Therapy in San Diego
A more intentional, personalized approach to mental health care.
YOU’RE IN THE RIGHT PLACE IF…
You’re successful—but constantly overwhelmed
You struggle to rest without feeling guilty
You feel stuck, even though everything looks fine externally
You have difficulty celebrating your achievements
You want to find balance in your life
About OPAL Psychological
At Opal Psychological, we are committed to creating a warm and supportive space that honors the individuality of each person’s experience. We believe in the deep connection between mental and physical health, and our mission is to empower clients to improve their health, resilience, and overall well-being.
Our practice is grounded in inclusivity, ensuring every client feels valued and heard. We provide affirming care through a culturally sensitive approach, recognizing the importance of cultural context in shaping mental health and healing. Our goal is to offer support that respects and celebrates the diverse experiences of all individuals. Opal Psychological is a trusted resource for those navigating the complexities of health management, offering compassionate, collaborative, and evidence-based care that supports your goals.
Our Approach to Care & Fees
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At Opal Psychological, we offer a thoughtful, personalized approach to care—designed to meet you where you are and support meaningful, lasting change. After your intake, your therapist will create a personalized treatment plan and review it with you, ensuring it reflects your goals and feels supportive of your unique needs.
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We offer a complimentary 15-minute phone consultation to understand what you’re experiencing, share our approach, and determine if we’re the right fit for your needs.
This is a simple, no-pressure way to get started.
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We provide individual therapy and psychological evaluations tailored to your specific goals, challenges, and needs.
Our rates are consistent with other doctoral-level, empirically trained providers in California.
Payment is due at the time of service and is typically processed via credit card. Alternative payment methods can be arranged if needed.
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Individual Therapy: $250 per session
Psychological Assessments & Evaluations: $300/hr
Self-pay allows for a more flexible, tailored approach to treatment without the limitations often associated with insurance-based care.
Therapy is an investment in your mental and emotional well-being—one that can lead to greater clarity, resilience, and long-term change.
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We are in-network with Aetna, Cigna, and United Healthcare.
For clients using insurance, we offer complimentary eligibility checks so you can understand your coverage and expected costs in advance.
If you have questions about your benefits, our team is happy to guide you through the process.
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If we are not in-network with your plan, you may still be eligible for reimbursement through out-of-network benefits.
We can provide a detailed superbill after each session, which you can submit to your insurance provider for reimbursement.
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We understand that navigating payment and insurance can feel overwhelming.
If you have any questions, we’re here to help you understand your options and find the best path forward.
Our New Office is Officially Open !
Our new office fondly referred to as “The Opal Office”, is now open in La Jolla, just steps away from the beach. Do some healing, grab a matcha, your self-care day starts here.
If you’re ready to take the next step, we’re here to help.
About Opal Psychological
Psychological Care, With Intention.
Rooted in clinical expertise. Guided by human connection. Thoughtfully designed around the people we serve.
Discover the people, philosophy, and purpose behind Opal Psychological in La Jolla, San Diego.
Our Story
Built on the Belief That Care Should Be Personal.
At Opal Psychological, we believe meaningful psychological care begins with understanding the person, not simply the challenge that brought them through our doors.
Opal was founded to offer a more intentional and personalized approach to therapy, especially for people who may not feel fully supported within traditional models of care. We consider mental health in the context of each person’s experiences, relationships, identity, culture, and circumstances.
The result is care that is clinically informed, genuinely collaborative, and human from the first conversation.
Thoughtful by design. Personal by nature.
The Founder
Meet the Vision Behind Opal.
Dr. Ladera Linn
Dr. Ladera Linn is a licensed clinical psychologist in California and the founder of Opal Psychological. Her training is in Health Psychology, and her work centers on the connection between mental and physical well-being.
As an Indigenous Pacific Islander Chamoru psychologist, Dr. Linn is committed to honoring the cultural, relational, and systemic contexts that influence mental health and well-being. That commitment shapes how Opal approaches care: culturally responsive, collaborative, and grounded in evidence-based treatment.
Her approach is culturally sensitive, trauma-informed, and strengths-based, and she often collaborates with medical professionals to support whole-person care.
The Opal Difference
What Makes the Experience Different.
Six principles shape how we work with every person who comes to Opal.
Personalized Psychological Care
Care considers the individual rather than relying on a one-size-fits-all experience.
Evidence-Informed Practice
Clinical decisions reflect appropriate research, training, professional judgment, and each client’s needs.
Culturally Responsive Perspectives
Care recognizes the influence of personal identity, cultural background, relationships, and broader life circumstances.
