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Dr. Amy Balete

Licensed Clinical Psychologist #PSY-24979
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Dr. Amy Balete, Psy.D.

Licensed Clinical Psychologist #PSY-24979
(424) 438-2888

With more than 20 years of experience in mental health, I bring clinical expertise and personal experience to help you heal, grow, and move forward. When life feels overwhelming, it can be difficult to hear God’s voice or sense His presence. Whether you are navigating infertility, pregnancy loss, grief, burnout, relationship issues, challenges as a new parent, or a season of uncertainty, you do not have to carry those burdens alone. Using proven therapeutic methods from a faith-based perspective, I help clients process painful experiences and develop a customized treatment plan for lasting healing and growth beyond our work together.

Carlsbad - Tue & ThuSan Diego - Wed & Fri

About

Drawing from evidence-based practices and biblical truth, I help clients work through the emotional burdens that keep them feeling stuck, overwhelmed, or questioning their purpose. If you are exhausted from managing symptoms and never feeling healed as a whole person, I would love to partner with you. Together we will identify unhealthy patterns, build practical coping skills, strengthen emotional resilience, and create a path forward that aligns with both your values and your faith. My aim is for you to leave our sessions feeling more light, free, and equipped to handle any new challenges that may develop.

My Goal as a Christian Counselor

My goal as a Christian therapist is to provide a confidential and compassionate space where healing and growth can take place. Healing is about more than reducing anxiety, improving your mood, or getting through another difficult week. True healing happens when we address the deeper wounds, beliefs, and burdens that have shaped how you see yourself, your circumstances, or even God. As healing begins, my hope is that you would deepen your faith and become more confident in your identity and purpose in life.

What I Offer in Christian Counseling

I offer a compassionate and supportive space where you can honestly explore the challenges you are facing without fear of judgement. I will help you gain insight into unhealthy thought patterns, process difficult emotions, and develop healthy coping skills to strengthen and improve your ability to navigate life’s challenges with confidence. Together we will work toward helping you feel more grounded emotionally, more connected in your relationships, more hopeful about the future, and more confident in God’s presence and direction for your life.

My Approach to Christian Counseling

As a Christian therapist, I believe God meets us in our suffering and pain and brings hope, healing, and restoration. My approach to Christian counseling is to walk alongside you with compassion, clinical expertise, and faith. I will meet you where you are, honoring your unique story and experiences that have led you to this point. When we choose healing over simply covering up our pain, it creates space for lasting freedom and growth on the other side. My hope is that as healing unfolds, you will experience not only greater peace and confidence but a deeper understanding of God’s love, presence, and faithfulness in every part of your story.

Biography

Qualifications & Experience

With 23 years of experience in the field of mental health, I hold a Bachelor of Science in Rehabilitation Education Services from Emporia State University, a Master of Science in Counseling Psychology from California Baptist University, and a Doctor of Psychology in Clinical Psychology from Alliant International University – California School of Professional Psychology.

I have training in Perinatal/Postpartum Mental Health Training, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Crisis intervention and Risk Assessment, and advanced training in both Dialectical Behavioral Therapy and Motivational Interviewing. I am also the founder of the Brave Hearts with Fertile Hopes Coaching program, providing support and education for women with infertility and recurrent pregnancy loss.

My Call to Christian Counseling

I initially began my college studies with a desire to help youth in the criminal justice system. During an internship as a juvenile probation officer, I quickly realized that my true calling was in counseling. From there, my passion has continued to evolve through both my professional and personal experience. My personal journey with infertility strengthened my faith and conviction that true healing not only addresses our emotional well-being, but our spiritual lives as well. God can bring healing and hope in life’s most vulnerable and painful circumstances. That is what drew me to Christian counseling.

More About Me/On a Personal Note

I enjoy spending time with my husband and four kids. In my alone time, I enjoy reading my Bible and other books and listening to podcasts. I love trying new restaurants, spending time with friends, cheering on the Lakers, hanging out at the pool, and going to the beach.

