While it’s been known as The Big Box, sometimes life can feel like a big box that you’re struggling to fit into. Luckily, a counselor in El Cajon can help with this, and you can escape any bad boxes that you’re stuck in. 

The climate may feel a bit arid, but it’s a beautiful steppe that feels like home. You can feel like you’re at home in this wonderful location with the help of a counselor that will get you on the right track to success, and happiness as well. 

This is Dr. James Chavers's avatar and link to their profile

Dr. James Chavers

Offering therapy in CA
License: PsyD,MACP
Stress, AnxietyLGBTRelationship issuesDepressionCoping with life changes
9 years of experience

It is by suffering that human beings become angels. – Victor Hugo Hello, my name is James Chavers. Thank you for taking the time to read my counselor profile. I am a clinical psychologist licensed and living in California. I earned my masters and doctorate in clinical psychology at Antioch University Santa Barbara. I have worked and trained in locked settings (jails and prisons), community health clinics, and colleges and universities for 9 years. I have worked with older adults living with HIV, addiction, and life course diseases, inmates of all genders preparing to transition out of locked settings, and students from 18-50+ navigating the difficulties of college life. Collaborating with my patients, we have worked through relationship, substance abuse, family, gender, sexuality, sexual assault, mood, and trauma issues, to name a few. My clients and I have worked together using a variety of modalities including Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Solution-Focused Therapy (SFT), Motivational Interviewing, and Client-centered Therapy. Incorporating Humanistic philosophies in my work, I believe that every person is deserving of love and respect. Each person is the expert of their own life. My purpose as a therapist is to support, suggest, and succor as needed. Finding the right counselor is akin to meeting a great friend. You want someone in your life who accepts you unconditionally, but is not afraid to call you out when you do something stupid. This friend takes the time to listen carefully to what’s going on, and then if you like, shares some insight. This friend is solidly in your corner and makes you feel like you are the most important person in the room. This friend stands by you and walks by your side as you work through your challenges. I have been blessed to have people like that in my life. If you give me the privilege, I would like to pay those experiences forward…to you. James Chavers PSY32025 Pronouns: He, him, his

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This is Corie Duzsa 's avatar and link to their profile

Corie Duzsa

Offering therapy in CA
License: MA,LMFT
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesFamily conflictsTrauma and abuseDepression
18 years of experience

Hello and welcome. I am a marriage and family therapist licensed in California with nearly 20 years experience. I have worked with children, teens, adults, couples, and families with a wide range of concerns including trauma, depression, anxiety, grief and loss, relationship issues, parenting problems, family conflict, chronic pain, prenatal and postnatal depression, low self-esteem and more. I would describe my therapeutic approach as warm, compassionate, and empathic. I try to meet my clients where they are and help guide them through where they want and need to go. I believe creating a therapeutic relationship based on trust, safety, and compassion allows clients to explore their thoughts and feelings freely and openly. I like to work with clients collaboratively to discover strategies and solutions that work best for them. My approach combines cognitive behavioral, humanistic, psychodynamic, and mindfulness therapy. I feel strongly that our childhood and early experiences shape who we are and how we see the world. In my work, I see a lot of childhood trauma survivors and work with client's to identify how their life has been impacted by their experiences, and work to develop goals for positive change in their lives.

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This is Dr. Katherine Walker's avatar and link to their profile

Dr. Katherine Walker

Offering therapy in CA
License: PhD
Stress, AnxietyAddictionsTrauma and abuseBipolar disorderDepression
32 years of experience

Hello! I am a newly retired middle-aged female who worked for a large health care organization for over 30 years both as a therapist and a manager. During my career there I had a chance to work with a wide variety of clients ranging from those with serious mental illness (Bipolar, Schizophrenic) to those that were coping with life issues such as divorce, loss, or job stress. I completed my undergraduate degree at UC Berkeley and then (after a brief hiatus working as a respiratory therapist) attended graduate school at the California School of Professional Psychology. I enjoy working with a wide range of clients and use an approach that is based in my very strong belief that there is goodness and strength in all people and that all progress in therapy is directly attributable to the efforts that are put in by the client, with my guidance.

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This is Araceli Ramos's avatar and link to their profile

Araceli Ramos

Offering therapy in CA
License: LCSW
Stress, AnxietyTrauma and abuseDepressionCoping with life changesADHD
20 years of experience

I have a passion for helping individuals who seek to enhance their lives by choosing to live for today. I have over 24 years of experience working in mental health and have worked with people from all walks of life from families to elder adults. I take a harm reduction approach to therapy and use this modality in all my professional interactions. I meet clients where they are by taking a client centered approach to services. I have a Bachelors Degree in Psychology, a Masters in Social work, and many years in post graduate experience. I am licensed to practice therapy in the State of California and love that I get to help people every day. I am here to provide you with support and guidance through a nonjudgemental, compassionate, empathetic experience. Together we can take this journey with the hope of reaching your goals.

