First Responders Therapists in Encinitas, CA
John How, a board-certified emergency medicine physician and Medical Director of Stella Mental Health Irvine and San Diego (located in Encinitas).
At Stella Mental Health, we offer a holistic, multi-modality approach that combines traditional psychological treatments with innovative, effective treatments such as Spravato (esketamine), ketamine-assisted therapy, stellate ganglion blocks (SGB), medication management, integration and talk therapy.
John How, a board-certified emergency medicine physician and Medical Director of Stella Mental Health Irvine and San Diego (located in Encinitas).
At Stella Mental Health, we offer a holistic, multi-modality approach that combines traditional psychological treatments with innovative, effective treatments such as Spravato (esketamine), ketamine-assisted therapy, stellate ganglion blocks (SGB), medication management, integration and talk therapy.
I work with first responders, military, law enforcement, corrections, and healthcare professionals carrying PTSD, complex trauma, nightmares, OCD, anxiety, and the weight of high-risk work.
I use the gold-standard treatments for trauma and anxiety: Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT), Prolonged Exposure (PE), Imagery Rehearsal Therapy for nightmares, and ERP for OCD. Sessions are structured, collaborative, and outcome-tracked. You'll know what we're doing, why, and how to measure whether it's working.
I work with first responders, military, law enforcement, corrections, and healthcare professionals carrying PTSD, complex trauma, nightmares, OCD, anxiety, and the weight of high-risk work.
I use the gold-standard treatments for trauma and anxiety: Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT), Prolonged Exposure (PE), Imagery Rehearsal Therapy for nightmares, and ERP for OCD. Sessions are structured, collaborative, and outcome-tracked. You'll know what we're doing, why, and how to measure whether it's working.
We offer emergency family and couple intensive.
I'm a somatic therapist who specializes in EMDR. The thing that sparks the most joy for me as a therapist is being the catalyst for positive change. A guide to help individuals find peace within themselves. I love being able to shed light on shadows that might have been overlooked, helping individuals and couples make permanent changes in order for them to reach their full potential, and live their best life. I believe that through our own introspection and deep work we can unlock a world of opportunities.
We offer emergency family and couple intensive.
I'm a somatic therapist who specializes in EMDR. The thing that sparks the most joy for me as a therapist is being the catalyst for positive change. A guide to help individuals find peace within themselves. I love being able to shed light on shadows that might have been overlooked, helping individuals and couples make permanent changes in order for them to reach their full potential, and live their best life. I believe that through our own introspection and deep work we can unlock a world of opportunities.
Seeking therapy is a courageous step toward healing, and I’m honored to walk beside you in this meaningful journey. Whether you're navigating anxiety, trauma, or overwhelming life transitions, I believe in our brain’s ability to reprocess painful experiences and develop new patterns of safety and self-compassion. I work with adults, couples, and teens using a personalized approach that integrates EMDR, and evidence-based modalities to meet your unique needs.
Seeking therapy is a courageous step toward healing, and I’m honored to walk beside you in this meaningful journey. Whether you're navigating anxiety, trauma, or overwhelming life transitions, I believe in our brain’s ability to reprocess painful experiences and develop new patterns of safety and self-compassion. I work with adults, couples, and teens using a personalized approach that integrates EMDR, and evidence-based modalities to meet your unique needs.
I work with individuals, couples, and families, from middle school age up. My focus is to provide a nonjudgmental, collaborative space where we explore challenges together and set goals that fit your unique circumstances. I have extensive personal and professional experience supporting clients with substance use disorders and recovery, bringing insight gained from both lived experience and clinical practice. I approach therapy from an attachment-based, relational perspective, helping clients understand the patterns and emotions shaping their relationships and choices, and supporting them in creating meaningful, lasting change.
I work with individuals, couples, and families, from middle school age up. My focus is to provide a nonjudgmental, collaborative space where we explore challenges together and set goals that fit your unique circumstances. I have extensive personal and professional experience supporting clients with substance use disorders and recovery, bringing insight gained from both lived experience and clinical practice. I approach therapy from an attachment-based, relational perspective, helping clients understand the patterns and emotions shaping their relationships and choices, and supporting them in creating meaningful, lasting change.
