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Trauma and PTSD therapists & psychiatrists in El Cajon, CA


Top trauma and PTSD therapists and psychiatrists in El Cajon, CA
Headway connects El Cajon residents with 7,871 licensed trauma specialists offering evidence-based therapies like EMDR, Prolonged Exposure, and Cognitive Processing Therapy. Sessions are available virtually or in-person, with many providers offering free consultations and appointments within days.
Hey, I'm really glad you're here.
I know reaching out for therapy can feel intimidating, so my first goal is to make sure you feel comfortable and at ease. I'm not here to judge or tell you what to do — I’m here to listen, support you, and figure things out together.
My style is pretty laid-back, warm, and real. I’ll meet you where you’re at, and we'll work together to help you move toward where you want to be. I pull from a few different approaches like CBT, Solution-Focused Therapy, EMDR, and somatic tools that help with nervous system regulation — but honestly, it all comes down to finding what works best for you.
Clients often tell me they feel really safe with me, like they can just be themselves without having to filter or explain everything. I love helping people reconnect with their own strength, especially those navigating ADHD, trauma, perfectionism, or the pressure of being a first-generation success story. (All things I get on a personal level too.)
If you're looking for a space where you can be yourself, talk things through, and feel supported while you make real changes, I’d love to connect.
I offer a genuine, welcoming, and supportive therapeutic space, balancing warmth with a direct and honest approach to help clients create meaningful change. I strive to be understanding and collaborative, meeting clients where they are while supporting growth.
I have over five years of clinical experience working across a variety of settings, including county social programs, community mental health, pediatric hospital- Rady Children’s Hospital, and specialized group practices serving BIPOC communities and children, youth, and families. Currently, I work in a practice focused on supporting children and youth with ADHD and anxiety, as well as parents through parent coaching and family-based care.
I am trained in evidence-based modalities including CBT, DBT, ACT, PMT, TF-CBT, STAND, SPACE, and PCIT, and I tailor treatment to each client’s unique needs and strengths.
Are you are experiencing verbal and/or mental abuse from a romantic partner, a parent, sibling, friend, co-worker? Do you struggle with your own internal thoughts (e.g. "you’re not good enough”, "it's all your fault", “you are not a priority”). Maybe you’ve lost someone and you’re grieving. You are emotionally exhausted because of the pain you hide and the inability to say "no". You tell yourself the good is good but the bad is bad. You're scared and confused on what to do or how to "fix" things. These experiences create rumination, avoidance, trauma, anxiety, and more.
I am very honest, caring, real and genuine. Encouragement and support for their future journey.
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.
I am a licensed clinical psychologist in California and Washington and provide outpatient psychotherapy services in-person and via telehealth. I have been licensed for approximately 1.5 years, and have 7 years of supervised clinical experience across rehabilitation clinics, community mental health, and the Department of Veterans Affairs, where I trained under licensed psychologists before becoming licensed myself.
I work with first responders, active-duty military personnel, and veterans. These professions often involve repeated exposure to stress, uncertainty, trauma, and significant personal sacrifice, which can affect well-being, relationships, and life outside of work. My goal is to help clients navigate these challenges while also building lives that feel meaningful, fulfilling, and aligned with what matters most to them.
My clinical training and professional experience include working with veterans within the Veterans Health Administration and providing trauma-focused treatment for first responders in intensive outpatient settings. Through this work, I have gained an appreciation for the unique demands associated with careers that require individuals to perform under pressure, respond to critical incidents, and regularly place the needs of others before their own. This perspective continues to inform my work with clients as they navigate challenges both on and off the job.
I have a Master's in Counseling and have practiced in the field of mental health for nearly two decades. My experience as a therapist includes extensive training and work in eating disorders, anxiety, depression, trauma, grief and loss, relationship issues, women’s issues, and spirituality. I am licensed in both California (LPCC) and Washington (LMHC), and I’m a Certified Eating Disorder Specialist (CEDS) through the International Association of Eating Disorder Professionals (IAEDP). I also hold a certification in Grief (CGP). I emphasize a whole-person approach to care, considering the full spectrum of physical, emotional, social, and spiritual factors that impact your overall health and well-being.
