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Find a therapist in El Cajon, CA — covered by insurance

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Top therapists in El Cajon, CA accepting new patients

Find mental health support in El Cajon with 8,144 licensed providers ready to help. Headway connects you with therapists in Rancho San Diego, Lakeside, and Bostonia who offer flexible in-person and virtual sessions covered by insurance. Many patients pay $0 per session—start your free intake call today.

Dr. Hee Seung Lee

Dr. Hee Seung Lee

Therapist

Virtual • California


“As an LMFT specializing in Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), I help you change your relationship with your negative thoughts and feelings.”
ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Depression, Family issues
Empowering, Open-minded, Warm
Accepts 13 insurance carriers
Eliza Mercado

Eliza Mercado

Therapist

Virtual • California


“My goal is to support you through those times and gently encourage you to develop the tools and coping skills you need to navigate them with more self-compassion and resilience.”
Anger management, Anxiety, Cultural & ethnic issues, Depression, Family issues
Direct, Open-minded, Solution-oriented
Accepts 5 insurance carriers
Tesi Long

Tesi Long

Therapist

Virtual • California


I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) with over 17 years of experience providing behavioral health services, including substance use treatment, trauma-informed care, crisis intervention, and co-occurring mental health treatment. I work with adolescents, adults, families, and older adults navigating addiction, anxiety, depression, trauma, grief, and major life transitions.

Throughout my career, I have worked with individuals from a wide range of backgrounds, cultures, identities, and lived experiences. I have extensive experience serving American Indian and Alaska Native communities and integrate culturally responsive, strengths-based, and holistic approaches into treatment. I am committed to providing inclusive, affirming, and respectful care and welcome clients of all backgrounds, identities, and life experiences.

My professional background includes work in residential treatment, psychiatric and behavioral health settings, crisis services, substance use programs, schools, tribal health programs, and community mental health. I have also supervised clinicians and social work students and contributed to program development focused on recovery, resilience, and culturally grounded healing.

Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder, Cultural & ethnic issues, Depression
Affirming, Empowering, Open-minded
Accepts 7 insurance carriers
Laya Fatemeh Jamali

Laya Fatemeh Jamali

Therapist

Virtual & in-person • Oakland, CA


“My approach is relational, trauma-informed, and depth-oriented. I integrate psychodynamic and Jungian perspectives with mindfulness and somatic awareness...”
Cultural & ethnic issues, Depression, Grief or loss, Identity issues, Men's issues
Creative, Empowering, Open-minded
Accepts 1 insurance carrier

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
Maxine Koza

Maxine Koza

Therapist

Virtual • California


“I specialize in helping people move through transitions, untangle complicated relationships, and make sense of old patterns that no longer serve them.”
Anxiety, Chronic conditions, Depression, End of life care, Family issues
Humorous, Inquisitive, Warm
Accepts 7 insurance carriers
Arianna Penalba

Arianna Penalba

Therapist

Virtual • California


“As a counselor, I would describe myself as an eclectic therapist, and I use a variety of theoretical approaches in my work, depending on my specific client's needs.”
Anxiety, Cultural & ethnic issues, Depression, Family issues, Grief or loss
Direct, Empowering, Warm
Accepts 2 insurance carriers

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
Zoe Avalon

Zoe Avalon

Therapist

Virtual • California


“I recognize that people are incredibly unique and they have freedom of choice in all aspects of lifestyle, personal relationship and family arrangement.”
Anxiety, Family issues, Grief or loss, Maternal mental health, PTSD
Inquisitive, Open-minded, Warm
Accepts 7 insurance carriers
Hillary Shephard

Hillary Shephard

Therapist

Virtual • Santa Rosa, CA


“I believe we all have the ability to thrive when we're connected to our most authentic and embodied self.”
Anxiety, Depression, Family issues, Grief or loss, Identity issues
Empowering, Inquisitive, Warm
Accepts 1 insurance carrier

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
Dr. Sky Lea Ross

Dr. Sky Lea Ross

Therapist

Virtual • California


“Operating primarily from a client-centered lens, Dr. Sky views her clients as the experts of their own lives, providing them with empathy, empowerment, and focusing on strengths rather than deficits.”
Anxiety, Bipolar disorder, Chronic conditions, Cultural & ethnic issues, Depression
Affirming, Empowering, Warm
Accepts 9 insurance carriers

