Our Team

Dr. Stacy Kim Johnston's Theoretical Orientation is a combination of Cognitive-Behavioral and Insight-Oriented frameworks depending on the client’s needs. “I treat each client as a respected individual and take a humanistic, psycho-educational, coach-like approach. I strongly believe that every human being has inner strengths, some unrecognized, and that exploring and building upon these strengths (versus focusing on pathology) is what can lead individuals to a more balanced life, rich with happiness &fulfillment. I personally strive to live each day in a meaningful way and look forward to helping others do the same.” Specialty areas include: marital and couples counseling, divorce mediation, co-parenting, anger management, communication skills and building self-esteem.

Divorce Mediation Service – to educate divorcing spouses and help them walk through all the court-required decision points that will need to be mutually agreed upon in order to obtain an uncontested divorce (including custody arrangements and separating property and assets).  Upon agreement on all relevant issues, spouses will each receive a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) that can be presented to the judge. (This specialized service is designed to avoid the cost of two separate attorneys and long, drawn-out divorce proceedings.)

Co-Parenting Program -designed to help parents minimize anger, avoid parental alienation and increase co-parenting techniques and cooperation.  The two main purposes of this program are to maintain what is in the best interest of the children and to resolve conflict out of court.

When considering the need for medications, many people have strong feelings about whether they are an option in treatment. We respect the fact that you know yourself best and that adding a medication regimen to your treatment is best left up to you. However, if you are unsure, or if you and your therapist have discussed the potential benefit and you would like to learn more, we urge you to seek out a consultation with our board certified psychiatrist, Dr. Bianca Karris. We invite you to ask questions about any medications that may be recommended for you, should you have any concerns about safety, benefits and risk. When it is indicated, medications can augment and speed up your recovery. If you are only taking medications, we urge you to give talk therapy a try as well, as research has shown that the combination is often superior to either treatment alone.

Dr. Kevin T. Holleman, D.O. is a board-certified general psychiatrist. He graduated from the Arizona College of Osteopathic Medicine and completed residency training at Naval Medical Center, San Diego.  He served eight years in the US Navy. Dr. Holleman provides medication management and psychotherapy for adults. His office is located off Aero Drive near Montgomery Field. Initial evaluations are a one hour interview with a focus on the presenting problem and review of medical and mental health history. Psychiatric and Psychological services are both available at this location.

Joe Sasson is a licensed clinical social worker who enjoys helping others identify the blockages impeding their progress on their life path. Joe believes therapy should involve the patient feeling trust, support, and respect in a safe, non-judgmental environment. Joe grew up in San Diego, CA, but obtained his masters in social work in Las Vegas, NM where he also worked with families and youth in elementary, middle, and high school. Joe moved back to San Diego in 2014 and has been working with all age groups suffering from depression, anxiety, PTSD, and attachment issues. Joe is trained in EMDR and uses this modality to help patients strengthen their inner resources and process trauma or replace negative thought patterns with positive ones. Joe also uses attachment-focused interventions and Jungian active imagination as needed.

We are very excited to announce that Southern California Psychology Centers is now offering medication evaluation and management services for children, by our Board Certified Pediatric Psychiatrist, Dr. Anushree Parashar, M.D. After completing her Medical school in India, Dr Parashar moved to US for her Adult Psychiatry Training at Wayne State University/ Detroit Medical Center. This was followed by a 2 year advanced training in Child and Adolescent Psychiatry at Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia/ University of Pennsylvania.

Dr Parashar has a rich experience working with all diagnoses- ADHD, autism, Eating disorders, dual diagnosis, depression and anxiety as well as all other systems of care, schools, blended and mixed families. She specializes in childhood trauma which was the topic of her research at UPenn. Dr Parashar has a special interest in College Mental health through her clinical experiences at CAPS clinic at UPenn and research work on the Depression Project at University of Michigan, Ann Arbor.

