First Responders Therapists in San Marcos, CA
My clients are first responders, veterans, medical providers, elite/professional athletes, and high-stress professionals.
Trained in PE, CPT, and EMDR, I help clients resolve PTSD and trauma while building resilience, mental toughness, and sustainable performance. I also provide couples therapy to strengthen communication and relationships under pressure. My approach is practical, confidential, and results-oriented to help you heal, grow stronger, and function at your best.
My clients are first responders, veterans, medical providers, elite/professional athletes, and high-stress professionals.
Trained in PE, CPT, and EMDR, I help clients resolve PTSD and trauma while building resilience, mental toughness, and sustainable performance. I also provide couples therapy to strengthen communication and relationships under pressure. My approach is practical, confidential, and results-oriented to help you heal, grow stronger, and function at your best.
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 the CEO/owner of Sea Wellness Therapy Group in San Marcos. I am a clinical psychologist who has been in private practice for 24 years. I have extensive experience treating a wide variety of issues and psychological disorders from the most mild to the most severe and I work with adults and adolescents. My office is centrally located in San Marcos and is easily accessible. My approach is warm, positive and compassionate. I can help you to achieve your personal goals, more effectively manage your emotions and stressors and develop strategies that will promote positive self-growth and lead you to and a more satisfying life.
I am the CEO/owner of Sea Wellness Therapy Group in San Marcos. I am a clinical psychologist who has been in private practice for 24 years. I have extensive experience treating a wide variety of issues and psychological disorders from the most mild to the most severe and I work with adults and adolescents. My office is centrally located in San Marcos and is easily accessible. My approach is warm, positive and compassionate. I can help you to achieve your personal goals, more effectively manage your emotions and stressors and develop strategies that will promote positive self-growth and lead you to and a more satisfying life.
Hi, I’m Megan Smith, a Licensed Mental Health Counselor (LMHC) who works with clients navigating anxiety, trauma, depression, burnout, and neurodivergence. My approach is warm, collaborative, and person-centered, with a strong focus on creating a safe and affirming space where clients feel genuinely seen and understood. I believe healing happens through connection, self-understanding, and learning new ways to move through life with greater confidence, balance, and authenticity.
Hi, I’m Megan Smith, a Licensed Mental Health Counselor (LMHC) who works with clients navigating anxiety, trauma, depression, burnout, and neurodivergence. My approach is warm, collaborative, and person-centered, with a strong focus on creating a safe and affirming space where clients feel genuinely seen and understood. I believe healing happens through connection, self-understanding, and learning new ways to move through life with greater confidence, balance, and authenticity.
I provide a supportive, nonjudgmental space where clients can explore anxiety, trauma, stress, life transitions, and self-esteem challenges. My approach combines insight, practical tools, and emotional support to help clients feel more grounded, empowered, and connected to themselves. I work with adults navigating anxiety, trauma, stress, emotional overwhelm, self-esteem concerns, relationship challenges, and major life transitions. I especially enjoy supporting high-functioning individuals who feel emotionally exhausted, stuck, or disconnected from themselves.
I provide a supportive, nonjudgmental space where clients can explore anxiety, trauma, stress, life transitions, and self-esteem challenges. My approach combines insight, practical tools, and emotional support to help clients feel more grounded, empowered, and connected to themselves. I work with adults navigating anxiety, trauma, stress, emotional overwhelm, self-esteem concerns, relationship challenges, and major life transitions. I especially enjoy supporting high-functioning individuals who feel emotionally exhausted, stuck, or disconnected from themselves.
I am here for someone who appears “high-functioning” on the outside but feels overwhelmed, disconnected, or exhausted on the inside. They might be navigating recovery, grief, parenting stress, relationship challenges, or major life transitions, and often feel pressure to keep it together for others. Many have spent years taking care of everyone else while quietly putting their own needs last. They may struggle with big emotions like; anxiety, shame, sadness, anger or feel stuck in patterns they understand intellectually but can’t seem to change.
I am here for someone who appears “high-functioning” on the outside but feels overwhelmed, disconnected, or exhausted on the inside. They might be navigating recovery, grief, parenting stress, relationship challenges, or major life transitions, and often feel pressure to keep it together for others. Many have spent years taking care of everyone else while quietly putting their own needs last. They may struggle with big emotions like; anxiety, shame, sadness, anger or feel stuck in patterns they understand intellectually but can’t seem to change.
Registered Associate Marriage and Family Therapist 127313
Employed and Supervised by Cory Anderson, LMFT
—Integrity Counseling Group—
I support adults and teens weighed down by life’s layers—whether the weight of depression, the hum of anxiety, or the pain of trauma and grief. You may be navigating a major change, struggling to see your worth, or seeking tools for anger. My ideal clients want more than a clinical appointment; they seek a space where their story truly matters. It would be a privilege to walk with you as you move through layers of hurt to reconnect with the authentic self that has been there all along.
