Our Providers

PsyD, Site Leader

Akshay Naresh

Dr. Akshay Naresh (he/him) is a licensed clinical psychologist and has worked with patients across the lifespan in various contexts including community mental health clinics, hospitals, and educational facilities (secondary, community colleges, & universities). He has experience working with a wide range of mental health concerns including stress, anxiety, depression, chronic pain, body image issues, eating disorders, relationship issues, gender and sexual identity, and multi-cultural issues. He uses an integrative approach to create a space for meaningful life changes by helping patients develop self-compassion, self-acceptance, and self-awareness.

Dr. Naresh enjoys working with adults and currently sees patients in Orinda and San Jose, and via telemedicine across the state of California.

Dr. Naresh completed his post-doctoral fellowship at Kaiser Permanente Adult Outpatient Psychiatry and his pre-doctoral internship at Santa Clara University’s Cowell Health Center. He obtained his doctoral degree from The Wright Institute and his bachelor’s degree from UC Irvine. Outside of his clinical work, Dr. Naresh enjoys playing and watching basketball (Go Warriors!) and also plays a variety of different musical instruments.

PhD, Fellowship Leader & Clinical Supervisor

Alexandra Nichols

Dr. Alexandra Nichols (She/her) is a licensed clinical psychologist and uses a relational psychodynamic approach to therapy, integrating additional interventions from cognitive behavioral and other techniques to meet each client’s needs. Dr. Nichols collaborates with clients to address emotional pain, to make changes, and to develop understanding and meaning. She shapes her approach based on culture, identity, and client goals. She has experience with a wide variety of concerns including depression, anxiety, trauma, grief and loss, life transitions, self-esteem, and relationship issues.

Dr. Nichols enjoys working with adults of all ages in Corte Madera and via telemedicine across the state of California.

Dr. Nichols completed her postdoctoral fellowship at the University of California Santa Cruz, and her predoctoral internship at the University of Idaho. She received her doctoral degree in Clinical Psychology from Palo Alto University and her bachelor’s degree in Psychology from the University of Colorado at Boulder.

PsyD

Aza Tetelman

Dr. Aza Tetelman is a licensed clinical psychologist specializing in depression, anxiety, grief, trauma, inter-generational conflicts and acculturation difficulties. She enjoys facilitating self-understanding via bibliotherapy techniques, whether through the use of novels, self-help books, comics, or other media. She also believes that preventative care is just as important as healing in the aftermath of life challenges. Her clinical approach is warm and attentive, and takes on relational, dialectic, and insight-oriented approaches to treatment.

Dr. Tetelman is fluent in English and Russian and enjoys working with adult individuals and couples in Orinda, CA and via telemedicine across the state of California.

Dr. Tetelman received her doctoral degree in Clinical Psychology from Alliant International University, and focused her dissertation research on obsessive-compulsive disorder, attachment styles, and relational satisfaction in romantic relationships. She completed her postdoctoral fellowship at Anka Behavioral Health and her predoctoral internship at the Bay Area Psychological Services Center. She received her bachelor’s degree in Intensive Psychology from the University of California at Santa Cruz.

PhD

Benjamin Towns

Dr. Benjamin Towns is a licensed clinical psychologist with extensive experience working with patients experiencing chronic pain, depression, anxiety, ADHD, interpersonal conflicts, school stress, work stress, substance use disorder and addiction. His therapeutic approach is client-centered, compassionate, culturally sensitive, and evidenced-based. He utilizes Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Mindfulness-based interventions to promote recovery, wellness, and improve quality of life. Dr. Towns has worked with diverse patient populations in treatment settings that include acute crisis, inpatient/outpatient drug rehabilitation, workers compensation, and outpatient (nonprofit & university) counseling centers. He has published research in the areas of chronic pain, peer victimization, and the effectiveness of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy- based interventions in the treatment of late-life depression. In addition to his clinical practice, he is the Senior Coordinator and Counselor in the Disability Support Services department at California State University, San Marcos.

