Addiction therapists & psychiatrists in La Mesa, CA

Lynda K. Cash, MA, LMFT (AKA; Lynda K. Martin)

Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist

Lynda K. Cash has over 17 years of clinical experience as a marriage and family therapist. Lynda has helped with individuals, couples and families gain insight and understanding regarding unhealthy/dysfunctional behavioral life patterns. Lynda is competent with facilitating plans of action for overcoming challenges with managing daily living needs and responsibilities.

Introduction

I primarily use a cognitive behavioral approach. My focus area of practice is helping clients improve their lives and find meaningful change.

My communication style

My sessions are calm, collegial, interactive, respectful, directive, and helpful.

How I help clients reach goals

Change does not necessarily take a long time. We're 'shooting for the moon' right away. What's the worst that could happen?

My journey to becoming a provider

Helping others help themselves is an absolute privilege! I'd pay them to do this work (but please don't tell them that.) How did I get here? It's a long story. I originally went to college to be a journalist, but changed to broadcasting. Dumb. I needed to jumpstart my life, so I changed to this profession. Talk about purpose and meaning!

Welcome! I'm a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with nearly a decade of clinical experience across diverse healthcare and mental health settings, helping adults navigate anxiety, depression, grief, life transitions, caregiver stress, and the emotional impact of chronic or life-limiting illness. I believe healing begins in a space where you feel heard and understood. Together, we'll build practical tools, increase self-awareness, and work toward meaningful, lasting change at a pace that feels right for you.

I believe therapy should feel like a space where you can finally exhale. I strive to create an environment that is supportive, honest, and free of judgment; a place where you feel truly seen and emotionally safe. My approach is collaborative and practical. I don’t just help you understand why you feel the way you do; I help you build real tools to navigate it.

I earned my degree from Cal State Fullerton and have extensive experience working in addiction treatment, eating disorder recovery, and women’s issues. Supporting women is especially meaningful to me. I am deeply passionate about helping women navigate challenges related to self-worth, body image, relationships, boundaries, life transitions, and identity. I understand how trauma, societal expectations, and relational dynamics can shape how women see themselves, and I approach this work with both compassion and clarity.

Together, we focus on strengthening mindfulness, emotional regulation, distress tolerance, and communication skills in ways that feel realistic and sustainable. I blend insight-oriented exploration with concrete strategies, because meaningful change happens when insight meets action. My goal is to help you better understand your patterns, feel more confident managing your emotions, and move forward with greater clarity, self-trust, and resilience.

I’m a therapist who understands how difficult it can be to open up—and how meaningful the right support can be. I care deeply about creating a space grounded in honesty, trust, and genuine connection. My approach is warm, compassionate, and straightforward, and I shape each session around your unique needs rather than a one-size-fits-all model. Above all, I see therapy as a collaborative process, and I’m here to help you feel heard, supported, and empowered as you grow.

My path into psychiatry is both professional and personal. I moved to the U.S. alone at 17 while navigating complex PTSD and periods of misdiagnosis, which shaped how I understand mental health today. I began with a bachelor’s degree in psychology at Nankai University, then trained as a nurse and nurse practitioner at Charles R. Drew University and Purdue University.

Over the past 7 years, I’ve worked across medical and mental health settings, developing an approach that balances clinical precision with individualized care. I specialize in anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder, and complex PTSD, particularly for individuals who feel stuck or haven’t found relief in traditional treatment.

I’m licensed in California, Virginia, New York, Washington, and Oregon, and provide care via telehealth.

Hello,

I am Dr. Jaeger and I welcome you to my practice. I look forward to sitting with you, hearing your story, and developing a plan to help you with your concerns and needs.