Schedule with Dr. joe

Dr. Joe Raphael, DrPH, MBA, LMFT, FACLM

Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist #LMFT-77740

With over 20 years of clinical experience, I work with teen and adult individuals, couples, families, entrepreneurs, executives, fathers, and parents to get to the root of your concerns. My aim is not only to initiate change but also sustain positive health. Our work in sessions is designed to educate, empower, and enable you to think more clearly, get out of your own way, and align your life with what matters most to you and your relationship with God. I leverage best practices from positive health, lifestyle medicine, and person-centered whole health to achieve flourishing as evidenced by excellent physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual well-being.

San Diego  – Mon & Wed
Irvine – Tue, Thu, Fri & Sat
Online Counseling

If you have a desire to grow or to put your purpose into practice, I will work with you to create a strategic personal and professional plan. Together we will focus on a big-picture vision, aligning your core values and purpose. I provide a structured, personalized experience that addresses whole health by aligning clinical expertise with a Christian understanding of growth and purpose. With over 25 years in executive and organizational leadership roles across multiple levels of care, my background includes advanced training in clinical psychology, health psychology, neuropsychology, lifestyle medicine, and business leadership. This combination allows me to understand both the internal and external demands individuals and professionals face, and to help you navigate them with clarity and intention.

My Goal as a Christian Counselor

My goal is to help you gain clarity, make aligned decisions, and experience sustainable growth. Our work will focus on identifying what is driving your current patterns and equipping you with practical tools to move forward. Through a process informed by clinical insight and grounded in biblical principles, you can develop a stronger sense of purpose and direction. I want you to reach a point where you know exactly how to overcome the struggles you face and achieve the goals you desire for your life. My hope is for you to gain a deeper sense of purpose as you turn the page to the next chapter and move forward with confidence to face whatever life brings.

What I Offer in Christian Counseling

I offer a focused and collaborative process that is tailored to your goals. Sessions are structured to help you examine patterns, develop insight, and apply practical strategies in your daily life. You can expect thoughtful dialogue, clear feedback, and a steady movement toward meaningful outcomes. In session you’ll enjoy a confidential, supportive space where you can feel comfortable and free to be yourself. I’m committed to providing a trustworthy environment so you can receive the maximum benefits from your treatment. If you decide that my counseling style or approach is not the best fit for you, I will gladly guide you toward a better option for your individual needs.

My Approach to Christian Counseling

My approach integrates evidence-based methods within a Christian framework that supports long-term growth. I draw from cognitive behavioral, solution-focused, and performance-oriented strategies while remaining attentive to your values and beliefs. I do not impose faith, but I welcome it as a meaningful part of the process when it aligns with your goals. This allows our work to remain both clinically sound and personally relevant.

Qualifications & Experience

I hold a Master’s degree in Clinical Psychology from Pepperdine University and am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist. I also earned a Doctorate in Public Health with specialty in Clinical Preventive Care and an MBA, both from Loma Linda University. In addition, I am a Certified Health Education Specialist, Board Certified Holistic Alternative Psychology Master, and American College of Lifestyle Medicine Fellow.

I have more than 20 years of clinical experience working across private practice, outpatient, inpatient, and extended care settings. Alongside my clinical work, I bring over 25 years of executive leadership experience across healthcare, behavioral health, public health, and emerging organizations. I have served as a clinician, advisor, board member, consultant, and in various executive roles, building and leading organizations with a focus on measurable outcomes.

My Call to Christian Counseling

I was drawn to counseling through a desire to help people think more clearly, live with intention, and pursue meaningful change. My work is shaped by a belief that lasting growth comes from aligning our actions with both truth and purpose, including the values found in a Christian worldview.

More About Me/On a Personal Note

Outside of my professional work, I enjoy spending time with my family and friends, riding bicycles, going to the beach, being in the ocean, and exercising. I also enjoy learning and experiencing new things.

Areas of Expertise/Specialties

  • Abandonment and Neglect
  • ADHD
  • Anger Management
  • Anxiety
  • Coaching (Executive Coaching, Health Coaching, Business Coaching)
  • Counseling for Teens
  • Couples Counseling
  • Depression
  • Individual Counseling
  • Marriage Counseling (Including Intensives)
  • Men’s Issues
  • Online Counseling
  • Personal Development
  • Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder
  • Professional Development
  • Relationship Issues
  • Sex and Porn Addiction
  • Trauma
  • Weight Loss
  • Women’s Issues
  • Diabetes
  • Heart Disease(s)
  • Neurological Disease(s)
  • Cancer(s)

Executive Coaching

If you are in a leadership role, you are often expected to perform at a high level without much space to process complexity. I provide executive coaching informed by both clinical training and decades of leadership experience. Our work will focus on improving decision-making, strengthening leadership effectiveness, and addressing internal barriers that limit performance. You can expect a direct and thoughtful process that helps you move from insight to execution while remaining aligned with your broader purpose.