Dr. Towns enjoys working with adults and he currently sees patients in La Jolla and via video-medicine across the state of California.

Dr. Towns received his doctorate in Psychology from the California School of Professional Psychology, and his master’s and bachelor’s degrees in Psychology from the University of Texas in Arlington.

PhD

Crystal Jimenez

Dr. Crystal Jimenez (She/Her/Hers) is a licensed clinical psychologist with expertise in chronic pain management, behavioral medicine, adjustment to chronic health conditions and related life stressors. She has experience working with a wide range of mental health concerns, including generalized anxiety, depression, stress reduction, life transitions. Dr. Jimenez’s approach is culturally sensitive, evidence-based, and strengths-based, integrating CBT, mindfulness, and values-based interventions to help patients learn effective skills to increase connection, change, and empowerment in their lives.

Dr. Jimenez enjoys working with adults and currently sees patients in San Francisco and via telemedicine across the state of California.

Dr. Jimenez completed her postdoctoral fellowship with a specialty in chronic pain at Kaiser Permanente San Francisco and her predoctoral internship at the VA Greater Los Angeles Healthcare System. She received her doctoral degree in Clinical Psychology from Pacific Graduate School of Psychology-Palo Alto University.

PhD

Jeanette Chong

PsyD

Karin Voelker

Dr. Karin Voelker (she/her/hers) is a licensed clinical psychologist specializing in behavioral sleep medicine. Along with bringing a multicultural perspective to therapy, she utilizes a client-centered, strength-based, integrative approach drawing from evidence-based modalities such as CBT, DBT, ACT, and mindfulness. She has extensive experience working with individuals who are experiencing insomnia, anxiety, burnout, stress, acculturation difficulties, infertility, divorce, and single parenthood issues. She tailors each session to her clients’ unique goals and is passionate about helping to improve their wellbeing through an empowering and collaborative relationship.

Dr. Voelker enjoys working with adults of all ages in Palo Alto as well as via telehealth across the state of California.

Dr. Voelker completed her postdoctoral fellowship at Stanford University School of Medicine and her predoctoral internship at San Jose State University’s Center for Counseling and Psychological Services. She received her doctorate in Clinical Psychology from John F. Kennedy University, her master’s from San Francisco State University, and her bachelor’s degree from the University of California at Berkeley.

PsyD

Ladera Linn

Dr. Ladera Linn (she/her) is a licensed clinical health psychologist (PSY35514) specializing in behavioral medicine. She works with patients seeking treatment for mood and anxiety disorders, eating disorders, sleep difficulties, and chronic illness management. Dr. Linn uses a culturally sensitive, trauma-informed, and strengths-based approach, integrating CBT, mindfulness, and other evidence-based interventions to empower patients to achieve their health and wellness goals.

Dr. Linn works with adolescents and adults of all ages and offers in-person services in La Jolla and across the state of California via telehealth.

Dr. Linn holds a master’s degree in clinical psychology and earned her doctorate in clinical psychology from Pacific University in Oregon. She has trained in hospitals, primary care clinics, community clinics, and in-patient treatment facilities. She completed her pre-doctoral internship training at the Guam Behavioral Health and Wellness Center, where she specialized in conducting psychological evaluations for individuals with serious mental illness.

PhD

Leslie Ziegenhorn

Dr. Leslie Ziegenhorn (she/her/hers) is a licensed clinical psychologist with over 30 years of experience in the mental & behavioral health field. Although she’s enjoyed varied professional roles such as professor, researcher, clinical supervisor, and yoga instructor, she’s devoted most of her career to what she loves most: supporting individuals’ growth through psychotherapy.

Dr. Ziegenhorn’s collaborative approach weaves evidenced-based principles of the Behavioral Sciences with Integrative modalities to address issues such as anxiety, depression, ADHD, substance overuse, life transitions, and bereavement. Treatment plans are tailored to support next-stage growth; thus the therapeutic approach may change as obstacles are diminished and new opportunities arise. Depending on clients’ issues, goals, and interests, work together may include cognitive-behavioral therapy, lifestyle medicine, mindfulness, ecopsychology, dreamwork, and/or transpersonal approaches. When relevant, her work is informed by training in Ketamine assisted psychotherapy. With cultural humility, she encourages incorporation of clients’ own heritage traditions that support their emotional and/or spiritual well-being.

