San Diego
San Diego Psychologist for Insomnia, Anxiety, Trauma and Chronic Pain
Dr. Charles R. Freeman provides in-person psychology services in San Diego and teletherapy for San Diego patients who prefer online treatment. He has over 35 years of clinical experience, with particular depth in insomnia and behavioral sleep treatment and a broader behavioral-medicine background.
Patients often contact Dr. Freeman when sleep difficulty is connected with anxiety, trauma, nightmares, chronic pain, health concerns or patterns that have not improved with general advice. Treatment is individualized and may include CBT, CBT-I, EMDR therapy, behavioral strategies, relaxation or other methods selected for the patient’s needs.
In-Person Psychology Services in San Diego
Dr. Freeman’s San Diego office is his only physical practice location. In-person appointments provide a private setting for assessment, focused treatment and collaborative planning.
Treatment begins by clarifying what is happening, what has already been tried and what the patient hopes to change. Dr. Freeman considers sleep, health, behavior, stress and emotional concerns together without assuming that every patient needs the same method.
Insomnia and Sleep Treatment
Insomnia may involve difficulty falling asleep, waking repeatedly, waking too early, fear of another bad night or feeling unable to sleep even when exhausted. Over time, pressure to make sleep happen can become part of the problem.
Dr. Freeman’s background includes sleep research, hospital-based sleep and behavioral-medicine work and private practice focused on complex sleep concerns. Treatment may address sleep schedules, time awake in bed, conditioned arousal, unhelpful predictions about sleep and overlapping anxiety, trauma or pain.
CBT-I is more than a list of sleep-hygiene rules. It uses structured cognitive and behavioral strategies to address patterns that can maintain chronic insomnia. Medical evaluation remains important when symptoms suggest sleep apnea, movement disorders, medication effects or another health condition.
Anxiety, Trauma and PTSD
Anxiety may interfere with concentration, rest, decision-making and sleep. Trauma and PTSD may involve hypervigilance, nightmares, avoidance, irritability or difficulty feeling safe enough to relax.
Dr. Freeman uses a paced, collaborative approach. Depending on the concern, care may include CBT, EMDR therapy, relaxation, sleep-focused treatment and coordination with other clinicians when authorized. Not every patient needs trauma processing, and no single method is appropriate for everyone.
Chronic Pain and Behavioral Medicine
Chronic pain is real and is not reduced to “just stress.” Behavioral medicine can complement medical care by addressing sleep disruption, fear, avoidance, pacing, stress responses and patterns that affect function and quality of life.
Poor sleep can intensify pain-related distress, while pain can make restorative sleep more difficult. Dr. Freeman considers that interaction and coordinates with medical professionals when appropriate and authorized.
In-Person or Teletherapy
San Diego patients may choose in-person treatment or teletherapy when online care is clinically appropriate. Some prefer the structure of an office appointment. Others value avoiding travel or fitting a secure video visit into a demanding week.
The consultation can help clarify which format makes sense. The same clinical fees apply to both.
Serving Patients Across San Diego County
Patients come from communities throughout the San Diego area, including La Jolla, Del Mar, Carmel Valley, Coronado, Point Loma, Mission Hills, Rancho Santa Fe, Solana Beach, Encinitas, Carlsbad, Rancho Bernardo and Scripps Ranch.
These are communities served, not separate office locations. Patients may travel to Dr. Freeman’s San Diego office or choose teletherapy when appropriate.
An Experienced, Practical Approach
Dr. Freeman has worked in private practice since 2007 and in San Diego private practice since December 2012. His earlier experience includes sleep research beginning at the Balboa Naval Hospital Sleep Disorders Center and subsequent sleep and behavioral-medicine roles.
Experience is used in service of the patient’s current problem, not as a substitute for careful assessment. Dr. Freeman explains the treatment rationale, develops a focused plan and adjusts it as new information emerges.
Fees and Insurance
Dr. Freeman offers a free 15-minute consultation. Current fees are the same for San Diego in-person appointments and teletherapy throughout California.
Schedule a Free 15-Minute Consultation
The consultation is a brief opportunity to discuss the concern, ask practical questions and determine whether Dr. Freeman’s experience and approach fit what the patient is seeking.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Dr. Freeman provide in-person treatment in San Diego?
Yes. San Diego is Dr. Freeman’s physical office location, and in-person appointments are available.
Can San Diego patients use teletherapy instead?
Yes. Teletherapy may be available to San Diego patients when it is clinically appropriate and the patient has adequate privacy and technology.
Does Dr. Freeman prescribe sleep medication?
No. Dr. Freeman is a psychologist and does not prescribe medication. When appropriate and authorized, he can coordinate behavioral care with a prescribing clinician. Medication decisions remain with the prescriber.
Is every sleep problem treated with CBT-I?
No. CBT-I may be useful for chronic insomnia, but assessment is important. Some symptoms require medical evaluation, and treatment is adapted to the individual rather than applying one protocol to every sleep complaint.