Our therapists offer DBT / dialectical behavior therapy in San Diego, CA

Sabine LeBow, Licensed Clinical Social Worker, brings 20 years of experience providing compassionate, evidence-based care to individuals facing trauma, depression, anxiety, substance use, and addiction. Sabine is committed to creating a safe, supportive space that fosters resilience, healing, and lasting change.

Sabine earned her Master’s in Social Work from New Mexico Highlands University. She specializes in trauma-informed care, using cognitive behavioral therapy and mindfulness to support healing. Her goal is to help clients build practical coping skills, strengthen emotional resilience, and feel empowered throughout their healing journey.

Sabine understands that seeking help takes courage. She provides compassionate, nonjudgmental care for those navigating life’s toughest challenges. If you’re ready for positive change, Sabine is here to support and walk with you every step of the way.

Amber Odom is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with 9 years of experience supporting clients across residential, outpatient, and community-based mental health settings. She has worked with children, adolescents, and adults, providing support through substance use treatment, trauma recovery, and medication-assisted care. Amber’s ideal client is open to embracing a path of self-discovery, healing, and growth, one step at a time. She believes in setting boundaries, reducing self-judgment, and helping clients reconnect with their strengths.

Amber earned a Master’s in Social Work from San Jose State University. She uses a trauma-informed, person-in-environment lens with dialectical behavior therapy and crisis work. Her training in adverse childhood experiences and domestic violence recovery guides her in supporting clients through adversity and fostering emotional safety and empowerment.

Amber offers a safe, nonjudgmental space where clients can explore their experiences and embrace their healing journey. She is inspired by her clients’ resilience and tailors treatment to honor their unique needs. Amber is passionate about helping individuals rebuild a sense of connection, embrace self-love, and show up fully for themselves.

Andrea Carasquero is a board-certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner with 7 years of experience providing compassionate, evidence-based care. She supports individuals navigating anxiety, depression, trauma, and life transitions. Andrea creates a safe and validating space where clients feel heard, empowered, and understood. She believes in the power of therapeutic connection to promote lasting change and emotional resilience. Her integrative, collaborative approach is grounded in empathy, trust, and clinical insight.

Andrea holds a Master’s in Nursing from Regis College and specializes in psychiatric medication management. She blends psychopharmacology with person-centered care, tailoring treatment to each client’s needs. Her clinical style fosters emotional clarity, self-efficacy, and sustainable growth across all stages of life.

Andrea is passionate about helping clients reconnect with their goals, whether returning to work, school, or rebuilding self-confidence. She values curiosity, emotional insight, and progress over perfection. With warmth and intention, she partners with you to co-create a path forward that honors both your struggles and your strengths.

Fernando Avila is a Licensed Psychologist (PhD) who specializes in treating a variety of issues such as depression, anxiety, trauma, grief, and stress in adolescents and adults. He has over 10 years of experience in the mental health field. 

Fernando completed his PhD at the University of Denver. As a Latino male born in a different country, he personally understands that people are very unique and from a variety of backgrounds. He has an open and honest approach with others. 

Fernando is a supportive and collaborative therapist who seeks to help those in need. He sees each individual as unique and hopes to provide the necessary coping skills that will help you thrive and meet your goals. Fernando will create a personalized treatment plan that meets your specific needs, utilizing a variety of tools like cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and a strength-based approach. 

Marcela Gonzalez is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with over 10 years of experience in the medical and mental health fields. She's passionate about helping individuals find their true, wonderful selves and live more fulfilling lives. She has helped individuals decrease their depression and anxiety symptoms by helping them become more self-aware, allowing them to identify their feelings and emotions. Marcela provides a safe space for her clients to discuss their traumas, grief, relationship issues, and important life transitions. Marcela completed her Master of Social Work (MSW) at Cal State Long Beach.

Marcela is compassionate, empathetic, and understanding, and she challenges her clients in a loving way to help them gain better control of their emotions. Marcela utilizes multiple treatment approaches including mindfulness, cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), motivational interviewing, and solution-focused therapy

All of us experience life in different ways, and at times we feel as though we're facing challenges alone. Marcela is confident that she would be able to support you on your journey to gain new perspectives and techniques that allow you to cope with whatever you may be struggling with. If you are ready to do the work, schedule an appointment with her today!

Makenna Mercer is an Associate Clinical Social Worker with over 3 years of experience. She strives to meet her clients where they are with compassion, curiosity, and deep respect for their lived experiences. She specializes in working with adults and older adults navigating depression, anxiety, grief, trauma (including post-traumatic stress disorder), obsessive-compulsive disorder, ADHD, stress, and self-esteem challenges. Her approach is collaborative and empowering, focused on helping clients build insight, resilience, and the tools they need to move forward with intention and confidence.

Makenna earned a Master’s in Social Work from Arizona State University. Her clinical experience includes working with individuals experiencing complex mental health conditions in private practice, outpatient, and residential treatment settings, including those recovering from substance use disorders.

Whether you're managing a recent life transition, processing long-held emotional pain, or seeking clarity and growth, she aims to create a safe and supportive space for healing. She believes that every person has the capacity for change and that therapy can be a powerful step toward rediscovering your strength.