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This is Karen Cairel's avatar and link to their profile

Karen Cairel

Offering therapy in CA
Stress, AnxietyParenting issues
25 years of experience

Hello! I am a licensed clinical social worker in California with 25 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients in a variety of areas. I look forward to working with you to decrease the stress in your life. It is an honor for me to work with clients around issues such as anxiety, life transitions (new parent, job change, caregiver role), parenting stress, infertility challenges, and other areas that are important to you. I work with my clients to create an open and safe environment where thoughts and feelings can be shared without fear of judgment. The professional relationship we build is vital to the success of treatment. Taking the first step to seeking a more fulfilling and happier life takes courage. I am here to support you in that process. I look forward to meeting you. :)

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This is Dr. Michelle Margules's avatar and link to their profile

Dr. Michelle Margules

Offering therapy in CA
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesFamily conflictsTrauma and abuseDepression
20 years of experience

I am licensed in California with 20 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, relationship issues, family conflicts, & trauma and abuse. I believe in treating everyone with respect, sensitivity, and compassion. I will tailor our dialog and treatment plan to meet your unique and specific needs. It takes courage to seek out a more fulfilling and happier life and to take the first steps towards a change. I am here to support & empower you in that journey.

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This is Margaret Calvert's avatar and link to their profile

Margaret Calvert

Offering therapy in CA
Stress, AnxietyAnger managementDepression
15 years of experience

I am licensed in California with 15 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, coping with addictions, family conflicts, & anger management. I believe that you are the expert of your story and that you have many strengths that will assist you in overcoming things that challenge you. Taking the first step to seeking a more fulfilling and happier life takes courage. I am here to support you in that process.

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This is Michelle LeBeau's avatar and link to their profile

Michelle LeBeau

Offering therapy in CA
Stress, AnxietyLGBTTrauma and abuseSelf esteemCoping with life changes
10 years of experience

I am licensed in California with 10 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, lgbtq+ related issues, trauma and abuse, & motivation, self esteem, and confidence. I believe in treating everyone with respect, sensitivity, and compassion. I will tailor our dialog and treatment plan to meet your unique and specific needs. It takes courage to seek out a more fulfilling and happier life and to take the first steps towards a change. I am here to support & empower you in that journey.

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This is Sarita Ledet's avatar and link to their profile

Sarita Ledet

Offering therapy in CA
Stress, AnxietyTrauma and abuseSelf esteemCareer difficultiesCompassion fatigue
37 years of experience

I am licensed in California with 37 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, trauma and abuse, motivation, self esteem, and confidence, & career difficulties. I believe that you are the expert of your story and that you have many strengths that will assist you in overcoming things that challenge you. It takes courage to seek out a more fulfilling and happier life and to take the first steps towards a change. I am here to support & empower you in that journey.

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This is Annelise Shafer's avatar and link to their profile

Annelise Shafer

Offering therapy in CA
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesFamily conflictsSelf esteemCoping with life changes
6 years of experience

I am licensed in California with 6 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, relationship issues, family conflicts, & motivation, self esteem, and confidence. I believe in treating everyone with respect, sensitivity, and compassion. I will tailor our dialog and treatment plan to meet your unique and specific needs. Taking the first step to seeking a more fulfilling and happier life takes courage. I am here to support you in that process.

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How to find counseling in El Cajon

Finding the best therapist close by in El Cajon can feel challenging, but know that once you narrow your search for a counselor serving your area, you can find a therapist in your city that is accepting new clients and fits your goals. Whether you're struggling with depression, anxiety, marriage, family issues, or other emotional challenges, feel proud that you have begun your search to find the mental health care services that work best for you in order to begin your personal journey towards emotional healing.

Understanding the type of therapy you'd like to search for is crucial before finding a therapist or psychologist in El Cajon. Perhaps you're interested in narrowing your search for a psychotherapist that can offer psychodynamic, cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), talk therapy, provide group therapy, marriage and family therapy for individuals or couples, or couples therapy. Each type of therapy can offer various benefits and address or treat different disorders. If you're still unsure or are new to counseling in El Cajon, feel free to contact the provider via email to find out which methods they practice.

