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


Top therapists in El Cajon, CA accepting new patients
Find mental health support in El Cajon with 8,394 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.
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
I'm a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist passionate about helping individuals, children, and families navigate life's challenges with strength and self-awareness. My style is collaborative, down-to-earth, and relational- I believe therapy should feel safe and empowering. Together, we'll explore on patterns, build resilience , and work toward meaningful change at your own pace.
I am passionate about the power of the therapeutic process and helping individuals and families find hope and healing. Together, we will set goals and work towards achieving them - all at a pace that works best for you.
I specialize in working with adults, adolescents and families living with depression, anxiety, trauma, and challenges in relationships. I have significant experience working in higher levels of care settings and with folks navigating suicidal ideation and self-harm.
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.
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.
About our therapists located within 20 miles of El Cajon, CA



- 99%Anxiety
- 96%Depression
- 91%Stress management
- 91%Relationship issues
- 75%Trauma

- 99%Aetna
- 71%Carelon Behavioral Health
- 66%Anthem Blue Cross California
- 55%Cigna
- 51%Providence Health Plan

- 92%English
- 21%Spanish
- 4%French
- 3%Arabic
- 1%Farsi

- 93%In-person or online
- 7%In-person only

- 70%Woman
- 30%Man

- 54%Licensed Marriage/Family Therapist
- 20%Licensed Clinical Social Worker
- 14%Clinical Psychologist
- 11%Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor
- 1%Medical Doctor

- 100%Individual therapy
- 34%Family therapy
- 22%Couples therapy
- 18%Child or adolescent therapy
Frequently asked questions


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 Mental Health Therapist in El Cajon, CA
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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