Please click above to book a psychological evaluation for surgery (i.e., Bariatric Surgery, Spinal Cord Stimulator Surgery, Organ Transplant Surgery).
Please call, send an email, or text for an appointment for psychological treatment or schedule a free consultation for psychological treatment below.
"You are not your illness.
You have an individual story to tell.
You have a name, a history, a personality.
Staying yourself is part of the battle."
— Julian Seifter
At Pacific Coast Psychology, we wholeheartedly recognize the intrinsic value of mental wellbeing, holding it on par with physical wellbeing.
Rooted in this profound understanding, our mission is to bestow upon our patients exceptional care, characterized by an unwavering commitment to excellence.
Our practice values compassion, integrity, fairness, and an unwavering belief in the fundamental right of every individual to discover inner beauty, balance and peace.
Dr. Joanna Rose Benavidez
Ph.D., (Doctor of Philosophy, Clinical Psychology)
Licensed Psychologist (LP)
Group Practice Owner and Administration Supervisor
United States Air Force Veteran
About Dr. Benavidez
Dr. Joanna R. Benavidez is NOT CURRENTLY ACCEPTING NEW PATIENTS
Dr. Benavidez accepts the following insurances/modes of payment:
Medicare
Tricare
United HealthCare (UHC/OPTUM/UMR)
Aetna
Selected insurances for surgery evaluations through Scripps Hillcrest Contract
Cash Pay (out of pocket) Available
Dr. Benavidez's Contact Information:
PHONE: (760) 694-0327 (CALL OR TEXT)
E-MAIL: Dr.JBenavidez@gmail.com or Dr.JBenavidez@medsecuremail.com (if you have personal health information; this email address is encrypted end to end)
FAX: (855) 928-4320
Information about Dr. Joanna R. Benavidez:
Dr. Joanna R. Benavidez, a distinguished clinical psychologist, has operated in the healthcare field for over a decade with their expertise and compassionate care. Hailing from a diverse professional background, she embarked on a remarkable journey that led her to the realm of mental health. Initially commencing a career as an Aerospace Medical Service Journeyman and licensed Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) in the United States Air Force, Dr. Benavidez developed a profound passion for the intricacies of the human mind upon retiring from the military
To further cultivate her understanding and skills, Dr. Benavidez pursued and successfully attained a Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology from the esteemed California School of Professional Psychology at Alliant International University. In her commitment to advancing her knowledge, she completed her Internship and Postdoctoral fellowship at the renowned Scripps Clinic Medical Group, Division of Mental Health, situated in the picturesque city of San Diego, California. Her professional experience encompasses a broad spectrum of clinical settings, including inpatient psychiatric hospitals, the burn unit at UCSD, residential facilities (like Veterans Village of San Diego), and outpatient care within the esteemed Scripps Division of Mental Health.
In her practice, Dr. Benavidez specializes in providing support to individuals of all ages grappling with chronic illness-related/health-related concerns, Acute Stress Disorder, and acute or complex Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). She also extends her scope of practice to adults and adolescents combating depressive or anxiety disorders. Furthermore, she champions inclusivity and welcomes patients from diverse backgrounds, harboring an unwavering belief that one's race, ethnicity, gender, marital status, sexuality, socioeconomic standing, disability status, or religious beliefs should never impede the delivery of exceptional care. With a particular focus on cross-cultural issues and acculturation, Dr. Benavidez possesses a remarkable proficiency in working with Latino/a/x/e patients, an expertise that was cultivated through her extensive research on psychometric considerations within this population. She is also proficient in practicing multicultural psychology, paying special attention to how one's culture affects their mental health. Dr. Benavidez is Indigenous (Diné/Pueblo) and Latine. Dr. Benavidez is attempting to weave Indigenous wisdom into her psychology practice in both how the company operates and how we treat patients.
Employing a comprehensive repertoire of evidence-based psychotherapeutic approaches, Dr. Benavidez tailors her treatments to suit the unique needs of each individual. Her therapeutic toolkit encompasses Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Interpersonal Therapy (IPT), Supportive-Expressive Therapy (SET), Eye Movement Desensitization Reprocessing Therapy (EMDR), Logotherapy, and Pain Reprocessing Therapy (PRT). Dr. Benavidez is also trained and available to provide psychological testing such as: Intelligence Testing, Personality Testing, Cognitive Testing, and Diagnostic Testing. Through psychological assessment and treatment, she empowers her patients to navigate their psychological journeys with grit, grace, and self-discovery.