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
Emily Samuel

Emily Samuel

Psychiatric Mental Health NP

Virtual • San Francisco, CA


“Emily's therapeutic approach is a mixture of supportive therapy and motivational interviewing; she thoroughly evaluates your entire mental health in a way that makes you feel connected and supported, and provides you with positive energy, strength...”
ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder, Chronic conditions
Empowering, Holistic, Warm
Accepts 8 insurance carriers
Shannon Bode

Shannon Bode

Therapist

Virtual • California


I support teens, adults, and families who are navigating life transitions, emotional overwhelm, relationship challenges, grief, identity exploration, anxiety, depression, and the lasting impact of difficult or traumatic experiences. Whether you are feeling disconnected from yourself, struggling to break painful relational patterns, or simply trying to find steadiness during a difficult season of life, therapy can become a space where healing and clarity begin to emerge.

Anxiety, Depression, End of life care, Family issues, Grief or loss
Affirming, Empowering, Open-minded
Accepts 7 insurance carriers

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
Elizabeth Trujillo

Elizabeth Trujillo

Therapist

Virtual • California


“I help clients reconnect with their bodies, their inner child, and their intuition so they can feel present, empowered, and proud of who they're becoming.”
Anxiety, Cultural & ethnic issues, Panic disorders, PTSD, Trauma
Empowering, Holistic, Open-minded
Accepts 6 insurance carriers
Rhamell Stevenson

Rhamell Stevenson

Therapist

Virtual • Berkeley, CA


“I show up as a real, engaged therapist who is focused on helping you understand what's happening beneath the surface — not just talk about it.”
Anger management, Anxiety, Cultural & ethnic issues, Depression, Grief or loss
Challenging, Empowering, Holistic
Accepts 5 insurance carriers
Fernando Vinuela

Fernando Vinuela

Therapist

Virtual • California


“Clients can expect to leave their first session with a regained sense of control in their lives, despite the turbulence surrounding them.”
Anxiety, Cultural & ethnic issues, Depression, Family issues, Grief or loss
Challenging, Open-minded, Solution-oriented
Accepts 3 insurance carriers
Shawn Redfield

Shawn Redfield

Therapist

Virtual • California


“I primarily use Acceptance and Commitment Therapy to help you build new skills and create space for what matters most.”
Anger management, Anxiety, Depression, Eating disorders, Family issues
Empowering, Humorous, Warm
Accepts 3 insurance carriers

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
Jennifer Limon Arredondo

Jennifer Limon Arredondo

Therapist

Virtual • California


“I provide trauma-informed, compassionate care to new and expecting mothers facing challenges such as anxiety and depression.”
Anger management, Anxiety, Cultural & ethnic issues, Depression, Family issues
Empowering, Open-minded, Warm
Accepts 4 insurance carriers
Kimetha Petteway-Turner

Kimetha Petteway-Turner

Therapist

Virtual & in-person • Lynwood, CA


“I believe that the foundations of effective therapy are a strong, trusting therapeutic relationship.”
Anger management, Anxiety, Depression, End of life care, Family issues
Open-minded, Participatory, Warm
Accepts 5 insurance carriers

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
Henriette Backer

Henriette Backer

Therapist

Virtual • California


Originally from Denmark where I was an educator, I came to California for my own therapy as part of my healing journey. After creating a family, I decided to pursue a longtime dream of becoming a therapist. I've worked with a diverse range of people, families, ages and challenges in humanistic, person centered, emotion focused schools, in psychodynamic community clinic, in substance use recovery center running groups and with clients suffering from eating disorders and co-existing conditions. Working in this field continues to give me an in depth understanding of the human soul and heart that I strive to use to help others heal.

Anxiety, Depression, Eating disorders, Family issues, Grief or loss
Holistic, Inquisitive, Warm
Accepts 5 insurance carriers
Shirin Shenasi Azari

Shirin Shenasi Azari

Psychologist

Virtual • California


“I strive to provide a safe and non-judgmental space to help people to sort out their feelings, gain new perspectives and change stuck patterns.”
Anxiety, Cultural & ethnic issues, Depression, Family issues, Grief or loss
Empowering, Solution-oriented, Warm
Accepts 1 insurance carrier
Dr. Tierra Patterson

Dr. Tierra Patterson

Therapist

Virtual • California


You may be the one everyone relies on, the strong one who keeps moving forward even when things feel overwhelming. But you don’t have to carry everything on your own.

I work with adults who are navigating anxiety, stress, relationship challenges, burnout, and major life transitions. Many of my clients are high-functioning individuals who appear to have it all together on the outside but feel exhausted, stuck, or disconnected on the inside. Therapy can be a place where you finally slow down, reflect, and focus on your own needs.