As an associate therapist, I work with adults and young people experiencing complex trauma, PTSD/PTSI, anxiety, depression, and relationship challenges. I'm passionate about guiding people through trauma processing by creating space for healing that leads to a more peaceful and fulfilling life. My own life experiences have provided a deep understanding of what it means to face hard things, and I bring this empathy into every therapy session. I earned a Master of Science in Mental Health Counseling from the University of Phoenix, and am dedicated to helping individuals navigate life's most difficult moments.
As an associate therapist, I work with adults and young people experiencing complex trauma, PTSD/PTSI, anxiety, depression, and relationship challenges. I'm passionate about guiding people through trauma processing by creating space for healing that leads to a more peaceful and fulfilling life. My own life experiences have provided a deep understanding of what it means to face hard things, and I bring this empathy into every therapy session. I earned a Master of Science in Mental Health Counseling from the University of Phoenix, and am dedicated to helping individuals navigate life's most difficult moments.
I love working with humans of all kinds, messy, brave, over thinkers, feelers, fixers, and dreamers. My ideal client wants to heal, grow, and laugh along the way. No judgment, no scripts, just real talk and real change for individuals, couples, families, and groups of all ages, genders, and backgrounds. Whether you’re navigating anxiety, trauma, grief, relationship issues, or recovery from substance use, therapy with me is a space to slow down, reconnect, and build skills that help you feel more grounded and at peace.
I love working with humans of all kinds, messy, brave, over thinkers, feelers, fixers, and dreamers. My ideal client wants to heal, grow, and laugh along the way. No judgment, no scripts, just real talk and real change for individuals, couples, families, and groups of all ages, genders, and backgrounds. Whether you’re navigating anxiety, trauma, grief, relationship issues, or recovery from substance use, therapy with me is a space to slow down, reconnect, and build skills that help you feel more grounded and at peace.
Jessica Anderson
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
2 Endorsed
Encinitas, CA 92024
Waitlist for new clients
I am is a Licensed Clinical Social worker currently working with Clayton Counseling Inc. Previously I had been working as a clinical social work mostly in the hospital setting which allowed me to be exposed to many different behavioral health challenges. I feel strongly that all people have everything they need to heal themselves, but guidance and support can be important when life stressors, loss, traumatic experiences, and biological predisposition throw someone off track.
I am is a Licensed Clinical Social worker currently working with Clayton Counseling Inc. Previously I had been working as a clinical social work mostly in the hospital setting which allowed me to be exposed to many different behavioral health challenges. I feel strongly that all people have everything they need to heal themselves, but guidance and support can be important when life stressors, loss, traumatic experiences, and biological predisposition throw someone off track.
Are you experiencing symptoms from depression, anxiety, PTSD/PTSI, or Long COVID? We can help! Stella sees mental health challenges as injuries rather than disorders. Stella Mental Health San Diego, located in Encinitas, is led by Dr. John How, specializing in interventional treatments like Spravato (esketamine), TMS, ketamine-assisted therapy, stellate ganglion blocks (SGB), medication management, integration therapy & more. Get relief from symptoms like disrupted sleep, panic attacks, irritability, hypervigilance, difficulties concentrating, sexual dysfunction, and more. We have a new virtual Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP)!
Are you experiencing symptoms from depression, anxiety, PTSD/PTSI, or Long COVID? We can help! Stella sees mental health challenges as injuries rather than disorders. Stella Mental Health San Diego, located in Encinitas, is led by Dr. John How, specializing in interventional treatments like Spravato (esketamine), TMS, ketamine-assisted therapy, stellate ganglion blocks (SGB), medication management, integration therapy & more. Get relief from symptoms like disrupted sleep, panic attacks, irritability, hypervigilance, difficulties concentrating, sexual dysfunction, and more. We have a new virtual Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP)!
