Book a therapist or psychiatrist in Escondido, CA covered by Aetna

My name is Joey Ritkes (he/him). I have been working as a mental health therapist for over five years. My practice has primarily been specialized in working with LGBTQ+ youth. However, I have worked with couples, families, emerging adults, and adults from all backgrounds. I am a client-centered therapist who enjoys working collaboratively with my clients to meet their goals.

I believe some of the strongest people are the ones carrying burdens that nobody else can see.

As an Army veteran, husband, father, and therapist, I understand that life can ask a lot of us. Many of the people I work with have spent years being the dependable one, the problem solver, or the person everyone else leans on. From the outside, they may appear to be doing fine. On the inside, they are exhausted, overwhelmed, or struggling to make sense of experiences that continue to affect them long after they happened.

My role is not to tell you how to live your life. It is to help you better understand yourself, identify what is getting in the way, and build practical tools for moving forward.

I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist and EMDR-trained trauma therapist who works with adults navigating trauma, anxiety, depression, relationship challenges, life transitions, and personal growth. I provide therapy in both English and Spanish and strive to create a space where clients feel respected, supported, and challenged in ways that promote meaningful change.

What if the goal isn’t to silence your thoughts, but to understand them? Anxiety, stress, ADHD, relationship challenges, or painful experiences from the past can leave you feeling stuck, even when you’re doing everything you can to move forward. As a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, I work with teens and adults to create a warm, supportive space where you can better understand yourself, build practical coping skills, and move toward meaningful, lasting change. My goal is to help you feel heard, empowered, and reminded that you don’t have to navigate life’s challenges alone.

I have extensive background working with Neurodiverse persons. My background could best be described as ADHD unleashed. I have previously worked with Group Home Youth, Community Mental Health, School Based Mental health, and High Risk Outpatient clients.

Hello! I'm Amanda Long, a board-certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner dedicated to serving families through compassionate, culturally sensitive mental health care. I earned my Master of Science in Nursing from Walden University and have been practicing as a PMHNP since 2019, with over a decade of nursing experience beginning in 2011. My educational foundation also includes a Bachelor of Arts from the University of Illinois in Springfield, which broadened my understanding of human behavior and community dynamics. My journey in mental health has taken me through diverse settings that have shaped my comprehensive approach to care. I've worked in psychiatric emergency services at a major hospital, 23-hour crisis stabilization units, outpatient clinics, correctional facilities, and forensic mental health centers, including fitness-to-stand-trial evaluations. This varied experience has equipped me to understand mental health from multiple perspectives and meet people wherever they are in their journey, whether they're facing an acute crisis or seeking ongoing support. I specialize in medication management for individuals across the lifespan—from children and adolescents to adults and older adults. My treatment areas include depression, anxiety, ADHD, bipolar disorder, trauma-related conditions, psychotic disorders, and other mental health concerns. I'm experienced in both telehealth and in-person care, making quality psychiatric services accessible and convenient for your lifestyle. What drives me is the belief that everyone deserves competent, caring mental health support that honors their unique background and circumstances. I'm committed to improving the communities I serve, one individual and family at a time, through evidence-based practice combined with genuine human connection. My approach centers on partnership and creating a safe environment for healing. I look forward to supporting you and your family's wellness journey.

Hello, I’m a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, licensed since 2008, with experience working with diverse populations ranging from children to older adults. I provide a warm, safe, and nonjudgmental space where clients can feel supported and understood. I especially enjoy helping individuals navigate life transitions such as starting college, graduating, changing jobs, adjusting to civilian life after the military, or entering retirement. My areas of focus include women’s issues, anxiety, depression, and building self-acceptance. I look forward to supporting you as you move toward growth and balance in your life.

I'm Susana, a bilingual LCSW with over 20 years of experience working alongside adults and seniors during the moments that matter most: loss, illness, major life change, and the quiet overwhelm that builds when you're holding too much for too long. Before focusing on psychotherapy, I spent years as a medical social worker, which means I understand what it's like to navigate the healthcare system while also carrying real emotional pain, and I know how to help you do both. I offer sessions in English and Spanish, entirely via telehealth, so wherever you are in California, consistent care is within reach.

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.

I’m a licensed therapist with a background in social work, and I’ve worked in both clinical and community settings supporting people through anxiety, depression, trauma, life transitions, and moments where things just feel “off.” Whether you’re navigating stress, relationship challenges, burnout, or a deeper sense of feeling stuck, I’m here to help you make sense of it and move forward.

My approach is collaborative, down-to-earth, and tailored to you. I’m not the kind of therapist who just nods along—I’ll actively engage with you, offer insight, and help you connect patterns so you can create real, lasting change. I aim to create a space where you feel comfortable being fully yourself, while also gently challenging what’s no longer working.

I also specialize in Ketamine-Assisted Psychotherapy (KAP) through a partnership with Journey Clinical, working alongside medical providers who prescribe and monitor treatment. This can be a powerful option for those who feel stuck in traditional approaches or are looking for a deeper level of healing and perspective.

I work with adults from all walks of life who are ready to better understand themselves, improve their relationships, and feel more grounded and aligned in their day-to-day lives.

Hello! My name is Miaisha. Are you looking for a space where you can keep it real and get support? Then you are at the right place because I believe that everyone deserves a space where they can feel heard, understood, and supported. I am a compassionate and culturally sensitive Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist. I use multiple treatment approaches when working with clients, one of which is client-centered, this allows you to be the driver of your journey, while I am riding in the passenger seat. Whether you're adjusting to new life roles or seeking deeper self-understanding, I’m here to support you. You deserve a therapist who sees and affirms you, helping you embrace change with confidence and resilience. Let’s work together to create meaningful, lasting change. I invite you to reach out and take the first step and know that you are not alone. Together, we’ll create a path forward that honors your unique journey.

Hello, my name is Sherri Crespin, a board-certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner passionate about providing integrated care for complex mental health challenges, including personality disorders, PTSD and trauma, substance use disorders, ADHD, depression, anxiety, panic disorders, mood disorders, and bipolar conditions. My practice recognizes these conditions are interconnected in ways requiring specialized understanding.

I chose these specializations because I understand how trauma influences personality development, how ADHD complicates substance use recovery, how symptoms emerge during extreme stress, and how these complex interactions require providers who see the complete picture. Whether you're in recovery while managing other conditions, dealing with personality patterns that developed as survival mechanisms, or navigating multiple diagnoses, I bring the expertise needed for comprehensive care.

My approach emphasizes evidence-based treatments and the healing power of being truly understood. I recognize that seeking help for stigmatized conditions like personality disorders takes tremendous courage, especially after negative experiences with providers. I create a therapeutic space where you can explore your experiences without judgment or shame.

You can expect a thorough assessment, personalized treatment planning, and consistent support throughout our work together. My goal is to help you build resilience, develop effective coping strategies, and thrive in your daily life.

IMPORTANT: For current availability, visit https://mentalhealthpractitioners.com/ or call or text us anytime at 415-968-6515—we make it super easy! Intake forms are required before your first appointment. You can text us your info or email us at [email protected]. Please send us a picture of your insurance information and photo ID!