First Responders Therapists in Poway, CA
I know reaching out for support can feel difficult, especially if you’ve been used to handling things on your own. I believe therapy offers a safe, supportive space to explore life’s challenges. Seeking help is a sign of strength, it’s a meaningful step toward healing and growth. Clients often seek my help with challenges like adjustment issues, depression, anxiety, grief, trauma, and compassion fatigue. I offer support for self-discovery, healing, and personal growth.
I know reaching out for support can feel difficult, especially if you’ve been used to handling things on your own. I believe therapy offers a safe, supportive space to explore life’s challenges. Seeking help is a sign of strength, it’s a meaningful step toward healing and growth. Clients often seek my help with challenges like adjustment issues, depression, anxiety, grief, trauma, and compassion fatigue. I offer support for self-discovery, healing, and personal growth.
I am genuinely passionate about supporting people through stressful life experiences to live healthier, happier lives. I help couples and families overcome disconnection to rebuild and strengthen their closeness. I also specialize in supporting individuals, including, children, adolescents, and adults, who are struggling with anxiety, depression, trauma, & codependency. I work collaboratively with clients to enhance quality of life by combining insight, emotional exploration, and direction. I provide neutral support, guidance, and relief to develop healthy ways of coping, to expand inner growth, and to restore relational bonds.
I am genuinely passionate about supporting people through stressful life experiences to live healthier, happier lives. I help couples and families overcome disconnection to rebuild and strengthen their closeness. I also specialize in supporting individuals, including, children, adolescents, and adults, who are struggling with anxiety, depression, trauma, & codependency. I work collaboratively with clients to enhance quality of life by combining insight, emotional exploration, and direction. I provide neutral support, guidance, and relief to develop healthy ways of coping, to expand inner growth, and to restore relational bonds.
Imagine an insightful, action-oriented therapy that empowers you to break free from negative feelings, anxiety, or difficult relationships—without taking years. Using proven tools that have helped thousands, I’ll guide you toward a happier, more fulfilling life. Whether you're struggling with low self-esteem, chronic stress, or relationship challenges, my approach will help you build healthier thought patterns, improve communication, and regain control. Let’s work together to heal trauma, boost your confidence, and create lasting emotional resilience.
Imagine an insightful, action-oriented therapy that empowers you to break free from negative feelings, anxiety, or difficult relationships—without taking years. Using proven tools that have helped thousands, I’ll guide you toward a happier, more fulfilling life. Whether you're struggling with low self-esteem, chronic stress, or relationship challenges, my approach will help you build healthier thought patterns, improve communication, and regain control. Let’s work together to heal trauma, boost your confidence, and create lasting emotional resilience.
I specialize in the military, veterans, and law enforcement population.
I have been providing mental health services to a wide range of clients for more than 18 years. I’ve worked in crisis settings as well as private practice, providing services for individuals with severe mental health issues as well as co-occurring disorders. I have expertise in grief, trauma, and substance abuse counseling. I have a holistic approach to providing mental health services and believe that the key to success is to incorporate physical and mental health and a comprehensive way. I am trained in CBT, DBT, ACT, Gottman, and Motivational Interviewing. I am fluent in Russian.
I specialize in the military, veterans, and law enforcement population.
I have been providing mental health services to a wide range of clients for more than 18 years. I’ve worked in crisis settings as well as private practice, providing services for individuals with severe mental health issues as well as co-occurring disorders. I have expertise in grief, trauma, and substance abuse counseling. I have a holistic approach to providing mental health services and believe that the key to success is to incorporate physical and mental health and a comprehensive way. I am trained in CBT, DBT, ACT, Gottman, and Motivational Interviewing. I am fluent in Russian.
We are experienced, empathic San Diego therapists providing evidenced-based counseling to Children, Teens and Adults in San Diego and throughout California to help you Improve, Grow, and Heal.
We provide In Person sessions throughout San Diego County in Mission Valley, El Cajon, Scripps Ranch, University City, and Escondido for your convenience. Our appointments range from weekdays to evenings and weekends, and can be in English, Spanish, Hebrew, Russian, Mandarin, Polish and French.
We are experienced, empathic San Diego therapists providing evidenced-based counseling to Children, Teens and Adults in San Diego and throughout California to help you Improve, Grow, and Heal.