In addition to her clinical prowess, Dr. Benavidez possesses specialized training in conducting presurgical psychiatric evaluations, ranging from Bariatric surgery evaluations to Spinal Cord Stimulator evaluations and organ transplant surgery evaluations. Her expertise in this domain has led her to establish a partnership with Scripps Hospital in the vibrant San Diego region.
Operating a thriving private group practice, nestled in the enchanting locale of Mission Valley West in San Diego, California, Dr. Benavidez extends her reach even further through the provision of telehealth services. This technological advancement enables her to offer psychological support to individuals throughout the entirety of California, fostering healing and growth within the comfort of one's own home.
Dr. Joanna Rose Benavidez is licensed in the state of California. She is a member of the San Diego Psychological Association (SDPA) and she is credentialed as a Health Service Psychologist (HSP Credential) by The National Register of Health Service Psychologists.
Verify Dr. Benavidez's Licensed Psychologist (LP) Credential here: https://search.dca.ca.gov
Dr. Ta-Taneisha Thames
Psy.D., (Doctor of Psychology, Clinical Psychology)
Registered Psychological Associate (RPA)
Postdoctoral Fellow
About Dr. Thames
Dr. Ta-Taneisha Thames is CURRENTLY ACCEPTING NEW PATIENTS.
Click here to schedule an Intake with Dr. Thames
Dr. Thames accepts the following insurances/modes of payment:
Tricare
Medicare
Cash Pay (out of pocket) Available
Dr. Thames's Contact Information:
PHONE: (213) 260-0111 (CALL OR TEXT)
E-MAIL: Dr.TThames@gmail.com
FAX: (855) 928-4320
Information about Dr. Ta-Taneisha Thames:
Dr. Ta-Taneisha Thames embarked on her clinical psychology career following the acquisition of a Master of Science degree in Counseling, with a Specialization in School Psychology, from San Diego State University (SDSU). She has served as a school psychologist for over two decades. The majority of her professional journey has been devoted to the role of a School Psychologist within one of the nation's largest inner-city school districts. Additionally, her experience has encompassed engagements with various school districts across the state of California, where she has served a diverse student population, spanning the spectrum from preschool through high school. These services have been rendered both within traditional brick-and-mortar educational settings and through virtual platforms.
Her principal responsibility as a school psychologist entailed the meticulous evaluation of student eligibility for specialized educational support. This critical determination hinged upon comprehensive assessments spanning cognitive aptitude, academic achievement, socio-emotional development, and behavioral conduct. Her methodology encompassed a multifaceted approach, incorporating observational analysis, in-depth interviews, and a comprehensive review of contextual information, encompassing health histories and familial dynamics.
In addition to her pivotal role in special education assessments, Dr. Thames also facilitated the provision of mental health services through the conduit of Designated Instructional Services (DIS). This included addressing both individual and group behavioral challenges that impeded students' capacity to thrive within the classroom milieu.
However, her professional journey prompted a profound realization; she perceived a limited reach in addressing the mental health needs of only a segment of the population. It was this epiphany that ignited her passionate ambition to extend her therapeutic services beyond the traditional Pre-K through 12 educational sectors, unencumbered by demographic boundaries.
In 2012, her academic pursuits led me to attend California Southern University (CSU) as a Clinical Psychology scholar. This journey culminated in the attainment of her Psy.D. (Doctor of Psychology) in Clinical Psychology in 2019. Throughout this educational odyssey, she gained diverse clinical experiences, spanning the school settings of Los Angeles, CA, private practice in Westchester, CA, and remote engagement with the Winstone Behavior Health Clinic in Torrance, CA. This multifaceted exposure allowed her to serve clients both in-person and through virtual platforms.