Dr Parashar uses a systems approach to treating children, teens and young adults. She uses a Family based approach in all her patient care. She has a strong background in Parent Management Training, Behavior Modification Therapy, Psychodynamic therapy, Cognitive Behavior Therapy, Trauma Focused Cognitive Behavior Therapy and Supportive, solutions-based therapy. Dr Parashar uses medications judiciously; her pharmacological management is thorough and well thought out. She has a collaborative approach to patient care where parents and the patient are partners in treatment with the doctor.

Dr. Alexis Olson specializes in neuropsychological evaluations and therapy for individuals affected by brain injury, chronic pain/illness, and caregiving. Common treatment goals include assessing or improving thinking skills and emotional resilience, while adapting to unexpected changes in physical/mental abilities. She works with you to clarify values and develop new cognitive and emotional skills to improve resilience to injury, illness, stress, and discomfort. Her approach is grounded in the science of cognitive rehabilitation and cognitive-behavioral therapies. She addresses goals for thinking skills (e.g., memory, attention) using an evidenced-based cognitive rehabilitation program called CogSMART (Cognitive Symptom Management and Rehabilitation Therapy – a program originally developed for veterans recovering from prolonged mild brain injury symptoms); this approach involves learning and practicing compensatory cognitive strategies in everyday life situations. She approaches emotional and psychological goals largely utilizing acceptance and commitment therapy, or ACT. Her training includes a Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology from the University of California, Santa Barbara, and postdoctoral training at UC Davis Medical Center Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Department, as well as Advanced Neurobehavioral Health in coordination with UC San Diego. She has been a psychologist in the San Diego area since 2019. 

Dr. Rudenberg earned a B.A. in Political Science at the University of California, Berkeley before earning his Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology at Alliant International University in San Diego in 1990. He completed internships and fellowships at Alvarado Parkway Institute and Scripps Mercy Hospital respectively, working with adult and child and adolescent populations.

Specialty: Dr. Rudenberg has treated a very wide range of complaints over his 30+ years of practice. While he employs a variety of methods, including cognitive and behavioral therapy, his approach gravitates toward psychodynamic and existential theories. Since 1992 he has worked in physical medicine rehabilitation settings in hospitals and health care centers. He has been on the medical staff of several hospitals as well as maintaining his private practice. Dr. Rudenberg works with individuals and families who have experienced complex and debilitating medical problems, PTSD, a wide range of mood disorders including depression, anxiety, somatoform and personality disorders and substance abuse. Dr. Rudenberg performs psychological assessments, forensic evaluations in criminal and civil actions, and has provided expert testimony in the California Superior Courts for plaintiff and defendant in landmark elder abuse cases among other matters. Dr. Rudenberg has consulted on a multidisciplinary task force on elder financial abuse. He has also conducted employee assistance counseling and crisis debriefing in many settings, including for first responders. Dr. Rudenberg’s dog Girly often works alongside him, providing much companionship and support for people suffering from physical and emotional injuries.

Dr. Tramontana was born and raised in a small town in California. In his youth, he worked for several years as a workman and, eventually, supervisor in building maintenance (repair and installation) at a large retirement community in Ventura, California. Later, he transitioned to working in the natural products industry, due his interest in nutrition, and eventually started his own business as a natural products broker. Ultimately, Dr. Tramontana decided to follow his strongest passion, psychology, and attended Norwich University in Brattleboro, Vermont and received a bachelor’s degree in psychology in 2000. He received both his master’s and PhD at Saybrook University and was awarded a doctorate in psychology in 2008. In 2010, he became a licensed psychologist in the state of California. However, he had been working in mental health as a group facilitator and counselor since 2000. Dr. Tramontana did a predoctoral internship at Aurora Behavioral Health Hospital in Ventura, California and a postdoctoral internship at Scripps Health Division of Mental Health, where he was employed as a clinical psychologist from 2009 until 2020. He happily made the transition from Scripps to Southern California Psychology Centers in November 2020. Dr Tramontana's areas of expertise include depressive disorders, anxiety disorders, bipolar and mood disorders, and substance and alcohol abuse disorders. He has worked with every age group and has extensive experience working with the senior population. The doctor actively listens to his patients and employs a holistic approach to therapy, including both supportive (empathic) and cognitive behavioral techniques. Additionally, he believes that self-care is critical for good mental health and encourages regular exercise, healthy eating, and adequate socialization. Dr. Tramontana works with his patients to help them increase their self-insight and self-esteem and is open to working with individuals who are serious about changing their lives for the better. Dr. Tramontana sees adults, 18 and over, and provides individual psychotherapy.

