Ilana Molkner
LCSW #102400
San Diego Therapist
about Ilana
Licensed Clinical Social Worker

Life often brings challenging situations that may feel overwhelming at times. In today’s world, feelings of stress, loneliness and isolation have become increasingly present for many people. It’s not necessary to face your struggles alone, and we can all benefit from working with a compassionate and qualified therapist. Taking the first step to seek support is courageous, and I thank you for taking the time to review my background.
My name is Ilana Molkner and I’m a Clinical Partner at the GTSD Sorrento Valley Office. As a Board Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW), and an EMDR Certified Therapist, I provide a safe, supportive, non-judgmental atmosphere to work together with clients to rediscover their strengths and transcend obstacles. My collaborative approach allows clients to feel understood and empowered to heal, grow and transform their lives. I bring authenticity, warmth, and active listening into the therapeutic space.
My experience includes working with individuals, couples and families, including adolescents and adults of all ages, diverse cultural backgrounds and LGBTQ populations to treat trauma, anxiety, depression and mood disorders, and explore and address life transitions , parenting, family and relationship challenges , grief and loss, gender/sexual identity issues, ADHD, and body image problems.
Prior to joining the GTSD family in 2021, I have worked in various settings in San Diego and Maryland, including outpatient mental health clinics, public health programs and a health coaching practice. I hold a Bachelor of Science in Psychology from Brandeis University, a Master of Social Work (with a specialized focus on mental health) from the University of Maryland and a Master of Public Health from the University of Massachusetts.
I utilize various treatment modalities, including: Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction, Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), solution-focused therapy, cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), Motivational Interviewing and Gottman Couples Therapy. I explore and incorporate the variety of factors that contribute to mental health and wellbeing, including family systems, relationships, physical health, living and work environments, personal values and goals, and cultural and spiritual components.
My passion for wellness and healing inspires me to continually learn and grow as a therapist. I look forward to meeting you and making positive and encouraging changes together!
about Ilana
Therapist & Marriage Counselor

Life often brings challenges and stressors that may feel overwhelming at times. In today’s world, feelings of anxiety, depression, loneliness and isolation have become increasingly present for many people. It’s not necessary to face your struggles alone, and we can all benefit from working with a compassionate, objective and qualified therapist. Taking the first step to seek support is courageous, and I thank you for taking the time to review my background.
My name is Ilana Molkner and I am a Board Certified Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) and EMDR Trained therapist. I provide a safe, supportive, non-judgmental atmosphere to work together with clients to rediscover their strengths and transcend challenges. My collaborative approach allows clients to feel understood, accepted and empowered to heal, grow and transform their lives. I bring authenticity, warmth, and also a little humor into the therapeutic space.
My experience includes working with people living with depression, anxiety, trauma history, bipolar disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder, family and relationship challenges, life transitions, gender/sexual identity issues, and psychosis. I utilize various treatment modalities, including: cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), dialectical behavior therapy (DBT), narrative therapy, solution-focused therapy, mindfulness-based stress reduction, and eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR). I have also had the privilege to be trained in Gottman Couples Therapy, which is the only evidence-based couples therapy currently available. I recognize and honor the variety of factors that contribute to wellbeing–emotional, mental, physical, social, environmental, cultural and spiritual.
I hold a Master’s in Social Work with a Clinical Behavioral Health specialization from the University of Maryland, a Master’s in Public Health from the University of Massachusetts, and a B.A. in Psychology from Brandeis University. My experience includes working with adolescents and adults of all ages and cultural backgrounds, LGBTQ clients, and severely mentally ill populations. I have worked in a variety of settings, including a community wellness clinic in San Diego, and outpatient mental health clinics in Maryland.
My passion for making a positive impact for others has informed my journey to help individuals, couples and families live healthier and more rewarding lives. I look forward to meeting you and making encouraging changes together!
Please call (619) 330-9500 or email intake@goodtherapysandiego.com to get scheduled with me or another therapist at GTSD!
~ Ilana Molkner
Recent Reviews
"I've been working with Ilana for three months now and it is truly life changing. It was apparent from the minute I started working with her that she has a wealth of knowledge and expertise. She has given me valuable insights and tools that have helped me navigate through tough times. She has opened my eyes to unhelpful patterns in my life and helped me break them and make healthier choices. I highly recommend her!"
LA
"Ilana is absolutely wonderful! She has a warm, genuine, and caring approach that makes it easy to open up. Most importantly, she knows her stuff! From EMDR to CBT and a bunch others (I recommend you look at her bio). Even though I am fortunate enough to have insurance that covers therapy, I choose to pay out-of-pocket to see her. If this hasn't convinced you, I don't know what will. She's worth it!"
NZ
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5 stars in all three GTSD Locations.
Thanks for trusting us with your care. It’s an honor!!

5 stars in all three GTSD Locations.
Thanks for trusting us with your care. It’s an honor!!

TESTIMONIALS
What Our Happy Clients Say
Sorrento Valley
5755 Oberlin Dr. #106
San Diego, CA 92121
Oceanside / Carlsbad
3142 Vista Way, #201
Oceanside, CA 92056
Encinitas
285 N El Camino Real, #218 & #219
Encinitas, CA 92024
Contact Us
We look forward to walking alongside you on your path to healing and growth.
Encinitas
285 N El Camino Real, #218 & #219, Encinitas, CA 92024, USA
Sorrento Valley
5755 Oberlin Dr., #106, San Diego, CA 92121, USA
Oceanside / Carlsbad
3142 Vista Way, #201, Oceanside, CA 92056, USA