It is also important to understand that mental health professionals in the United States are accredited to provide care, helping individuals and couples, with a variety of licenses. These include licensed marriage and family therapist (LMFT), licensed clinical social worker (LCSW), and clinical psychologist or doctor of psychology (PsyD). Regardless of their licensure, they are trained to treat individuals and couples counseling, and sometimes children, in any type of therapy. Find a therapist under any of these distinctions and know that the sessions they offer can provide a safe place to heal.

Mental health professionals working through their own in- person therapy practice in El Cajon or online may assist clients in improving healthy relationships, communication skills, working through life transitions, managing a mood disorder, improving coping skills, or change in negative thinking patterns. They may also provide a safe place and validation for clients experiencing emotional pain. Verified providers can provide licensed marriage and couples therapy, tailor to individual needs, and create a therapeutic relationship as a National Certified Counselor.

There are all kinds of therapists working with clients today across the United States and in the greater El Cajon area in different types of therapy, including:

  • CBT
  • DBT
  • Substance use therapy
  • Couples therapy

When you're ready to start your search and find therapists, have in mind what type of therapy you'd like your provider to be most experienced with and choose an experienced provider with a practice located near you in the city of El Cajon, elsewhere in San Diego, or in the greater state of California.

Frequently asked questions (FAQs)

Some other commonly asked questions on therapy with a licensed counselor and BetterHelp serving the El Cajon area can be found below:

How does the cost of in-person counseling compare to the cost of BetterHelp with a licensed El Cajon therapist?

The average price of an in-person therapy session in the US is $100 to $200 per hour. These prices may be higher in El Cajon due to a higher cost of living. The price also depends on the type of provider you are looking for. See the following average prices for various mental health providers without insurance:

  • Counseling with a psychiatrist: $150-$500
  • Counseling with therapists: $100-300
  • Therapy with a psychologist: $100

While many psychologists in El Cajon may not take health insurance, some in the state of California may work on a sliding scale, meaning they'll factor in your income and charge what you can afford per session. With BetterHelp or clinicians throughout the state of California you can expect significantly more affordable options, with sessions ranging from $65 to $100 per week (billed every four weeks).

How is a licensed therapist on this online therapy platform verified?

Therapists in El Cajon, California working on BetterHelp are licensed, trained, experienced, and accredited as a doctor of psychology (PhD / PsyD), licensed marriage and family therapists (LMFT), licensed clinical social worker (LCSW / LICSW), or licensed professional counselors (LPC). All of these psychology clinicians have a Masters Degree or a Doctorate Degree in their field of psychology sciences, and follow the APA Code of Ethics. They have been qualified and certified by their state's professional board after successfully completing the necessary education, exams, training and practice with a patient, and extensive experience in a healthcare clinic or treatment centers, in order to become a mental health provider. While their lived experience, expertise, careers, and background vary, they all possess at least 3 years and 1,000 hours of hands-on experience with adult and sometimes teen patients, and have the necessary therapist credentials to provide a safe space for long lasting emotional healing in therapy. 

Please note BetterHelp does not offer or provide care from psychiatrists to prescribe a drug as treatment, or perform psychological assessments.

How does working with a counselor in BetterHelp online therapy sessions work?

BetterHelp clinicians treat clients online across the United States (individuals and couples) through life transitions, inner child exploration, long term depression or anxiety, and more. An online mental health professional, including the therapists in El Cajon above, can work with young adults, children, adolescents, and adults virtually as an accredited licensed clinical social worker (LCSW) or licensed marriage and family therapist (LMFT). You do not have to commute to a an office as a psychotherapy client.

Through BetterHelp therapy, you can partake in video, phone, or live chat therapy sessions with your licensed therapist. You can work through various symptoms, use the in app journaling feature, and receive worksheets. You'll also find support groups or group therapy lead by a therapist in El Cajon helping individuals on topics including managing life transitions, symptoms affecting sexual health, behavioral health, coping skills for anxiety or depression, trauma, stress, marriage counseling, and more. 

What mental health issues can psychotherapy address?

BetterHelp's verified El Cajon therapists specialize and have clinical experience in a wide range of mental health issues and modalities, helping clients to feel better and improve their lives every day. See below for examples.

Specialties on BetterHelp include:

You may also be struggling with relationship problems that could be addressed in couples therapy or with a sex therapist. In that case, you may choose to work with one of BetterHelp's experienced cognitive-behavioral therapists or licensed marriage family therapists (LMFT) who work with clients in relationships. You can also try a El Cajon therapy provider through BetterHelp's sister platform, ReGain, which is dedicated to couples and spouses worldwide. 

How do I know if online counseling is right for my family?

One of the potentially rewarding aspects of working with a therapist is the validation and active listening they can provide. Your friends and loved ones may also be available to listen, but you may feel that they may lack the skills to provide objective guidance. Counselors are trained to respond to various concerns, symptoms, and mental health conditions.