Patricia Cline is a licensed clinical social worker focused on working with adults and elders (65+). She works with clients to help them be better able to manage life’s challenges, increase self-esteem and improve their communication skills. In her work, she favors an holistic approach, where all aspects of the person - mental, emotional, behavioral, physical - are addressed, and she employs a blend of psychodynamic, cognitive behavioral and mindfulness methods, to enable people to learn to shift their thinking, change their behavior, and live in the present with a more balanced life, and a deeper sense of well being. She has over 20 years of experience working with adults, couples, elders, children and adolescents, individually and in groups. Although she can address a wide range of problems, her special interest and expertise focuses on those who are struggling to manage anxiety, depression, grief/loss/abandonment issues, addictions and life transitions. Patricia’s training is in psychiatric social work. She has an MSW from Simmons College and is licensed by the state of California. She believes that there is always more to learn and has received additional training in understanding and treating trauma, techniques of cognitive behavioral therapy, and mindfulness practice. Her training and experience have been in medical and psychiatric hospital settings, a partial hospital setting and providing therapy in outpatient settings. She also has 10 years of experience as a school teacher which has given her a fuller understanding of human development and how we are shaped by our early life experiences. Pat provides psychotherapy to adults and elders.

Heidi Burney, PsyD is a Licensed Clinical Psychologist (#34880). I believe that every individual deserves to feel accepted for exactly who they are. Each of our journeys are unique and our troubling or traumatic experiences should not be treated with a "cookie-cutter" approach. I endeavor to help you determine what works best to address and understand your concerns. As a Licensed Clinical Psychologist, my goal is to ensure a safe place where you feel comfortable to approach your concerns without fear of judgment. I appreciate your willingness to consider counseling and encourage you to find methods that invoke change and hope in your life. I have experience working with individuals, couples, and families on issues including; grief/loss, life transitions, end-of-life, PTSD, military deployment/ adjustments/retirement, personality disorders, depression, addiction, marital discord, anxiety, anger, trauma, and fear. I also have experience working in two residential facilities with individuals who were experiencing mental, physical, and emotional distress. 

Education:
PsyD: Doctor of Psychology Degree from California Southern University, CA
MA: Psychology Degree from Azusa Pacific University, CA
BA: Social Sciences Degree from California State University San Marcos, CA

Training/Certifications:
-EMDR, or Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing, is a therapeutic treatment method that helps individuals identify and develop new relationships with past/current traumas.
- MORE, or Mindfulness-Oriented Recovery Enhancement, is a therapeutic method that uses fundamental discoveries from neuroscience in therapeutic strategies to help reduce addictive behavior, emotional distress, and pain, while simultaneously increasing healthy pleasure, meaning in life, and self-transcendence.
- Domestic Violence Counselor Training (40 hours)
- Extensive training in End-of-Life Care and Geriatrics

Robert Teel, Ph.D is a licensed clinical psychologist. He earned a B.A. in Psychology at the University of Oregon before earning his Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology at Alliant International University in San Diego in 2019.  Prior to graduate studies, Dr. Teel spent six years working as a substance abuse specialist at various substance use addiction treatment centers in San Diego.  He completed training at Community Research Foundation, UCSD: Co-Occurring Disorders Program, and an internship at the Veterans Administration Hospital: Phoenix. 

