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Addiction therapists & psychiatrists in El Cajon, CA


Top addiction and substance use disorder therapists and psychiatrists in El Cajon, CA
Headway connects El Cajon residents with 2,682 licensed providers experienced in evidence-based addiction treatment approaches including CBT, motivational interviewing, and harm reduction strategies. Access virtual or in-person sessions with flexible scheduling, and many clients save 75% on care through insurance coverage.
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
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 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.
I have 10 years in the mental health field-working with trauma, substance use, depression, anxiety, and psychosis.I have worked in private practice, intensive outpatient programs, assertive community treatment, and residential treatment. I specialize in trauma related disorders.
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.
I’m passionate about helping those seeking change in their lives. My education in multi-cultural counseling and social justice means that I approach each individual with empathy and awareness when it comes to navigating racial and gender identities, and life experiences. I understand we each have our own story and challenges, making the recovery and healing process unique for each of us. I help clients to identify and achieve small-scale, doable goals which build a foundation for lasting change.
If you’re facing challenges with anxiety, depression, trauma, bipolar disorder, PTSD, or other mental health concerns, I’m here to help. I specialize in treating mood disorders, anxiety disorders, trauma-related conditions, and co-occurring substance use disorders. I offer a personalized, evidence-based approach that combines medication management with therapeutic techniques, tailored to your unique needs. My goal is to help you find relief, build resilience, and regain control over your life.
Hi, I'm Brian! I'm a licensed counselor with a background in holistic medicine as well. I've worked with a variety of mental health concerns, with my primary specialty being treating trauma.
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.
For nearly 13 years, I worked as a psychotherapist at a mens' long term substance abuse treatment program, The Fellowship Center, Inc. in Escondido California. I obtained several certifications as a drug and alcohol counselor, but I relied primarily on my training as a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist to perform individual psychotherapy for residents in the treatment program.
I also have obtained training in Eye Movement Desentitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) which I believe provides a robust treatment intervention for trauma. I now have 10 years experience using EMDR both in person and by telehealth with more than one hundred fifty clients.
I also have a strong interest in mindfulness and somatic interventions which I believe are essential in the integration of the treatment of both substance abuse and trauma.
In addition to trauma and substance abuse, I most frequently work with clients suffering from anxiety, depression, or complex grief.
Finally, I enjoy working with clients who are struggling in the midst of major life transitions.
Hey there—I'm Mika, a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT) who's here for real talk and real support for adults and teens right here in Southern California. I've spent years helping people work through tough life events like trauma, addictions, ADHD, burnout from high-pressure jobs, anxiety, depression, and rocky relationships. What I love most is seeing folks step into their strength and build the life they want—I'm here to walk that path with you, no judgment, just genuine care.
Great to meet you! I'm Ryan Carr, a board-certified Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner who works with adolescents and adults facing challenges such as anxiety, depression, ADHD, bipolar disorder, trauma, and psychotic disorders. My background includes years of psychiatric nursing in both inpatient and outpatient settings, caring for individuals with a wide range of mental health needs. I believe the best treatment starts with feeling heard, respected, and involved in your care. Together, we'll create a personalized plan focused on helping you feel better and achieve your goals.
I am a board certified, doctoral prepared PMHNP. I completed my post graduate at National University in Adult, Child and Adolescent Psychiatry. I earned my DNP from Azusa Pacific University and graduated from CSUSB MSN program. I have been a faculty at CSUSB since 2014. Extensively trained and a certified Trauma-Informed specialist. I diagnose and treat mental disorders including medication-assisted treatment along with counseling for chemical dependency and substance use disorders.
Hi. I've been working as a therapist for 9 years. I have my AA in Sociology from Miracosta College, my BA in Psychology from Cal State Long Beach, and my MSW (Master of Social Work) from Cal State San Marcos. I assist people in dealing with stress from work, relationships, etc. I help people process unresolved trauma, grief, etc. I can help utilize the strengths you have, develop new strengths, in helping you live the most meaningful life in what that means to you.
Trauma leaves us feeling broken, unhappy, and disconnected from our true selves. You may be fed up with feeling anxious and overwhelmed in your relationships, feeling hopeless or not good enough. But one thing is for sure: you’re ready for some relief. You’re ready to rediscover yourself and find out who you are. You’re ready to have freedom from your past trauma. Most of all, you’re ready to experience fulfilling and healthy relationships!
Neurodivergent, Autism Spectrum,ADHD,Social anxiety, LGBTQIA+: I can help!
Welcome! With the supportive help of an experienced, "seasoned" therapist, we will take action towards the change you need to make. I will hold your hand and hold you accountable, with the right dose of support, guidance, and humor.
I trained as a psychotherapist in European and American Universities. I use effective, science based approaches.
If you do not find availability in my calendar, please contact me directly at [email protected].
Questions? Text/call me at 415-48-EARTH; 415-483-2784
About our therapists who can help with addiction and substance use located within 20 miles of El Cajon, CA



- 100%Substance use / addiction
- 100%Depression
- 96%Anxiety
- 96%Trauma
- 87%Stress management

- 100%Aetna
- 74%Carelon Behavioral Health
- 70%Anthem Blue Cross California
- 57%Cigna
- 57%Blue Shield of California

- 87%English
- 17%Spanish
- 4%Korean

- 96%In-person or online
- 4%In-person only

- 61%Woman
- 39%Man

- 39%Licensed Marriage/Family Therapist
- 35%Licensed Clinical Social Worker
- 13%Clinical Psychologist
- 9%Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor
- 4%Nurse Practitioner

- 100%Individual therapy
- 26%Family therapy
- 22%Child or adolescent therapy
- 13%Couples therapy
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