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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 2,763 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 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.
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.
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 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.
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
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.
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.
I’m a licensed clinical social worker who specializes in helping children, adolescents, adults, couples, and families navigate anxiety, depression, panic, trauma, PTSD, and other life stressors. With experience in psychiatric crisis care and community outreach, I believe healing starts with feeling safe enough to show up. My goal is to offer real, judgment-free support that meets you where you are and helps you move toward lasting growth.
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
- 91%Trauma
- 87%Stress management

- 100%Aetna
- 74%Anthem Blue Cross California
- 70%Carelon Behavioral Health
- 61%Providence Health Plan
- 57%Blue Shield of California

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

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

- 57%Woman
- 43%Man

- 35%Licensed Clinical Social Worker
- 35%Licensed Marriage/Family Therapist
- 22%Clinical Psychologist
- 4%Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor
- 4%Nurse Practitioner

- 100%Individual therapy
- 30%Family therapy
- 26%Child or adolescent therapy
- 22%Couples therapy
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