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 8,400 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.
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.
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 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,
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!
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.
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.
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.
About our therapists located within 20 miles of Escondido, CA



- 100%Anxiety
- 91%Stress management
- 89%Relationship issues
- 89%Depression
- 80%Trauma

- 98%Aetna
- 78%Carelon Behavioral Health
- 72%Anthem Blue Cross California
- 61%Cigna
- 50%Blue Shield of California

- 98%English
- 15%Spanish
- 2%Cantonese
- 2%Farsi
- 2%French

- 96%In-person or online
- 4%In-person only

- 72%Woman
- 28%Man

- 46%Licensed Marriage/Family Therapist
- 22%Licensed Clinical Social Worker
- 20%Clinical Psychologist
- 9%Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor
- 2%Medical Doctor

- 100%Individual therapy
- 43%Family therapy
- 41%Couples therapy
- 28%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 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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