Meaningful Human Connection
Professional expertise and genuine interpersonal understanding are both central to the therapeutic experience.
Collaboration & Clarity
Clients are encouraged to participate meaningfully in discussing their goals and care.
A Thoughtfully Designed Experience
From the office environment to communication and scheduling support, Opal seeks to create a professional, welcoming experience.
Our Approach to Care
Clinical Expertise. Human Understanding.
After your intake, your therapist creates a personalized treatment plan and reviews it with you, so the plan reflects your goals and feels supportive of your needs. Cultural and personal context are part of that conversation, and care can be reviewed and adjusted as your needs change.
Specific methods and services depend on the individual clinician and on what you need. Not every clinician offers every approach.
Understand
We begin with your goals, your history, and the context around what you’re experiencing.
Collaborate
You and your therapist shape a treatment plan together, using evidence-informed methods suited to you.
Support
Sessions offer steady, attuned care, with room for culture, identity, and relationships to matter.
Reflect
Together we revisit progress and adapt the plan when your needs or goals shift.
Each clinician’s training, focus areas, and approaches are listed on their own profile.
Explore Our ProvidersThe People Behind Opal
Exceptional Care Is a Team Effort.
Opal brings together licensed clinical psychologists and an operations team that supports every client from the very first call.
Clinical Team
Dr. Ladera Linn
Founder · Licensed Clinical Psychologist
Health psychology and behavioral medicine, including chronic conditions, stress, sleep, and eating and body image concerns.
View profile
Dr. Alina Mraz
Licensed Clinical Psychologist
Adolescents, young adults, and adults, with a focus on emotion regulation, mood, anxiety, and life transitions.
View profile
Dr. Kai Chuang
Licensed Clinical Psychologist
Learn about Dr. Chuang’s background, focus areas, and approach on his profile.
View profile
Operations & Patient Care Team
Care, held gently from the start.
Reaching out for support takes courage. Our operations team is often the first friendly voice you’ll hear, guiding you through scheduling, insurance, and any questions along the way, so you feel welcomed before you ever meet your therapist.
Delia Mejia
Patient Care Coordinator
Meet Our Operations TeamWho We Serve
Support for Different Stages of Life.
Opal offers individual therapy and psychological assessment for adolescents, young adults, and adults. Here are a few of the areas people come to us for.
- 01Adolescents, Young Adults & AdultsSee which ages and populations each clinician works with.
- 02Anxiety, Stress & OverwhelmSupport for people who are successful on paper but constantly overwhelmed.
- 03Sports & Performance PsychologyMental skills and support for athletes and high performers.
- 04TraumaTrauma-informed care, offered with attention to pacing and safety.
- 05Eating Disorders & Body ImageEvidence-based treatment for eating and body image concerns.
Our La Jolla Office
A Space Designed With Care.
Our La Jolla office reflects the same intention we bring to our work: a professional, comfortable environment designed to make connecting with care feel more approachable.
La Jolla, CA 92037Monday – Friday · 9:00 am – 6:00 pm Get Directions
Professional & Community Connections
Our Work Extends Beyond the Therapy Room.
Opal is interested in building thoughtful relationships with healthcare professionals, educational communities, and the wider San Diego community. These are areas we’re growing into, and we welcome conversation.
Healthcare & Referral Relationships
Connecting with qualified professionals and organizations to support appropriate referrals.
Universities & Educational Communities
Exploring professional connections, student-related programming, and relevant events.
Community Outreach
Supporting opportunities for mental health education and dialogue.
Workshops & Professional Events
Considering speaking opportunities, educational workshops, and professionally appropriate collaborations.
Getting Started
Taking the First Step Should Feel Straightforward.
We offer a complimentary 15-minute phone consultation to talk through what you’re looking for, share our approach, and see whether Opal is the right fit. It’s a simple, no-pressure way to begin.
Connect with our team
Reach out and tell us a little about what you’re looking for.
Explore next steps
We’ll talk through clinician fit, availability, and how insurance or self-pay would work.
Schedule care
When a suitable match is available, we help you schedule your first appointment.
Availability varies by clinician. Our Insurance & Fees page has current accepted plans and rates.
Join Our Professional Community
Grow Your Career With Purpose.
Opal is a growing practice building a collaborative team of clinicians who value clinical integrity, collegial consultation, and culturally responsive care. If that sounds like your kind of practice, we’d like to hear from you.
Current openings and details are always on our careers page.
Opal Psychological
Good Care Begins With Connection.
Whether you’re exploring psychological care, getting to know our team, or considering a professional connection, we’re glad you’ve taken the time to learn about Opal.