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Find a therapist in Escondido, CA — covered by insurance

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Top therapists in Escondido, CA accepting new patients

Whether you're in Escondido's Felicity, Downtown, or Rincon neighborhoods, Headway's 8,400 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.

Terence Shigg

Terence Shigg

Therapist

Virtual & in-person • 24 mi away • La Mesa, CA


“I want all of my clients to strenghten their personal development tools so that eventually they can become more self-aware and self-correcting.”
Anger management, Anxiety, Cultural & ethnic issues, Depression, Family issues
Challenging, Creative, Warm
Accepts 10 insurance carriers
Alene McDowell-Ibanez

Alene McDowell-Ibanez

Therapist

Virtual & in-person • 26 mi away • Temecula, CA


“My approach is warm, direct, and collaborative, helping you feel supported while working toward meaningful change.”
ADD/ADHD, Anxiety, Depression, End of life care, Family issues
Empowering, Open-minded, Solution-oriented
Accepts 12 insurance carriers
Jennifer Esquivel-Parker

Jennifer Esquivel-Parker

Therapist

Virtual & in-person • 26 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 • 26 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 • 26 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 • 26 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
Dr. Joseph Ritkes

Dr. Joseph Ritkes

Therapist

Virtual & in-person • 26 mi away • San Diego, CA


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.

ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Depression, LGBTQIA+
Affirming, Open-minded, Warm
Accepts 1 insurance carrier

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
Maria Montalvan

Maria Montalvan

Therapist

Virtual & in-person • Chula Vista, CA


“I see therapy as a partnership where we work together to understand your experiences and create lasting change.”
Anxiety, Depression, Family issues, Panic disorders, Relationship issues
Open-minded, Solution-oriented, Warm
Accepts 5 insurance carriers
Sabrina Shammas

Sabrina Shammas

Therapist

Virtual & in-person • Chula Vista, CA


“My belief is that the client is the expert on their lives, working collaboratively as their co-pilot when approaching mental health.”
Anxiety, Bipolar disorder, Cultural & ethnic issues, Depression, Family issues
Challenging, Empowering, Humorous
Accepts 4 insurance carriers

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
Suzanne LaFleur

Suzanne LaFleur

Therapist

Virtual & in-person • 26 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
Theresa Russell

Theresa Russell

Therapist

Virtual & in-person • 27 mi away • San Diego, CA


“In our work, we slow things down and listen more closely—to your body, your emotions, and your intuition.”
ADD/ADHD, Anxiety, Depression, Family issues, Grief or loss
Affirming, Creative, Inquisitive
Accepts 6 insurance carriers

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
Julie Hunter

Julie Hunter

Therapist

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


I work with individuals of all ages navigating anxiety, depression, trauma, PTSD, relationship issues, life transitions, or that lingering feeling that something just isn’t right. My approach is warm, grounded, and collaborative—I offer space to slow down, make sense of what’s happening, and reconnect with what matters most. Whether you're healing from recent events or long-standing patterns,

ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder, Depression
Challenging, Solution-oriented, Warm
Accepts 8 insurance carriers
Andrea Martin Vaz Antunes

Andrea Martin Vaz Antunes

Therapist

Virtual & in-person • 26 mi away • San Diego, CA


Hello, and welcome! I'm a Licensed Clinical Social Worker based in San Diego, CA. I specialize in helping individuals overcome the lasting effects of childhood experiences, as well as present traumas they may be facing. I have worked with adults, children and families in a variety of settings. I have provided space for people during the toughest of life transitions while teaching them tools to cope with the overwhelming emotions of grief and trauma. I’d like to be there for you too!

Anxiety, Depression, Family issues, Grief or loss, Panic disorders
Creative, Holistic, Warm
Accepts 10 insurance carriers
Dr. Blanca Lugo

Dr. Blanca Lugo

Therapist

Virtual & in-person • 24 mi away • San Diego, CA


“For over 20 years I have been working with women and men that have been victims of abusive relationships in childhood and their adult life.”
Anxiety, Cultural & ethnic issues, Depression, Family issues, Grief or loss
Direct, Empowering, Inquisitive
Accepts 6 insurance carriers

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
Shanelle Johnson

Shanelle Johnson

Therapist

Virtual & in-person • 27 mi away • San Diego, CA


“I show up 100% authentic to who I am with the hopes that that give you permission to show up 100% authentic to who I am.”
ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder, Depression
Direct, Empowering, Solution-oriented
Accepts 8 insurance carriers
Taylor Wikel

Taylor Wikel

Therapist

Virtual & in-person • 28 mi away • Temecula, CA


“Using a trauma informed approach along with a Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT) lens, I help you understand why these patterns exist, build self-trust, and create boundaries that actually stick.”
Anxiety, Depression, Family issues, Grief or loss, Identity issues
Affirming, Challenging, Empowering
Accepts 13 insurance carriers
Marissa Melhuse

Marissa Melhuse

Therapist

Virtual & in-person • San Juan Capistrano, CA


“My goal is to meet you exactly where you are, offering practical tools, fresh perspectives, and compassionate support to help ease the weight of anxiety, depression, trauma, and life transitions.”
Anger management, Anxiety, Depression, Family issues, Grief or loss
Inquisitive, Open-minded, Warm
Accepts 8 insurance carriers

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
Andrew Hey

Andrew Hey

Therapist

Virtual & in-person • Mission Viejo, CA


“I'm a laid-back, warm, and nonjudgmental therapist who works with adults and older adolescents navigating stress, burnout, identity concerns, and life transitions.”
Anxiety, Depression, Family issues, Identity issues, Infertility
Creative, Empowering, Humorous
Accepts 5 insurance carriers
Flavia Crovetto Hartley

Flavia Crovetto Hartley

Therapist

Virtual & in-person • Laguna Niguel, CA


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.