Taking the first step toward therapy can feel overwhelming, especially when you’re already carrying a heavy load. One thing for sure, you don’t have to navigate it alone.
In my practice, I work extensively with college students, athletes, young adults and adults across various stages of life. I specialize in helping clients navigate anxiety, depression, life transitions, performance pressure, injury recovery, burnout, and complex questions around identity and self-worth.
As a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, my core mission is to support you through life's most challenging moments so you can step fully into the best version of yourself. Therapy isn't just about managing symptoms, it’s about discovering your strengths, building resilience, and creating a life that feels authentic and aligned with who you are.
Hello! I’m Tara D'Mello Kamath, a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT) dedicated to helping individuals, couples, and families heal and grow. Originally from India, I lived in Singapore before moving to San Diego, where I earned my Bachelor’s in Psychology. I later completed my Master’s in Couples and Family Therapy at Drexel University, where I deepened my passion for social justice and healing work.Starting therapy takes courage, and I’m honored to support you on your journey. If my approach resonates with you, reach out—I’d love to connect!
There may be times when you wish you had someone who truly listens, deeply and without judgment. Let me be that person for you. I work with adults across California on anxiety, depression, trauma, grief and loss, family and relationship strain, stress, and the pressures that come with new motherhood. I also support women, transgender clients, and people navigating cultural and identity questions, in English or in Spanish. Whatever you are facing right now, I am here to help you move toward the next chapter of your life with clarity and confidence. Together, we will honor your unique story and set clear, achievable goals that actually feel within reach.
- I believe therapy is one of the greatest gifts that we can give to ourselves. It is an opportunity to explore and learn about the mysteries of our inner self. When I am working with a client both of us discover a vast new world that waits to unfold. I studied at Pacifica Graduate Institute, a graduate school dedicated to discovering the inner contents of the self and the secrets of the archetypes of our humanity. I believe in working with my clients face to face, together, by sharing a journey in order to learn about the hardships of today while gaining knowledge about past and present experiences. I believe in and encourage my client’s strength and ability to solve their own problems and become the healers of their own wounds. I work as a guide and as a fellow traveler in your journey toward self discovery. With every step we take toward discovery, I work hand in hand with my clients, letting them lead in finding the sources of their suffering and their capability to heal them. Treatment Modalities: Person Centered Therapy, Post Jungian, Family Systems, Trauma Theory, Sex Therapy, and working within the Feminine Principle. I work with LGBTQ community and with all kind of diversity. At Eye Of The Storm counseling I specialize with Adolescents, Adults, Relationships, Individuation, Immigration, Life Changes, Depression, Anxiety, Trauma, Sexual Issues, Personal Growth and Development, Life Style issues, and Court referrals.
Hello! I'm a Licensed Clinical Social Worker based in California. I received my Masters in Social Work from the University of Southern California, and have extensive experience in the mental health field. I have a strong and diverse background working both with veterans at the VA, and entertainment industry clients at the Entertainment Community Fund. I have been in private practice for the past several years. I enjoy helping adults at different stages to navigate life transitions and challenges. If you are a college student entering adulthood needing support, a young adult in your 20s or 30s trying to forge your path, or an older adult adjusting to retirement, I can offer skills, insight and a helping hand to empower your personal growth. I can work with you on issues such as depression, anxiety, relationship problems and chronic health conditions, and also have specialized training to help you process trauma and address PTSD, often stemming from childhood and family experiences.
About our therapists who can help with trauma and PTSD located within 20 miles of El Cajon, CA



- 98%Anxiety
- 94%Trauma
- 94%Depression
- 92%Stress management
- 89%Relationship issues

- 100%Aetna
- 66%Carelon Behavioral Health
- 64%Anthem Blue Cross California
- 57%Providence Health Plan
- 55%Cigna

- 94%English
- 23%Spanish
- 2%Arabic
- 2%French
- 2%German

- 94%In-person or online
- 6%In-person only

- 72%Woman
- 28%Man

- 57%Licensed Marriage/Family Therapist
- 17%Licensed Clinical Social Worker
- 13%Clinical Psychologist
- 8%Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor
- 4%Nurse Practitioner

- 100%Individual therapy
- 34%Family therapy
- 23%Child or adolescent therapy
- 15%Couples therapy
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