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Best Psychologists in El Cajon, CA (2026)

256 psychologists ranked by RP ScoreUpdated 0 paid placements in this rankingHow we rank →

The short answer

  1. 1

    Best overall in El Cajon: Get Psyched, RP Score 71/100; 5.0★ from 24 Google reviews; open Saturdays until 8 PM.

  2. 10

    Most-reviewed: The Green Room Psychological Services, 159 Google reviews at 4.9★, the most of 256 ranked; ranked #10.

Rankings can't be bought. Psychologists can't pay to change their rank or score. How we rank

256 El Cajon psychologists are ranked here by RP Score, from eight published factors. 100 open Saturdays and 26 open Sundays, based on posted hours. The median Google rating is 4.8★ across 256 rated practices.

Top 10 psychologists in El Cajon at a glance

Ranked by the RP Score from public listing data, not by treatment outcomes; Sponsored placements are shown separately and never change rank.

Top 10 psychologists in El Cajon at a glance
RankBusinessRP ScoreGoogle ratingBased inHoursBest for
1Get Psyched715.0★ (24)La Mesa, 4 mi awaySat · EveningsOverall
2Mary Bosker, Psychologist705.0★ (4)La Mesa, 3 mi awaySat · Evenings—
3San Diego Center For Children702.3★ (3)La Mesa, 4 mi away——
4Vanja A. Gale Psy.D.674.5★ (8)National City, 9 mi away——
5San Ysidro Health Santee Family Medicine674.0★ (71)Santee, 4 mi away——
6Hilber Psychological Services662.7★ (12)San Diego, 9 mi awaySat · Sun · Evenings—
7Dr. Chad K. Cox Psychologist | Mental Health | Relationships | Care for Professionals | Online Counselling664.3★ (6)San Diego, 3 mi away——
8Dr. Melissa E. Munoz | Psychologist665.0★ (15)San Diego, 12 mi awaySat · Sun · Evenings—
9Richard Benfante, Counselor664.8★ (27)San Diego, 10 mi awaySat · Evenings—
10The Green Room Psychological Services664.9★ (159)San Diego, 13 mi awaySatMost reviews

The 256 best psychologists in El Cajon, ranked

Ordered by RP Score, a 0–100 score from eight published factors. Paid placement never changes the order.

Ranked by the RP Score from public listing data, not by treatment outcomes; Sponsored placements are shown separately and never change rank.

  1. Ranked #1 in El Cajon

    Based in La Mesa, 4 mi away

    71/100RP Score

    Ranked #1 because of specialty focus and its Google rating: listed on Google as “Psychologist”, 5.0★ from 24 Google reviews.

    Based on 7 of 8 factors; recency not yet collected.

    • 5.0★ from 24 Google reviews
    Hours
    Mon–Sat 8 AM–8 PM · Sun closed
    Address
    8220 University Ave Ste 202, La Mesa, CA 91942
  2. Based in La Mesa, 3 mi away

    70/100RP Score

    Ranked #2 because of specialty focus and its Google rating: listed on Google as “Psychologist”, 5.0★ from 4 Google reviews.

    Based on 7 of 8 factors; recency not yet collected.

    • 5.0★ from 4 Google reviews
    Hours
    Mon–Tue 8 AM–8 PM · Wed 9 AM–5 PM · Thu–Fri 8 AM–8 PM · Sat 8 AM–7 PM · Sun closed
    Address
    8881 Fletcher Pkwy Ste 350-360, La Mesa, CA 91942
  3. Based in San Diego, 9 mi away

    66/100RP Score

    Ranked #6 because of specialty focus and its Google rating: listed on Google as “Psychologist”, 2.7★ from 12 Google reviews.

    Based on 7 of 8 factors; recency not yet collected.

    • 2.7★ from 12 Google reviews
    Hours
    Mon–Thu 9 AM–7 PM · Fri 10 AM–7 PM · Sat–Sun 9 AM–5 PM
    Address
    3511 Camino del Rio S #303, San Diego, CA 92108
  4. 66/100RP Score

    Ranked #7 because of specialty focus and its Google rating: listed on Google as “Psychologist”, 4.3★ from 6 Google reviews.

    Based on 7 of 8 factors; recency not yet collected.