With over 25 years in executive and organizational leadership roles, I will help you understand your value and your impact as a leader. I will work with you to find your authentic self while identifying what is most important to the business and to you.

Professional Development

Professional growth often requires more than skill development. It involves clarity, direction, and the ability to navigate competing demands. I help you define your goals, evaluate your current approach, and implement strategies that support long-term progress. This process is designed to enhance both performance and sustainability in your career.

I work with small business owners, entrepreneurs, start-ups, and executives to overcome the challenges of owning a business, having a family, and juggling the many roles we have as husbands, wives, moms, dads, executives, sons, and daughters.

Individual Counseling

Individual counseling provides space to think clearly about what is happening in your life and why. Whether you are dealing with ongoing stress, health concerns, or a sense that something is not working, we will work together to identify patterns and determine next steps. The focus is on helping you move forward with intention rather than remaining stuck in cycles that no longer serve you.

Anxiety and Depression

Anxiety and depression can affect how you think, perform, and engage with others. In our work together, we will identify the underlying drivers of these patterns and develop practical strategies to address them. The goal is not only symptom relief, but also improved clarity, emotional regulation, and a stronger sense of control over your daily experience.

Personal Development

If you feel a gap between where you are and where you want to be, personal development work can help you close that gap. I will help you define meaningful objectives and create a structured plan to achieve them. This process is grounded in both clinical insight and a broader understanding of purpose, helping you move forward with greater confidence and direction.

 

Sessions: Most sessions are offered as 53-minute sessions. I also offer 90-minute sessions, 120-minute sessions, intensives, groups, and workshops. 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):

    • San Diego – Monday and Wednesday
    • Irvine – Tuesday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday
    • Online Counseling

Fees: I offer a Risk-Free Initial Session for individuals and couples 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 Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT), 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).

Individual Form
Couples Form

Focus Areas

  • Abandonment and Neglect
  • ADHD
  • Anger Management
  • Anxiety
  • Coaching (Executive Coaching, Health Coaching, Business Coaching)
  • Counseling for Teens
  • Couples Counseling
  • Depression
  • Individual Counseling
  • Marriage Counseling (Including Intensives)
  • Men’s Issues
  • Online Counseling
  • Personal Development
  • Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder
  • Professional Development
  • Relationship Issues
  • Sex and Porn Addiction
  • Trauma
  • Weight Loss
  • Women’s Issues
  • Diabetes
  • Heart Disease(s)
  • Neurological Disease(s)
  • Cancer(s)

Testimonial

Joe’s fantastic! Highly recommended.

Wes Hahn

Google Review
Dr. Joe has truly helped me through my personal and faith growth process to become better. Flexible scheduling, comfortable environment. I would definitely recommend. Give him a call!

Yasuo Kato

Google Review
Dr. Joe is fantastic, I originally found him because I wanted someone who understood faith and business and he has been great. Very flexible on whether the meetings are in person or online.

Jacques Spitzer

Google Review
Where do I start?
Dr. Joe is the best Therapist I have ever had. My whole life has consisted of a handful of Therapists, Psychiatrists and other Medical Professionals. Dr. Joe tops them all. You know it right out of the gate when meeting him. You’ll know he cares about your mental health. His teachings not only enlighten you about what’s ailing you, they teach you how to defeat these very challenges, something I personally thought was impossible for many years. I have suffered from PTSD, Obsessive Compulsive Disorder, Acute Panic episodes, and Depression alike. Working with Dr. Joe has removed a great amount of fear, and the feeling of, “the unknown”. We’re still working together, and I won’t be going anywhere soon. He’s the best I have ever learned from. Truly. I’d recommend Dr. Joe (and I do quite often) to anyone who’s facing any trials this life can/ will throw at them. He will help you through it with great success. I can guarantee it.

Mr. Scott Dalgleish

Google Review
Thank you Joe! Your the best!!

Teresa Reger

Google Review
Dr Joe,
was very helpful in working with my son and daughter,
not only with therapy for them, but he also helped us navigate insurance and other areas we had no clue in. Very calm and supportive. Thank you Dr Joe

Raymond Dunn

Google Review
I have seen Joe Raphael for several years now, beginning in early 2021. He is extremely knowledgeable and intelligent and provides a warm and very comfortable environment for anyone seeking his assistance. From the very first session he made me feel very relaxed and open to share my story and why I sought his help. He provided sessions for me individually, as well as with my girlfriend on many occasions, providing much needed help to us both. I would hesitate to recommend Joe Raphael to anyone seeking either personal or joint counseling. Warmest regards, John

John Mancino

Google Review
Dr. Joe is a God sent therapist that has helped my husband and I through the beginning of our marriage. When we came to Dr. Joe we had many marriage issues that just seem impossible to cover all at once, we also came in as a blended family. After speaking with multiple therapists, Dr. Joe was very unique, and very strategic when working with us. I would highly recommend Dr. Joe for anyone that is looking for a very educated, intellectual and knowledgeable therapist with a lot of experience on not just how marriages work, but more insight than just hearing you out. I’m thankful for what he has done in my marriage and until this day, I use the strategies he gave my husband and I.

