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Find a therapist in El Cajon, CA — covered by insurance

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Top therapists in El Cajon, CA accepting new patients

Find mental health support in El Cajon with 8,399 licensed providers ready to help. Headway connects you with therapists in Rancho San Diego, Lakeside, and Bostonia who offer flexible in-person and virtual sessions covered by insurance. Many patients pay $0 per session—start your free intake call today.

Claudia Villarreal

Claudia Villarreal

Therapist

Virtual & in-person • 13 mi away • Chula Vista, CA


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.

ADD/ADHD, Anxiety, Cultural & ethnic issues, Depression, End of life care
Empowering, Energetic, Solution-oriented
Accepts 15 insurance carriers

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
Alvaro Quesada

Alvaro Quesada

Therapist

Virtual & in-person • 13 mi away • San Diego, CA


“I am an eclectic therapist, integrating techniques from different therapeutic approaches to best meet the unique needs of each client.”
ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder, Cultural & ethnic issues
Empowering, Open-minded, Solution-oriented
Accepts 7 insurance carriers

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
Sisi Yu

Sisi Yu

Psychologist

Virtual & in-person • 13 mi away • San Diego, CA


“Many of my clients are high-achieving teens and adults who feel overwhelmed by anxiety, burnout, or patterns around alcohol or substance use.”
ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder, Cultural & ethnic issues
Affirming, Empowering, Inquisitive
Accepts 1 insurance carrier

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
Charles Wigle

Charles Wigle

Therapist

Virtual & in-person • 13 mi away • Chula Vista, CA


“I work in a gentle, supportive, and compassionate way where my goal is for my clients to feel heard, seen accurately, and known by me as well as by themselves.”
Anxiety, Depression, Grief or loss, Men's issues, Panic disorders
Empowering, Solution-oriented, Warm
Accepts 13 insurance carriers
Kayo Imamura

Kayo Imamura

Therapist

Virtual & in-person • 13 mi away • San Diego, CA


“I will meet you in these difficult places and we will walk together, helping you break through to find hope, power, connection and energy.”
Anxiety, Cultural & ethnic issues, Depression, End of life care, Grief or loss
Empowering, Open-minded, Warm
Accepts 13 insurance carriers

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
Gloria Jardon

Gloria Jardon

Therapist

Virtual & in-person • 13 mi away • San Diego, CA


“I have navigated a wide range of life events—from adolescence to college, complex relationships, infertility, pregnancy, perimenopause, menopause, the impact of COVID, being a first responder, racial discrimination, and career transitions.”
Anxiety, Chronic conditions, Cultural & ethnic issues, Depression, Family issues
Affirming, Empowering, Warm
Accepts 7 insurance carriers

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
Dora Cuiriz

Dora Cuiriz

Therapist

Virtual & in-person • 13 mi away • Chula Vista, CA


Hi, I'm Dora, a licensed therapist with extensive experience working with a diverse range of populations, including teens, young adults, parents, and adults facing multiple life changes. I have training in DBT, Incredible Years parenting, and holistic approaches.

ADD/ADHD, Anxiety, Depression, Family issues, Identity issues
Empowering, Humorous, Warm
Accepts 6 insurance carriers
Faride Herran Atala

Faride Herran Atala

Therapist

Virtual & in-person • 13 mi away • San Diego, CA


“My style is warm yet direct—you'll feel supported while also being encouraged to face the patterns that hold you back.”
Anxiety, Cultural & ethnic issues, Family issues, Relationship issues, Stress management
Direct, Inquisitive, Open-minded
Accepts 1 insurance carrier
Thi Wlodarski

Thi Wlodarski

Therapist

Virtual & in-person • 13 mi away • San Diego, CA


I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist.I specialize in working with adolescents and adults who are struggling with anxiety disorders, OCD, phobias, and trauma.

You can visit my website for more information: https://www.thiwlodarskilmft.com

Anxiety, Infertility, Maternal mental health, OCD, Panic disorders
Direct, Humorous, Solution-oriented
Accepts 4 insurance carriers

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
Jennifer Esquivel-Parker

Jennifer Esquivel-Parker

Therapist

Virtual & in-person • 14 mi away • San Diego, CA


Hello and welcome! There is so much I want to share with you!