    • 4.3★ from 6 Google reviews
    Hours
    Mon–Thu 9 AM–5 PM · Fri–Sun closed
    Address
    Mailing Address, 8898 Navajo Rd Ste C #316, San Diego, CA 92119
  5. Based in San Diego, 10 mi away

    66/100RP Score

    Ranked #9 because of specialty focus and its Google rating: listed on Google as “Child psychologist”, 4.8★ from 27 Google reviews.

    Based on 7 of 8 factors; recency not yet collected.

    • 4.8★ from 27 Google reviews
    Hours
    Mon–Tue 8 AM–8 PM · Wed 9 AM–5 PM · Thu 8 AM–8 PM · Fri 8 AM–5:30 PM · Sat 8 AM–3:30 PM · Sun closed
    Address
    8989 Rio San Diego Dr Suite 200, San Diego, CA 92108
  6. Based in San Diego, 10 mi away

    66/100RP Score

    Ranked #12 because of specialty focus and its Google rating: listed on Google as “Child psychologist”, 4.7★ from 26 Google reviews.

    Based on 7 of 8 factors; recency not yet collected.

    • 4.7★ from 26 Google reviews
    Hours
    Mon–Tue 8 AM–8 PM · Wed 9 AM–5 PM · Thu 8 AM–8 PM · Fri 8 AM–5:30 PM · Sat 8 AM–3:30 PM · Sun closed
    Address
    8989 Rio San Diego Dr Suite 200, San Diego, CA 92108
  7. Based in Chula Vista, 11 mi away

    66/100RP Score

    Ranked #13 because of specialty focus and its Google rating: listed on Google as “Psychologist”, 5.0★ from 8 Google reviews.

    Based on 6 of 8 factors; recency and availability not yet collected.

    • 5.0★ from 8 Google reviews
    Address
    1468 S Creekside Dr, Chula Vista, CA 91915
  8. Based in San Diego, 10 mi away

    66/100RP Score

    Ranked #14 because of specialty focus and its Google rating: listed on Google as “Child psychologist”, 4.9★ from 17 Google reviews.

    Based on 7 of 8 factors; recency not yet collected.

    • 4.9★ from 17 Google reviews
    Hours
    Mon–Tue 8 AM–8 PM · Wed 9 AM–5 PM · Thu 8 AM–8 PM · Fri 8 AM–5:30 PM · Sat 8 AM–3:30 PM · Sun closed
    Address
    8989 Rio San Diego Dr #200, San Diego, CA 92108
  9. Based in San Diego, 10 mi away

    65/100RP Score

    Ranked #16 because of specialty focus and its Google rating: listed on Google as “Child psychologist”, 4.9★ from 12 Google reviews.

    Based on 7 of 8 factors; recency not yet collected.

    • 4.9★ from 12 Google reviews
    Hours
    Mon–Tue 8 AM–8 PM · Wed 9 AM–5 PM · Thu 8 AM–8 PM · Fri 8 AM–5:30 PM · Sat 8 AM–3:30 PM · Sun closed
    Address
    8989 Rio San Diego Dr Suite 200, San Diego, CA 92108
  10. Based in San Diego, 9 mi away

    65/100RP Score

    Ranked #18 because of specialty focus and its Google rating: listed on Google as “Child psychologist”, 5.0★ from 4 Google reviews.

    Based on 7 of 8 factors; recency not yet collected.

    • 5.0★ from 4 Google reviews
    Hours
    Mon–Sat 8 AM–7 PM · Sun closed
    Address
    3550 Camino Del Rio N Ste 104, San Diego, CA 92108
  11. Based in San Diego, 10 mi away

    65/100RP Score

    Ranked #19 because of specialty focus and its Google rating: listed on Google as “Child psychologist”, 5.0★ from 9 Google reviews.

    Based on 7 of 8 factors; recency not yet collected.

    • 5.0★ from 9 Google reviews
    Hours
    Mon–Tue 8 AM–8 PM · Wed 9 AM–5 PM · Thu 8 AM–8 PM · Fri 8 AM–5:30 PM · Sat 8 AM–3:30 PM · Sun closed
    Address
    8989 Rio San Diego Dr #200, San Diego, CA 92108
  12. Based in San Diego, 11 mi away

    65/100RP Score

    Ranked #20 because of specialty focus and its Google rating: listed on Google as “Psychologist”, 5.0★ from 4 Google reviews.

    Based on 6 of 8 factors; recency and availability not yet collected.