Services and Specialities

Areas of Expertise/Specialties

  • Abandonment and Neglect
  • Anger Management
  • Anxiety
  • Bipolar Disorder
  • Coaching
  • Counseling for Teens
  • Codependency
  • Couples Counseling
  • Depression
  • Family Counseling
  • Grief and Loss
  • Individual Counseling
  • Infidelity and Affairs
  • Marriage Counseling
  • Online Counseling
  • Personal Development
  • Professional Development
  • Relationship Issues
  • Sexual Abuse
  • Spiritual Development
  • Trauma
  • Women’s Issues

 Grief and Loss

Grief can touch every part of your life, leaving you overwhelmed, confused on how to move forward, and sometimes fearful of what your future holds for you. Whether you are grieving the loss of a loved one, a pregnancy, a relationship, or significant life change, you do not have to carry your burden alone. Together we will create a space to honor the loss you’ve experienced, process the feelings that come with it, and discover ways to navigate life while moving forward with greater peace and resilience. My goal is not to help you “get over” your loss, but to heal, learn, and grow, while continuing to cherish what was meaningful to you.

Infertility

One in six couples will experience infertility. However, this journey can be one of the most painful and isolating experiences a person or couple may face. You may find yourself struggling with grief, anger, jealousy, hopelessness, and feeling misunderstood by friends and family. You may even begin to question why God is allowing you to walk through this.

As someone who has personally experienced the roller coaster of infertility and loss, I meet individuals and couples with great compassion. In our work together we will process the complex emotions associated with infertility and develop and strengthen coping skills necessary to face each decision with grounded emotion that is aligned with your beliefs. Overall my goal is to support you in reconnecting with hope and purpose regardless of the outcome of your fertility journey.

Depression and Anxiety

When struggling with depression and anxiety, even simple daily tasks can seem exhausting and overwhelming. These feelings can also present when pregnant or after a baby has come, leaving one feeling alone, confused, or even ashamed of how they are feeling. You may find there has been a pattern of feeling worried, overwhelmed, isolated, or disconnected from things you used to enjoy. Together we will process your patterns and experience while developing coping skills to help manage symptoms, build emotional resilience, and regain a better sense of balance and well-being. My goal is to collaborate with you in creating a plan for lasting change rather than temporary relief.

Personal Development

Sometimes life is not defined by a crisis or trauma, but by an overwhelming sense that something is missing or needs to change. On the outside you look successful, but inside you may feel stuck, disconnected from your purpose, or unsure of the next right steps. Together with guidance from the Holy Spirit, personal development counseling can build clarity regarding your purpose, personal values, and goals that align with the life you want to build.

Individual Counseling

Individual counseling offers a dedicated space where you can focus on your unique needs, challenges, and goals in a comfortable and confidential environment. Through our work together we will identify patterns that may be holding you back, build practical coping strategies, and develop a personalized plan to help you move toward growth, healing, and overall emotional well-being.

Payment and Forms

Sessions: I offer 53-minute sessions. Sessions can be held more than once per week, weekly, or every other week. Scheduling options are discussed in greater detail during your Risk-Free Initial Session.

Availability (by office location):

  • Carlsbad – Tuesday, Thursday
  • San Diego – Wednesday, Friday

Fees: I offer a Risk-Free Initial Session for individuals and families looking to pursue counseling with me. Please note that there is a fee for the Risk-Free Initial Session as it is a clinical hour and reimbursable to most insurance companies, but if you choose not to reschedule and continue therapy after the initial session, the entire fee for the session will be waived. For ongoing treatment, the full fee per session is required at the time of service.

Insurance: As a Licensed Clinical Psychologist, most insurance companies will reimburse for a portion of my services (as an Out-of-Network Provider). Please consult with your insurance provider as to whether they specifically cover adolescents, individuals, and couples.

Receipts/Statements: In the event you require a printed or digital receipt, I will provide receipts for personal use, insurance reimbursement, Flex Spending Accounts (FSA), and Health Savings Accounts (HSA).

Payment options: Cash, Check, or Credit Card (Visa, MasterCard, Discover, & American Express). A fee of up to 4% per transaction may be added for credit card payments.

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