Dr. Teel currently serves as a generalist provider within Southern California Psychology Centers treating mood disorders (depression, hypomania), anxiety, adjustment disorders, schizophrenia, personality disorders, chronic pain, and neurodevelopmental disorders.  Unique areas of competence include: 1) Substance Abuse Disorders, their treatment, and the intersection they have with co-morbid psychopathology.  2) Trauma and its aftermath both cognitively and physically on survivors. 3) Insomnia, 4) Men and the psychology of masculinity.  Dr. Teel has also recently opened a private practice with a specific focus on treating electronic use disorders including problems around detrimental use of social media and video games.

Dr. Teel regularly practices both Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) incorporating principals of Existential Psychotherapy into both practices.  He has been trained in Motivational Interviewing (MI), Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT), and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Insomnia (CBT-I).  Dr. Teel has a specialty in men’s issues and currently serves as the chair of the Men’s Issues Committee of the San Diego Psychological Association.

Nichole A. Duarte, Ph.D.: Dr. Duarte is a licensed clinical psychologist who specializes in health psychology. Dr. Duarte completed her undergraduate degree at the University of California, San Diego in the department of psychology and she received her Master’s degree in clinical psychology from Pepperdine University at the Graduate School of Education and Psychology. She received her doctoral degree in clinical psychology, with an emphasis in health psychology, from the California School of Professional Psychology at Alliant International University. Dr. Duarte completed a predoctoral training rotation at Sharp Hospital in the pain management and rehabilitation program and she received postdoctoral training at the University of California, San Diego in the department of psychiatry. Dr. Duarte has over ten years of experience treating patients with various physical and mental health conditions and conducting research in areas of health psychology and chronic pain.

Dr. Duarte has published extensively in both peer reviewed journals and texts on various health psychology related topics including HIV and chronic pain and she is currently involved in clinical research examining neuromodulation for the treatment of chronic pain. Dr. Duarte is board certified in biofeedback and her expertise includes the multimodal evaluation, management, and treatment of chronic pain conditions such as fibromyalgia, arthritis, and complex pain disorders. Specializing in health and behavior interventions for chronic pain and illness, Dr. Duarte utilizes an integrative approach to treatment including cognitive behavioral therapy, stress reduction and mindfulness techniques, and biofeedback training to improve patients’ pain, functionality, and quality of life

Jazmin Llerenas (Jaz, she/they) is a first-generation Xicanx pre-licensed psychologist working under the license of Dr. Nichole A. Duarte, PSY 26899. She received her Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology at California State University, Fullerton with additional minors in Child Development and Human Services. She obtained her Master of Arts Degree from the Chicago School of Professional Psychology, San Diego’s Clinical Psychology, Marriage and Family Therapy program. She is currently a Doctoral Candidate at The Chicago School of Professional Psychology, San Diego’s Applied Clinical Psychology program. She is set to graduate in early 2024 as a Doctor of Psychology. In addition, she is a professor of Marriage, Couples, and Family Master of Arts program at the Chicago School of Psychology, San Diego.

Jaz has experience providing therapy services for domestic violence survivors, suicidality, trauma in LGBTQIA+ 13-24 year olds, active-duty military, and families in the community and hospital settings.  She cares about balancing the heart and minds of her clients using CBT, DBT, EFT, Motivational Interviewing, and other theories. She understands hurt develops from loving others while seeking a just world. Using collaboration and reflective discussion, Jaz gently guides her clients into self-awareness and empowerment by frequently asking, “What would you do differently if you were not afraid?” Jaz is attuned to power dynamics’ impact on one’s gender identity, ethnicity, income level, ability and how it impacts self-esteem. She leans heavily on her lived experience as a queer daughter of immigrants from Mexico who seeks to decolonize harmful internalized narratives. Jaz firmly believes in the power of an individual to break generational cycles and create something new.