    • 5.0★ from 4 Google reviews
    Address
    3699 Park Blvd, San Diego, CA 92103
  13. Based in San Diego, 10 mi away

    65/100RP Score

    Ranked #21 because of specialty focus and its Google rating: listed on Google as “Child psychologist”, 5.0★ from 8 Google reviews.

    Based on 7 of 8 factors; recency not yet collected.

    • 5.0★ from 8 Google reviews
    Hours
    Mon–Tue 8 AM–8 PM · Wed 9 AM–5 PM · Thu 8 AM–8 PM · Fri 8 AM–5:30 PM · Sat 8 AM–3:30 PM · Sun closed
    Address
    8989 Rio San Diego Dr Suite 200, San Diego, CA 92108
  14. Based in San Diego, 12 mi away

    65/100RP Score

    Ranked #22 because of specialty focus and its Google rating: listed on Google as “Psychologist”, 4.1★ from 13 Google reviews.

    Based on 6 of 8 factors; recency and availability not yet collected.

    • 4.1★ from 13 Google reviews
    Address
    9815 Carroll Canyon Rd, San Diego, CA 92131
  15. Based in San Diego, 10 mi away

    65/100RP Score

    Ranked #23 because of specialty focus and its Google rating: listed on Google as “Psychologist”, 5.0★ from 12 Google reviews.

    Based on 7 of 8 factors; recency not yet collected.

    • 5.0★ from 12 Google reviews
    Hours
    Mon–Thu 9 AM–5 PM · Fri 9 AM–4:30 PM · Sat 9 AM–5 PM · Sun closed
    Address
    2801 Camino del Rio S #300C, San Diego, CA 92108
  16. Based in San Diego, 13 mi away

    65/100RP Score

    Ranked #24 because of specialty focus and its Google rating: listed on Google as “Psychologist”, 5.0★ from 3 Google reviews.

    Based on 7 of 8 factors; recency not yet collected.

    • 5.0★ from 3 Google reviews
    Hours
    Mon–Sun 8 AM–8 PM
    Address
    406 Ninth Ave Unit 208, San Diego, CA 92101
  17. Based in San Diego, 6 mi away

    65/100RP Score

    Ranked #25 because of specialty focus and its Google rating: listed on Google as “Psychologist”, 4.9★ from 7 Google reviews.

    Based on 7 of 8 factors; recency not yet collected.

    • 4.9★ from 7 Google reviews
    Hours
    Mon–Fri 9 AM–5 PM · Sat–Sun closed
    Address
    6386 Alvarado Ct #210, San Diego, CA 92120

Psychologists ranked #26 to #50

#1 to #25 are shown in full above. Here are #26 to #50, in RP Score order; each links to its profile. We publish the top 50 of 256 ranked psychologists here; the rest are on their profiles.

psychologists in El Cajon, ranks 26 to 50
RankBusinessRP ScoreGoogle ratingDistance
26Dr. Alan Lincoln653.7★ (6)11 mi
27Green & Green: Green David PHD654.0★ (4)11 mi
28Houston Charlotte C645.0★ (3)12 mi
29Britt Beswick, Counselor645.0★ (5)10 mi
30Melanie Nicholls, Counselor645.0★ (5)10 mi
31Kirsten Molina, Counselor645.0★ (7)11 mi
32Dr. Gina Woodford643.7★ (3)11 mi
33Danielle Bell-Dunnam, Counselor645.0★ (3)10 mi
34Robin Pekin, Counselor644.4★ (8)11 mi
35Gary D. Pesavento, Ph.D.643.0★ (4)10 mi
36Karyn Donado, Counselor644.8★ (5)11 mi
37David Debus, Psychologist645.0★ (4)11 mi
38Rady Children's Outpatient Psychiatry643.0★ (19)11 mi
39Stepping Stones Life Transition Support645.0★ (8)12 mi
40Thomas D. Harpley, PHD644.0★ (4)12 mi
41Neda Khodaparast, PsyD, QME635.0★ (22)13 mi
42Stephen M. Pfeiffer, PHD634.0★ (4)12 mi
43Personal Evolution Psychotherapy632.9★ (15)10 mi
44Jeff Schanowitz, Ph.D.634.9★ (18)9 mi
45Coronado Psych633.7★ (6)15 mi
46Valantine Bill635.0★ (3)13 mi
47Hillcrest Psychological Associates635.0★ (3)12 mi
48Learning Development Services635.0★ (4)14 mi
49Callahan Eileen PHD625.0★ (3)14 mi
50EPI | Psicólogas de niños y adolescentes | Tijuana625.0★ (31)19 mi

Also serving El Cajon

20 more psychologists within 20 mi that we can't rank yet: too few reviews, or a specialty we couldn't confirm. Listed A to Z.

