Our Clinicians
Darlene Tando, LCSW
I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with a private practice office near Hillcrest/Balboa Park, where I offer therapy with adult individuals, couples, family, and play therapy for children. I earned my Bachelors Degree in Psychology at the University of California at Santa Barbara and my Masters in Social Work at San Diego State University.…
Read More Calista Termini, AMFT
As a transgender woman, the journey to discovering my authentic self only happened after I had done years of work to find my happiness. The joy and gratitude that I now experience is something that I believe all of us deserve and are capable of having – but we need those who have walked the…
Read More Mely Quiroz, APCC
My name is Mely and I identify as non-binary/transmasculine, person of color, and I use he/they/Él pronouns. I approach therapy by focusing on connecting with my clients through compassion, having an open mind, and using a strengths-based approach to help them develop and strengthen coping skills to manage their difficult circumstances and emotions. I am passionate…
Read More Tristan Sotomayor, APCC
My name is Tristan Sotomayor, my pronouns are he/they, and I am a proud transmasculine human. As I have had to learn how to overcome and step into my authentic expression, it is my absolute passion to support others as they discover their true path in this human experience. This chaotic world can often feel…
Read More Kimberly Kelley, LCSW, LAC
I am dually licensed as a Clinical Social Worker and Addictions Counselor. I completed my undergraduate degrees in Sociology and Spanish at the University of San Diego and my Masters in Social Work at the University of Denver with an additional certification in Interpersonal Trauma and clinical focus on families. I have clinical experience working…
Read More Joey Ritkes, ASW
My name is Joey Ritkes and I use he/him/his pronouns. I am an associate clinical social worker specializing in working with members of the LGBTQIA+ community. I earned my undergraduate degree in psychology from Alliant International University in San Diego and my MSW from San Jose State University. I am a certified RISE trainer through…
Read More Christopher Mann, ACSW
My name is Chris (he/they) and as a nonbinary, queer, mixed race identified person with white passing privilege I try my hardest to actively use my privileges to dismantle oppressive systems, decolonize my own thinking and advance the voices of BIPOC Trans and Gender diverse folks in all that I do. I believe in the…
Read More Tay “TR” Richardson, APCC
My name is Tay Richardson (they/them/elle) but you can call me TR. I am a Black, trans/nonbinary, and queer therapist who aims to form collaborative relationships with my clients and provide liberating mental health services. As a person who holds multiple minoritized identities, I have experienced the challenges associated with navigating a world that doesn’t always…
Read More Jaime “Xaime” Aceves Equihua, APCC
My name is Xaime (pronouns: he, him, she, her, they, them) and I am a queer Latinx person who grew up in the San Diego and Tijuana region. I am a creative, empathic and community-oriented counselor who wants to support individuals struggling on their path towards self-awareness and healing from their mental health challenges. I…
Read More Alexis Smith, ACSW
My name is Alexis Smith and I use she/her pronouns. I am a multiracial, queer associate clinical social worker with a passion for empowering and walking alongside others who are a part of the LGBTQIA+ community on their life journey. I earned my undergraduate degree in social work from West Chester University of Pennsylvania and…
Read More Lauren Gideon, APCC
My name is Lauren and my pronouns are they/them! As a nonbinary, queer person it is important to me to serve and be with my community in the best ways I can. I deeply believe in the inherent worth of all life. Which I work to express both in empathy and kindness towards individuals as…
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