Lakshmi Appachar is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with over 15 years of experience in a hospital and in a managed care setting as a complex case social worker. She has worked with adults and seniors coping with adjustment issues, life changes, depression, and anxiety. She has extensive experience working in the emergency department, maternity unit, and with seniors with high-risk needs. She has a Master's Degree from the Tata Institute of Social Sciences, Mumbai, India, and has been licensed in California since 2014. She is fluent in many languages besides English such as Kannada, Tamil, and Hindi.

 While she addressed the immediate needs of patients in a hospital in her complex care role she has followed patients over an extended time frame, helped them address their challenges, and empowered them to become self-reliant. This has helped several patients minimize their visits to the Emergency room and become more engaged in their medical care and personal well-being. 

 Lakshmi continues to empower herself with the knowledge and skills needed to assist her clients. She continues to attend training relating to Cognitive Therapy and other therapeutic tools needed to help clients.  She is hoping to excel as a general practitioner with a focus on adults and seniors in private practice.

Mathias Cone is a current Psy.D Doctoral Candidate at California Southern University. Before starting his Psy.D program, Mathias completed a Masters in Educational Psychology in 2019. Mathias is a Psychological Associate that works with both adults and youth in aspects of mental health and overall quality of life. Mathias has worked in mental health with a wide variety of individuals to include inmates, foster youth, substance use, applied behavioral analysis, and education related mental health. Mathias knows mental health is paramount in overall health and believes that he can assistant anyone make mental health improvements. Mathias became interested in behavioral health when he worked as the Chief Operating Officer for Nova Behavioral Services, LLC in Sparks, Nevada. As the Chief Operating Officer, Mathias cared for the success of the foster youth within the agency and became a Qualified Behavioral Aid to directly assist those in need. That journey led Mathias to years of other mental health positions such as Behavioral Specialist, Substance Abuse Counselor, and Psychology Instructor. Mathias has volunteered at several colleges helping with food pantries, convocations, clubs, and tutoring. Mathias is an Associate of the National Hispanic Medical Association. Mathias is is a Registered Psychological Associate, PSB 94026545, and is working under the supervision of Dr. Nichole A. Duarte, PSY 26899.

Katherine is a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT) in the state of California. With a Masters Degree (MS) in Psychology from California Polytechnic State University, Katherine has established herself as a dedicated professional in the field since 2012. Throughout her career, Katherine has gained clinical experience in various settings, including residential treatment centers, complex case management, working with individuals with developmental disabilities, as well as individuals, families, and couples facing a wide range of challenges. Katherine's therapeutic approach is rooted in an eclectic blend of modalities, drawing from solution-focused therapy, person-centered therapy, strengths-based techniques, and psychodynamic principles. With a particular interest in adjustment disorders, relationship issues, grief and bereavement, Katherine brings empathy and sensitivity to these areas of therapy. Katherine has completed level 2 Gottman training adding an evidence-based approach to her therapeutic toolkit. Katherine strives to provide a safe and nurturing environment for her clients to explore their challenges, cultivate personal growth, and achieve their therapeutic goals.

I strongly believe that as humans, we have an innate desire to live in relationship with one another and feel seen and valued. When stress and hardships get in the way and we struggle with connecting to others and ourselves, it can feel overwhelming and hopeless. Sometimes we just need a little extra support or a gentle helping hand to get back on our feet and moving toward brighter horizons. I truly look forward to meeting you wherever you are in your life journey and working together to figure out the best plan for you and your situation.

Rachel Starr is a Registered Associate Marriage and Family Therapist with experience working with children, teens, and adults struggling with anxiety, depression, grief, bullying, relational/family issues, and other mental health concerns. She is also a certified PREPARE/ENRICH facilitator. She has a Bachelor's Degree in Child and Family Development with a certificate in Early Care and Education from San Diego State University and a Master's Degree in Clinical Psychology from Azusa Pacific University. Rachel’s clinical work is supervised by Dr. Murray Rudenberg, Ph.D., PSY 12844

Dr. Sopagna Eap-Braje received her Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology at the University of Oregon and completed her APA-approved clinical internship at the Charleston Consortium within the Medical University of South Carolina (MUSC). She has previously worked as a university faculty member where she taught several undergraduate and graduate level courses as well as mentored graduate students on their doctoral research. She has authored several academic research articles and book chapters on topics ranging from ethnic identity, culture, personality, emerging adulthood, and parenting.

