Therapists in El Cajon, CA and Nearby Locations

Find a therapist in El Cajon, California that meets your needs. Browse our comprehensive list of affordable and licensed therapists in El Cajon to find a professional specializing in counseling people with stress, anxiety, depression, relationship issues, grief, and more.

We may receive fees from the providers listed below. See our full disclaimer.

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Aleksandra Drecun
Psy.D., MA
In-Person Sessions:

San Diego, California

Teletherapy for Clients In:

California

Dr. Aleksandra Drecun, Psy.D., is the founder of Association for Compassionate Transformation. She is a licensed psychologist who has a profound passion and derives immense gratitude from assisting individuals, couples and families in realizing...
Connie Padera
MSW, ASW
In-Person Sessions:

Encinitas, California

Teletherapy for Clients In:

California

Are you experiencing feelings of anxiety or depression? Do you struggle to find balance due to substance use or disordered eating habits? Maybe you need some guidance on self-esteem or relationship issues? It’s okay to not be okay, and I’m here...
In-Person Sessions:

San Diego, California

At the beginning of my work, I practiced what is called the ‘eclectic approach’, which uses different techniques depending on the client. Meanwhile, over the last 20 years I discovered cognitive therapy consistently resulted in more effective...
Teletherapy for Clients In:

California, Texas

"You can't stop the waves, but you can learn to surf"-Jon Kabat Zinn- In a time where we are hit with continuous stimuli, the waves of change seem to be moving faster than ever. Whether struggling with your health, the health of a loved one,...
In-Person Sessions:

San Diego, California

Teletherapy for Clients In:

California

I am a licensed marriage and family therapist in San Diego, CA who has experience working with clients of all ages struggling with ADD/ADHD, relationships, communication, grief, life transitions, trauma, self esteem and more. I am incredibly...
In-Person Sessions:

San Diego, California

I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with over 13 years of experience in domestic violence, addiction, severe mental illness, behavioral modification, individual and family therapy, relational conflicts, crisis intervention, advocacy, social...
In-Person Sessions:

La Mesa, California

Teletherapy for Clients In:

California

Mary Nelsen Tamborski, wife and mother of three young boys, is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist in Downtown La Mesa, San Diego. She is also a Certified Positive Discipline Trainer and Parenting Coach. 
Mary is co-author of the "Positive...
In-Person Sessions:

Encinitas, California

Teletherapy for Clients In:

California

I believe we are all wired for connection, and, whether extraverted or introverted, rejection and isolation are incredibly painful experiences. Our brains and bodies are built in such a way that protects us from threats and harm. While these...
Teletherapy for Clients In:

California, Florida

I care about "what happened to you" and I strive to provide a compassionate, supportive space for you to share your concerns. I have with over 20 years' experience helping people get beyond traumatic experiences and on to their best life. Effective...
Randi Beckman
LCSW, MSW, MA
In-Person Sessions:

Carlsbad, California

Teletherapy for Clients In:

California, Florida

Wanting Support to Help you Feel: Less stressed Grounded and centered More productive Present and engaged Happy in life and in relationships My nurturing and empathic presence creates the space needed to help you identify, understand, and move...
Jennifer Rickard
LMFT, LMFT-Supervisor, MS
In-Person Sessions:

San Diego, California

Teletherapy for Clients In:

California

Are you seeking support in moving through a life or relational challenge? Sometimes we all need support in finding creative solutions or building strong relationships. I would enjoy supporting you in taking steps to achieve your goals. I will help...
In-Person Sessions:

Encinitas, California

I am Crystal Duncan, LCSW, and my mission is to be at peace with myself, my work and my social and personal relationships.  I strive to live a wholehearted authentic life and I believe it is my purpose to help others find their authentic self and...
In-Person Sessions:

San Diego, California

Teletherapy for Clients In:

California

Dr. Matthew Bruhin is a CEO, Psychotherapist and Addiction Specialist, as well as an entrepreneur and educator. He is a State of California and State of Wyoming, Board Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist, and an Addiction Specialist, registered...
Teletherapy for Clients In:

California

Parenting challenges you in ways you could have never imagined. When you add in all of life’s demands sometimes it can just feel too much. Whether you are a new parent or a seasoned parent, you’ve been struggling for awhile or feeling like...
In-Person Sessions:

Oceanside, California

Teletherapy for Clients In:

California, New Jersey

Having you been having trouble managing your emotions? Have negative thoughts about yourself and the world been impacting your behavior? Together it is possible to identify skills to effectively cope with emotional distress, increase compassion...
In-Person Sessions:

San Diego, California

I provide a safe place to unload and work on a new understanding. We will work collaboratively to understand the underlying issues often hidden from ourselves, that keep you stuck in unhealthy patterns. My approach is respectful, caring, and...
In-Person Sessions:

San Diego, California

I have been working with families in San Diego since 1997. I have extensive experience with children, the transgender community, families involved with the Child Welfare System, and individuals struggling with addiction, depression, anxiety,...
In-Person Sessions:

San Diego, California

Teletherapy for Clients In:

California

I love helping you enjoy life more!
Briana Lefman
LPCC-S 2
Teletherapy for Clients In:

