Top Counseling and Mental Health Support for Abuse Survivors in San Diego

Introduction

Survivors of abuse — whether domestic violence, sexual assault, or emotional trauma — deserve safe, compassionate mental health support.
This guide lists the top counseling centers, therapists, and crisis programs in San Diego that specialize in trauma-informed care for abuse survivors.

All organizations here provide confidential, survivor-centered services, and many offer free or sliding-scale counseling options.

What to Look for in Trauma-Informed Support

When searching for mental health care as a survivor, prioritize programs that:

• Offer trauma-informed and evidence-based therapy (EMDR, CBT, DBT)

• Guarantee confidentiality and safety planning

• Provide free or low-cost services (grant or nonprofit-based)

• Are culturally competent (LGBTQ+, immigrant, multilingual)

• Provide integrated services (legal aid, case management, shelter, and therapy)

🏥 Top Counseling & Support Resources in San Diego

1. Center for Community Solutions (CCS)

• San Diego’s leading agency for survivors of domestic violence and sexual assault.

• Offers individual counseling, trauma therapy, and 24-hour crisis hotline.

• Services are free and confidential, available in English and Spanish.

• 📞 24-Hour Hotline: (888) 385-4657

• 🌐 ccssd.org

2. YWCA of San Diego County – Becky’s House® Domestic Violence Program

• Provides safe housing, individual therapy, and group counseling for survivors.

• Free trauma counseling, case management, and empowerment workshops.

• 📞 24/7 Domestic Violence Hotline: (619) 234-3164

• 🌐 ywcasandiego.org

3. San Diego Family Justice Center (FJC)

• A one-stop resource for survivors offering counseling, legal support, advocacy, and social services.

• Services include licensed therapy, safety planning, and trauma recovery.

• 📍 1122 Broadway, Suite 200, San Diego, CA 92101

• 🌐 sandiego.gov/familyjusticecenter

4. Rady Children’s Hospital – Chadwick Center for Children & Families

• Specializes in trauma therapy for child and adolescent survivors of abuse or neglect.

• Offers family-based therapy, forensic interviews, and PTSD treatment.

• 🌐 radyfoundation.org

5. South Bay Community Services (SBCS)

• Provides mental health counseling and crisis intervention for survivors and families.

• Offers free and bilingual services (English, Spanish, Tagalog).

• 📞 (800) 640-2933

• 🌐 csbcs.org

6. Jewish Family Service of San Diego (JFS)

• Provides trauma-informed counseling and family therapy for survivors of abuse.

• Free or sliding-scale therapy available regardless of religion.

• 🌐 jfssd.org

7. San Diego LGBT Community Center

• Offers counseling, support groups, and advocacy for LGBTQ+ survivors of domestic and sexual abuse.

• Staff trained in trauma recovery and minority stress.

• 🌐 thecentersd.org

8. UC San Diego Health – Trauma Recovery Services

• Provides specialized psychological and psychiatric care for trauma and abuse survivors.

• Includes outpatient trauma therapy and clinical support.

• 🌐 health.ucsd.edu

🤝 Support Groups & Peer Communities

• CCS Support Groups: Free group counseling and empowerment sessions.

• YWCA’s Becky’s House Support Circles: Trauma and recovery-based group therapy.

• NAMI San Diego: Peer-led support groups for trauma, depression, anxiety, and mental wellness.
  🌐 namisandiego.org

• RAINN Online Chat: 24-hour anonymous sexual violence support – rainn.org

🧭 How to Choose the Right Therapist

⚡ Emergency & Crisis Numbers (San Diego)

💬 Final Message

Healing from trauma takes time — and the right support network makes all the difference.
Whether you reach out to a therapist, join a support group, or call a crisis line, remember: help in San Diego is confidential, compassionate, and free for survivors of abuse.

You are not alone — every one of these organizations is here to help you rebuild safely and thrive again.