Leslie currently sees adults in La Jolla and via telehealth throughout California.

Dr. Ziegenhorn also serves as Assistant Clinical Professor at UCSD’s School of Medicine where she completed a 2-year postdoctoral fellowship. Her APA-accredited internship and doctoral degree in clinical psychology were granted by Wayne State University’s School of Medicine: Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Neurosciences. She earned her bachelor’s degree in psychology from University of Missouri. She returns to the Midwest each Autumn on an annual pilgrimage to soak up the fall colors.

PhD, Site Leader & Clinical Supervisor

Mandy Mount

Dr. Mandy Mount (she/they) is a licensed clinical psychologist with expertise in sexual trauma, PTSD, mindfulness, grief and loss, LGBTQIA issues, life transitions, holistic healing approaches and neurobiology. Her approach is compassionate, collaborative, culturally aware and trauma-informed. Through a holistic, integrative framework, she collaborates with her clients to set goals and clarify pathways to achieving wellness of mind, body, and spirit. Dr. Mount seeks to create a safe environment to explore how identity, personal strengths, experiences, and obstacles may influence responses to difficult emotions and events. She is dedicated to supporting clients on their journeys through developing customized approaches based on each person’s unique needs, values and preferences.

Dr. Mount sees individuals, couples, and families in Beverly Hills and via telemedicine across the state of California.

Dr. Mount received her doctorate at the University of Maryland and completed an APA-accredited internship at the University of California, Irvine. In 2005, Dr. Mount established a multidisciplinary center at the University of California, Irvine, dedicated to preventing interpersonal violence and creating opportunities for survivors to access care and advocacy. While acting as Director of this office over 17 years, she maintained a private practice, served as an expert consultant and trainer, and spoke frequently at local and national conferences. She continues to engage in work as a consultant, expert witness and trainer for campuses, health professionals, and organizations.

PsyD, Clinical Supervisor

Margaret Flynn

Dr. Margaret Flynn is a licensed clinical psychologist specializing in couples therapy and sexual health. She has experience treating anxiety, depression, trauma, relationship problems, and life stressors with insight-oriented and cognitive-behavioral approaches. In her work with clients, she is curious, flexible, and authentic. She enjoys helping clients identify and work toward their goals in a way that best fits the individual. With couples, she works from an Emotionally Focused Therapy framework, facilitating change from distress to a secure bond from which the couple can more productively navigate conflict. In the context of a positive therapeutic relationship, she believes that clients can heal, build self-efficacy, and feel better prepared to meet life on its terms.

Dr. Flynn enjoys working with adults and couples in San Francisco and via telehealth across the state of California.

Dr. Flynn completed her pre-doctoral internship in the San Francisco Bay Area at San Quentin State Prison. She received her doctoral degree in Clinical Psychology from the California School of Professional Psychology, and she has a military background.

PsyD, Post Doctoral Fellow

Melinda Wong

Dr. Melinda Wong (she/her) is a postdoctoral fellow offering couples and sex therapy as well as individual treatment for mood disorders. She integrates aspects from a wide range of evidence-based therapy approaches to suit each individual’s treatment needs. She has worked in diverse clinical settings in the Bay Area, including community mental health, college counseling, and multidisciplinary hospital systems, and has experience working with a variety of presenting concerns, including depression, anxiety, imposter syndrome, relational issues, perinatal mood disorders, and LGBTQ+ related issues.

Dr. Wong works with individual adults and couples in San Jose, as well as via telehealth across the state of California. Her approach emphasizes client collaboration and building rapport through authenticity, humor, and some degree of irreverence.