Because of the hurt I have experienced in my life I have become passionate about sitting with people as they sift through the darkest parts of themselves. I received my Master's in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Colorado Christian University and have received formal training in Eye Movement Desensitization/Reprocessing (EMDR) and Motivational Interviewing. I balance kindness and directness as a therapist, while incorporating my sense of humor into the relationship. I primarily work with adolescents and adults, and work with a myriad of struggles including grief, trauma, addiction, and attachment issues.
Because of the hurt I have experienced in my life I have become passionate about sitting with people as they sift through the darkest parts of themselves. I received my Master's in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Colorado Christian University and have received formal training in Eye Movement Desensitization/Reprocessing (EMDR) and Motivational Interviewing. I balance kindness and directness as a therapist, while incorporating my sense of humor into the relationship. I primarily work with adolescents and adults, and work with a myriad of struggles including grief, trauma, addiction, and attachment issues.
Are you experiencing symptoms from depression, anxiety, PTSD/PTSI, or Long COVID? We can help. At Stella Mental Health in Irvine, CA, we specialize in Spravato (esketamine), ketamine-assisted therapy, stellate ganglion blocks (SGB), transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS), and virtual integration therapy. Schedule an initial appointment to discuss treatments based on your current symptoms & health history. Get relief from disrupted sleep, panic attacks, irritability, hypervigilance, difficulties concentrating, sexual dysfunction, and more. We also have a new Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP). Contact us to learn more!
Are you experiencing symptoms from depression, anxiety, PTSD/PTSI, or Long COVID? We can help. At Stella Mental Health in Irvine, CA, we specialize in Spravato (esketamine), ketamine-assisted therapy, stellate ganglion blocks (SGB), transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS), and virtual integration therapy. Schedule an initial appointment to discuss treatments based on your current symptoms & health history. Get relief from disrupted sleep, panic attacks, irritability, hypervigilance, difficulties concentrating, sexual dysfunction, and more. We also have a new Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP). Contact us to learn more!
Not feeling like yourself lately? Maybe you're anxious, overwhelmed, sad, stuck in perfectionism, or just not sure what’s going on—but you know something’s off. Whether you're navigating a big change, feeling lost, or watching your teen struggle, therapy can help. This is a place for healing and growth, and you don't have to do it alone. I support adults and teens in navigating some of life's toughest moments and finding their way back to feeling like themselves again. I believe therapy should feel like a conversation: real, honest, supportive, and challenging in the best way. I will always have your back.
Not feeling like yourself lately? Maybe you're anxious, overwhelmed, sad, stuck in perfectionism, or just not sure what’s going on—but you know something’s off. Whether you're navigating a big change, feeling lost, or watching your teen struggle, therapy can help. This is a place for healing and growth, and you don't have to do it alone. I support adults and teens in navigating some of life's toughest moments and finding their way back to feeling like themselves again. I believe therapy should feel like a conversation: real, honest, supportive, and challenging in the best way. I will always have your back.
Daniela Calderon
Associate Professional Clinical Counselor, APCC, CRC, MS
Serves Area
Waitlist for new clients
Do you need a therapist to help guide you through unresolved trauma? If you're having difficulty engaging in new experiences, maintaining relationships, and calming your mind and body you may benefit from EMDR therapy. Our mind and body respond with protective behaviors and beliefs to help us survive traumatic experiences. However, when the traumatic events have passed, but our survival responses continue in healthy environments, they create dysfunction.
Do you need a therapist to help guide you through unresolved trauma? If you're having difficulty engaging in new experiences, maintaining relationships, and calming your mind and body you may benefit from EMDR therapy. Our mind and body respond with protective behaviors and beliefs to help us survive traumatic experiences. However, when the traumatic events have passed, but our survival responses continue in healthy environments, they create dysfunction.
I work from a reality-based, solution-focused orientation that allows my clients the ability to resolve problems thoroughly and effectively. While I may use a variety of techniques or interventions, depending on the needs of my clients, I tend to work from both cognitive/behavioral and family systems orientations.
I work from a reality-based, solution-focused orientation that allows my clients the ability to resolve problems thoroughly and effectively. While I may use a variety of techniques or interventions, depending on the needs of my clients, I tend to work from both cognitive/behavioral and family systems orientations.