I acknowledge that finding a therapist can sometimes feel overwhelming because you want to find a good fit, someone who “gets” you, so I thank you for being here.

I identify as a Latinx, cis gender woman, feminist, BIPOC and LGBTQIA+ ally, and spiritual. I am the granddaughter of immigrants from Mexico and the daughter of working class parents. Before coming to Marriage and Family Therapy, I earned a Master’s degree in Women’s Studies, and wrote my thesis on the jurisprudence of Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg. I am aware of the dominant societal structures, narratives, expectations and pressures that can impact your story and how you live it. I look forward to being alongside you as you write a preferred story – one that is fully authored by you.

Prior to focusing on Marriage and Family Therapy, I worked for close to nineteen years in higher education leadership, advising and mentoring college students at a public university in Southern California. The relationships I fostered with students and the stories they shared with me inspired me to move into Marriage and Family Therapy. Like my work with the students, my therapy work is filled with compassion, empathy and understanding. And while there may sometimes be difficult conversations and tears in our work, I also invite in laughter, lightness and joy.

I am currently scheduling online and in-person appointments. I am available Mondays- Thursdays, and Saturdays.

Anxiety, Cultural & ethnic issues, Depression, Family issues, Grief or loss
Affirming, Empowering, Warm
Accepts 5 insurance carriers
Maureen Moustapha

Maureen Moustapha

Therapist

Virtual & in-person • 14 mi away • San Diego, CA


“As a person who identifies and presents as a member of multiple marginalized communities including black women, queer community and immigrants...”
Anxiety, Cultural & ethnic issues, Depression, Family issues, Identity issues
Open-minded, Participatory, Warm
Accepts 8 insurance carriers
Mona Klausing

Mona Klausing

Therapist

Virtual & in-person • 14 mi away • San Diego, CA


“I believe this gives me a unique perspective on how individuals, couples and families deal with the stressors associated with immigration and acculturation, multi-ethnic relationships, intergenerational conflicts, life transitions and other...”
Anxiety, Cultural & ethnic issues, Depression, End of life care, Family issues
Empowering, Open-minded, Participatory
Accepts 5 insurance carriers

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
Kelly Carll

Kelly Carll

Therapist

Virtual & in-person • 14 mi away • San Diego, CA


“I believe that therapy should be a safe, collaborative space where clients feel empowered to make decisions that most align with their values and needs.”
ADD/ADHD, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder, Chronic conditions, Depression
Affirming, Open-minded, Warm
Accepts 3 insurance carriers

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
Fabian Escobedo

Fabian Escobedo

Therapist

Virtual & in-person • 13 mi away • Chula Vista, CA


“I have trainings in trauma-focused therapies and can hold space even for the most sensitive and personal experiences people have lived.”
Anger management, Anxiety, Cultural & ethnic issues, Depression, Family issues
Empowering, Humorous, Open-minded
Accepts 2 insurance carriers

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
Suzanne LaFleur

Suzanne LaFleur

Therapist

Virtual & in-person • 14 mi away • San Diego, CA


“My goal is for clients to leave sessions with greater clarity, resilience, and confidence in their ability to create meaningful change.”
ADD/ADHD, Anxiety, Cultural & ethnic issues, Depression, End of life care
Affirming, Inquisitive, Warm
Accepts 10 insurance carriers
Dr. Salvatore Dinovo

Dr. Salvatore Dinovo

Psychologist

Virtual & in-person • 14 mi away • San Diego, CA


“I strive to help clients better understand themselves, develop practical coping skills, and move toward a more meaningful and fulfilling life.”
Anger management, Anxiety, Chronic conditions, Depression, LGBTQIA+
Challenging, Humorous, Open-minded
Accepts 2 insurance carriers

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
William Kelly

William Kelly

Therapist

Virtual & in-person • 9 mi away • San Diego, CA


I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with 16 years of experience. I am also former Naval Officer of 6 years who provided mental health to active duty and their families. I utilize Acceptance & Commitment Therapy (ACT) (i.e, mindfulness and values-focused) as my baseline approach and hypnotherapy, Jungian Psychotherapy and Eye Movement Desensitization & Reprocessing (EMDR) to help with Trauma. These together make a great team to aide you in your healing process. I believe in developing a healthy Client-Therapist relationship to fully support any other approaches.

