Book a therapist or psychiatrist in El Cajon, CA covered by Aetna

I have lived in the Truckee Tahoe area off an on for over 30 years, I have an AA Degree in Early Child Development, a BA Degree from the University of California Santa Cruz, and I attended the University of. Nevada, Reno for my Masters in Social Work.

My husband and I have two grown children who live in Northern CA and Nevada. We are avid skiers, mountain bikers, and my hobbies include cooking, art, writing, and learning, and of course, playing with our mini golden doodle, Joaquin.

My roots are in Scranton, Pennsylvania; growing up, life was challenging and unpredictable for me and my sisters. I was the first member of our extended family who was able to put themselves through both undergraduate (BA - Latin American Studies/UCSC, and graduate school (MSW- Masters in Social Work, (UNR) and graduate with honors.

All three of my younger sisters followed in my footsteps to pursue higher education and to find success as Professionals.

My husband and I moved to the Tahoe/Truckee area together in the early 1990s, pursuing seasonal employment. We somehow made ends meet, things got a little easier each year, and he later pursued a career in resort and business management, while I pursued continuing education, mental health and licensure, and opening up my practice.

Our son and a daughter both grew up enjoyed attending local public schools in Truckee, and later the Univeristy of California; they are both living fulfilling adult lives in the nearby region.

Welcome! Taking the first step toward therapy can feel overwhelming, and I strive to create a supportive, nonjudgmental space where you feel heard and understood.

I am dedicated to providing compassionate, client-centered care and work with children, adolescents, adults, couples, and families. I earned my Master’s degree in Clinical Psychology from Pepperdine University and have extensive experience in community mental health, supporting individuals from diverse backgrounds and underserved communities.

Throughout my career, I have helped clients navigate a wide range of concerns, including anxiety, depression, trauma, relationship challenges, life transitions, and psychotic disorders. My approach is collaborative and tailored to each client’s unique needs, with a focus on helping you build insight, develop effective coping skills, and create meaningful, lasting change.

Whether you’re seeking support for a specific challenge or looking to improve your overall well-being, I look forward to walking alongside you on your journey toward healing and growth.

I've built my career working in adult medicine, with a deep focus on addiction and medication assisted treatment. Anxiety and depression are areas where I find this work especially rewarding. Regardless of what brings you here, I come to every session with genuine curiosity and a commitment to building real rapport. I see clients virtually, and I keep afternoon and evening hours on weekdays so scheduling can work around your life. Strong patient retention has always been a hallmark of how I practice, and I look forward to building that same kind of relationship with you.

I’m a clinical psychologist (doctor) in Ventura county, California, with over 25 years of experience and a practice designed to feel calm, human, and welcoming. Many of the patients I work with come to therapy feeling exhausted, overwhelmed, disconnected, anxious, depressed, or stuck. They may be navigating trauma, grief, relationship pain, major life transitions, or the quiet weight of having tried to manage too much for too long. My work is for people who are ready for something deeper than just getting through the day. My approach is warm, grounded, and deeply human, focused on real life, not just symptoms.

Zaheen is an LCSW for the last seven years and has been a clinician for 11 years. Zaheen's approach is eclectic; she uses a Person in Environment and Multicultural models. Zaheen explores your current coping skills and teaches about self care. Zaheen's main focus area is working with adults who are struggling with everyday stressors or transitions in their lives. Zaheen's style is warm, open minded, and empowering. In her spare time, Zaheen enjoys practicing what she teaches (self care).

Hello there. Thanks for checking out my profile.

I don't know what brings you to this tiny nook of the internet, on this particular day, but I am grateful and very curious to hear.

As a therapist, I've worked with adolescents and adults for over a decade; sharing in their challenges, connecting in laughter and kindness.

It would be my joy to learn your story and meet you with warmth, humor, and sincerity.

I am dedicated to helping teens struggling with trauma and self-harm behavior. My experience working with Orange Unified School District, running groups from grade 6-12 for students struggling with emotional and behavioral problems has given me unique insight into not only helping teens, but also working with the families, schools, and community to provide more effective treatment. I have partnered with Western Youth Services in helping at risk teens and low income families in helping adolescents to overcome academic barriers and families cope with serious defiance and drug use.