I believe that every individual possesses immense potential for growth, healing, and self-discovery. I am committed to providing a safe and compassionate space where you can explore your thoughts, emotions, and experiences without judgment. I am passionate about helping individuals harness their inner strength, overcome obstacles, and achieve peak performance in their chosen fields. Whether you're an athlete, artist, musician, or professional striving for excellence, I am here to support you on your path to success. Together, we can unlock your full potential and help you reach new heights of mental strength and satisfaction.
I believe that every individual possesses immense potential for growth, healing, and self-discovery. I am committed to providing a safe and compassionate space where you can explore your thoughts, emotions, and experiences without judgment. I am passionate about helping individuals harness their inner strength, overcome obstacles, and achieve peak performance in their chosen fields. Whether you're an athlete, artist, musician, or professional striving for excellence, I am here to support you on your path to success. Together, we can unlock your full potential and help you reach new heights of mental strength and satisfaction.
I received my clinical training through a top-ranked graduate program and have additional training in emergency mental health
Currently accepting in-person and telehealth clients. Optional on-site childcare is available during in-person sessions.
I’m glad you’re here. I know how hard it can be to reach out for support and how important it is to feel safe and truly seen. I work with individuals and couples navigating trauma, relationship challenges, neurodivergence, postpartum and parenting transitions, and emotional overwhelm. My approach is warm, collaborative, and deeply affirming, with a focus on helping you feel more grounded, reconnect with your strengths, heal from past experiences, and move toward the life and relationships you want.
I received my clinical training through a top-ranked graduate program and have additional training in emergency mental health
Currently accepting in-person and telehealth clients. Optional on-site childcare is available during in-person sessions.
I’m glad you’re here. I know how hard it can be to reach out for support and how important it is to feel safe and truly seen. I work with individuals and couples navigating trauma, relationship challenges, neurodivergence, postpartum and parenting transitions, and emotional overwhelm. My approach is warm, collaborative, and deeply affirming, with a focus on helping you feel more grounded, reconnect with your strengths, heal from past experiences, and move toward the life and relationships you want.
So many women arrive at therapy feeling like they've lost themselves. New moms blindsided by the emotional weight of postpartum anxiety or depression. Women in the thick of a life transition who feel unsteady and unsure of who they are anymore. Teens quietly struggling under pressure no one around them fully sees. Whatever brought you here, you don't have to keep navigating it on your own. I work with women, moms, and teens around maternal mental health, postpartum anxiety and depression, life transitions, and anxiety, using a mindfulness and nature inspired approach to help you reconnect with your own strength.
So many women arrive at therapy feeling like they've lost themselves. New moms blindsided by the emotional weight of postpartum anxiety or depression. Women in the thick of a life transition who feel unsteady and unsure of who they are anymore. Teens quietly struggling under pressure no one around them fully sees. Whatever brought you here, you don't have to keep navigating it on your own. I work with women, moms, and teens around maternal mental health, postpartum anxiety and depression, life transitions, and anxiety, using a mindfulness and nature inspired approach to help you reconnect with your own strength.
I am licensed in CA, AZ and MN and can provide IN-PERSON in Minneapolis or Telehealth in all 3 States. Who doesn't want freedom in all aspects of life? I believe that true freedom comes from transformation of self from the inside out. We are not on this planet to struggle, rather to find the courage to let our light shine. If you feel stuck in your relationships, career or family; if inner peace and contentment elude you; if you feel lost and overwhelmed but aren’t sure why; if you feel that others got the instructions on how to do life but you missed the memo, perhaps it is time for a change. Life is short. You are worth this.
I am licensed in CA, AZ and MN and can provide IN-PERSON in Minneapolis or Telehealth in all 3 States. Who doesn't want freedom in all aspects of life? I believe that true freedom comes from transformation of self from the inside out. We are not on this planet to struggle, rather to find the courage to let our light shine. If you feel stuck in your relationships, career or family; if inner peace and contentment elude you; if you feel lost and overwhelmed but aren’t sure why; if you feel that others got the instructions on how to do life but you missed the memo, perhaps it is time for a change. Life is short. You are worth this.
