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


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.
I am Shaliss Padilla MA, LMFT, the Founder, CEO and Clinical Supervisor of group private practice MindbodyologyTM. I am also a Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist with a Masters degree in Counseling Psychology. In addition, I am a Holistic Psychotherapist, (or what I have coined a MindbodyologistTM), also a Narcissistic Abuse Recovery Specialist. I offer live and online support groups and workshops for survivors of narcissitic abuse and toxic relationships.
I’m a licensed therapist with a Master’s in Counseling with an emphasis in Child and Family Therapy, and I’m certified in Perinatal Mental Health. I work with children, adolescents, and families, and I also support moms navigating pregnancy, postpartum, and the emotional challenges of early parenthood. I have experience helping with anxiety, emotional regulation, behavioral challenges, and school-related concerns, and I especially enjoy working with children and pre-teens using play and creative approaches.
Hello! My name is Sharon Chan and I've have over 14 years of experience. I work with clients struggling with anxiety, depression and trauma. I also have experience working with the highly sensitive person.
I’m Thomas Moore, LPCC, a licensed professional clinical counselor providing therapy for individuals navigating anxiety, trauma, emotional overwhelm, identity development, and complex relational patterns. Many of the people I work with feel stuck in repeating cycles such as overthinking, people pleasing, emotional shutdown, intense reactions, or difficulty maintaining stable relationships even when they logically understand what they should do. My goal is to help you translate insight into real change.
My approach is structured and compassionate. I integrate evidence based methods including cognitive restructuring, emotional regulation training, interpersonal effectiveness skills, and trauma informed therapy. Sessions focus on understanding why your brain reacts the way it does and building practical tools you can actually use outside the therapy room. This is not only about talking through problems but learning how to respond differently when they show up in real life.
I work well with clients who want more than passive support and are ready to build skills, increase self awareness, and interrupt patterns that no longer serve them.
What clients should know before starting
Therapy with me is collaborative and active and you will learn strategies rather than only venting. We will work on understanding both the emotional and neurological side of your reactions. Sessions focus on present day functioning while also addressing past experiences that still affect you. I may gently challenge patterns when it supports growth while maintaining a supportive and respectful space. Progress often comes from small repeated changes rather than sudden breakthroughs.
If you are looking for therapy that combines validation with practical change, we will likely work well together.
Greetings,
My name is Christopher M Grasso, LPCC and I am a psychotherapist and professional clinical counselor. I have a Master of Arts Degree in Addiction studies with Integrated Recovery for Cooccurring Disorders and hold the professional license of LPCC (Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor). I have 7 years experience as a LAADC (Licensed Advanced Alcohol and Drug Counselor) in a residential recovery environment, and more than 2 years as an LPCC. I have been conducting one on one and group therapy, both in-person and remote, for the last 8 years and my specialized areas of treatment include:
· Addiction Related Behaviors
· Substance Abuse
· Trauma
· PTSD
· Depression
· General Anxiety
· Performance Anxiety
· Life Transitions
· And Grief & Loss
My goal is to be your partner in finding the change you desire.
As a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, I believe healing happens through connection, compassion, and understanding. I partner with clients to explore patterns, build coping skills, and develop greater self-awareness in a supportive and nonjudgmental environment. My goal is to help clients feel more grounded, confident, and aligned with their values.
It is my prayer to build a practice that helps you reach a place where your mental health is truly at the forefront. My hope is that with each appointment—and each day—you feel supported in moving closer to the best version of yourself.
About our therapists located within 20 miles of El Cajon, CA



- 99%Anxiety
- 96%Depression
- 91%Stress management
- 91%Relationship issues
- 75%Trauma

- 99%Aetna
- 71%Carelon Behavioral Health
- 66%Anthem Blue Cross California
- 55%Cigna
- 51%Providence Health Plan

- 92%English
- 21%Spanish
- 4%French
- 3%Arabic
- 1%Farsi

- 93%In-person or online
- 7%In-person only

- 70%Woman
- 30%Man

- 54%Licensed Marriage/Family Therapist
- 20%Licensed Clinical Social Worker
- 14%Clinical Psychologist
- 11%Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor
- 1%Medical Doctor

- 100%Individual therapy
- 34%Family therapy
- 22%Couples therapy
- 18%Child or adolescent therapy
Frequently asked questions


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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