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Find an Aetna therapist in El Cajon, CA

Book a therapist or psychiatrist in El Cajon, CA covered by Aetna

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Top Aetna-covered therapists and psychiatrists in El Cajon, CA

Find Aetna-covered mental health support in El Cajon with Headway's network of 8,834 licensed providers. Sessions start as low as $30 copay, offered virtually or in-person for your convenience. Many clients save up to 75% on therapy costs while accessing care within two weeks.

Julianne Ybarra

Julianne Ybarra

Therapist

Virtual • California


“I believe that healing begins in a safe, compassionate, and nonjudgmental relationship, and I strive to create a space where clients feel understood, accepted, and empowered to grow.”
Aetna + 4 others
Anxiety, Cultural & ethnic issues, Depression, Family issues, Identity issues
Creative, Energetic, Solution-oriented
Nadia Grissom

Nadia Grissom

Therapist

Virtual • California


“I am empathetic, authentic and an active listener. I work hard to observe behavioral patterns and support my clients to reflect and implement change.”
Aetna + 13 others
ADD/ADHD, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder, Chronic conditions, Cultural & ethnic issues
Empowering, Solution-oriented, Warm
Richard Houseal

Richard Houseal

Therapist

Virtual • Sacramento, CA


“My care approach is solution-oriented and short-term, but the results are aimed to be long-term through processing, reframing, and utilizing helpful and productive interventions.”
Aetna + 8 others
Anger management, Anxiety, Cultural & ethnic issues, Depression, Family issues
Direct, Empowering, Solution-oriented
Emily McKillip

Emily McKillip

Therapist

Virtual • California


“I am known for creating a warm, safe, and collaborative therapeutic space where clients feel seen, heard, and empowered to heal.”
Aetna + 9 others
Anxiety, Depression, LGBTQIA+, Relationship issues, Substance use / addiction
Holistic, Open-minded, Solution-oriented
Dr. Brian Wise

Dr. Brian Wise

Therapist

Virtual • California


“I strive to honor your values, culture, and lived experience so you feel respected, understood, and empowered throughout our work together.”
Aetna + 3 others
Anger management, Anxiety, Chronic conditions, Depression, Family issues
Affirming, Challenging, Participatory
Danae Powers

Danae Powers

Therapist

Virtual • California


“She uses mind/body integrated approaches to generate lasting change in your overall well-being and honors your choices throughout the therapeutic process, inviting you to be an active participant co-leading treatment.”
Aetna + 8 others
Anxiety, Family issues, Infertility, Maternal mental health, Men's issues
Direct, Humorous, Solution-oriented

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
Naveta Barry

Naveta Barry

Therapist

Virtual • California


“My goal is to help you feel more grounded, confident, and connected—not simply better at pushing through.”
Aetna + 4 others
Anxiety, Depression, Grief or loss, Maternal mental health, PTSD
Affirming, Direct, Open-minded
Celia Smith

Celia Smith

Therapist

Virtual • California


“My goal is to create a compassionate, supportive space where you feel heard, respected, and understood as we begin working toward healing and personal growth together.”
Aetna + 5 others
ADD/ADHD, Anxiety, Cultural & ethnic issues, Depression, Family issues
Empowering, Inquisitive, Open-minded
Patricia (Patsy) Shealy, Ph.D, Lmft

Patricia (Patsy) Shealy, Ph.D, Lmft

Therapist

Virtual • California


“I believe that establishing a safe and trusting environment, a safe space to do your work is most important.”
Aetna + 3 others
Anxiety, Bipolar disorder, Depression, Family issues, Grief or loss
Direct, Inquisitive, Warm
Michele Dorn

Michele Dorn

Therapist

Virtual • California


“Clients should expect a warm reception. We will work toward identifying goals and may complete rating scales to guide our decisions in the right direction.”
Aetna + 5 others
ADD/ADHD
Empowering, Holistic, Solution-oriented
Laurel Weissman

Laurel Weissman

Therapist

Virtual • California


We can all feel overwhelmed by persistent sadness, anxiety, or racing thoughts. Major life shifts—like a career change, relationship end, parenting, or new phase of life—can be difficult to navigate. You do not have to figure it out alone.

I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) dedicated to helping adults break free from painful emotional patterns and reclaim a sense of control. My practice specializes in treating mood disorders and guiding individuals through challenging life transitions.

