Counseling: | $200 |
Professional Background
LicensureCalifornia, Licensed Clinical Social Worker, 121922
Training/CertificationsCertified RISE Trainer
Education
Alliant International University, Doctorate of Philosophy, Psychology, Public Policy, and Law, 2023
San Jose State University, Master of Social Work, Clinical, 2021
Alliant International University, Bachelor of Arts, Clinical Psychology, 2009
Saddleback College, Associate of Arts, Psychology, 2007
Work HistoryMy clinical work history has been geared toward supporting the mental health needs of children and adolescents and the LGBTQ+ community. During my MSW program, I interned for a school-based mental health program that provided direct mental health services to children and adolescents. I also worked as a post-MSW graduate for a county agency that supported the LGBTQ+ community's mental health. For the past two years, I have worked as a staff mental health therapist at a high school, providing direct therapy to high school students. Concurrently, I worked part-time in private practice where I saw clients from the LGBTQ+ community.
Frequently Asked Questions
It’s not uncommon to have questions before starting therapy.
Dr. Joey Ritkes, LCSW, has answered a few of the questions they receive most often from new clients.
Is Joey Ritkes accepting new clients?
Yes, Joey Ritkes is accepting new clients for online therapy in California and in-person appointments at 3344 4th Avenue, San Diego, CA, 92103.
Does Joey Ritkes accept insurance?
Yes, Joey Ritkes accepts insurance, including Aetna, Anthem, Cigna, Optum and UnitedHealthCare (UHC).
What types of therapy does Joey Ritkes offer?
Joey Ritkes offers therapy for children, couples, families and individuals.
Does Joey Ritkes offer in-person appointments?
Yes, Joey Ritkes offers in-person appointments at 3344 4th Avenue, San Diego, CA, 92103.
Does Joey Ritkes offer online therapy?
Yes, Joey Ritkes offers online therapy via video sessions to people in California.
How quickly can I see Joey Ritkes?
Joey Ritkes typically can speak with new clients within 48 hours. You can see their current general office hours and request an appointment on their profile page.
What languages does Joey Ritkes speak?
Joey Ritkes conducts therapy sessions in English.
Can I book an appointment with Joey Ritkes online?
Yes, you can easily book an appointment with Joey Ritkes online using ChoosingTherapy.com’s directory.