California

I help you connect to the 'why' behind your patterns, your pain, anger, avoidance, and dysfunction. I help you shift from anger to understanding. I'll help make sense of it. I'll teach you how to identify what you've been living without. I'll teach...
Sarah Lawley Chernick
Psychotherapist
In-Person Sessions:

San Diego, California

Therapy in San Diego. Services Include: Eating Disorder Therapy, EMDR Therapy, Anxiety Therapy, Teen Counseling and More https://selfembodytherapy.com Hours: Monday: 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM Tuesday: 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM Wednesday: 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM Thursday:...
In-Person Sessions:

San Diego, California

Teletherapy for Clients In:

California

HM Psychological Services (HMPS) is a small group practice located in San Diego, CA. Every therapist and staff member strives to provide the best therapeutic services to adults, adolescents, and children in individual, family, and couples therapy....
Kim Jones
LMFT, MA
In-Person Sessions:

San Diego, California

Teletherapy for Clients In:

California

Congrats on taking your first step - seeking support is a sign of strength! I work with individuals, couples and adolescents/young adults to help facilitate change and reach goals to achieve more fulfillment and happiness in life and to get through...
Teletherapy for Clients In:

California

Have you been feeling like you aren't reaching your full potential? That you aren't connecting to your true self? Maybe this has been a feeling for most of your life, or it's a recent insight you have discovered. It could have been a trauma, from...
Teletherapy for Clients In:

California

Kaye has been in private practice for over 30 years. Due to the Covid crisis, she has moved her practice to entirely Virtual. This enables her to work with clients throughout the state of California. Kaye has seen science and psychology find common...

Mental Health in El Cajon, California

Part of “The Golden State’s” famous San Diego County, El Cajon, California is surrounded by mountains and near the Pacific Ocean. The city’s name means “little box.” El Cajon is home to some of the best-known businesses in the world, including the manufacturing site for Taylor Guitars. 

Residents and visitors alike can enjoy the year-round warm and sunny weather for which Southern California is so admired. People wishing to go to Mexico can also easily drive to Tijuana from El Cajon. 

Like any other city in the United States and beyond, mental illnesses such as bipolar disorder and depression disregard someone’s geographic location or other characteristics such as socioeconomic status or race. Fortunately, El Cajon and nearby cities have plenty of mental health treatment options. 

Poverty and Mental Illness in El Cajon, California

As of July 2017, El Cajon had 103,894 residents, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. While El Cajon’s annual median household income level is $46,374, nearly 24% of El Cajon residents live in poverty. This is significantly higher than the U.S. and California averages of 12.3% and 19%, respectively. Unfortunately, California has the highest poverty rate in the United States. 

Poverty and mental illness have a multifaceted relationship, according to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA). People who live in poverty often experience more severe symptoms of mental illnesses such as depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, and schizophrenia.  

Mental illness does not discriminate depending upon one’s income level; the day-to-day tasks of life can and do worsen symptoms among people from all social and economic classes. However, people in poverty often struggle to obtain or maintain food, affordable housing, and appropriate healthcare. Such struggles combined with a mental illness can make it much more difficult for someone to comply with treatment even when it is offered. 

Poverty also makes it more probable that a person will experience a serious mental illness, according to SAMHSA. It is also worth noting that everyone — regardless of educational or socioeconomic background — has an increased risk of eventually living in poverty once symptoms of a mental illness are present.

Mental Health Statistics for El Cajon, California

According to a report from the American Psychological Association, the entire state of California has 11,000 active psychologists — the largest number in the United States. Generally, the presence of a large number of active psychologists and other mental health professionals indicates that mental illness is prevalent throughout that state; this is the case for California.  

According to SAMHSA’s California Behavioral Health Barometer for 2015, the state has mental illness prevalence rates that are close to the national average. California’s percentage of major depressive episodes among children ages 12-17 in 2013-14 was 11.5% — only half a percentage point higher than the U.S. average of 11% for the same period. The national and state averages for serious mental illnesses among adults for the same period showed a similar trend at 3.8% and 4.2%, respectively. 

Mental Health Resources for El Cajon, California

A SAMHSA online search engine lists three facilities in El Cajon that offer inpatient and outpatient mental health services for children and adults. El Cajon also has four facilities that focus on substance abuse treatment.  

It appears that some El Cajon residents may also visit neighboring cities such as La Mesa (approximately three miles away), Lemon Grove (approximately six miles away), Spring Valley (approximately seven miles away), and San Diego (approximately nine miles away) for their mental health treatment. SAMSHA lists 29 additional mental health treatment options and 50 additional substance abuse treatment choices within a 15-mile radius of El Cajon. 

 Some of the inpatient and outpatient mental health and substance abuse treatment services available in El Cajon and neighboring cities offer low-cost or free treatment to people with low income and/or no insurance. It is always worth asking for payment options, especially when visiting a center in which multiple counselors, therapists, psychologists, and psychiatrists work. 

Challenges of Finding a Suitable Therapist in El Cajon, California

This website is dedicated to helping people in El Cajon, California and every other U.S. city find the best mental health treatment possible.   

While your employer or health insurer likely has a referral service, you are likely to end up frustrated after hours of completing rather personal forms. More often than not, providers recommended by your employer or health insurer have few or no appointments.