Registered Associate Marriage and Family Therapist 127313
Employed and Supervised by Cory Anderson, LMFT
—Integrity Counseling Group—
I support adults and teens weighed down by life’s layers—whether the weight of depression, the hum of anxiety, or the pain of trauma and grief. You may be navigating a major change, struggling to see your worth, or seeking tools for anger. My ideal clients want more than a clinical appointment; they seek a space where their story truly matters. It would be a privilege to walk with you as you move through layers of hurt to reconnect with the authentic self that has been there all along.
I work with Military, First Responders, Depression, Anxiety, PTSD, BPD, Narcissistic Abuse Recovery & Treating Adult Children of Emotional Immature Parents.
My practice focuses on diversity, compassion, & self-discovery. I’ve dedicated my sessions to creating a space of safety. I focus on Narcissistic Abuse Recovery Survivors, somatic reprocessing, ACEIPS, & Trauma informed care, I cater EMDR, DBT, CBT, IFS, and somatic work to create a holistic approach. There is no right or wrong, good or bad, in healing.
I work with Military, First Responders, Depression, Anxiety, PTSD, BPD, Narcissistic Abuse Recovery & Treating Adult Children of Emotional Immature Parents.
My practice focuses on diversity, compassion, & self-discovery. I’ve dedicated my sessions to creating a space of safety. I focus on Narcissistic Abuse Recovery Survivors, somatic reprocessing, ACEIPS, & Trauma informed care, I cater EMDR, DBT, CBT, IFS, and somatic work to create a holistic approach. There is no right or wrong, good or bad, in healing.
I’m a licensed clinical psychologist with experience in both forensic and community settings. I’ve worked with individuals facing complex presentations, including trauma and a range of mental health challenges. Through this work, I’ve learned that everyone deserves a space where they feel safe to be themselves, heard, and truly understood.
I’m a licensed clinical psychologist with experience in both forensic and community settings. I’ve worked with individuals facing complex presentations, including trauma and a range of mental health challenges. Through this work, I’ve learned that everyone deserves a space where they feel safe to be themselves, heard, and truly understood.
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.
Sometimes we just need a comfortable, supportive space to finally talk about the thoughts, stressors, and deeper issues that keep showing up in our lives—the ones we can’t seem to shake. I work with individuals and couples who are feeling overwhelmed by anxiety, stuck in unhelpful relationship patterns, or carrying the impact of past trauma. Together, we’ll take a collaborative, compassionate approach to help you create real change.
Sometimes we just need a comfortable, supportive space to finally talk about the thoughts, stressors, and deeper issues that keep showing up in our lives—the ones we can’t seem to shake. I work with individuals and couples who are feeling overwhelmed by anxiety, stuck in unhelpful relationship patterns, or carrying the impact of past trauma. Together, we’ll take a collaborative, compassionate approach to help you create real change.
Hello, I'm Jessie Santos, a licensed marriage and family therapist dedicated to helping teens and adults of all ages navigate life’s challenges. I specialize in individual therapy, as well as couples and family therapy, assisting those who struggle with anxiety, depression, communication issues, boundaries, interpersonal challenges, intimacy concerns, trauma, and more.
I am passionate about this work because I truly value being a part of my clients’ journeys. It is a privilege to support individuals and families as they navigate the trials and tribulations of life.
Hello, I'm Jessie Santos, a licensed marriage and family therapist dedicated to helping teens and adults of all ages navigate life’s challenges. I specialize in individual therapy, as well as couples and family therapy, assisting those who struggle with anxiety, depression, communication issues, boundaries, interpersonal challenges, intimacy concerns, trauma, and more.
I am passionate about this work because I truly value being a part of my clients’ journeys. It is a privilege to support individuals and families as they navigate the trials and tribulations of life.
More Therapists Nearby
I have experience supporting first responders as they navigate trauma, stress, and moral injury, and I also help clients explore and heal generational patterns—the inherited beliefs, roles, and emotional burdens that often shape how we relate to ourselves and others.
My approach is person-centered and deeply rooted in the belief that healing begins within a safe and trusting therapeutic relationship. I draw from Internal Family Systems (IFS) and other evidence-based practices to help you explore and understand the different parts of yourself—especially those shaped by pain, protection, or survival.
I have experience supporting first responders as they navigate trauma, stress, and moral injury, and I also help clients explore and heal generational patterns—the inherited beliefs, roles, and emotional burdens that often shape how we relate to ourselves and others.
My approach is person-centered and deeply rooted in the belief that healing begins within a safe and trusting therapeutic relationship. I draw from Internal Family Systems (IFS) and other evidence-based practices to help you explore and understand the different parts of yourself—especially those shaped by pain, protection, or survival.
My experience working with first responders and veterans has allowed me to become well-versed in treating complex trauma.
I am passionate about what I do because I have been in your shoes! Going to therapy and talking to someone about our issues can be scary, and I am here to tell you that it does not have to be. In my time of being a therapist, I have found that many people struggle with a mental health issue and may not even know it. My goal through therapy is not to provide you with the answers, but to help you navigate them yourself. Throughout this process, we can get you to a place of self-compassion, self-love and gaining empowerment.