Dr. Thames’s professional expertise is firmly rooted in creating a therapeutic environment that fosters patient comfort, rapport, and trust. Together with her patients, she embarks on a collaborative journey, setting therapeutic objectives that empower them as active participants in their healing process. She specializes in utilizing Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), a scientifically proven approach that reshapes patterns of thought and behavior through the medium of talk therapy and structured assignments. Furthermore, she advocates for the incorporation of deep-breathing techniques to instill calmness in the body and the practice of mindfulness, which nurtures awareness of one's thoughts and emotions in the present moment.
With unwavering confidence, Dr. Ta-Taneisha Thames affirms that her treatment will lead to enhancements in your thought processes and behaviors, offering relief from stress and paving the way for you to lead an improved, enriched life. Her commitment lies in equipping you with the tools to navigate life's challenges on its own terms.
Verify Dr. Thames's credential here: https://search.dca.ca.gov
Dr. Galina Buckhout
Psy.D. (Doctor of Psychology, Counseling Psychology)
Registered Psychological Associate (RPA)
Postdoctoral Fellow
Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor (LPCC)
About Dr. Buckhout
Dr. Galina Buckhout is CURRENTLY ACCEPTING NEW PATIENTS
Dr. Buckhout accepts the following insurance/mode of payment:
Tricare
Medicare
Cash Pay (out of pocket) Available
Sliding Scale Available
Dr. Buckhout's Contact Information:
PHONE: (773) 592-4069 (CALL OR TEXT)
E-MAIL: Galina.Buckhout@gmail.com
FAX: (855) 928-4320
Information about Dr. Galina A. Bukhout:
Dr. Galina A. Buckhout is essential in her field of psychology, wielding her profound expertise to guide individuals towards transformative growth and self-discovery. Holding the esteemed title of Doctor of Psychology (Psy.D.), she is licensed as a Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor (LPCC) in both Illinois and California, in addition to being a Registered Psychological Associate (RPA) in the state of California. Dr. Buckhout's remarkable academic journey includes an M.A. in Counseling from NEIU in 2006 and a Psy.D. in Counseling Psychology from the prestigious California Southern University in 2019.
With over 17 years of experience across diverse mental health settings, Dr. Buckhout has showcased her unwavering commitment to aiding individuals and families in their personal struggles. Her invaluable contributions have spanned inpatient facilities, partial hospitalization programs (PHP), outpatient clinics, and addiction centers, where she has skillfully addressed a myriad of challenges such as depression, anxiety, stress, family dynamics, addictions, relationship distress, parenting concerns, and trauma/abuse, among others.
Driven by an unwavering dedication to enhancing the lives of her clients, Dr. Buckhout embarks on a transformative journey alongside them, fostering self-awareness and self-acceptance. By adeptly resolving personal issues and alleviating their suffering, she paves the way for a more joyous, healthier, and fulfilling existence.
Delving deeper into her specialized areas of focus, Dr. Buckhout possesses a profound interest and background in anxiety disorders and alcohol use disorders, both of which served as the subjects of her dissertation. To augment her expertise, she has participated in numerous prominent conferences, workshops, and training programs centered on anxiety, depression, ADHD, anger management, non-suicidal self-injury, and couples therapy. Through this continuous pursuit of knowledge, Dr. Buckhout remains at the forefront of cutting-edge therapeutic practices, ensuring that her clients receive the utmost care tailored to their unique needs, life challenges, and circumstances.
Rejecting the notion of a one-size-fits-all therapeutic approach, Dr. Buckhout staunchly advocates for patient-centered care rooted in acceptance and support. Her eclectic and integrative style weaves together the finest elements of cognitive, developmental, solution-focused, systemic, and psychodynamic therapies, culminating in a tailored approach that resonates with each individual's journey towards healing.
Harnessing the power of technology, Dr. Buckhout extends her transformative services virtually to the entirety of California. This virtual platform enables individuals across the state to access her expertise from the comfort of their own spaces, facilitating a seamless and convenient therapeutic experience.
Verify Dr. Buckhout's Credential here: https://search.dca.ca.gov
We are a Veteran-owned business
We are educated about disability issues and ableism
We are a member of the Veterans Chamber of Commerce
We are inclusive and accepting of patients of all backgrounds.
LOCATION:
Pacific Coast Psychology
2831 Camino Del Rio South
Suite #103
San Diego, CA 92108
Phone: (760) 694-0327
Fax: (855) 928-4320