Dr. Wong completed her predoctoral internship in Adult Behavioral Medicine at Kaiser Oakland and received her doctoral degree from the PGSP-Stanford PsyD Consortium at Palo Alto University. Her dissertation developed a trauma-focused CBT manual to prevent symptoms of posttraumatic stress in couples who receive a prenatal diagnosis. She earned her bachelor’s degree in Psychobiology from the University of California, Los Angeles.

PsyD, Post Doctoral Fellow

Michaela Moss

Dr. Michaela Moss (she/her) is a postdoctoral fellow with experience providing therapy to individuals and couples from a wide range of backgrounds and clinical presentations. She specializes in treating anxiety, depression, trauma, relationship problems, and life stressors through a culturally sensitive, values-based approach.

Dr. Moss aims to create a supportive space for healing that incorporates techniques from Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), and mindfulness-based interventions to meet the needs of each client. With couples, she utilizes Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT) to foster secure attachment bonds and shift how couples navigate conflict. She is committed to walking alongside her clients as they move through the therapeutic process and gain greater insight into themselves. Dr. Moss works with adults and couples in-person in San Francisco and across the state of California via telehealth.

Dr. Moss received her doctoral degree in Clinical Psychology from the PGSP-Stanford Psy.D. Consortium and her bachelor’s degree in Psychology and Public Health from UC Berkeley. She completed her pre-doctoral internship at the San Francisco VA Health Care System.

Executive Director, Clinical Psychologist, Nurse-Veteran

Nicole Karst

PsyD, Post Doctoral Fellow

Sam Wessels

Dr. Sam Wessels (he/him) is a postdoctoral fellow offering individual and couples therapy. Some of his clinical interests include anxiety, depression, grief and loss, relationship conflict, non-monogamy, body image, trauma, creative/artistic blocks, careers, and substance misuse. Through his work with diverse populations, he has an awareness and dedication to integrating identity and culture with treatment.

He uses a relational, psychodynamic lens integrated with Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT) to create an open, safe, and authentic space where individuals and couples can get curious about who they are and why they feel the way they feel. This deeper understanding of self can help generate new ways of thinking and acting towards self and others. The interplay between deeper understanding and new choices is what can ultimately lead to change, helping to get unstuck and grow towards a more fulfilling and sustainable life or partnership.

Dr. Wessels enjoys working with adolescents and adults across the lifespan in person in San Francisco, or via telehealth through California. Being queer-identified, he has a particular interest in working with LGBTQ+ identified clients, including providing gender-affirming care.

PhD, Post Doctoral Fellow

Xiao Ting (Kitty) Wang

Dr. Xiao Ting (Kitty) Wang (she/her) is a postdoctoral fellow offering individual therapy for adults in Beverly Hills and across California via telehealth. She has clinical interests in depression, anxiety, relationship concerns, phase-of-life transitions, trauma, grief and loss, disordered eating, and career counseling. Dr. Wang has extensive experience working in diverse clinical settings, including college counseling centers, community mental health clinics, group private practices, and VA systems. She also enjoys working with LGBTQ+ identified clients, international students, and has experience providing therapy in Mandarin Chinese.

Dr. Wang uses an integrative and multiculturally sensitive approach to therapy, drawing from psychodynamic, client-centered, cognitive behavioral (CBT), and dialectical behavioral (DBT) therapies. She blends insight-oriented work, skill-building, and emotional support to help clients better understand themselves and navigate challenges. By examining past experiences, she helps clients identify patterns that may be influencing their present, empowering them to make meaningful changes and move forward. She values collaboration and strives to create a trusting and supportive therapeutic space. In addition to addressing diagnoses, Dr. Wang believes therapy can be a valuable space for exploring and managing life’s everyday stressors, offering clients a chance to grow and build resilience.

Dr. Wang completed her predoctoral internship at the University of California, Los Angeles’s Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS). She earned her doctorate degree in Counseling Psychology from the University at Albany, State University of New York and received her bachelor’s degree in Psychology and Social Behaviors from the University of California, Irvine.