Remember the last time that you felt fulfilled. What did it take? Chances are that it was not the result of staying in your comfort zone. Opening up your inner world can feel vulnerable. Doing the work that it takes to reach your goals may not feel comfortable. And that’s the thing. Comfortable does not lead to growth. What can lead to growth is taking on new challenges with the guidance and support of a compassionate and experienced therapist. I strive to provide a therapeutic relationship that my clients may use for their growth, whether that means gaining insight, connecting with others, or managing distressing symptoms.
Remember the last time that you felt fulfilled. What did it take? Chances are that it was not the result of staying in your comfort zone. Opening up your inner world can feel vulnerable. Doing the work that it takes to reach your goals may not feel comfortable. And that’s the thing. Comfortable does not lead to growth. What can lead to growth is taking on new challenges with the guidance and support of a compassionate and experienced therapist. I strive to provide a therapeutic relationship that my clients may use for their growth, whether that means gaining insight, connecting with others, or managing distressing symptoms.
Healing isn’t about quick fixes or temporary relief—it’s about building a deeper relationship with yourself and learning to face life with presence, honesty, and compassion. It means meeting pain not as an endpoint, but as a doorway to deeper understanding and transformation—a space where the wound, as Rumi said, may be the opening to the light. I offer a safe, collaborative space to explore root causes and support lasting change. My holistic approach honors the deep connection between mind, body, and spirit, and we work together to foster clarity, wholeness, and purpose.
Healing isn’t about quick fixes or temporary relief—it’s about building a deeper relationship with yourself and learning to face life with presence, honesty, and compassion. It means meeting pain not as an endpoint, but as a doorway to deeper understanding and transformation—a space where the wound, as Rumi said, may be the opening to the light. I offer a safe, collaborative space to explore root causes and support lasting change. My holistic approach honors the deep connection between mind, body, and spirit, and we work together to foster clarity, wholeness, and purpose.
See more therapy options for Encinitas
Nearby First Responders Therapists Searches for Encinitas
- Bonsall
- Camp Pendleton
- Del Mar
- Escondido
- La Jolla
- Oceanside
- Poway
- Rancho Santa Fe
- San Diego
- San Marcos
- Solana Beach
- Vista
First Responders Therapists
Why is mental health important for first responders?
As part of their work, first responders are often exposed to high levels of stress, trauma, and physical injury that can put them at a greater risk for serious mental health conditions than the general population. Conditions like PTSD, anxiety, substance use, and depression are more common in first responders, which can greatly reduce quality of life and lead to burnout, sleep disruption, and even suicidal thoughts. Therapy can offer an opportunity for first responders to process difficult on-the-job experiences and develop coping skills to better manage any mental health symptoms they may experience.
How can first responders get access to mental health support?
Many first responders can access therapy for free or at a very low cost through their employer, such as through an Employee Assistance Program (EAP). Workplaces may also offer or have referral recommendations for support groups, where first responders can meet with others in their profession to receive support. Individuals who would like to access mental health services outside of their employer may use their insurance benefits to see a therapist, which they can find by searching for therapists online or asking for recommendations from their primary care physician.
What type of therapy is best for first responders?
The best therapy approach depends on the mental health concerns of the client. Since many first responders struggle with trauma or PTSD, they may benefit from trauma-specific therapeutic approaches, such as Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) Therapy, Exposure Therapy, or Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT). Individuals with symptoms of anxiety, depression, or stress may alternatively benefit from Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) or mindfulness-based therapeutic approaches, which can help clients develop coping skills to manage distressing thoughts.
Can therapy for first responders help with trauma and PTSD?
Therapy can be highly effective in both treating and preventing trauma and PTSD in first responders. Typically, therapy for trauma and PTSD focuses on developing stress management skills and managing intrusive or unwanted thoughts. Therapists working with first responders often help clients strengthen their relationships and reduce harmful coping mechanisms, such as excessive substance use. Additionally, therapists assist first responders in establishing daily habits that support overall mental and physical health and enhance resilience to future stress, such as regular physical exercise, mindfulness practices, and improved eating habits.