Anxiety, Cultural & ethnic issues, Depression, Family issues, Grief or loss
Creative, Inquisitive, Warm
Accepts 1 insurance carrier

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
Sharon Chan

Sharon Chan

Therapist

Virtual & in-person • Mission Viejo, CA


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.

Anxiety, Depression, Family issues, Relationship issues, Stress management
Affirming, Inquisitive, Warm
Accepts 3 insurance carriers
Angelique Danza

Angelique Danza

Therapist

Virtual & in-person • 26 mi away • Temecula, CA


“My goal is to meet you where you are, offer compassion without judgment, and help you move toward a life that feels more connected, balanced, and authentic.”
Anger management, Depression, End of life care, Family issues, Grief or loss
Direct, Empowering, Open-minded
Accepts 6 insurance carriers

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
Darlene Violas

Darlene Violas

Therapist

Virtual & in-person • Laguna Beach, CA


“I will not only challenge you to grow, but also provide unwavering support as you navigate your personal path towards healing and self-discovery.”
ADD/ADHD, Anxiety, Chronic conditions, Depression, Family issues
Empowering, Solution-oriented, Warm
Accepts 13 insurance carriers
Ravina Wadhwani

Ravina Wadhwani

Therapist

In-person • Aliso Viejo, CA


“I help clients heal from anxiety, depression and PTSD. I am passionate about processing trauma and empowering you to see change in your life outside of sessions.”
Anxiety, Cultural & ethnic issues, Depression, Grief or loss, Identity issues
Affirming, Empowering, Warm
Accepts 7 insurance carriers
Steven Aird

Steven Aird

Therapist

Virtual & in-person • Lake Forest, CA


“I focus on establishing a safe, collaborative and supportive therapeutic relationship, creating the framework for the work we will do together.”
Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder, Chronic conditions, Depression
Affirming, Empowering, Holistic
Accepts 8 insurance carriers

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
Mahsan Behnoud

Mahsan Behnoud

Therapist

Virtual & in-person • Irvine, CA


“Together we can identify mental/emotional blocks, reprocess past disturbing memories, and develop mental agility to experience the life you deserve to flourish in.”
ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder, Cultural & ethnic issues
Empowering, Energetic, Solution-oriented
Accepts 4 insurance carriers
Tongqing Zhu

Tongqing Zhu

Therapist

Virtual & in-person • Irvine, CA


“I focus on healing the family as a whole, not just the individual with compassion and attachment-based methods...”
Anger management, Anxiety, Cultural & ethnic issues, Depression, Family issues
Affirming, Solution-oriented, Warm
Accepts 8 insurance carriers

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
Dr. Cathy Evangelatos

Dr. Cathy Evangelatos

Psychologist

Virtual & in-person • Irvine, CA


“I specialize in psychodynamic psychotherapy, a depth-oriented form of therapy... Together, we explore the connections between your past and present — including processing past trauma and recurring relationship patterns.”
ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder, Cultural & ethnic issues
Affirming, Empowering, Warm
Accepts 5 insurance carriers
Manuel Cruz

Manuel Cruz

Therapist

Virtual & in-person • Tustin, CA


“I strive to create a safe, non-judgemental environment where I can meet my clients where they are and help them learn to become the best version of themselves.”
Anger management, Anxiety, Depression, Family issues, Grief or loss
Challenging, Empowering, Open-minded
Accepts 4 insurance carriers

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
Janet Gichau

Janet Gichau

Psychiatric Mental Health NP

Virtual & in-person • Corona, CA


“My open-minded strategic approach and accepting individualism help me let the patient guide in discussing their personal health struggles.”
ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Depression, Eating disorders
Empowering, Inquisitive, Open-minded
Accepts 8 insurance carriers
Juan Banda

Juan Banda

Therapist

Virtual & in-person • Santa Ana, CA


“His clinical approach integrates EMDR-informed, trauma-focused, and solution-focused interventions to help clients reduce emotional distress, build resilience, improve self-efficacy, and develop healthier patterns of thinking and behavior.”
Anger management, Anxiety, Depression, Family issues, Identity issues
Affirming, Challenging, Open-minded
Accepts 9 insurance carriers
Sandra Castillo

