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Find a therapist in El Cajon, CA — covered by insurance

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Top therapists in El Cajon, CA accepting new patients

Find mental health support in El Cajon with 8,989 licensed providers ready to help. Headway connects you with therapists in Rancho San Diego, Lakeside, and Bostonia who offer flexible in-person and virtual sessions covered by insurance. Many patients pay $0 per session—start your free intake call today.

Ethan Messer

Ethan Messer

Therapist

In-person • 4.2 mi away • La Mesa, CA


“My approach to therapy is relational, and combines cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT)...”
ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Depression, LGBTQIA+
Energetic, Participatory, Warm
Accepts 10 insurance carriers

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
Terence Shigg

Terence Shigg

Therapist

Virtual & in-person • 4.8 mi away • La Mesa, CA


“I want all of my clients to strenghten their personal development tools so that eventually they can become more self-aware and self-correcting.”
Anger management, Anxiety, Cultural & ethnic issues, Depression, Family issues
Challenging, Creative, Warm
Accepts 12 insurance carriers
Dr. Darryl Moore

Dr. Darryl Moore

Psychologist

Virtual & in-person • 4.2 mi away • Temecula, CA


“As an interactive therapist I use an integration of complimentary approaches, I offer a highly personalized approach tailored to each client.”
Depression, LGBTQIA+, Men's issues, Relationship issues, Stress management
Direct, Open-minded, Warm
Accepts 9 insurance carriers
Peggy Cohen

Peggy Cohen

Therapist

Virtual & in-person • 6.3 mi away • San Diego, CA


“I have over 40 years of experience working with individuals and children experiencing depression, grief and life challenges.”
Anger management, Anxiety, Depression, Family issues, Grief or loss
Open-minded, Solution-oriented, Warm
Accepts 12 insurance carriers

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
Dr. Sarah Koerner

Dr. Sarah Koerner

Psychologist

Virtual & in-person • 9 mi away • San Diego, CA


“My goal is for clients to learn how to live in the present so that they can engage more fully in their lives.”
Anxiety, Chronic conditions, Depression, End of life care, Family issues
Humorous, Inquisitive, Open-minded
Accepts 2 insurance carriers

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
Claudia Floros

Claudia Floros

Therapist

Virtual & in-person • 9.1 mi away • San Diego, CA


“As a Latina attachment based therapist, I hold space for those navigating the complexity of identity, belonging, and connection.”
Anxiety, Cultural & ethnic issues, Depression, Family issues, Identity issues
Affirming, Creative, Inquisitive
Accepts 4 insurance carriers

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
Mark Veldkamp

Mark Veldkamp

Therapist

Virtual & in-person • 10 mi away • San Diego, CA


Whether you're a professional navigating workplace stress and burnout, an athlete managing performance pressure, or someone carrying more responsibility than most, therapy can help you find your footing without sacrificing what you've built. I have particular expertise working with first responders, healthcare workers, and professionals in high-stress fields who carry the emotional weight of demanding work — and who need support that meets them where they actually are. I also work with adolescents and young athletes navigating the mental and emotional demands of competitive sport — from performance anxiety and burnout to the pressure of trying to reach the next level.

Anxiety, Depression, Grief or loss, Men's issues, PTSD
Creative, Holistic, Solution-oriented
Accepts 3 insurance carriers

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
Shira Rose-Levy

Shira Rose-Levy

Therapist

Virtual & in-person • 10 mi away • San Diego, CA


“Healing doesn't require having everything figured out. Wherever you are in your journey, support is available, and meaningful change is possible.”
Anxiety, Depression, Eating disorders, PTSD, Substance use / addiction
Empowering, Open-minded, Warm
Accepts 8 insurance carriers
William Holloway

William Holloway

Therapist

Virtual & in-person • 10 mi away • San Diego, CA


“My approach is active, collaborative, and deeply grounded in the present moment. I believe therapy should be more than just a place to vent; it should be a strategic partnership where you reclaim your life.”
Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder, Chronic conditions, Cultural & ethnic issues
Holistic, Participatory, Solution-oriented
Accepts 5 insurance carriers
Jennifer Vosacek