Catherine Scott is a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner with over 13 years of experience supporting individuals facing anxiety, depression, trauma, and life transitions. Catherine understands the weight of mental health struggles and provides a compassionate, judgment-free space where clients can manage stress, improve relationships, navigate change, and foster growth and healing. Catherine’s Ideal client feels overwhelmed, stuck, or disconnected and seeks clarity, coping strategies, and emotional balance.

Catherine has a Master’s in Nursing from Walden State University. They believe everyone’s journey is unique, and with the right support, transformation is possible. Catherine provides medication management as well as compassionate guidance, practical tools, and a safe space for growth.

Struggling with mental health can feel isolating, but no one has to face it alone. You deserve support, understanding, and a space to heal. Whether you are battling anxiety, depression, or life's other challenges, help is available. Take the first step today–hope starts here!

Hello my name is Ann Alsaadi. I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist in California (LMFT). I have led a variety of groups. My passion in all the work I have done is to help people reach their goals, heal from trauma related issues and issues related to different phases of life. I provide non-judgmental and open hearted support for people in my work and feel honored to be a part of each person’s journey. I work from a person-centered approach in the therapeutic relationship with my client. I strive to meet each client "where they are" and to provide support to each person in his or her individual process of self-discovery and path towards self-actualization. Talking through your feelings and receiving an alternative viewpoint can be therapeutic in itself. I am interested in your personal story and will provide support, guidance, and understanding throughout your wellness journey. In working from a relational lens, I help individuals form better relationships with themselves and others. We will explore your unique story, discuss attachment and discover the underlying thoughts and feelings that may contribute to discord and conflict. In therapy, the client is the expert and the path and pace of therapy is the choice of the client. My role as a therapist is to provide structure and support while holding space for my client on his or her own personal journey towards healing and self discovery. Sometimes people just need someone to talk to. Therapy provides a warm and safe place to explore issues and clear emotional and mental obstacles so that you can live your best life. Transformation is not easy. It is a brave and difficult choice at times to make the decision to seek help for anything, including and sometimes especially, when it comes to mental health. Contact me if you feel I can help you.

Chioma Okoro is a board-certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (BC-PMHNP) with over 13 years of experience in mental health. She specializes in working with adults and seniors who are experiencing major depressive disorder, anxiety disorders, adjustment disorder, PTSD, OCD, bipolar disorders, schizophrenia, insomnia, and other psychiatric conditions.

She graduated with her Master's degree in Nursing honors from Walden University, as well as her Master's degree in Nursing from Grand Canyon University. She utilizes evidence-based practices, with a patient-centered approach and active listening and therapeutic communication skills, alongside her medication management techniques.

Chioma’s favorite quote when providing care to her patients is “You are not alone. You are seen. I am with you. You are not alone.” — Shonda Rhimes. She is confident that she will help her patients to achieve remission of their symptoms and psychosocial functioning. Chioma looks forward to working with you to address whatever is troubling you, session by session.

Trisha Paniagua is a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner with over 13 years of experience in the mental health field. She specializes in treating adolescents, adults, and the geriatric population for depression, anxiety, mood disorders, psychotic disorders, obsessive compulsive disorder, post-traumatic stress disorder, sleep disorders, trauma, panic disorders, and personality disorders. Prior to becoming a nurse practitioner, she first worked as an LVN, then a psychiatric RN. Trisha is passionate about educating patients in managing life’s challenges and diminishing the stigma surrounding mental healthcare.

Trisha received her Master’s in Nursing from Walden University. She utilizes listening, motivational interviewing, and education on disease processes and medications to lead patients to a well thought out treatment plan.

Trisha understands that mental health is part of a person’s whole body health. She looks forward to helping you understand your diagnosis and make progress towards a better quality of life. Schedule your first session today!

Sarah is a board-certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP-BC) and works with those suffering from depression, anxiety, PTSD, ADHD, and behavioral concerns. Evaluating the effectiveness of treatment and the individual's response to it are aspects of care that Sarah highly regards.

Sarah completed her Master of Science with emphasis on Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner (MSN) from California State University, Los Angeles. She completed a credential in School Nursing from California State University, San Bernardino, and so she uniquely understands how to navigate mental health, behavioral, and attentional concerns in the school setting. Working as a bedside Registered Nurse for 14 years facilitated her understanding of how childhood trauma can play a factor in the development of chronic health conditions. Coming from a culturally diverse background herself and thriving in like environments, she embraces those from all walks of life.

Have you had a bump in the road, or did you get a stick thrown in your spokes? Let's work together to get you past this phase in life to move forward. Sometimes realizing medication may be necessary for treatment is difficult to do. It doesn't have to be so. Sarah can empower you with knowledge of medication so you know what to expect at each turn. When you feel ready, reach out and schedule an appointment to get started on your journey!

Yo-at Silverman is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT) who focuses on client care from a perspective of compassion, kindness, and adaptability. Yo-at began working in the field of mental health over 15 years ago, and in that time, she has worked with a wide variety of patients across mental health settings .Today, Yo-at works with adults as they navigate the roads of anxiety, depression, life-change, and adjustment struggles.

Yo-at completed her Master of Arts (MA) in Clinical Psychology at New College of California. She utilizes strength-based, solution-focused, and individually-minded approaches designed to promote self-awareness, enhance self-care and coping skills, and support clients in their times of transition and need. Yo-at seeks to form a warm and supportive relationship with you as you work together in reaching your mental health goals.