My experience working with first responders and veterans has allowed me to become well-versed in treating complex trauma.
I am passionate about what I do because I have been in your shoes! Going to therapy and talking to someone about our issues can be scary, and I am here to tell you that it does not have to be. In my time of being a therapist, I have found that many people struggle with a mental health issue and may not even know it. My goal through therapy is not to provide you with the answers, but to help you navigate them yourself. Throughout this process, we can get you to a place of self-compassion, self-love and gaining empowerment.
Coy is a licensed psychotherapist with a decade history of working with survivors of combat trauma & sexual trauma, couples, grieving families, military, law-enforcement/ first responders, and coaches & athletes.
Coy has been been trained with the following modalities: Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, CPT, Prolonged Exposure, Attachment-Focused EMDR, Trauma Resiliency Model (TRM) Level 1, Gottman Method Couples Therapy Level 2, Clinical Hypnosis, Motivational Interviewing, and Problem Solving.
Coy is a licensed psychotherapist with a decade history of working with survivors of combat trauma & sexual trauma, couples, grieving families, military, law-enforcement/ first responders, and coaches & athletes.
Coy has been been trained with the following modalities: Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, CPT, Prolonged Exposure, Attachment-Focused EMDR, Trauma Resiliency Model (TRM) Level 1, Gottman Method Couples Therapy Level 2, Clinical Hypnosis, Motivational Interviewing, and Problem Solving.
The most powerful aspect of therapy is the relationship between you and your therapist, which provides a foundation of trust and unconditional acceptance, so that through your therapeutic journey, you have an opportunity to experience wholeness and healing to live a flourishing life. Having worked in a school system for 17 years, I have seen first hand the effect of toxic stress, pain, loneliness, hurt, disappointment, and trauma on the lives of teenagers and adults. I am passionate about guiding both teens and adults on their journey toward healing, providing tools to experience connection, restoration, and wholeness.
The most powerful aspect of therapy is the relationship between you and your therapist, which provides a foundation of trust and unconditional acceptance, so that through your therapeutic journey, you have an opportunity to experience wholeness and healing to live a flourishing life. Having worked in a school system for 17 years, I have seen first hand the effect of toxic stress, pain, loneliness, hurt, disappointment, and trauma on the lives of teenagers and adults. I am passionate about guiding both teens and adults on their journey toward healing, providing tools to experience connection, restoration, and wholeness.
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 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.
Our expertise includes anxiety, trauma, personality dynamics, and high-performance stress, with specialized experience working with first responders and those who give life their all.
Golden Hour Psychology. You’ve carried it long enough—the anxiety that won’t quiet, the trauma that lingers, the patterns that keep repeating. Maybe you feel stuck, unsure why things aren’t changing, or exhausted from holding it all together. You want relief, but more than that, you want clarity. You’re ready to understand, heal, and move forward. We can help.
Our expertise includes anxiety, trauma, personality dynamics, and high-performance stress, with specialized experience working with first responders and those who give life their all.
Golden Hour Psychology. You’ve carried it long enough—the anxiety that won’t quiet, the trauma that lingers, the patterns that keep repeating. Maybe you feel stuck, unsure why things aren’t changing, or exhausted from holding it all together. You want relief, but more than that, you want clarity. You’re ready to understand, heal, and move forward. We can help.
Alexa Grossman | EMDR and KAP Therapist
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW, LCAC, ERPSCC
7 Endorsed
San Diego, CA 92106
As a trauma-informed therapist and military veteran, I help veterans, first responders, healthcare workers and other high-responsibility professionals overcome anxiety, perfectionism, and trauma.
You look like you have it all together, but inside you’re battling anxiety, self-criticism, and the fear of not being enough. The pressure to perform perfectly in your work, relationships, and life is exhausting. You lie awake replaying conversations, second-guessing decisions, and wondering why you can’t just “get over it.” Even when things seem fine from the outside, there’s a constant hum of worry, self-doubt, or the weight of past trauma that keeps you feeling stuck, disconnected, and running on empty. I offer in-person therapy in San Diego, CA, and online therapy across California, Indiana, and Ohio.
As a trauma-informed therapist and military veteran, I help veterans, first responders, healthcare workers and other high-responsibility professionals overcome anxiety, perfectionism, and trauma.
You look like you have it all together, but inside you’re battling anxiety, self-criticism, and the fear of not being enough. The pressure to perform perfectly in your work, relationships, and life is exhausting. You lie awake replaying conversations, second-guessing decisions, and wondering why you can’t just “get over it.” Even when things seem fine from the outside, there’s a constant hum of worry, self-doubt, or the weight of past trauma that keeps you feeling stuck, disconnected, and running on empty. I offer in-person therapy in San Diego, CA, and online therapy across California, Indiana, and Ohio.
See more therapy options for San Marcos
Nearby First Responders Therapists Searches for San Marcos
- Bonsall
- Camp Pendleton
- Del Mar
- Encinitas
- Escondido
- Fallbrook
- La Jolla
- Oceanside
- Poway
- Rancho Santa Fe
- 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.