Jennifer Vosacek

Therapist

Virtual & in-person • 10 mi away • San Diego, CA


“I create an environment where you can face your discomfort without judgment. You will be able to work through your deepest fears, biggest traumas, and hardest decisions in my office.”
Anger management, Anxiety, Cultural & ethnic issues, Depression, Diabetes
Inquisitive, Open-minded, Warm
Accepts 5 insurance carriers
Jennifer Smith

Jennifer Smith

Therapist

Virtual & in-person • 9.2 mi away • San Diego, CA


I believe every person is unique with their own story to tell. Working with people is my passion and I bring every tool I have learned both professional and in my own life to meet a person's goals in therapy.

Anxiety, Depression, Family issues, Grief or loss, Identity issues
Affirming, Holistic, Warm
Accepts 4 insurance carriers
Noor Gorgees

Noor Gorgees

Therapist

Virtual & in-person • 9.1 mi away • San Diego, CA


“I prioritize creating a space where clients feel genuinely seen, heard, and understood without judgement.”
Anger management, Anxiety, Chronic conditions, Cultural & ethnic issues, Depression
Empowering, Inquisitive, Warm
Accepts 6 insurance carriers

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
Karla Wolff

Karla Wolff

Therapist

Virtual & in-person • 11 mi away • San Diego, CA


“My style is collaborative, down-to-earth, and relational- I believe therapy should feel safe and empowering.”
ADD/ADHD, Anxiety, Depression, Family issues, Identity issues
Direct, Empowering, Humorous
Accepts 1 insurance carrier

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
Eileen Castro

Eileen Castro

Therapist

Virtual & in-person • 9.1 mi away • San Diego, CA


“I also have experience supporting men through substance use and recovery, helping them work through challenges and build a more grounded and fulfilling life.”
ADD/ADHD, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder, Depression, Family issues
Direct, Open-minded, Warm
Accepts 5 insurance carriers

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
Michael Garrett

Michael Garrett

Therapist

Virtual & in-person • 10 mi away • San Diego, CA


“I combine geek culture with different forms of therapy. When it comes to therapy, I am a huge advocate of identifying your own strengths and interests to see if we can use them to bring about change.”
Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder, Depression, Family issues
Empowering, Open-minded, Warm
Accepts 1 insurance carrier

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
Tammy Brooks

Tammy Brooks

Therapist

Virtual & in-person • 10 mi away • San Diego, CA


“I have very specialized training in Solution Focused Brief Therapy (SFBT)— a respectful, future-oriented approach that helps create meaningful lasting change without getting stuck in the past.”
ADD/ADHD, Anxiety, Depression, Panic disorders, Relationship issues
Empowering, Solution-oriented, Warm
Accepts 5 insurance carriers
Rachel Gasca

Rachel Gasca

Therapist

Virtual & in-person • 10 mi away • San Diego, CA


I have a decade of experience treating adults and adolescents. I take a holistic and trauma-informed approach to mental health care. My therapeutic approach is integrative, person-centered, solution-focused, mindfulness-based, and CBT-based. I am a bilingual Latina clinician with an emphasis on the BIPOC experience.

ADD/ADHD, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder, Cultural & ethnic issues, Depression
Direct, Empowering, Open-minded
Accepts 3 insurance carriers
Dennis Le

Dennis Le

Therapist

Virtual & in-person • 4.1 mi away • La Mesa, CA


“I am passionate about working for people of color in particular Asian folks as they're not many of us as therapists available.”
ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Cultural & ethnic issues, Depression
Empowering, Humorous, Solution-oriented
Accepts 12 insurance carriers
Maria Montalvan

Maria Montalvan

Therapist

Virtual & in-person • 12 mi away • Chula Vista, CA


“I see therapy as a partnership where we work together to understand your experiences and create lasting change.”
Anxiety, Depression, Family issues, Panic disorders, Relationship issues
Open-minded, Solution-oriented, Warm
Accepts 5 insurance carriers
Claudia Villarreal

Claudia Villarreal

Therapist

Virtual & in-person • 13 mi away • Chula Vista, CA


I genuinely like people, have always love to help ,

Will take my clients through the therapeutic process, with empathy and care for their experience in therapy to be a positive one.