Aetna + 4 others
Anxiety, Depression, Family issues, Grief or loss, Identity issues
Empowering, Solution-oriented, Warm

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
Mary Entezar

Mary Entezar

Therapist

Virtual • California


Struggling with anxious thoughts or self-doubt? I work with young adults navigating anxiety, life transitions, trauma, and self-esteem challenges. Together, we’ll build coping skills and create a personalized plan for growth that feels empowering and achievable.

Feeling stuck or overwhelmed? You’re not alone. I help clients navigate anxiety, self-doubt, and life changes with curiosity and compassion. My goal is to help you feel more grounded, confident, and connected—to yourself and the life you want to create.

Aetna + 6 others
Anger management, Anxiety, Cultural & ethnic issues, Depression, Family issues
Affirming, Energetic, Warm
Nancy C Finley

Nancy C Finley

Therapist

Virtual • Ventura, CA


“My approach is to integrate mindfulness, solution-focused techniques, and psycho-education in order for clients to gain an understanding of their challenges.”
Aetna + 4 others
ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Cultural & ethnic issues, Depression
Affirming, Empowering, Open-minded
Dr. Julie Cohen

Dr. Julie Cohen

Psychologist

Virtual • California


avigating emotional distress or long-standing conflict can feel like being fractured, but healing often begins with finding a reliable and experienced partner. I am Dr. Julie Cohen, a Clinical Psychologist with over 45 years of experience. I have spent my career helping individuals, couples, and families resolve conflict—whether it’s occurring in the living room or the workplace. I specialize in treating depression, anxiety, and stress, particularly for those who are ready to dive into their inner experience to improve how they feel about themselves and their relationships. I feel privileged to help my clients achieve their goals and improve their lives by providing the expert, seasoned care necessary to handle even the most complex challenges with precision and kindness.

I believe that the foundation of our work is a relationship of absolute trust and safety. My extensive training allows me to look at your life through a wide lens, understanding how your past experiences and upbringing shape your current personality and challenges. I encourage an honest and direct dialogue, as that is where true mutual understanding begins. When I am not working with clients, I value the perspective that comes from a long career dedicated to human behavior, often finding restoration in the very principles of balance and growth that I share in my sessions. I want my clients to feel safe and empowered during their time with me, knowing they have a safety net of four decades of clinical expertise behind them.

Aetna + 6 others
ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder, Chronic conditions
Affirming, Solution-oriented, Warm
Bonnie Helmick-O'Brien

Bonnie Helmick-O'Brien

Therapist

Virtual • California


“I believe that healing happens within a strong therapeutic relationship built on trust, respect, and authenticity.”
Aetna + 4 others
Anxiety, Depression, End of life care, Grief or loss, Infertility
Open-minded, Participatory, Warm
Cecilia Hanono

Cecilia Hanono

Therapist

Virtual • California


“My approach to therapy is warm, collaborative, and client-centered. I provide a safe, nonjudgmental space where clients feel truly heard and supported.”
Aetna + 9 others
ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder, Chronic conditions
Empowering, Open-minded, Participatory
Lisa Slater

Lisa Slater

Therapist

Virtual • California


“My approach is compassionate, trauma-informed, and strength based, recognizing that every person has the capacity for growth and resilience.”
Aetna + 4 others
Anxiety, Depression, Family issues, Maternal mental health, PTSD
Affirming, Empowering, Open-minded

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
Dr. Michael Young

Dr. Michael Young

Psychologist

Virtual • California


I am currently accepting new clients. Life can feel loud, confusing, or just plain heavy, and you do not have to sort through it alone. I work with children, teens, and adults navigating anxiety, depression, ADHD, autism, mood changes, personality-related struggles, and big emotions. Whether you are looking for support for your child or for yourself, our work can help you feel more understood, more steady, and better equipped for everyday life.

Aetna + 5 others
ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder, Depression
Creative, Inquisitive, Warm

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
Soraya Wilder

Soraya Wilder

Therapist

Virtual & in-person • Calabasas, CA


“Clients describe my style as warm, authentic, and supportive, while also offering practical tools and structured guidance to create lasting change.”
Aetna + 4 others
ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder, Chronic conditions
Empowering, Participatory, Warm
Elizabeth Bashnick

Elizabeth Bashnick

Psychologist

Virtual • California


“With more than ten years of experience in hospital-based clinical care, I've learned just how resilient people truly are—even in their most challenging moments.”
Aetna + 4 others
Anger management, Anxiety, Depression, Grief or loss, PTSD
Open-minded, Solution-oriented, Warm