We provide In Person sessions throughout San Diego County in Mission Valley, El Cajon, Scripps Ranch, University City, and Escondido for your convenience. Our appointments range from weekdays to evenings and weekends, and can be in English, Spanish, Hebrew, Russian, Mandarin, Polish and French.
My lived life experience includes being a Firefighter/ Paramedic for 16 years in a very busy, very diverse, metropolitan department.
I specialize in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR). CBT works on the premise that all emotions comes from our mind and the way in which we think about the specific situation. This creates our behavior. EMDR works specifically by using bilateral stimulation while processing traumatic memories.
My lived life experience includes being a Firefighter/ Paramedic for 16 years in a very busy, very diverse, metropolitan department.
I specialize in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR). CBT works on the premise that all emotions comes from our mind and the way in which we think about the specific situation. This creates our behavior. EMDR works specifically by using bilateral stimulation while processing traumatic memories.
Parenthood can be blissful and full of love. It can be an immediate bond and bring families together. It can also be scary, traumatic and isolating. Every journey from trying to conceive, pregnancy, birth, and postpartum parenthood has a story. I support individuals who are experiencing anxiety, depression, are overstimulated, or stuck in reactive cycles. You do not have to suffer in silence. You are not alone.
Parenthood can be blissful and full of love. It can be an immediate bond and bring families together. It can also be scary, traumatic and isolating. Every journey from trying to conceive, pregnancy, birth, and postpartum parenthood has a story. I support individuals who are experiencing anxiety, depression, are overstimulated, or stuck in reactive cycles. You do not have to suffer in silence. You are not alone.
I’m Alex! I’m a queer therapist who believes our identities, experiences, and values shape who we are and how we move through the world. I care deeply about supporting people in building lives that are authentic & aligned with what truly matters to them.
Many people I work with are exploring questions around identity, belonging, and what it means to live authentically in a world that can make that complicated. I also believe it’s important to acknowledge the larger systems and pressures we’re all navigating, and therapy can be a place to process the anger, grief, joy, hope, and resilience that come with living in today’s world.
I’m Alex! I’m a queer therapist who believes our identities, experiences, and values shape who we are and how we move through the world. I care deeply about supporting people in building lives that are authentic & aligned with what truly matters to them.
Many people I work with are exploring questions around identity, belonging, and what it means to live authentically in a world that can make that complicated. I also believe it’s important to acknowledge the larger systems and pressures we’re all navigating, and therapy can be a place to process the anger, grief, joy, hope, and resilience that come with living in today’s world.
More Therapists Nearby
Evelyn Vasquez, and I currently ONLY work with people who operate under extraordinary occupational pressure, including first responders, veterans, medical providers, elite athletes, and other high-performing professionals who are under extreme pressure to help others.
My approach is about helping explore who you are, changing what you don't like, and giving you tools that actually work within the realities of your life. Whether you're working rotating shifts, managing a packed competition schedule, juggling court dates, or dealing with the unpredictability of emergency services.
Evelyn Vasquez, and I currently ONLY work with people who operate under extraordinary occupational pressure, including first responders, veterans, medical providers, elite athletes, and other high-performing professionals who are under extreme pressure to help others.
My approach is about helping explore who you are, changing what you don't like, and giving you tools that actually work within the realities of your life. Whether you're working rotating shifts, managing a packed competition schedule, juggling court dates, or dealing with the unpredictability of emergency services.
I am an Associate Professional Clinical Counselor with over 22 years of experience as a Firefighter/ Paramedic.
I have extensive experience working with individuals struggling with addiction and co-occurring mental health disorders (dual diagnosis). As a counselor, I bring a compassionate and empathetic perspective to my work, having walked the path of recovery myself.
I am an Associate Professional Clinical Counselor with over 22 years of experience as a Firefighter/ Paramedic.
I have extensive experience working with individuals struggling with addiction and co-occurring mental health disorders (dual diagnosis). As a counselor, I bring a compassionate and empathetic perspective to my work, having walked the path of recovery myself.
I often work with first responders and military personnel who perform well under pressure but struggle with connection, stress, or repeating patterns.