Anger management, Anxiety, Cultural & ethnic issues, Depression, Family issues
Direct, Empowering, Holistic
Accepts 7 insurance carriers
Ashley Quiroz

Ashley Quiroz

Psychologist

Virtual & in-person • 10 mi away • San Diego, CA


“With over fifteen years of clinical experience, I focus on individual, couples, and family therapy for adults 18 and older.”
ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder, Chronic conditions
Humorous, Solution-oriented, Warm
Accepts 3 insurance carriers
Soraya Behbehani

Soraya Behbehani

Therapist

Virtual & in-person • 15 mi away • San Diego, CA


“I create a safe, compassionate space where you can explore your inner world and reconnect with your natural capacity for healing.”
Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder, Cultural & ethnic issues, Depression
Direct, Empowering, Participatory
Accepts 4 insurance carriers
Letty Cain Nissan

Letty Cain Nissan

Therapist

Virtual & in-person • 15 mi away • San Diego, CA


“I am a bilingual therapist who understands the nuances of both cultures, and I am passionate about creating a warm, compassionate space where clients feel truly seen and supported.”
Anxiety, Cultural & ethnic issues, Depression, Eating disorders, Family issues
Empowering, Solution-oriented, Warm
Accepts 9 insurance carriers
Rosemarie Sachs

Rosemarie Sachs

Therapist

Virtual & in-person • 11 mi away • Chula Vista, CA


“I am a therapist that builds all therapeutic services and contacts on the foundation of the humanistic approach, that is, a relational style that includes being empathetic, real and genuine as well as being affirming to others.”
Anxiety, Cultural & ethnic issues, Depression, Family issues, Grief or loss
Affirming, Empowering, Inquisitive
Accepts 5 insurance carriers

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
Tammy Brooks

Tammy Brooks

Therapist

Virtual & in-person • 10 mi away • San Diego, CA


“I use goal orientated approach that's different than typical "one-size-fits-all" or endless talk rehashing your pain with no real lasting change.”
Anger management, Anxiety, Grief or loss, Panic disorders, Relationship issues
Empowering, Solution-oriented, Warm
Accepts 4 insurance carriers
Dr. Kyle Glover

Dr. Kyle Glover

Psychologist

Virtual & in-person • 17 mi away • San Diego, CA


“Therapy can be more than "getting by"—it can be about opening space for freedom, meaning, and the life you truly want to live.”
Anxiety, Depression, Family issues, Grief or loss, Men's issues
Humorous, Inquisitive, Open-minded
Accepts 9 insurance carriers

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
Brian Lamoreux

Brian Lamoreux

Therapist

Virtual & in-person • 15 mi away • San Diego, CA


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.

ADD/ADHD, Anxiety, Chronic conditions, Depression, Grief or loss
Empowering, Open-minded, Warm
Accepts 5 insurance carriers

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
Carson Jaffrey

Carson Jaffrey

Therapist

Virtual & in-person • 17 mi away • San Diego, CA


“Grief, desperation, and self-inflicted suffering brought me to the point of reaching out for help many years ago and soon the seas began to calm.”
Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder, Depression, Family issues
Affirming, Direct, Inquisitive
Accepts 8 insurance carriers
Dr. Sharmin Nabi

Dr. Sharmin Nabi

Psychiatrist

Virtual & in-person • 17 mi away • San Diego, CA


“My approach combines evidence-based medication management with psychodynamic and supportive principles.”
ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder, Chronic conditions
Inquisitive, Solution-oriented, Warm
Accepts 6 insurance carriers
Joyce DeVera

Joyce DeVera

Therapist

In-person • 17 mi away • San Diego, CA


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.