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
Dr. Camellia Mazhar

Dr. Camellia Mazhar

Therapist

Virtual • California


“I work with attachment and evidence-based models of therapy, so that you can be confident my techniques do make lasting change.”
Aetna + 7 others
Anger management, Anxiety, Cultural & ethnic issues, Depression, Family issues
Affirming, Empowering, Warm
Dr. Frederick Koehler

Dr. Frederick Koehler

Psychiatric Mental Health NP

Virtual • Newport Beach, CA


“I try to bring a calm, practical, and down-to-earth style to care so clients feel comfortable talking openly about what they're going through.”
Aetna + 5 others
ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder, Chronic conditions
Affirming, Empowering, Holistic
Jeanine Yoder

Jeanine Yoder

Therapist

Virtual & in-person • Fresno, CA


“As a psychodynamic and attachment-based therapist, I help clients explore how early relational experiences and unconscious patterns influence their current emotions, behaviors, and relationships.”
Aetna + 1 others
Anxiety, Depression, Family issues, Identity issues, OCD
Creative, Empowering, Warm

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
Patricia Riley

Patricia Riley

Therapist

Virtual • California


“I believe in each individual's right to self determination. Life can have multiple challenges, but with a thoughtful approaches it can reduce the power over us the challenges can have.”
Aetna + 4 others
ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder, Cultural & ethnic issues
Affirming, Open-minded, Solution-oriented
Claudia Covarrubias

Claudia Covarrubias

Therapist

Virtual • California


“I believe in creating a warm, non-judgmental environment where clients feel heard and empowered to explore their goals and values.”
Aetna + 9 others
Anxiety, Cultural & ethnic issues, Depression, Grief or loss, PTSD
Empowering, Open-minded, Warm

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
Roxy Mandisen

Roxy Mandisen

Therapist

Virtual • California


Welcome. I'm Roxy, dedicated to helping you find what you are looking for in therapy. My goal is to offer a safe, compassionate space where you can heal and grow.

Aetna + 7 others
Anger management, Anxiety, Depression, Family issues, Infertility
Empowering, Holistic, Warm
Megan Hanson

Megan Hanson

Therapist

Virtual & in-person • Los Angeles, CA


“I don't believe in the "bad seed". I think all people can thrive when the systems around them are thriving.”
Aetna + 2 others
Anxiety, Family issues, Identity issues, PTSD, Relationship issues
Direct, Humorous, Inquisitive

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
Robert Zazula

Robert Zazula

Therapist

Virtual • California


My orientation is cognitive behavioral therapy influenced by philosophy. The foundation of therapy is acceptance, unconditional positive regard and emotional support. The therapist partners with the client to clarify their thoughts to provide new skills and insights which increase the client coping skills and resiliency He educates and teaches about psychiatric disorders as depression and anxiety and the skills to overcome tthm.

Aetna + 4 others
Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder, Depression, Identity issues
Affirming, Empowering, Solution-oriented
Mariah Larkin

Mariah Larkin

Therapist

Virtual • California


“I think a collaborative approach is very effective. We both bring strengths and vulnerabilities to the work.”
Aetna + 3 others
Anxiety, Cultural & ethnic issues, Depression, End of life care, Family issues
Affirming, Empowering, Warm

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
Cindy Ordonez

Cindy Ordonez

Psychiatric Mental Health NP

Virtual • Los Angeles, CA


“I believe that healing begins with being heard. I truly enjoy listening to my patients and understanding their unique stories, challenges, and goals.”
Aetna + 4 others
ADD/ADHD, Anxiety, Depression, Infertility, Maternal mental health
Empowering, Open-minded, Warm
Erwin Baird

Erwin Baird

Psychiatric Mental Health NP

Virtual • San Diego, CA


“I take a collaborative, patient-centered approach, combining evidence-based treatment with mindfulness and holistic strategies.”
Aetna + 9 others
ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder, Chronic conditions
Affirming, Holistic, Open-minded
Jennifer Eastman

Jennifer Eastman

Psychiatric Mental Health NP

Virtual • San Diego, CA


“I take time to understand your complete story—not just your symptoms—so we can develop a treatment plan that actually works for your life.”
Aetna + 6 others
ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder, Depression
Direct, Empowering, Solution-oriented
Dr. Lynelle Tyler