A psychologist in your city can support you toward a healthier emotional state, regardless of your mental health, life concerns, or healing needs. While supporting individuals in developing healthier habits, another good benefit of therapy is having an understanding, safe space with a non-judgmental party who can support you through challenging experiences.

Many people have sensitive topics that they may feel ashamed to discuss with their friends or partner. A El Cajon therapist can help you confront these concerns and open up through unique methods of support. There are also many types of therapy, such as art therapy, where you may find you can express yourself through creativity instead of words.

With a lot of people in CA, providers may be booked out with clients. Through the list of profiles above and others within BetterHelp's team, you may be able to find a psychologist within 24 to 48 hours. If you're searching to find a a nearby psychotherapist close to 92020 or the surrounding zip codes, consider others available through the BetterHelp site. No matter if you are seeking help in your area or beyond, online therapy can be a great option.

How should I prepare for my first therapy session with a El Cajon counselor?

Before seeing your therapist, prep for your session by reading to understand the therapy process. You might write a list of questions you want to ask your psychotherapist, any emotional pain you may feel, and the ways in which you hope to improve. When you attend your session, let them know if you have any concerns about therapy or feel unsure about what to talk about. They may help guide you with open-ended therapeutic questions. The first session will often serve as an intake to get to know you as a person and learn why you're attending therapy.

Should I find a therapist or psychologist if I feel fine? 

Some simply don't feel the need to see a psychologist. However, some people may avoid attending therapy due to stigma or preconceived notions of what therapy entails. Although psychologists often support people with mental health conditions, you do not need a diagnosis or condition to attend therapy. You can discuss grief, relationship concerns, stress, or life changes and ask for general feedback and advice. A El Cajon licensed clinical social worker may help you gain power over your life and emotions while you navigate day-to-day experiences.

Gaining a new perspective on yourself through various therapies might allow you to improve your self-esteem, work through relationships, and gain a better sense of your mental health goals. The success you may find through therapy can be dependent on your process.

People may also attend therapy for specific motives, such as bullying, an autism diagnosis, a desire to learn mindfulness meditation, personality concerns, trouble with office workers, specific phobias, and many other principles.

Is mental health care and therapy worth it? 

Therapy is effective and has the power to change individuals' lives. Each client is at a different stage of their emotional healing journey in life, as each human can be unique in their personality, expression, skills, and goals. A psychologist can target various symptoms, experiences, and personalities to help you feel your best and put you on the path to healing. Unlike advice from a friend, family, or non-professional, a mental health professional has an understanding of various disorders like ADHD and depression with many hours of experience in treating adults in their practice. For this reason, seeing an evidence based psychologist in El Cajon, California can be worth it. Over 41 million adults in the US attend therapy services each year, showing it's a popular option and is proven to be effective.

El Cajon has many clinicians who practice person or client-centered individual therapy in-person and through online therapy to assist clients in their healing journey. If you opt into online therapy, you might also be able to meet with providers all over the United States and change therapists easily at any time. Many people struggling with anxiety and depression, substance abuse, body image issues, and more find therapists that are a good fit for them, feel supported, and gain further insight into their lives through internet-based therapy.

Do therapists judge you in therapy sessions?

The boundaries between you and a therapist are in place to help you and them regarding ethical concerns. Mental health professionals are held by ethical standards through the American Psychological Association (APA) and are not allowed to judge or harm their clients. If you are concerned about sharing details about yourself, feel free to withhold personal information. Their job in the therapeutic relationship is to create a safe place, help you gain a deeper understanding of your mental health, and support you. You might consider changing counselors if you don't feel safe or respected.

Stay up to date with the leading online counseling platform

To stay up to date with BetterHelp's initiatives through their social channels, you can follow them on Pinterest, LinkedIn, Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook. For mental health tips, check out the BetterHelp YouTube channel.

Take some time today to learn more about the team of therapists at BetterHelp to understand the services available to you clearly. If you are new to therapy or have any questions about the services and terms, please reach out through the contact page or send an email to contact@betterhelp.com.

If you’re ready to sign up for online therapy, consider signing up with a platform like BetterHelp and get matched within 24 to 48 hours.

If you are experiencing a crisis or emergency, don't use this site's online services. If you are in life-threatening danger, call 911. If you require support for a crisis, reach out to the hotlines below:

A woman meets with a therapist online in her home city of El Cajon.

Below are some of the zip codes served by BetterHelp therapists in El Cajon:

92019, 92020, 92021

Popular cities near El Cajon, CA

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