Flor Estrada

Google Review
Dr. Joe is very knowledgeable and intelligent and has helped me with so many challenges and struggles throughout life. Highly recommend his capabilities to anyone.

Zachary Hastings

Google Review
Dr. Joe Raphael was part of a team of professionals I never imagined needing. But without this team, I’d still be dragging myself through life with a crushed soul. Dr. Joe Raphael provided a safe Christian space where I could ask the hardest questions I ever had to ask so I could start to heal and grow in my healing process.

Pink Plumeria

Google Review
Dr. Joe is simply an amazing person, and an amazing therapist.

Patty Kegley

Google Review
Dr. Joe is personable and though he holds many degrees and has years of experience as a mental health provider, he is relatable.

Alana Grace

Google Review

I highly recommend Dr. Joe Raphael at Irvine Christian Counseling. He is both highly experienced and professional. Dr. Joe provided us with practical counseling and coaching rooted in biblical principles, playing a pivotal role in helping our family grow stronger. Through our work with him, we developed trust and a renewed sense of hope. We’ve since recommended him to many of our friends.

Jason Price

Google Review

Dr. Joe Raphael was a God send at the time we needed him. He truly took the time to connect and counsel through some difficult times. Highly recommend!

Jennifer Price

Google Review

We met with Dr. Joe at the San Diego location for our first visit and immediately felt confident that he was the right therapist and coach to guide our family. He excels at building relationships and trust with teens, helping them navigate growth challenges with care and wisdom. I truly believe Dr. Joe has a genuine heart to serve others and make a meaningful impact, guiding people toward becoming the best version of themselves and living out God’s plan for their lives. Thanks to Dr. Joe’s counsel, we are a stronger family today. Both the San Diego and Irvine locations provided a professional, private, and comfortable environment for our sessions.

Jason Price

Google Review

Dr Joe is a rare find in that he understands the mind body connection and how chronic illness can affect ones’s emotional wellbeing. He is very knowledgable on both fronts and offers tangible strategies.

Lori Hillyard

Google Review

Dr. Joe has been our family doctor since 2021. He has been very reliable during family crises in counceling and guiding. He goes above and beyond to listen and help. I will recommend him specailly in dealing with teens.

Senedu Ketema

Google Review

Dr. Joe is the consummate professional and he is a great listener. His insights and feedback are based on real life experience as well as academic studies. I thoroughly benefited from our meetings.

David Perkins

Google Review

Dr. Joe is great, he’s incredibly knowledgeable and has helped me and my wife tremendously

Zachary Hastings

Google Review

I’m a professional in the health and fitness industry and at the first year of opening up my gym in Anaheim hills, I met Dr. Joe.

He has been helping navigate the challenges I was going through in my mindset, stress, and personal life.

Every time I leave his office I leave with a fresh new perspective and new tools to manage my stressful work schedule.

Adrian Ceja

Google Review

Joe is both a therapist and a serial entrepreneur. As such, he understands the challenges inherent to building businesses and leading teams. More than that, he also brings keen insights into the psychological components that often operate quietly in the background of executives and team leaders.

Joe’s insights have helped me to unpack several of my previously “”hidden”” motives. Once he and I identified and unpacked these motives, it became much easier for me to navigate big decisions in my business and personal life.

Dustin Steeve

Google Review

I’ve been in counseling with Dr. Joe for about a year. He has always been kind, helping me gain a broader perspective of myself and how I respond to situations based on learned coping mechanisms. He has helped me develop a more constructive way to think about things, and I have learned so much about myself. I would definitely recommend Dr. Joe and Irvine Christian counseling

Rachele Concepcion

Google Review

I highly recommend Dr. Joe Raphael. It was very easy for me to speak with him about all my issues from relationship distress, problems at work and even some mental health issues I was experiencing. I really like the way he explains things and finds ways to help me cope with them. Thank you, Dr. Joe

Enzio Clarke

Google Review

Dr. Joe is one of a kind! He is not only very professional and knowledgeable he has a heart of compassion for his clients. He is humble and listens to understand. My family is blessed to have Dr. Joe as our therapist. His counseling and transparency has helped my family trust him and open up. My family has begun our healing journeyHe truly cares for his clients. I highly recommend Dr. Joe Raphael. We meet with him at the San Diego location. Thank you Dr. Joe

Mary altemus

Google Review

Working w/ Joe Raphael from Christian Counseling has been a pleasure. He has helped me and my fiance tremendously in many areas of our relationship. One of things I like most about working with Joe is that he extremely well rounded n the fashion that he can counsel on many different topics outside of relationship counseling.

Sean Siegler

Google Review

Dr. Joe has been very helpful to me in dealing with the trauma I experienced in my childhood, as well as in dealing with the challenges I face today. He is empathetic as well as professional. I am learning to live life to the fullest with his help.

Charlotte Gordon

Google Review