 Dr. Braje specializes in working with adolescents, young adults, and working professionals who struggle with symptoms related to anxiety, depression, obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), and trauma. She also has experience helping neurodiverse clients with executive functioning deficits, social perception, or/and impulsivity. She works with clients on topics ranging from the imposter phenomenon, people-pleasing, burnout, life transitions, and motivation. She has an empathic, direct, and science-based approach for helping people find psychological relief from their symptoms. Her goal is to help people achieve the most authentic version of themselves by identifying and changing cognitive and behavioral patterns which are inconsistent with their values. Towards this end she applies a cognitive-behavioral, acceptance and commitment, and dialectical framework for helping people shift their deeply engrained schemas and core beliefs. 

Dr. Fanous completed his residency training at Department of mental health, St Elizabeth’s hospital in Washington, DC (2003-2007). He is a board certified psychiatrist and sees adults and older adults for medication evaluation and medication management. After working in inpatient and outpatient settings in Maryland and Washington, DC for 14 years, Dr. Fanous moved to San Diego in 2017. His areas of interest are management of: anxiety disorders, depressive disorders, bipolar disorders, ADHD, schizoaffective, schizophrenia, and somatic symptom disorders. He is currently practicing at Southern California Psychology Centers in San Diego. Dr. Fanous is currently accepting new patients at that location.

Dr. Andrew Mortimer, D.O. is a board-certified general psychiatrist. His practice focuses on whole health and wellness by developing a collaborative patient centered treatment plan through optimizing medical and mental health treatments. Dr. Mortimer attended medical school in Northern California at Touro University - California, College of Osteopathic Medicine and completed his Psychiatry Residency training at Naval Medical Center San Diego where he served as Chief Psychiatry Resident. He has provided mental health care in the Pacific Northwest at Naval Air Station Whidbey Island and Naval Hospital Bremerton, retiring from the U.S. Navy after over 27 years of service. More recently, Dr. Mortimer had the privilege of working at the Department of Veterans Affairs in the Primary Care Mental Health Integration Program.

Asma Naseer is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with experience working with adults, adolescents, and children in inpatient, outpatient, residential treatment, and telehealth settings. She obtained a B.A. in Psychology from Cal Poly before earning a Master of Social Work degree from California State University, San Bernardino with a concentration in psychiatric social work. In her diverse clinical experience, she has served various populations including the severely and persistently mentally ill while working for San Bernardino County Department of Behavioral Health. She has worked with children and adults with intellectual/developmental disabilities in a community-based program on the East Coast. She has also provided individual and group therapy to those with mental health and dual diagnoses in a Mental Health Rehabilitation Center (MHRC). Additionally, having worked as a Medical Social Worker for Kaiser Permanente, she also has experience providing mental health services in medical settings.

Asma believes in approaching psychotherapy collaboratively. She works alongside clients to assist with managing stress and anxiety, overcoming depression, processing trauma, family and relational troubles, or support in dealing with everyday life. She aims to build a therapeutic relationship with clients that is rooted in respect, trust, and empathy while providing culturally-competent services in a judgment-free environment. Her therapeutic approach pulls from Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), and Positive Psychology. She also utilizes principles and techniques from Motivational Interviewing (MI), Client-Centered and Solution-focused Therapy, and uses a Strengths-Based approach in order to provide practical and effective services to her clients.