ADD/ADHD, Anxiety, Cultural & ethnic issues, Depression, End of life care
Empowering, Energetic, Solution-oriented
Accepts 15 insurance carriers

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
April Taylor

April Taylor

Therapist

Virtual & in-person • 11 mi away • San Diego, CA


“I provide a trauma-informed, whole-person approach that integrates somatic work and mindfulness to support deep and lasting healing.”
Anxiety, Bipolar disorder, Depression, Family issues, Grief or loss
Empowering, Holistic, Warm
Accepts 6 insurance carriers

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
Brenda Leon

Brenda Leon

Therapist

Virtual & in-person • 11 mi away • Chula Vista, CA


“My approach is to collaboratively personalize a plan that works for YOU based on YOUR goals and needs.”
ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Cultural & ethnic issues, Depression
Direct, Empowering, Solution-oriented
Accepts 2 insurance carriers

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
Dr. Gina Zirpoli Woodford

Dr. Gina Zirpoli Woodford

Psychologist

Virtual & in-person • 13 mi away • San Diego, CA


I am a clinical psychologist working in San Diego, with over 20 years of experience. I earned a BA in Psychology from University of California Santa Barbara, and a Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology from Alliant International University (formerly California School of Professional Psychology). I completed a postdoctoral fellowship in substance use disorders at the San Diego Veteran's Affairs Healthcare System. I have expertise in working with depression, anxiety, mood disorders, substance use problems, relationship issues, and assertiveness. I also conduct psychological testing for questions around ADHD, Autism, mood disorders, giftedness, learning problems, and personality issues, among others. I believe psychotherapy is a collaborative process to help clients understand themselves better, achieve goals, and become one's best self.

ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder, Depression
Empowering, Inquisitive, Warm
Accepts 10 insurance carriers

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
Pardeep Gill

Pardeep Gill

Psychiatric Mental Health NP

Virtual & in-person • 13 mi away • Fremont, CA


“I listen first and prescribe thoughtfully. Before recommending medication, I want to understand the full picture...”
ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Cultural & ethnic issues, Depression
Direct, Open-minded, Solution-oriented
Accepts 13 insurance carriers

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
Margie Martin

Margie Martin

Therapist

Virtual & in-person • 13 mi away • San Diego, CA


“I still consider it a rare privilege to sit with clients in this work, especially those carrying grief, navigating a shifting health picture, or trying to rebuild a relationship that no longer fits the life they want.”
ADD/ADHD, Anxiety, Depression, Grief or loss, LGBTQIA+
Empowering, Inquisitive, Open-minded
Accepts 4 insurance carriers

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
Maria Martinez

Maria Martinez

Therapist

Virtual & in-person • 13 mi away • San Diego, CA


“My style is warm, collaborative, and culturally responsive. As a Mexican-American Latina and daughter of immigrant parents, I understand how culture, family expectations, and lived experiences can shape emotional well-being.”
Anxiety, Cultural & ethnic issues, Depression, Family issues, Grief or loss
Empowering, Humorous, Open-minded
Accepts 9 insurance carriers

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
Cindy Way

Cindy Way

Therapist

Virtual & in-person • 9.9 mi away • Chula Vista, CA


“Therapy with me is not about pushing or fixing—it's about understanding your patterns, restoring internal trust, and creating more ease in how you relate to yourself and others.”
ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Chronic conditions, Cultural & ethnic issues
Challenging, Empowering, Holistic
Accepts 10 insurance carriers

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
Joshua Krause

Joshua Krause

Therapist

In-person • 10 mi away • San Diego, CA


“I blend evidenced-based approaches steeped in acceptance and non-avoidance, with kindness, humor, art/creativity, and a DIY/punk ethos to empower commitments to growth and change.”
Anxiety, Bipolar disorder, Cultural & ethnic issues, Depression, End of life care
Creative, Direct, Humorous
Accepts 8 insurance carriers

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
Dr. Joseph Ritkes

Dr. Joseph Ritkes

Therapist

Virtual & in-person • 12 mi away • San Diego, CA


My name is Joey Ritkes (he/him). I have been working as a mental health therapist for over five years. My practice has primarily been specialized in working with LGBTQ+ youth. However, I have worked with couples, families, emerging adults, and adults from all backgrounds. I am a client-centered therapist who enjoys working collaboratively with my clients to meet their goals.

ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Depression, LGBTQIA+
Affirming, Open-minded, Warm
Accepts 8 insurance carriers

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
Kasey Lewandowski

Kasey Lewandowski

Therapist

Virtual & in-person • 12 mi away • San Diego, CA


“My approach aims to foster self-awareness by helping you recognize your strengths and identify any obstacles that may hinder your access to them.”
Anxiety, Cultural & ethnic issues, Depression, Family issues, Identity issues
Empowering, Energetic, Warm
Accepts 3 insurance carriers

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
Rosemarie Sachs

Rosemarie Sachs

Therapist

Virtual & in-person • 11 mi away • Chula Vista, CA


“I am a therapist that builds all therapeutic services and contacts on the foundation of the humanistic approach, that is, a relational style that includes being empathetic, real and genuine as well as being affirming to others.”
Anxiety, Cultural & ethnic issues, Depression, Family issues, Grief or loss
Affirming, Empowering, Inquisitive
Accepts 5 insurance carriers

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
Gema Martir

Gema Martir

Therapist

Virtual & in-person • 14 mi away • San Diego, CA


“Direct, Warm, Inquisitive and Critical questions that are focused on identity development in the family individual or couple system.”
Anger management, Anxiety, Cultural & ethnic issues, Depression, End of life care
Empowering, Inquisitive, Warm
Accepts 6 insurance carriers
Kelly Carll

Kelly Carll

Therapist

Virtual & in-person • 14 mi away • San Diego, CA


“I believe that therapy should be a safe, collaborative space where clients feel empowered to make decisions that most align with their values and needs.”
ADD/ADHD, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder, Chronic conditions, Depression
Affirming, Open-minded, Warm
Accepts 2 insurance carriers

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
Sierra McGovern

Sierra McGovern

Therapist

Virtual & in-person • 12 mi away • San Diego, CA


“I work with anxiety, trauma, and relationship issues using a blend of somatic attachment therapy through a feminist lens.”
ADD/ADHD, Anxiety, Grief or loss, Identity issues, LGBTQIA+
Empowering, Open-minded, Warm
Accepts 3 insurance carriers

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
Theresa Russell - Porta Verum Psychotherapy Services

Theresa Russell - Porta Verum Psychotherapy Services

Therapist

Virtual & in-person • 12 mi away • San Diego, CA


“My own experience with therapy helped shape my interest in this work. While talk therapy benefited me in many ways, I sensed there was more beneath the surface...”
ADD/ADHD, Anxiety, Depression, Grief or loss, Identity issues
Inquisitive, Participatory, Warm
Accepts 5 insurance carriers

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
Dr. Roger Brian Storrs

Dr. Roger Brian Storrs

Psychologist

In-person • 12 mi away • San Diego, CA


“The foundation of my training comes from Neo-Freudian thinking and practice, holding an optimistic view of personality development.”
ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder, Chronic conditions
Empowering, Inquisitive, Solution-oriented
Accepts 2 insurance carriers

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
Sokia Shehee

Sokia Shehee

Therapist

Virtual & in-person • 10 mi away • San Diego, CA


I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with over 20 years of experience in the mental health field (12 in private practice). I work with individuals ages 3 and up, as well as couples. I am trauma informed, a certified clinical supervisor, and EMDR trained (currently not accepting EMDR patients). I hold a plethora of CEUs in mental health disorders and have owned my own practice for several years, offering in person and telehealth services.