Unranked psychologists serving El Cajon
BusinessGoogle ratingDistance
Advanced Psychiatry Associates4.6★ (92)In El Cajon
API Outpatient Mental Health Services - El Cajon4.9★ (8)In El Cajon
Balanced Life Therapy Center4.0★ (4)In El Cajon
Bruno Sam5.0★ (5)In El Cajon
Coronado Counseling | Julia Overlin MS LPCC LPC NCC3.5★ (4)In El Cajon
Crossroads Family Center4.3★ (19)In El Cajon
Dr Highum4.3★ (8)In El Cajon
Dr. John W. Allen3.3★ (8)In El Cajon
East County Behavioral Health Center3.6★ (20)In El Cajon
Enara Family Counseling, P.C.3.9★ (14)In El Cajon
Family Focus Christian Counseling4.0★ (4)In El Cajon
FamilyHealth-El Cajon Youth Counseling Center3.0★ (4)In El Cajon
Halcyon Center3.5★ (19)In El Cajon
Healing Wells Counseling & Psychiatry Center2.6★ (42)In El Cajon
Heartland Center4.6★ (24)In El Cajon
Laurence R Saben PC4.1★ (14)In El Cajon
McAlister Institute- Corporate Office4.4★ (51)In El Cajon
Palm mental health4.1★ (9)In El Cajon
Revive Pathway4.6★ (44)In El Cajon
The Therapy Innovation4.6★ (11)In El Cajon

How we ranked El Cajon psychologists

We scored 256 El Cajon psychologists on eight factors, weighted as shown. A practice is ranked when its specialty is confirmed and it has 3 or more Google reviews or a claimed profile. A practice with no Google reviews scores zero on rating, review volume and recency. Other unknown factors are left out, not counted as zero. Scores last refreshed November 9, 2026.

Paid placement never changes a rank or score. Sponsored businesses are paid, labelled, limited to 3 and shown above the ranking, outside it.

Read the full method: formula, sources and exclusions

RP Score factors and weights
FactorWeightComputed fromIn El Cajon data
Reputation25%Google star rating, adjusted for how many reviews back itMeasured
Review volume5%Number of Google reviews, compared with the most-reviewed practice on the listMeasured
Recency5%Share of Google reviews from the last 12 monthsNot yet collected
Availability10%Weekly open hours, Saturday, Sunday, and round-the-clock or same-day availabilityMeasured
Specialty focus25%How clearly the practice does this specialty (its Google category and name)Measured
Proximity15%Based in the city scores highest, less the farther away it isMeasured
Claimed profile10%The practice has claimed its Ranked Psychologists profile (free or paid earn the same)Measured
Partnered5%The practice links to Ranked Psychologists from its own website with our badge, checked periodicallyMeasured

How to choose a psychologist

  1. Check the license with the state or provincial board that issued it; most boards publish a free online lookup.
  2. Make sure they regularly work with clients who have your concern, and ask what approach they use and why.
  3. If you may need testing as well as therapy (for example for ADHD or memory concerns), ask whether the practice does assessments itself.
  4. Ask about fees, insurance and the cancellation policy before the first session. In the US, if you are uninsured or paying yourself, you can ask for a good faith estimate of expected charges.
  5. Check practical fit: in-person or online sessions, evening times, and how soon they have an opening.
  6. After a few sessions, ask yourself whether you feel heard. Changing to a different provider is common and fine.

Questions to ask a psychologist

  • Are you accepting new clients, and how soon could I start?
  • Which license do you hold, and in which state or province?
  • How often do you work with concerns like mine?
  • Do you offer psychological testing, or therapy only?
  • What do you charge per session, and do you take my insurance or provide a superbill?
  • Do you offer online sessions?
  • What is your cancellation policy?
  • What do you keep confidential, and when would you have to share information?