Shabina Skiles is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker who welcomes her clients to come as they are. She deeply believes exploring one’s sense of purpose in life can illuminate new possibilities and heal old wounds. She helps transform the lives of her clients through a collaborative, judgement free, and empathic approach. She renders evidence based practices such as Cognitive Behavior Therapy (CBT), Cognitive Processing Therapy, Trauma Focused CBT, Narrative Therapy,
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, as well as Dialectical Behavior Therapy Principles and Skills. Her background includes working in inpatient as well as outpatient settings, non-profits, and family court. Shabina has experience with high risk crisis management situations, full psychosocial assessments, individual, group, family, and couples therapy. Shabina’s sub-concentration within her Masters in Social Work program at the University of Southern California, was Military Social Work. She has worked at both the San Diego VA Healthcare Center and most recently at the Loma Linda VA Healthcare Center as a High Risk Therapist.

Specialty areas/population include: Depression, Anxiety, Trauma, Self-worth/Self-esteem, School
Related Behavioral Issues, Addiction, Faith based counseling, Transitional age youth, Pre
teens/teens (only seeing Adults at this time however), Military (special emphasis: OEF/OIF post deployment military personnel).

Dr. Dushyant “Shawn” Makadia, a postdoctoral fellow and registered psychological assistant, received his APA-accredited Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology from Palo Alto University. His clinical training includes positions at Stanford University Medical Center, community and inpatient mental health centers, and multiple VA facilities, including a pre-doctoral internship at the Loma Linda VA Medical Center. Dr. Makadia specializes in working with adults struggling with various mental health issues, including trauma, depression, anxiety, relationship problems, addictions, stress, and men’s issues. He is a compassionate and skilled therapist who uses a wealth of evidence-based approaches to treatment, including Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT) for PTSD, Cognitive Behavioral Analysis Systems of Psychotherapy (CBASP) for Chronic Depression, psychodynamic therapy, and mindfulness. Dr. Makadia is committed to providing his clients with the highest quality care through an individualized and personally tailored approach. By emphasizing safety, acceptance, warmth, and humor, he effectively incorporates empirical modalities with practicality and accessibility. Through a collaborative approach, he empowers clients to identify and address their specific needs, aiding them in accessing resources and enhancing their holistic well-being. He is a caring and experienced therapist who provides the support and guidance you need to overcome challenges and live a meaningful life. In his spare time, Dr. Makadia enjoys traveling, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, archery, motorsports, reading, and exploring restaurants in the city. Dr. Makadia’s clinical work is supervised by Dr. Alexis Olson, PSY30765.

Dr. Linda Ly (she/her) is a licensed psychologist. She earned a Ph.D. in counseling psychology from Tennessee State University and her master’s degree in mental health counseling from State University of New York, Albany.

Dr. Ly works with adults and enjoys collaborating with her clients to strengthen their coping skills, deepen their understanding of themselves, and to empower meaningful and practical change.  She values working with people from diverse backgrounds and is particularly energized by working with people who are experiencing new life transitions, grief/loss, or exploring their identities. Her approach is integrative and often involves cognitive behavioral therapy, mindfulness, and psychodynamic influences.

Joanna Caasi Macaraeg is a Registered Psychological Associate (PSB 94028318), under the supervision of Dr. Nichole Duarte (PSY 26899). She received her doctorate degree in psychology from California Southern University. Her dissertation explored factors associated with parental stress among parents of children with autism.

She has experience working with individuals (age range 14 and up) dealing with anxiety, mood disorders, life stressors, and grief. Her personal experiences parenting a child with autism and ADHD has given her unique insight, and she can support parents and/or caregivers of individuals with distinct needs. Additionally, her personal connection to combat veterans through her husband’s deployments to Iraq and Afghanistan has deepened her understanding of their challenges.

As an Asian American Pacific Islander (AAPI) who grew up in Guam, she brings a multicultural perspective to her work and is mindful of how cultural backgrounds influence mental health. This awareness and experience help her connect with people from diverse backgrounds and provide culturally sensitive care.

Her therapeutic approach is collaborative, practical and empowering. She works with clients to identify their unique skills and address their overall wellbeing. She also recognizes the stigmas around seeking professional help and showing vulnerability, and she strives to provide a safe and compassionate environment. She uses evidence-based therapeutic approaches including cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT), and solution-focused brief therapy (SFBT).