CSUB BA Psychology 2002

CSUB Master of Social Work 2004

ADD/ADHD, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder, Depression, Family issues
Empowering, Solution-oriented, Warm
Accepts 15 insurance carriers
Mark Raskin

Mark Raskin

Therapist

Virtual & in-person • 10 mi away • San Diego, CA


“Mark is a supportive, perceptive and skilled therapist, offering a safe therapeutic space, and capable of being fully present with his clients.”
ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder, Cultural & ethnic issues
Humorous, Open-minded, Warm
Accepts 5 insurance carriers
Charles Wigle

Charles Wigle

Therapist

Virtual & in-person • 13 mi away • Chula Vista, CA


My name is Charles Wigle (pronounced "Why-gull") and I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist and Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor with over 35 years of experience. I work with individual adults.

I like to work with people who are experiencing a life transition such as in the areas of career or new life path, relationship and family structure such as divorce, empty nest and estrangement, health challenges, and later life issues such as loss, retirement, life review and search for meaning.

Anxiety, Depression, Grief or loss, Men's issues, Panic disorders
Empowering, Solution-oriented, Warm
Accepts 14 insurance carriers
Fabian Escobedo

Fabian Escobedo

Therapist

Virtual & in-person • 13 mi away • Chula Vista, CA


“I have trainings in trauma-focused therapies and can hold space even for the most sensitive and personal experiences people have lived.”
Anger management, Anxiety, Cultural & ethnic issues, Depression, Family issues
Empowering, Humorous, Open-minded
Accepts 2 insurance carriers

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
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About our therapists located within 20 miles of El Cajon, CA

Number of therapists within 20 miles of El Cajon, CA
There are over 62 therapists in El Cajon, CA accepting new patients.
62+
Average years in practice
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11 years
Top specialties offered
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  • 98%Anxiety
  • 94%Depression
  • 90%Stress management
  • 87%Relationship issues
  • 74%Family issues
Insurances accepted
Watercolor illustration of insurance cards
  • 100%Aetna
  • 66%Anthem Blue Cross California
  • 63%Carelon Behavioral Health
  • 53%Providence Health Plan
  • 50%Cigna
Languages spoken
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  • 90%English
  • 29%Spanish
  • 2%American Sign Language
  • 2%Arabic
  • 2%French
How they see their clients
Watercolor illustration of therapy session
  • 94%In-person or online
  • 6%In-person only
Provider gender
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  • 69%Woman
  • 31%Man
License types
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  • 56%Licensed Marriage/Family Therapist
  • 18%Licensed Clinical Social Worker
  • 13%Clinical Psychologist
  • 10%Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor
  • 2%Medical Doctor
Treatment approaches
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  • 100%Individual therapy
  • 32%Family therapy
  • 19%Child or adolescent therapy
  • 15%Couples therapy

Frequently asked questions

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Find the right therapist for you

Headway makes it easy to find support for your mental health — from finding the right provider, to understanding costs, to scheduling with ease.

Factors to Consider When Choosing a Therapist in El Cajon

Searching for therapists in El Cajon starts with knowing what kind of support you want. You may be looking for help with anxiety, depression, grief, relationship challenges, trauma, or life transitions. As you compare therapists, look for listed specialties, therapy styles, and experience that match your needs. Provider bios can also show whether a therapist uses approaches such as cognitive behavioral therapy, dialectical behavior therapy, or trauma-informed care.

In a smaller city like El Cajon, nearby in-person options may vary by neighborhood, schedule, and specialty. Virtual therapy can expand your choices while still connecting you with a therapist licensed in California. As you narrow your search, consider appointment times, whether the therapist is accepting new patients, and whether they offer a free phone consultation. Reading profiles before booking can help you understand how each therapist describes their style, session structure, and areas of focus.

Therapy in El Cajon can be a significant expense without insurance. Using in-network insurance is one of the most reliable ways to reduce session costs. Headway makes it easier to compare therapists who accept a wide range of insurance plans, check estimated out-of-pocket costs before booking, and choose between in-person and virtual care. You can browse therapists, review bios, and book directly when you’re ready.

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1 Cost may vary based on your location, age, and insurance coverage.