Terms explained

PhD / PsyD
Doctoral degrees in psychology. A PhD usually has a stronger research focus, a PsyD a stronger clinical focus; both can lead to a psychologist license.
Licensed psychologist
A person licensed by a state or provincial psychology board to practice psychology. The title is protected by law.
Psychological associate
In some states and provinces, a master’s-level practitioner licensed or registered by the psychology board, often with supervision requirements.
LPC / LMHC / LCPC
US licenses for professional or mental health counselors (the name differs by state). They provide counseling and therapy.
LCSW
Licensed clinical social worker: a master’s-level social worker licensed to provide therapy.
LMFT
Licensed marriage and family therapist: licensed to treat individuals, couples and families with a focus on relationships.
RP / RCC
Registered psychotherapist (Ontario) and registered clinical counsellor (British Columbia): Canadian titles for licensed therapy providers.
PSYPACT
An interstate agreement that lets psychologists licensed in a member state provide telepsychology to clients in other member states once they hold the required authorization.
Telehealth
Sessions held by secure video or phone instead of in person. The provider generally needs to be licensed where the client is located.
CBT
Cognitive behavioral therapy: a structured talk therapy that works on the links between thoughts, feelings and behavior.
DBT
Dialectical behavior therapy: a form of CBT that teaches skills for managing intense emotions and relationships.
ERP
Exposure and response prevention: a form of CBT used for OCD.

Psychologists in El Cajon: frequently asked questions

Who is the best psychologist in El Cajon?

By RP Score, the highest-ranked psychologist in El Cajon, CA is Get Psyched with an RP Score of 71/100. It has 5.0★ from 24 Google reviews. It is open Saturdays until 8 PM. Mary Bosker, Psychologist (#2) and San Diego Center For Children (#3) follow. We ranked 256 psychologists on eight factors, last updated November 9, 2026.

How many psychologists are there in El Cajon?

RankedPsychologists ranks 256 psychologists serving El Cajon, CA. Another 20 within 20 mi are listed but not ranked yet. Counts are as of November 2026.

What should I do if I need help right now?

In crisis or thinking about suicide? Call or text 988 (US and Canada), any time. In an emergency, call 911. This site cannot help in an emergency.

Which psychologists in El Cajon work on weekends?

100 of 256 ranked psychologists post Saturday hours and 26 post Sunday hours. The highest-ranked open Saturdays are Get Psyched (#1), Mary Bosker, Psychologist (#2) and Hilber Psychological Services (#6). Posted hours are office hours; many practices also offer evening or online sessions by appointment.

What Google rating do El Cajon psychologists have?

The median Google rating among 256 rated psychologists in El Cajon is 4.8★, with a median of 8 reviews. The Green Room Psychological Services has the most, 159 reviews, and ranks #10. We adjust ratings for review count, so a few five-star reviews cannot top the list.

How does RankedPsychologists rank psychologists?

Each psychologist gets a 0–100 RP Score from eight published factors, led by reputation (25%), specialty focus (25%), proximity (15%) and availability (10%). A practice with no Google reviews scores zero on rating, review volume and recency; other factors we cannot measure are left out. Only practices with a confirmed specialty and 3 or more reviews, or a claimed profile, are ranked.

Do psychologists outside El Cajon count in this ranking?

Yes, if they are within 20 mi of the El Cajon city center, our service radius for psychologists. Each listing shows where the practice is based and how far away it is. Proximity is 15% of the RP Score, so a nearby practice gets a small edge.

Can psychologists pay to rank higher on RankedPsychologists?

No. The RP Score never reads payment status, and this ranking has 0 paid placements. Up to 3 Featured practices may appear above the list, labelled Sponsored and showing their honest rank.

How are psychologists in El Cajon ranked?

Each practice gets an RP Score from 0 to 100 from 8 published factors, including its Google rating, how clearly it focuses on psychology and how close it is. Sponsored placements are shown separately and never change rank. The score does not measure treatment outcomes.

What is the difference between a psychologist and a therapist?

“Psychologist” is a protected title: only people licensed by a state or provincial psychology board may use it. Most hold a doctorate (PhD or PsyD) and are trained in psychological testing as well as therapy. “Therapist” is a general word: licensed counselors, clinical social workers and marriage and family therapists also provide therapy under their own licenses.

Can I see a psychologist online?

Often, yes. Licensing generally follows where you are during the session, so the provider needs to be licensed or authorized there. In the US, psychologists in PSYPACT member states can offer telepsychology to clients in other member states; counselors and social workers have their own rules. In Canada, ask whether the provider is registered in your province.

What if I need help right now?

Do not wait for a consultation. Call or text 988 (US and Canada) if you are in crisis or thinking about suicide, at any time. In an emergency, call 911.

Update log for El Cajon

  1. November 2026: RP Scores recalculated for 256 psychologists serving El Cajon.