Anger management, Anxiety, Family issues, Grief or loss, Panic disorders
Empowering, Open-minded, Warm
Accepts 1 insurance carrier

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
Kristina Bailey

Kristina Bailey

Therapist

Virtual & in-person • 17 mi away • San Diego, CA


“I provide a safe and warm environment where one can learn about themselves, and problem solve ways to better their mental health trajectory.”
ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder, Depression
Empowering, Solution-oriented, Warm
Accepts 12 insurance carriers
Dr. Jodi Tompkins

Dr. Jodi Tompkins

Psychologist

Virtual & in-person • 17 mi away • La Jolla, CA


“I provide a unique combination of psychotherapy and coaching that builds on individual strengths to improve personal, relational, professional, and family lives.”
Anxiety, Cultural & ethnic issues, Depression, Family issues, Grief or loss
Empowering, Solution-oriented, Warm
Accepts 3 insurance carriers
Lizeth Ma

Lizeth Ma

Therapist

Virtual & in-person • 13 mi away • Chula Vista, CA


I am a passionate clinical therapist who loves working with children, women, couples and families going through challenging times. Are you and your your child having trouble communicating? Are you and your spouse having trouble communicating? Do you see them going through a hard time, long to help but don't know how? Do you suffer from Bipolar Disorder? I am here for you. Do you feel undone by anxiety or depression and don't know how to "shake it off"?

ADD/ADHD, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder, Cultural & ethnic issues, Depression
Direct, Empowering, Warm
Accepts 6 insurance carriers

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
Kristin Doherty

Kristin Doherty

Therapist

Virtual & in-person • 19 mi away • San Diego, CA


If you're here, chances are you've been carrying more than you were ever meant to carry alone. Whether you're struggling with anxiety, depression, trauma, relationship challenges or feeling stuck- I can help. I'm a licensed therapist with nearly 20 years of experience in the field helping individuals and couples create lasting, meaningful change.

Together, we’ll identify what brings you to therapy, we'll gently look at where you're feeling stuck and examine the patterns that are no longer serving you. Then, with evidence-based interventions we'll modify these patterns leading to lasting meaningful change.

My formal clinical training was received through the Department of Veterans Affairs, where I gained extensive experience providing evidence-based psychotherapy to military veterans and their partners. I specialize in treating PTSD (combat and sexual trauma), Depression, Anxiety, Panic, Grief and Couples. My clinical training leans heavily on Cognitive Behavioral Therapy with emphasis on trauma informed and attachment focused perspectives.

Anger management, Anxiety, Depression, LGBTQIA+, OCD
Empowering, Inquisitive, Warm
Accepts 3 insurance carriers

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
Shih Chiang Tang

Shih Chiang Tang

Therapist

Virtual & in-person • 18 mi away • San Diego, CA


“I specialize in Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) and have a particular passion for working with high-risk clients navigating suicidal ideation, self-harm, and intense emotional distress.”
ADD/ADHD, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder, Chronic conditions, Cultural & ethnic issues
Empowering, Inquisitive, Open-minded
Accepts 4 insurance carriers

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
Stephanie Massey

Stephanie Massey

Psychologist

Virtual & in-person • 19 mi away • San Diego, CA


I am very honest, caring, real and genuine. Encouragement and support for their future journey.

ADD/ADHD, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder, Chronic conditions, Depression
Empowering, Solution-oriented, Warm
Accepts 10 insurance carriers
Erica Bruckner

Erica Bruckner

Therapist

Virtual & in-person • 21 mi away • Del Mar, CA


“My style is warm, collaborative, and down-to-earth, and I strive to create a space where you can show up exactly as you are.”
Anxiety, Depression, Family issues, Grief or loss, Identity issues
Affirming, Humorous, Warm
Accepts 4 insurance carriers

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
James McJunkin

James McJunkin

Therapist

Virtual & in-person • 24 mi away • Escondido, CA


“I focus on helping clients feel safer in their bodies, understand their inner world, and move toward lasting change with compassion and clarity.”
Anxiety, Chronic conditions, Depression, Family issues, Grief or loss
Affirming, Humorous, Warm
Accepts 5 insurance carriers

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
Louisa Triandis

Louisa Triandis

Therapist

Virtual & in-person • 22 mi away • Solana Beach, CA


“I have over 25 years of experience helping children, teens, families, adults and couples build on their strengths and get clear about what they want for their futures.”
ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder, Chronic conditions
Affirming, Direct, Solution-oriented
Accepts 1 insurance carrier

