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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 2,768 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'm Michael, a board-certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner passionate about providing integrated care for complex mental health challenges, including ADHD, autism spectrum disorders, OCD, personality disorders, PTSD and trauma, schizophrenia and psychosis disorders, substance use disorders, depression, anxiety, panic disorders, mood disorders, and bipolar conditions. My practice recognizes that these conditions are deeply interconnected in ways requiring specialized understanding.
I chose to specialize across this broad spectrum because I understand how neurodivergence intersects with trauma responses, how personality patterns emerge as adaptive mechanisms, how substance use can complicate other presentations, and how psychotic symptoms may develop in vulnerable individuals. Whether you're in recovery while managing other conditions, discovering neurodivergence later in life, or dealing with multiple diagnoses that influence each other, I bring the expertise needed to see the complete picture.
My approach emphasizes both evidence-based treatments and the healing power of being truly understood by someone who isn't intimidated by complexity. I recognize that seeking help for multiple or stigmatized conditions takes tremendous courage, especially after disappointing experiences with other providers who may have felt overwhelmed by your needs.
What you can expect from our collaboration is a thorough assessment, personalized treatment planning, and ongoing support as we navigate your unique mental health journey. My goal is to help you build resilience, develop effective strategies, and create the fulfilling life you deserve. You are full of possibilities. Together, we'll work at your pace, honoring your experiences while moving toward meaningful change.
For up-to-date availability, please visit our website at mentalhealthpractitioners.com or call/text us at 415-968-6515. Thank you for reading!
I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) in California and a Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker (LICSW) in Washington, DC. I provide psychotherapy to adults navigating anxiety, depression, trauma, relationship challenges, and life transitions.
I currently work with the Integrative Digestive Health team at UCLA Health and also provide therapy through Lyra Health. I bring extensive experience across medical and mental health settings, including six years as a liver transplant social worker at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, work on the first COVID unit at George Washington University Hospital, and leadership roles in community mental health organizations in Washington, DC.
My approach is warm, collaborative, and client-centered, grounded in trauma-informed care. I primarily use cognitive behavioral and solution-focused therapies while tailoring treatment to each individual. I have particular expertise in trauma, the intersection of physical and mental health, and interpersonal relationships. I offer both short- and long-term therapy and believe meaningful change happens in a space that feels safe, supportive, and authentic.
I am happy to provide a free 15-minute consultation (upon request) to ensure a good fit. To request a consultation, please email: [email protected].
Outside of work, I enjoy traveling, hiking in the Los Angeles mountains, kayaking, and spending time with my rescue dog, Sophia.
Welcome! Taking the step to prioritize your mental health is powerful, and I’m honored to welcome you to our practice.
I’m Nadia Seray-Wurie, a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner devoted to delivering compassionate, top-tier psychiatric and medical care to individuals and families across our communities. We bring flexible, high-quality care directly to you—offering both in-person appointments and seamless telepsychiatry services. Together, we’ll build a personalized approach to your health so you can thrive.You don’t have to do this alone—we're here to walk alongside you on your journey to wellness.
Hello and welcome! My name is Shannon Merritt and I am a Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist (LMFT). I am based in Southern California and offer telehealth services to clients across the state. My expertise includes supporting individuals through life transitions, managing depression and anxiety, coping with loss, and addressing various mental health challenges. I am also passionate about helping people recover from addiction and/or trauma.
What is your approach to therapy?I draw from various modalities and tailor my approach to each individual and their specific needs. I aim to create a safe and supportive environment where clients feel at ease, can build resilience, and ultimately thrive. My communication style is straightforward, calm, and approachable. I offer clear and honest feedback in order to foster clients' wellbeing while developing hope for their future.
What can clients expect to take away from sessions with you?In our first session together, we'll start with brief introductions, then dive into the specific challenges you're facing. This will help me create a tailored plan for us to work through in follow-up sessions. Clients can expect to develop valuable insight and gain the tools needed to make meaningful changes in their lives.
I’m dedicated to helping clients create meaningful change through a collaborative, compassionate, and goal oriented approach. I specialize in crisis intervention and draw from proven, evidence-based therapies (EMDR, IFS, CBT, DBT, ERP) tailored to your unique needs. I believe every person’s story is unique, and I work to create a safe, supportive space where you can explore challenges, build on strengths, and move toward the life you want. I earned my Master’s in Educational & Clinical Counseling from Azusa Pacific University and have received specialized training in trauma focused care and crisis interventions. I’ve worked in community mental health settings, crisis intervention programs, and private practice; which has allowed me to support individuals from diverse backgrounds and life experiences.
My name is Jeffrey W. Danese, MS, MA, LMHC, LPCC, and I am a licensed mental health counselor in Washington State and California, currently based in Sacramento. I bring over 15 years of clinical experience across private practice, inpatient and outpatient mental health settings, and college counseling, along with a an academic background teaching psychology, religious studies, and the history of science in higher education from UCSB, FSU, and 10 years at SJSU to various community colleges in the Puget Sound region and in North Florida and cross-cultural experiences such as living in Taiwan, Zambia, Germany and traveling around the world; I studied Spanish, German, and Chinese language, world history and religions, psychology, evolutionary psychology and the cognitive science of religion; was raised Catholic but ordained as a Buddhist monk in Thailand; and continue to meditate, explore and read broadly. One of my favorite quotes is by the Roman writer, Terence: "I am human and there is nothing human foreign to me." (or, Homo sum, humani nihil a me alienum puto. -- Publius Terentius Afer, 165 BCE)
I specialize in working with adolescents, young adults, and high performers—including Division I athletes, professionals, and anyone striving to meet high expectations. In my work, I’ve learned that growth happens at the edge of comfort—where support and challenge meet. My clients often tell me they appreciate my ability to be both direct and deeply compassionate, creating a space where they feel seen, understood, and encouraged to move forward.
Born in Taiwan, raised in Southern California, and trained in San Francisco and New Mexico, I bring a blend of cultural humility, life experience, and professional training into every session. As an Asian American therapist, I value identity, culture, and lived experience as essential pieces of healing. I aim to create a space where you can show up as your real self—without judgment, without masks.
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.
As a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner, I am dedicated to helping people feel like themselves again. I provide compassionate, evidence based care for anxiety and depression, ADHD, PTSD, bipolar disorder and other mental health conditions.My goal is to create a judgement free space where patients feel heard and receive personalized treatment that fits their lives
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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