Anxiety, Cultural & ethnic issues, Depression, Family issues, Grief or loss
Direct, Empowering, Holistic
Accepts 5 insurance carriers
Andy Chow

Andy Chow

Psychiatric Mental Health NP

Virtual • California


“I believe that reaching out for support takes courage. I honor that courage by creating a warm, welcoming space where you can feel safe, understood, and respected.”
ADD/ADHD, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder, Chronic conditions, Cultural & ethnic issues
Holistic, Open-minded, Warm
Accepts 8 insurance carriers
Ronald Columbo

Ronald Columbo

Therapist

Virtual • Panorama City, CA


“My approach to helping clients is deeply supportive, direct, and at times I use some humor to create a friendly and welcoming therapy space.”
ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder, Chronic conditions
Humorous, Participatory, Solution-oriented
Accepts 5 insurance carriers
Amanda Thurman-Hatch

Amanda Thurman-Hatch

Therapist

Virtual • California


“I use a variety of techniques, including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Solution-Focused Therapy, motivational interviewing, and mindfulness to help you reach your goals in therapy.”
Anxiety, Depression, Family issues, Relationship issues, Stress management
Open-minded, Solution-oriented, Warm
Accepts 8 insurance carriers
Lamarria Coleman

Lamarria Coleman

Therapist

Virtual • California


“I provide a safe and non-judgmental space where clients can explore their thoughts, emotions, and experiences.”
Anger management, Anxiety, Cultural & ethnic issues, Depression, Family issues
Affirming, Empowering, Warm
Accepts 6 insurance carriers

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
Claudia Estrada

Claudia Estrada

Therapist

Virtual • California


“Her approach is warm, supportive, and holistic, helping clients explore the root of their challenges while building practical coping skills.”
Anxiety, Bipolar disorder, Depression, Family issues, LGBTQIA+
Holistic, Open-minded, Solution-oriented
Accepts 7 insurance carriers
Marc Galati

Marc Galati

Therapist

Virtual • California


“I strive to create a supportive, empathetic, and collaborative space where clients feel safe, heard, and understood.”
ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Chronic conditions, Cultural & ethnic issues
Empowering, Open-minded, Solution-oriented
Accepts 3 insurance carriers
Jessica Dineen

Jessica Dineen

Therapist

Virtual • California


I’m a Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor with over 10 years of experience helping adults navigate trauma, anxiety, relationship challenges, and major life stressors. I specialize in working with individuals recovering from narcissistic abuse, high-conflict relationships, complex trauma, and chronic overwhelm.

I believe therapy should be a space where you don’t have to carry the harder parts of life alone. Trauma doesn’t just live in our thoughts — it can become stored in the nervous system and show up in the way we relate to ourselves, others, and the world around us. Because of this, insight alone is often not enough for lasting healing.

I integrate EMDR, attachment-focused therapy, parts work, and nervous system regulation techniques to help clients process painful experiences, better understand themselves, and feel more grounded, connected, and empowered in their daily lives.

Anxiety, LGBTQIA+, PTSD, Relationship issues, Stress management
Empowering, Holistic, Warm
Accepts 2 insurance carriers
Francesca Mephors

Francesca Mephors

Psychiatric Mental Health NP

Virtual • California


“I take the time to understand my patients' needs and concerns, and I will work with you to develop a treatment plan that is tailored to you as an individual.”
ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder, Depression
Creative, Direct, Energetic
Accepts 8 insurance carriers
Davida Rodriguez

Davida Rodriguez

Therapist

Virtual • California


“I take an eclectic approach to treatment to assist client's in developing the best versions of themselves.”
Anxiety, Cultural & ethnic issues, Depression, Family issues, Panic disorders
Affirming, Creative, Empowering
Accepts 9 insurance carriers
Meghann Vela

Meghann Vela

Therapist

Virtual • California


“I believe that the most productive and successful therapy occurs when clients leave feeling seen, heard, and understood.”
Anxiety, Depression, Family issues, Grief or loss, Infertility
Empowering, Open-minded, Warm
Accepts 6 insurance carriers
Barbara Spalding

Barbara Spalding

Therapist

Virtual • California


“My approach to therapy is 'nonjudgemental teamwork.' We utilize my skills and experience with your intimate knowledge of yourself to move you toward your goals of decreased stress and suffering, improved functioning and greater overall fulfillment.”
Anxiety, Depression, PTSD, Relationship issues, Stress management
Affirming, Participatory, Warm
Accepts 4 insurance carriers
Abby Zimberg