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
Troy Nickell

Troy Nickell

Therapist

Virtual & in-person • 22 mi away • Solana Beach, CA


“I really love helping people identify purpose and create a clear and simple way to reach their goals, for the betterment of themselves and those around them.”
Anxiety, Family issues, Grief or loss, Identity issues, Men's issues
Direct, Solution-oriented, Warm
Accepts 3 insurance carriers

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
John Boyce

John Boyce

Therapist

Virtual & in-person • 25 mi away • Encinitas, CA


“My therapy approach is experiential, humanistic, and somatic... We engage and explore in the work of therapy together collaboratively.”
Anxiety, Depression, Eating disorders, Grief or loss, Identity issues
Affirming, Open-minded, Participatory
Accepts 12 insurance carriers
Tiffany Trent

Tiffany Trent

Therapist

Virtual & in-person • 24 mi away • Encinitas, CA


“I balance kindness and warmth with honesty and challenge clients to grow and become unstuck in their lives.”
Anxiety, Depression, Eating disorders, Family issues, Identity issues
Humorous, Inquisitive, Warm
Accepts 5 insurance carriers
Betsy Hegardt

Betsy Hegardt

Therapist

Virtual & in-person • 24 mi away • Cardiff, CA


“Clients often describe me as warm and collaborative, someone who makes it feel safe to finally say the things you haven't been able to say out loud.”
Anxiety, Chronic conditions, Depression, Family issues, Grief or loss
Affirming, Humorous, Warm
Accepts 3 insurance carriers

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
41 - 80 of

About our therapists located within 20 miles of El Cajon, CA

Number of therapists within 20 miles of El Cajon, CA
There are over 76 therapists in El Cajon, CA accepting new patients.
76+
Average years in practice
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11 years
Top specialties offered
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  • 99%Anxiety
  • 96%Depression
  • 91%Stress management
  • 91%Relationship issues
  • 75%Trauma
Insurances accepted
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  • 99%Aetna
  • 71%Carelon Behavioral Health
  • 66%Anthem Blue Cross California
  • 55%Cigna
  • 51%Providence Health Plan
Languages spoken
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  • 92%English
  • 21%Spanish
  • 4%French
  • 3%Arabic
  • 1%Farsi
How they see their clients
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  • 93%In-person or online
  • 7%In-person only
Provider gender
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  • 70%Woman
  • 30%Man
License types
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  • 54%Licensed Marriage/Family Therapist
  • 20%Licensed Clinical Social Worker
  • 14%Clinical Psychologist
  • 11%Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor
  • 1%Medical Doctor
Treatment approaches
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  • 100%Individual therapy
  • 34%Family therapy
  • 22%Couples therapy
  • 18%Child or adolescent therapy

Frequently asked questions

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Find the right therapist for you

Headway makes it easy to find support for your mental health — from finding the right provider, to understanding costs, to scheduling with ease.

Factors to Consider When Choosing a Mental Health Therapist in El Cajon, CA

Searching for therapists in El Cajon starts with knowing what kind of support you want. You may be looking for help with anxiety, depression, grief, relationship challenges, trauma, or life transitions. As you compare therapists, look for listed specialties, therapy styles, and experience that match your needs. Provider bios can also show whether a therapist uses approaches such as cognitive behavioral therapy, dialectical behavior therapy, or trauma-informed care.

In a smaller city like El Cajon, nearby in-person options may vary by neighborhood, schedule, and specialty. Virtual therapy can expand your choices while still connecting you with a therapist licensed in California. As you narrow your search, consider appointment times, whether the therapist is accepting new patients, and whether they offer a free phone consultation. Reading profiles before booking can help you understand how each therapist describes their style, session structure, and areas of focus.

Therapy in El Cajon can be a significant expense without insurance. Using in-network insurance is one of the most reliable ways to reduce session costs. Headway makes it easier to compare therapists who accept a wide range of insurance plans, check estimated out-of-pocket costs before booking, and choose between in-person and virtual care. You can browse therapists, review bios, and book directly when you’re ready.

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1 Cost may vary based on your location, age, and insurance coverage.