Find a therapist in Escondido, CA — covered by insurance


Top therapists in Escondido, CA accepting new patients
Whether you're in Escondido's Felicity, Downtown, or Rincon neighborhoods, Headway's 8,987 providers offer compassionate talk therapy and medication management. Sessions are available virtually or in-person with insurance accepted, helping you find the right fit for your mental health journey.
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.
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 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 am a Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist, and Lead Clinician. I received my Master of Arts from Western Kentucky University have been a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist since 1996 and provided services in child welfare settings involving abused and neglected children and parents who experienced addiction, trauma, PTSD, depression, and anxiety. I also have years of experience working in a private practice setting, working with teens, adults, couples and active duty military. I also specialize in treating trauma and PTSD using EMDR.
Hi I'm Natalie and I want to help you build a life that feels authentic and purposeful. Do you feel like you’re navigating life on autopilot, and have difficulty showing up for your work, your relationships, or yourself? You may find yourself caught in cycles of people-pleasing or seeking external validation, only to end up feeling drained and unfulfilled. If you feel stuck in patterns that no longer serve you, know that you don’t have to navigate this alone. In our sessions, we’ll move beyond the 'what' to understand the roots of your struggle while building practical, compassionate strategies to help you reclaim your confidence and advocate for your needs.
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 very honest, caring, real and genuine. Encouragement and support for their future journey.
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.
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.
About our therapists located within 20 miles of Escondido, CA



- 100%Anxiety
- 91%Stress management
- 91%Relationship issues
- 88%Depression
- 82%Trauma

- 97%Aetna
- 85%Carelon Behavioral Health
- 71%Anthem Blue Cross California
- 56%Cigna
- 44%Blue Shield of California

- 94%English
- 12%Spanish
- 3%American Sign Language
- 3%Cantonese
- 3%Mandarin

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

- 62%Woman
- 38%Man

- 41%Licensed Marriage/Family Therapist
- 24%Clinical Psychologist
- 15%Licensed Clinical Social Worker
- 15%Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor
- 3%Medical Doctor

- 100%Individual therapy
- 47%Family therapy
- 35%Couples therapy
- 24%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 Therapist in Escondido
Searching for therapists in Escondido starts with knowing what kind of support fits your needs. You may be looking for therapy in Escondido for anxiety, depression, grief, relationship challenges, work stress, or major life changes. A therapist’s listed specialties can help you understand whether their experience matches what you want to address. Their bio may also mention approaches such as cognitive behavioral therapy, dialectical behavior therapy, trauma-informed care, or couples counseling, which can give you a clearer sense of how they work.
In a smaller city like Escondido, the number of nearby office options may be more limited than in larger parts of San Diego County. Virtual therapy can expand your choices while still letting you see a therapist licensed in California. As you compare therapists, look at appointment availability, whether they offer in-person or virtual sessions, and whether a free phone consultation is available. Reading profiles before booking can also help you learn about each therapist’s communication style, session structure, and areas of focus.
Therapy in Escondido can be a significant expense without insurance. Using in-network insurance is one of the most reliable ways to reduce session costs and understand your out-of-pocket estimate before you book. Headway helps you find therapists who match your preferences and are accepting new patients, and you can enter your insurance details on Headway to confirm coverage for your plan and location. You can review bios, compare availability, and book directly when you’re ready.
If you're experiencing or worried about violence, threats, or coercion in your relationship, couples therapy isn't usually the right starting point — individual support is safer. The National Domestic Violence Hotline (1-800-799-7233, or text START to 88788\) can help you think through next steps.
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