Abby Zimberg

Therapist

Virtual • San Francisco, CA


“I mix several approaches depending on what is needed. Looking at the past and family of origin is important as are exploring thoughts and feelings and targeting behaviors to change.”
Anxiety, Depression, End of life care, Family issues, Grief or loss
Affirming, Inquisitive, Warm
Accepts 7 insurance carriers

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
Frances Beckman

Frances Beckman

Therapist

Virtual • California


“I have been a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) with over 30 years of experience working with children, teens, families and adults.”
ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder, Chronic conditions
Holistic, Humorous, Solution-oriented
Accepts 4 insurance carriers
Karen Church

Karen Church

Therapist

Virtual • California


“Clients can expect to take away an added sense of hope and conviction that they can make it through even difficult times...”
Anxiety, Chronic conditions, Depression, End of life care, Family issues
Affirming, Empowering, Solution-oriented
Accepts 11 insurance carriers
Michael Beavers

Michael Beavers

Therapist

Virtual • California


“I use a strengths-based approach and often have clients complete personality assessments (Meyers-Briggs) and strengths assessments (the Gallup Strengthsfinder).”
ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder, Depression
Creative, Empowering, Warm
Accepts 8 insurance carriers
Sacha Rood

Sacha Rood

Therapist

Virtual • California


“In our work together, we'll identify patterns that keep you feeling stuck, clarify your core values, and help you reconnect with your authentic self.”
Anxiety, Chronic conditions, Depression, End of life care, Family issues
Affirming, Holistic, Open-minded
Accepts 4 insurance carriers
Christopher Fernandes

Christopher Fernandes

Therapist

Virtual & in-person • Folsom, CA


“I provide a compassionate, non-judgmental to support adults with anxiety (including social anxiety, OCD, and panic), depression, trauma, grief, relationship stress, burnout, and major life transitions.”
ADD/ADHD, Anxiety, Depression, Men's issues, OCD
Creative, Open-minded, Warm
Accepts 1 insurance carrier
Megan Cardwell-Henry

Megan Cardwell-Henry

Therapist

Virtual • California


Welcome! My name is Megan and I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist. I have experience working with clients as young as 4 years old and up. I frequently work with clients who experience depression, anxiety, PTSD, trauma, ADHD, and relationship problems.

ADD/ADHD, Anxiety, Cultural & ethnic issues, Depression, Family issues
Direct, Humorous, Solution-oriented
Accepts 8 insurance carriers

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
Sidney Cartwright

Sidney Cartwright

Therapist

Virtual • California


“My speciality is working with individuals who have experienced relational or sexual trauma, childhood abuse, and/or human trafficking and exploitation.”
Anxiety, Depression, Family issues, Grief or loss, Maternal mental health
Affirming, Humorous, Warm
Accepts 8 insurance carriers
Patricia Ross

Patricia Ross

Therapist

Virtual • California


“I believe that it is important to connect with a client to begin with. Learning something about early experience––any trauma that might have occurred, significant life events that might contribute to current difficulties––can help us work together...”
Cultural & ethnic issues, Depression, End of life care, Relationship issues, Stress management
Creative, Participatory, Warm
Accepts 5 insurance carriers

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
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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 Therapist in El Cajon

Finding the right therapist in El Cajon starts with getting clear on what you're looking for. Whether you're seeking support for anxiety, depression, relationship concerns, or something else, it helps to look for a licensed provider who has experience with your specific needs. Common credentials include LMFT, LCSW, LPCC, and psychologist — and on Headway, you can read each provider's bio to learn about their style, specialties, and approach before booking.

El Cajon and the surrounding East County San Diego area are home to a diverse community, and many providers here offer culturally sensitive care, bilingual sessions, and a range of therapy styles from Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) to family and couples counseling. Consider what matters most to you — whether that's a provider who offers virtual sessions, someone close to your neighborhood, or a specific therapeutic approach.

Therapy in the San Diego area can be expensive out of pocket, but using your in-network insurance benefits is one of the most reliable ways to lower your costs. On Headway, you can enter your insurance details to see estimated session costs upfront, and your out-of-pocket expense may be as low as $0 per session, though costs vary based on your location and exact coverage. Nationally, Headway partners with over 100 insurance plans, making it easier to find a provider who fits your needs and your budget.

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