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

I’m a board-certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP-BC) with a background in nursing and mental health care. I focus on medication management with a supportive, real-life approach. I work with individuals dealing with anxiety, depression, ADHD, and OCD.

I believe you should feel heard, understood, and involved in your care. My goal is to create a comfortable, judgment-free space where we can work together to find what truly helps you feel better and function at your best. I also incorporate brief therapeutic support alongside medication when it’s needed.

Welcome ! I have been licensed as a Marriage and Family therapist for over 14-years. I am a bilingual therapist in English and Spanish. My experience is diverse and multifaceted. I have worked with students in a school-settings for 15-years, couples and LGBTQ communities. I work with sexual trauma and assault and help people navigate depression, PTSD and substance issues. Another area that is important to me is helping clients navigate grief and loss issues. I am committed to supporting your journey to peace, confidence and joy. Bilingual in English and Spanish

Hi, I'm Fanta—yes, like the soda (and yes, there's a story behind it, but of course it has nothing to do with soda!). With nearly 20 years in the mental health field and over a decade providing therapy, I've walked alongside children, families, couples, and adults as they’ve faced some of life’s toughest moments.

I truly believe that “the struggle you're in today is developing the strength you need for tomorrow.” Life brings challenges, but how we respond to them shapes our path forward. I’ve been there too, and I know how important it is to feel supported as you find your way through.

My goal is to work with you—not for you or around you, but with you—as you build the tools and confidence to navigate whatever life throws your way. We’ll work together to recognize negative thought patterns, build self-compassion, and strengthen your connection with yourself and those around you.

More than anything, I’m here to create a space that feels safe, empathetic, and judgment-free. A space where you can be fully you, speak your truth, and start to heal.

My passion is helping individuals find healing, balance, and inner strength. With compassion and care, I support clients as they navigate life’s challenges, building resilience, self-awareness, and emotional well-being along the way.‍I provide evidence-based treatment tailored to each person’s needs, drawing on mindfulness, trauma-informed approaches, and personalized care plans. My goal is to create a safe and supportive space where clients can reconnect with themselves and develop the tools for lasting wellness.

Clients working with me can expect a therapeutic experience rooted in restorative care, cultural authenticity, and deep respect for their lived story. At Cultivating A Better Me, healing is not defined solely by symptom reduction—it is a process of rebuilding inner safety, strengthening emotional resilience, and reconnecting with the parts of yourself that deserve to be seen, honored, and supported.

My clinical foundation began at Sacramento Head Start, where I learned the profound impact of compassion, early intervention, and family‐centered support. With advanced training in Early Childhood Development and Counseling Psychology, I bring specialized expertise in disruptive behaviors, trauma‐responsive care, and expressive‐arts‐based healing.

Within my practice, clients are invited into a space where they can slow down, breathe, and explore their experiences without judgment. I integrate evidence‐based practices with creativity, narrative work, and culturally grounded approaches that honor identity, community, and personal agency.

Most importantly, clients should know that I show up with presence, authenticity, and a deep commitment to helping them cultivate meaningful, sustainable change. Healing is a collaborative journey—and I walk alongside you with compassion, clarity, and support.

Hello,

I’m Ermelinda, Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist. I have over 10+ years of experience in providing therapy to adults, children, and adolescents. Do you feel stuck, tired, and not being able to function in your daily life? Are you struggling to balance work, relationships, and life? Many times, we experience loss, grief, anxiety, stress, and depression. I look forward to helping you in your journey to healing. Life is hard and sometimes all you need is just a push.

I do not believe in a cookie-cutter approach, and center my client in all things with regards to their treatment. I may have the tools to support you, but you are certainly the expert in your life.

Hello, My name is LeRae. As a Licensed Marriage and Family therapist, I believe therapy is a place where you can feel heard, understood, and supported while also being challenged to grow. I know that starting therapy can take courage and my goal is to help you feel comfortable being yourself as we work together toward meaningful change.

Hi! Im Mike Strauss and I specialize in anxiety, PTSD, depression and substance abuse. With my own background as an addict now with 17 years clean and sober, I organically found my purpose as a clinician. What initially started with drug and alcohol counseling immediately turned into something bigger, as I pursued a master’s degree in social work. Understanding that addiction is but a symptom of underlying fears and traumas resulting in mood disorders, I was able to REALLY look at myself as I encourage my clients to do during their journeys toward self-realization.

I use family systems thinking to understand how relationships shape your experiences, and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy to address thoughts, feelings, and behaviors. I'm also interested in how attachment styles influence your choices and connections. I believe in meeting you where you are and tailoring our work to what fits you best.

I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with over 15 years of experience in domestic violence, addiction, homelessness, severe mental illness, behavioral modification, individual and family therapy, relational conflicts, crisis intervention, advocacy, social policy, clinical supervision and program development.

I believe in the immense power of our thoughts and our incredible capacity as human beings to change them through awareness, intention and implementation. Together we will work to create the life you want to live despite the hardships you have overcame and any future struggles that may lay ahead.

I believe life’s hardships and tragedies have strength and the power to empower with self awareness and guidance through the pain.

I work with individuals, couples, and families navigating trauma, grief, anxiety, and relationship challenges. If you're seeking more short-term coping, we can explore the patterns shaping your experiences to support lasting, meaningful change. My approach is trauma-informed and attachment focused - always guided by your goals. Therapy is a warm, collaborative space where we process experiences, strengthen communication, and build more secure, fulfilling relationships.