1. Why In-Person Therapy Matters
Since Covid, many families, schools, and mental health professionals have chosen to stay online for education and mental health support. Although convenient in a fast paced and hectic society, there are many drawbacks to tele health, especially for mental health therapy for children, adolescents, and young adults.
Our brains and frontal cortex are still rapidly developing and research has provided the evidence of the negative impact on our neurological, social, and emotional systems by spending hours on a screen. Without in person human contact with your therapist, friends, or educators, we gradually decrease our abilities and comfort level to make eye contact, to speak directly to another in person, to be in the same physical space as others, to emotionally connect at a deeper level, to be vulnerable in the presence of others, and to socialize. Hence, the increase in depression, anxiety, social phobias, isolation, and disconnect has been massive since covid and increasing utilization of online platforms.
Instead, in person therapy promotes face to face connection, observations of each other, both verbal and non-verbal, allows touch if the client wants to shake hands, or a child wants to play a game or draw with you, or you just want to observe how a family interacts in a shared space. In person therapy creates a safe and emotionally connected environment for the client and the therapist, which is invaluable for the healing process.
However, for adults, seniors, those who are home-bound, live too far away, or once we have a relationship established, we also offer telehealth services. We understand that access to mental health expert services may be very difficult to secure, and we are always open to telehealth if it will benefit you and your family.
2. Benefits of a Multidisciplinary Team
We have also seen a fragmentation of the mental health support system over the past few years. Long waiting lists, lack of collaboration between specialists, miscommunication between providers, and clients having to make several appointments in multiple locations for therapeutic services are frequent barriers to accessible mental health care.
Aspiring Families’ mission is to provide an integrated, collaborative, and interdisciplinary team for in person mental health support to families. Our central location in Carmel Valley/Del Mar makes us accessible to multiple communities in San Diego as we are located just off the freeway.
Further, utilizing a bio-psycho-social approach, our goal is to address multiple areas of human challenges and presenting concerns via our interdisciplinary team:
- Bio-chemistry (psychiatrist and medications)
- EEG (neurofeedback)
- Learning, developmental, and diagnostic vulnerabilities (comprehensive neuropsychological assessments with educational and clinical psychologists)
- Psychological challenges with individual and family therapy (psychologists)
- School, social, and behavioral challenges with behavioral therapy (behavioral interventionists and educational psychologists)
- Executive functioning coaching (behavioral interventionists and educational psychologists)
- Emotional expression via expressive arts therapy.
We offer it all under one umbrella, with a collaborative, multi-disciplinary team approach so that you receive integrated care for the whole person and family.
3. Who This Is Ideal For
Utilizing a comprehensive team approach, we are able to serve families across the lifespan, including children as young as 2 years old, teenagers, college students, adults, and even seniors. Our breadth of expertise lies across diverse diagnoses and challenges, including:
- Depression and Mood Disorders
- Anxiety/OCD
- ADHD/Executive Functioning
- Learning and Memory Challenges
- Disordered Eating
- Spectrum and Developmental Disorders
- Family Conflict
- Parenting
- College Transitions and Support
- Grief and Loss
4. Local Expertise, Local Access
Many organizations are backlogged, and families have to wait months for an appointment. Being a small private center, we can schedule an intake with you typically within a few days, and schedule your in-person appointment within a week or so.
We are part of the community to our local residents in Carmel Valley and Del Mar, and it is easy to meet us in person. Additionally, being centrally located on the coast of mid-San Diego in Del Mar/Carmel Valley with easy access to the freeway and parking, we often see clients from Pacific Beach, Oceanside, Poway, and sometimes even farther, including Coronado and Carlsbad.
We always strive to provide individualized, evidence-based, and integrated care to heal and empower those we serve.
5. Ready to Get Started?
FAQs
In-person sessions create a grounding, face-to-face connection that supports emotional safety and meaningful progress. Being in the room together allows our clinicians to observe subtle cues, strengthen rapport, and offer guidance in a supportive environment. Many families find that the structure, rhythm, and presence of in-person therapy help children and teens feel more comfortable and engaged.
Yes. We provide comprehensive, in-person assessments designed to understand each child or teen’s unique strengths and areas of need. Meeting in person allows us to observe real-time behaviors, attention, learning styles, and emotional responses, which leads to more accurate insights and clearer, personalized recommendations for support.
Our multidisciplinary approach brings together psychologists, therapists, and educational specialists who collaborate closely throughout the treatment or assessment process. We share perspectives, discuss observations, and align on goals so families receive coordinated, whole-person care. This integrated model ensures that each child or teen benefits from the collective expertise of the entire team.
We are located at:
12625 High Bluff Drive, Suite #105, San Diego, CA 92130
Our office is conveniently situated near One Paseo in Carmel Valley, making it an accessible and welcoming space for families throughout Coastal San Diego, Del Mar, and surrounding communities.
Yes. For families who prefer or need remote care, we offer secure telehealth sessions that provide continuity and flexibility. Telehealth can be especially helpful for busy family schedules, after-school needs, or times when coming into the office isn’t possible, while still offering high-quality support from our clinical team.