LGBT therapists in El Cajon, CA

I have 26 years of experience dealing with individuals, couples, families in therapy. We will work together to develop plans that are unique and right for you.

I'm Candice Jeffers, a board-certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner with an unusual background—I spent nearly a decade in cardiovascular critical care before dedicating myself to mental health. That ICU experience taught me something crucial: psychiatric crises deserve the same urgency, expertise, and unwavering support as any cardiac emergency.

For nine years at Ascension Seton Medical Center's Cardiovascular ICU, I supervised teams through impossible situations. I learned to stay steady when everything felt uncertain, to read the subtle signs others might miss, and to offer hope when families needed it most. Those years shaped how I practice psychiatry today—with precision, presence, and profound respect for what you're facing.

I completed my Master of Science in Nursing at University of South Alabama in 2024, immersing myself in over 600 clinical hours spanning outpatient clinics, inpatient psychiatry, and crisis intervention. My pediatric nursing background adds another layer—I understand how early experiences shape us and how differently mental health shows up across ages.

My practice centers on thorough psychiatric evaluations, personalized medication management, and crisis intervention for all ages. I specialize in suicide risk assessment, trauma-informed approaches, and evidence-based treatments that actually fit into real lives. I'm MOUD-trained and licensed for telehealth in Texas, California, Arizona, and Florida.

Here's what matters most: I approach mental health as someone who's held space for both miracles and heartbreak. I know seeking help requires tremendous courage. I know healing rarely follows a straight line. And I know you need a provider who won't flinch, no matter what you share. My work blends critical care decisiveness with deep compassion—because you deserve both.

Hello! I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) with almost 10 years experience providing individual therapy. I am a graduate of Cal State Fullerton, and specialize in EMDR therapy and LGBTQ+ affirming therapy. I am a big advocate for taking care of our mental health, and I am so glad you are here because that usually means you are thinking about taking care of yours too!

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.

Do you feel like something is wrong with you? Do you wish it would all just stop and go away? Is your child acting out and you don't know why or what to do? If you have had any of these thoughts, then you're in the right place! My practice is based around what happened to us, not what is wrong with us. I am here to support & guide you in processing thoughts and feelings, reflect on experiences, learn new coping skills, and figure out next steps. I will listen, teach, brainstorm, guide and help you build tools to meet your goals.

Jerrica is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist with over 20 years of experience supporting individuals and families through life’s challenges. She has worked in both inpatient and outpatient settings and has extensive experience helping clients with anxiety, trauma, mood disorders, ADHD, crisis support, and substance use concerns.

Jerrica’s approach is compassionate, supportive, and client-centered. She strives to create a safe space where clients feel heard, understood, and empowered to grow. Using evidence-based tools tailored to each person’s needs, she helps clients build insight, strengthen coping skills, and move toward healing.

Jerrica feels honored to walk alongside her clients as they work toward positive change, greater balance, and a more hopeful future.

I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) in California since 2008. My work is grounded in compassion, collaboration, and respect for each client’s unique life story.

I support clients navigating anxiety, depression, stress, health issues, and interpersonal relationship challenges, trauma, grief, aging, and end-of-life concerns. I strive to create a safe, nonjudgmental space where clients can explore challenges, build resilience, and reconnect with their strengths while moving toward greater clarity, healing, and emotional balance.

I am Tony Gunn, a Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker and Licensed Clinical Social Worker. I am also a Substance Abuse Professional and a board certified transgender care therapist. I value connection, trust, and respect.

I work with adults, teens, families, and couples. My focus areas include LGBTQIA+ clients, gender nonconforming clients, transgender care, sexual health concerns, trauma, grief, mood concerns, and major life transitions.

You receive care grounded in empathy, cultural awareness, and collaboration. Sessions center on clear goals, practical skills, and meaningful insight. I create a space where you feel heard, supported, and understood without judgment.

I provide services through in-person and telehealth settings. My approach blends evidence-based practice with care shaped around your needs, values, and lived experience. My goal centers on supporting clarity, stability, and long-term well-being through an affirming therapeutic relationship.

I specialize in helping clients navigating trauma, anxiety, panic disorder, depression, LGBTQ+ issues, grief, & much more. I earned my MSW from New York University in 2011 and have worked as a forensic social worker in NYC at The Legal Aid Society & have also worked with Gay Men's Health Crisis, Services for the Underserved, Footsteps & Office of the Appellate Defender. I moved to Los Angeles in 2017 and have been in private practice since 2018.

I have been a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, working with individuals and couples for over 25 years. I believe strongly in the benefits of processing the challenges of life with a supportive and open-minded "witness" in order to get perspective and make hard decisions. I worked with families at Children's Hospital and PsyCare Inc. in San Diego, before opening my private practice in 2003.

Professional Journey

Melissa became licensed in California in 2010 as an LCSW, following her Master’s Degree. Since then, she has continued learning and growing. Her career began in 2006, working with families experiencing various crises and trauma. Melissa has pursued additional training to specialize further. She has worked with depression, life transition issues, anxiety, panic disorders, identify questions, and lgbtqia populations.

Specialized Training

Melissa is trained in somatic therapy and EMDR therapy, which are effective for treating clients with experiences of sexual abuse and assault. She has also studied sexuality and somatic sex therapy, coaching clients on how to reconnect erotically with themselves and others.