Sandra Castillo

Psychiatric Mental Health NP

Virtual & in-person • Santa Ana, CA


“I believe that mental wellness is the foundation for a fulfilling life, yet I know that reaching out for help is often the hardest step.”
Anxiety, Bipolar disorder, Chronic conditions, Cultural & ethnic issues, Depression
Participatory, Solution-oriented, Warm
Accepts 6 insurance carriers
Dr. Seima Diaz

Dr. Seima Diaz

Therapist

Virtual & in-person • Anaheim, CA


“I combine insight with practical tools to create meaningful, measurable change in adolescents and adults.”
ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder, Cultural & ethnic issues
Empowering, Holistic, Solution-oriented
Accepts 4 insurance carriers
Vimal Patel

Vimal Patel

Psychiatric Mental Health NP

Virtual & in-person • Santa Ana, CA


Hi, I’m Vimal Patel, a Board-Certified Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner with over 10 years of experience in healthcare. I earned my Master of Science in Nursing and have a background in both psychiatric and intensive care nursing. I specialize in treating depression, anxiety, and other mood disorders using a combination of medication management and supportive therapy. My approach is compassionate, culturally sensitive, and centered around your unique needs and goals. I'm here to help you feel heard, supported, and empowered on your mental health journey.

ADD/ADHD, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder, Depression, OCD
Direct, Empowering, Open-minded
Accepts 7 insurance carriers
Jennifer Moen

Jennifer Moen

Therapist

Virtual & in-person • Huntington Beach, CA


“I use EMDR, Narrative Therapy, and trauma-responsive interventions in a direct and grounded way to facilitate meaningful, sustainable change.”
Anxiety, Bipolar disorder, Cultural & ethnic issues, End of life care, Family issues
Challenging, Creative, Warm
Accepts 5 insurance carriers
Christina Anakor

Christina Anakor

Psychiatric Mental Health NP

Virtual & in-person • San Bernardino, CA


“My approach to care is rooted in compassion, trust, and understanding. I take time to listen beyond symptoms...”
ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder, Depression
Open-minded, Solution-oriented, Warm
Accepts 10 insurance carriers
Haley Parker

Haley Parker

Therapist

Virtual • California


“I believe therapy is a collaborative healing process. My hope is to empower the individuals I work with to seek clarity and guidance on different strategies to alleviate any existing distress.”
ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder, Cultural & ethnic issues
Open-minded, Solution-oriented, Warm
Accepts 7 insurance carriers
Desiree Mares

Desiree Mares

Therapist

Virtual • California


“I am a strength based Licensed Clinical Social Worker. I am here to offer my knowledge and expertise based on 15 years of direct social work practice.”
Depression, Family issues, Identity issues, Maternal mental health, PTSD
Affirming, Empowering, Energetic
Accepts 5 insurance carriers

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
Christopher Kincheloe

Christopher Kincheloe

Therapist

Virtual • San Diego, CA


“I use approaches like CBT, mindfulness, and motivational interviewing to help you better understand yourself and build tools that actually work in real life.”
Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder, Chronic conditions, Cultural & ethnic issues
Direct, Empowering, Solution-oriented
Accepts 7 insurance carriers

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
Felicia Roman

Felicia Roman

Therapist

Virtual • California


“I provide a supportive and nonjudgemental space where you can explore these experiences openly, without feeling misunderstood or needing to explain your background.”
ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder, Chronic conditions
Affirming, Empowering, Warm
Accepts 7 insurance carriers
Carmen Santillan

Carmen Santillan

Therapist

Virtual • California


I am a board‐certified clinical therapist with a strong foundation in narrative therapy, helping clients explore and reshape the stories that influence their lives. In recent years, I’ve supported children ages 5–17 as well as adults navigating a wide range of emotional experiences, including anxiety, depression, grief, and gender affirmation.

Anger management, Anxiety, Cultural & ethnic issues, Depression, Eating disorders
Empowering, Solution-oriented, Warm
Accepts 5 insurance carriers

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
81 - 120 of

About our therapists located within 20 miles of Escondido, CA

Number of therapists within 20 miles of Escondido, CA
There are over 46 therapists in Escondido, CA accepting new patients.
46+
Average years in practice
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11 years
Top specialties offered
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  • 100%Anxiety
  • 91%Stress management
  • 89%Relationship issues
  • 89%Depression
  • 80%Trauma
Insurances accepted
Watercolor illustration of insurance cards
  • 98%Aetna
  • 78%Carelon Behavioral Health
  • 72%Anthem Blue Cross California
  • 61%Cigna
  • 50%Blue Shield of California
Languages spoken
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  • 98%English
  • 15%Spanish
  • 2%Cantonese
  • 2%Farsi
  • 2%French
How they see their clients
Watercolor illustration of therapy session
  • 96%In-person or online
  • 4%In-person only
Provider gender
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  • 72%Woman
  • 28%Man
License types
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  • 46%Licensed Marriage/Family Therapist
  • 22%Licensed Clinical Social Worker
  • 20%Clinical Psychologist
  • 9%Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor
  • 2%Medical Doctor
Treatment approaches
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  • 100%Individual therapy
  • 43%Family therapy
  • 41%Couples therapy
  • 28%Child or adolescent therapy

Frequently asked questions

Therapy Chair

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