I help individuals and couples break stuck patterns and improve connection. Using EMDR, CPT, PE, and Neuropsychotherapy, I target how the brain and nervous system drive behavior. My approach is direct, structured, and focused on real, lasting change.
I often work with first responders and military personnel who perform well under pressure but struggle with connection, stress, or repeating patterns.
I help individuals and couples break stuck patterns and improve connection. Using EMDR, CPT, PE, and Neuropsychotherapy, I target how the brain and nervous system drive behavior. My approach is direct, structured, and focused on real, lasting change.
Hola yo soy Natalie! With a holistic lense, I welcome you to consider different reasons that are leading to manifestations of depression, and anxiety. During our time, we will discussed the development of you, and how to start undoing patterns that are no longer serving you in reaching goals you are setting in place. These patterns include conflict with those around you, and how you better navigate those relationships.
Hola yo soy Natalie! With a holistic lense, I welcome you to consider different reasons that are leading to manifestations of depression, and anxiety. During our time, we will discussed the development of you, and how to start undoing patterns that are no longer serving you in reaching goals you are setting in place. These patterns include conflict with those around you, and how you better navigate those relationships.
I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker providing trauma-informed, holistic care for individuals seeking meaningful change. I am licensed in California and Wyoming.
I view therapy as a bridge — helping you move from the past to your desired future.
Using evidence-based approaches, I help you uncover and release patterns of thinking, feeling, and behaving that no longer serve you. Instead of changing these patterns through force, we clear away the distortions to reveal the clarity underneath.
My goal is to walk alongside you on this leg of your healing journey, as you align your mind, body, spirit and actions.
I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker providing trauma-informed, holistic care for individuals seeking meaningful change. I am licensed in California and Wyoming.
I view therapy as a bridge — helping you move from the past to your desired future.
Using evidence-based approaches, I help you uncover and release patterns of thinking, feeling, and behaving that no longer serve you. Instead of changing these patterns through force, we clear away the distortions to reveal the clarity underneath.
My goal is to walk alongside you on this leg of your healing journey, as you align your mind, body, spirit and actions.
I work with athletes, first responders and adults struggling with performance anxiety and self-doubt.
I specialize in helping adults manage anxiety, performance pressure, burnout and unresolved past trauma. Client's that I work with often feel intense physical symptoms of anxiety, racing thoughts that feel out of control, and are usually "pushing through" the symptoms until the event is over- only for it to happen all over agin when the next challenge arises. I work with clients through somatic exercises, cognitive work and deeper brain work through eye movement desensitization reprocessing (EMDR) therapy to resolve the core conflicts of distress and reduce daily symptoms.
I work with athletes, first responders and adults struggling with performance anxiety and self-doubt.
I specialize in helping adults manage anxiety, performance pressure, burnout and unresolved past trauma. Client's that I work with often feel intense physical symptoms of anxiety, racing thoughts that feel out of control, and are usually "pushing through" the symptoms until the event is over- only for it to happen all over agin when the next challenge arises. I work with clients through somatic exercises, cognitive work and deeper brain work through eye movement desensitization reprocessing (EMDR) therapy to resolve the core conflicts of distress and reduce daily symptoms.
You may be high-functioning and capable on the outside, yet feel stuck in emotional patterns that don’t shift through insight alone. Many of my clients have already tried talk therapy or personal growth work and still feel anxious, disconnected, or on edge beneath the surface. Through EMDR and trauma-informed therapy, we work at the nervous system level to address the roots of these patterns, creating meaningful relief, emotional steadiness, and a life that feels more grounded and aligned.
You may be high-functioning and capable on the outside, yet feel stuck in emotional patterns that don’t shift through insight alone. Many of my clients have already tried talk therapy or personal growth work and still feel anxious, disconnected, or on edge beneath the surface. Through EMDR and trauma-informed therapy, we work at the nervous system level to address the roots of these patterns, creating meaningful relief, emotional steadiness, and a life that feels more grounded and aligned.
I specialize in helping first responders and healthcare professionals manage stress and burnout, supporting new parents through postpartum and child-rearing challenges, and guiding individuals as they heal and rebuild after major life changes.
Guided by both clinical expertise and practical experience, I’ve worked in emergency rooms, crisis negotiation teams, and specialized mental health units. I’ve facilitated critical incident and postpartum support groups. My approach blends empathy with evidence-based practices, including attachment theory, narrative therapy, and person-centered therapy.