Dr. Lynelle Tyler

Psychologist

Virtual • California


“My therapeutic approach is solution-focused and strength based. We use your strengths to bolster other aspects of your life.”
Aetna + 4 others
ADD/ADHD, Anxiety, Chronic conditions, End of life care, Grief or loss
Creative, Empowering, Solution-oriented
Denise Kalar

Denise Kalar

Therapist

Virtual • Fair Oaks, CA


“My goal is to empower my clients. Bringing deep awareness, compassion and commitment to those with whom I work with.”
Aetna + 6 others
ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Family issues, Grief or loss
Challenging, Empowering, Warm

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
Melanie Maddox Geffen

Melanie Maddox Geffen

Therapist

Virtual • California


“With 10 + years of experience as a mental health coach and clinician, our work is a partnership that blends insight with practical strategies to help you feel seen, empowered, and feeling better as soon as possible.”
Aetna + 3 others
Anxiety, Bipolar disorder, Depression, Family issues, Maternal mental health
Open-minded, Solution-oriented, Warm

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
Aubrey Pink

Aubrey Pink

Therapist

Virtual • Placentia, CA


As a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, I see the world through the lens of relationships. I treat adults dealing with anxiety, depression, relationships, perinatal mental health, childhood trauma, and religious wounds. I believe the work of therapy is in undoing aloneness. I became a therapist because I believe it’s in relationships we are injured and paradoxically, it must be through relationships that we heal.

Aetna + 3 others
ADD/ADHD, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder, Depression, Family issues
Empowering, Inquisitive, Warm

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
Melissa Chavez

Melissa Chavez

Therapist

Virtual & in-person • Visalia, CA


“In our first session, I will be getting to know you and setting the boundaries for therapy that allow you to feel safe.”
Aetna + 8 others
Family issues, PTSD, Relationship issues, Trauma, Women's issues
Direct, Empowering, Solution-oriented
Shiva Ghardashem

Shiva Ghardashem

Therapist

Virtual & in-person • Calabasas, CA


“I draw from evidence-based modalities, including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), Solution-Focused Therapy, and Positive Psychotherapy.”
Aetna + 5 others
Anger management, Anxiety, Cultural & ethnic issues, Depression, Family issues
Empowering, Solution-oriented, Warm
Laraib Ali

Laraib Ali

Therapist

Virtual • California


“Therapy begins with creating a safe, collaborative, and trusting space where you feel heard and understood.”
Aetna + 5 others
ADD/ADHD, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder, Cultural & ethnic issues, Depression
Empowering, Open-minded, Solution-oriented
Jamie Plaxco

Jamie Plaxco

Psychiatric Mental Health NP

Virtual • Fresno, CA


IMPORTANT: All clients must complete our intake form and sign our policies before their appointment. Please complete these documents at https://intakeq.com/new/6oakjo/lusjbb or contact us at 602-800-4699 (call or text). Please also email or text us a copy of your photo ID/driver's license at [email protected]

For the most current schedule and openings, please book directly on our website at https://mentalhealthpractitioners.com/book-appointment/ or call us at 415-968-6515.

As a PMHNP-BC who specializes in autism, complex cases, OCD, personality disorders, PTSD/trauma, schizophrenia/psychosis disorders, and substance use, I've built my practice around understanding that every person's mental health journey is unique—especially when multiple conditions interact or when traditional approaches haven't worked.

I also provide comprehensive treatment for depression, anxiety, panic disorders, mood disorders, and bipolar disorder, always with an understanding that these conditions often overlap and influence each other in complex ways. What I want you to know is this: your experiences are valid, your struggles make sense in the context of your life, and there's no such thing as being "too much" for treatment.

Whether you're masking autistic traits, battling compulsive behaviors, managing intense emotions, processing trauma, questioning reality, or struggling with substances, I meet you exactly where you are without trying to force you into a predetermined mold. My approach combines evidence-based treatments with deep respect for your individual needs and experiences.

You deserve a provider who doesn't see complexity as a problem to solve, but as a roadmap to understanding how to best support your unique path to wellness.

Aetna + 9 others
Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder, Depression, Family issues
Holistic, Open-minded, Warm

What type of therapy does Aetna cover?

Aetna plans can vary, but many cover a range of therapy types. Below are some common options that may be included in your coverage.
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Frequently asked questions

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Affordable care that fits you — and your Aetna plan

Headway makes it easy to get affordable in-network mental health care with Aetna — from finding the right therapist or psychiatrist, to understanding costs, to booking your first session.

Find a provider - your way

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