Lynn Northrop, PhD
Psychologist
San Diego, California, United States
Meaning and purpose are not things we strive for. They are here to discover right now.
About
I am a seasoned psychologist specializing in Cognitive and Behavioral Therapies, with a deep passion for Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT). I believe healing happens best in a space that feels both safe and collaborative — one where you feel genuinely supported while also empowered to take an active role in your own growth.
You can expect our work together to be warm, client-centered, and rooted in your unique experience. At the same time, everything we do will be grounded in current research and well-established models of human psychology — because you deserve care that is both meaningful and evidence-based.
I see clients in person in San Diego, California, and via Telehealth across California, Connecticut, and Florida. Wherever you are in your journey, I am here to walk alongside you with the same genuine commitment to your wellbeing.
Specialties
- Anxiety
- Depression
- Grief & loss
- Stress management
- Burnout
- Sleep issues
- Chronic pain & illness
- LGBTQ+ identity
- Healthy Aging
- Caregiving
- Menopause
- Life transitions
Approaches
- Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT)
- Acceptance & Commitment Therapy (ACT)
- Mindfulness-based
- Behavioral Therapy
Works with
- Adults
- LGBTQ+
- Working professionals
- Older adults
- Students
- Caregivers
Sessions
Languages
- English
Logistics
- Fees
CA$273per session
If my rates are out of reach, talk to me. I may have reduced rate spots available. I would like to work with you.
- Insurance
My practice is private pay (credit, debit, venmo, zelle, check). I'll provide a receipt so that if you have "out of network" benefits you can request reimbursement from your insurance.
Frequently asked questions
- How do I know if you’re the right fit for me?
- I offer a free 30-minute consultation so we can connect before you commit to anything. I work with adults of all ages, have a special love for working with creatives — musicians, artists, and actors — and am a proud ally of the LGBTQI+ community. If you’d like to explore whether we’re a good match, I’d love to hear from you.
- What kinds of issues do you help people with?
- I help folks navigating anxiety, depression, grief and loss, trauma, life transitions, medical illness, caregiving, sleep problems, and the weight of injustice or change. I feel honored to help people living with (or supporting others through) suicidal ideation, cognitive impairment and psychosis - things many outpatient psychologists are not prepared for. If I feel this level of care is not adequate for you, I will help you find other resources. My goal is to help you find courage, self-compassion, and practical tools so that difficult emotions and thoughts no longer stand in the way of living a life that feels rich and meaningful. I also provide clinical supervision, consultation, and training for unlicensed and licensed professionals interested in ACT or aging.
- What can I expect from working with you?
- Every session, you’ll leave with something concrete — tools and concepts to practice in your daily life. You will feel heard, respected, and empowered. Our work will feel collaborative and purposeful. You bring the expertise on your own life; I bring the clinical knowledge to help you move toward what is important to you.
- What is your training and experience?
- I’ve been a licensed psychologist for 24+ years. Back in a previous millenium, I graduated from SDSU (BA) and WVU (PhD). I completed my internship and fellowship at the VA Medical Center in Palo Alto, with advanced specialty training in geropsychology, behavioral psychology and ACT. Prior to private practice, I held clinical and leadership roles at Sharp HealthCare (inpatient and outpatient) and provided outpatient therapy at UC San Diego Medical Center, treating thousands of clients and mentoring hundreds of clinicians along the way. There is very little I love more than doing this work.
- How long will I be in therapy?
- Most people work with me for 10 to 20 sessions, though your needs, wishes, and goals always guide that timeline. I’m committed to not keeping anyone in therapy longer than is truly helpful — that’s a promise I take seriously.
- Do you accept insurance?
- I do not bill insurance directly. You can pay for your sessions with credit card, debit card, Zelle, Venmo, cash or check. Please note that I am an out-of-network provider. That means, if you have a PPO plan, it may reimburse a meaningful portion what you pay me — sometimes 70–80%. I’ll provide a monthly statement for you to submit. I also offer a limited number of reduced-fee slots, so please don’t hesitate to ask.
- Where and when do you see clients?
- I am licensed in California (Psy18656), Connecticut (5325) and Florida (TPPY2278) and offer telehealth throughout all three states. I also see clients in person on most Mondays in San Diego - 92104. Sessions are available Monday through Friday, 9:00 AM 5:00 PM Pacific (that's noon to 8:00 PM Eastern), with occasional early morning, evening or weekend slots. Just ask and I'll do my best to make it work for both of us!
- Can you prescribe medication?
- As a psychologist, I don’t prescribe medication — that falls within the scope of psychiatrists and other medical providers. That said, therapy and medication can work beautifully together, and if medication feels like a relevant piece of your care, I’m happy to help coordinate with a prescribing provider or offer a referral. You’ll never feel like you’re navigating that alone.
Credentials
- Licensed Clinical Psychologist, CA (Psy18656), CT (5325), FL (TPPY227), 2002