I specialize in helping first responders and healthcare professionals manage stress and burnout, supporting new parents through postpartum and child-rearing challenges, and guiding individuals as they heal and rebuild after major life changes.
Guided by both clinical expertise and practical experience, I’ve worked in emergency rooms, crisis negotiation teams, and specialized mental health units. I’ve facilitated critical incident and postpartum support groups. My approach blends empathy with evidence-based practices, including attachment theory, narrative therapy, and person-centered therapy.
I work with a diverse range of clients, including those in high-pressure roles such as first responders, veterans, and athletes, as well as individuals facing everyday stress, life transitions, and emotional challenges.
My approach is trauma-informed, collaborative, and tailored to you. I draw from Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, Internal Family Systems, and psychodynamic therapy, and I am trained in Accelerated Resolution Therapy to help you process experiences, build insight, and develop healthier coping tools. We focus on feeling grounded and connected to yourself.
I work with a diverse range of clients, including those in high-pressure roles such as first responders, veterans, and athletes, as well as individuals facing everyday stress, life transitions, and emotional challenges.
My approach is trauma-informed, collaborative, and tailored to you. I draw from Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, Internal Family Systems, and psychodynamic therapy, and I am trained in Accelerated Resolution Therapy to help you process experiences, build insight, and develop healthier coping tools. We focus on feeling grounded and connected to yourself.
I specialize in working with active duty service members, veterans, and individuals navigating major life transitions. I approach therapy with the belief that each person is unique and already has resilience within them. My work is collaborative and strengths-based—I focus on helping clients build on what they already have while developing new tools for healing and growth. I tailor treatment to fit each person’s individual needs and goals.
I specialize in working with active duty service members, veterans, and individuals navigating major life transitions. I approach therapy with the belief that each person is unique and already has resilience within them. My work is collaborative and strengths-based—I focus on helping clients build on what they already have while developing new tools for healing and growth. I tailor treatment to fit each person’s individual needs and goals.
Jenée Harris First Responder Mental Health
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT, EMDR, IMFT
Online Only
I work with First responders, and non- first responders via Telehealth in California and Ohio.
I am a trauma informed, EMDR Certified Therapist. I specialized in working with first responders, military personnel, and their families. Additionally, I specialize in adverse/religious traumas. I also work with non- first responders/ military personnel to address trauma, anxiety, depression, OCD, and co-occurring disorders.
I work with First responders, and non- first responders via Telehealth in California and Ohio.
I am a trauma informed, EMDR Certified Therapist. I specialized in working with first responders, military personnel, and their families. Additionally, I specialize in adverse/religious traumas. I also work with non- first responders/ military personnel to address trauma, anxiety, depression, OCD, and co-occurring disorders.
I specialize in EMDR and Brainspotting for First Responders, Veterans, and survivors of trauma.
You aren’t looking for traditional talk therapy; you’re looking to resolve the physiological aftermath of high-stakes stress. Whether you are a First Responder, Veteran, or survivor of complex trauma, "white-knuckling" your way through the day isn't working. I specialize in high-acuity trauma recovery, moving beyond simple conversation into neurological resolution.
With 13+ years of experience, I use EMDR and Brainspotting to target distress where it lives: in the nervous system. My approach is direct, clinical, and built for those who have seen the unthinkable.
I specialize in EMDR and Brainspotting for First Responders, Veterans, and survivors of trauma.
You aren’t looking for traditional talk therapy; you’re looking to resolve the physiological aftermath of high-stakes stress. Whether you are a First Responder, Veteran, or survivor of complex trauma, "white-knuckling" your way through the day isn't working. I specialize in high-acuity trauma recovery, moving beyond simple conversation into neurological resolution.
With 13+ years of experience, I use EMDR and Brainspotting to target distress where it lives: in the nervous system. My approach is direct, clinical, and built for those who have seen the unthinkable.
See more therapy options for Poway
Nearby First Responders Therapists Searches for Poway
- Del Mar
- El Cajon
- Encinitas
- Escondido
- La Jolla
- La Mesa
- Rancho Santa Fe
- San Diego
- San Marcos
- Santee
- 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.