I have followed a unique and varied path to become a gay-identified psychologist in private practice in Encinitas and San Diego. I earned my doctorate in Clinical Psychology in 1996 after completing my predoctoral training at a shared VA and active-duty military psychiatric unit at Travis Air Force Base and the Oakland/Martinez VA. After graduation, I established one of San Francisco’s first and largest medical residential hospices in response to the HIV/AIDS crisis while also completing post-doctoral hours in private practice in San Francisco. Shortly after, I became the Director of all HIV Services for Catholic Charities CYO in San Francisco, Marin, and San Mateo Counties, overseeing 5 medical and psychosocial residential hospices and over 250 housing units. I then managed a $40 million portfolio that included youth development, senior services, HIV programs, adoption, immigration/refugee support, transitional youth, and clinical and behavioral health services until 2007.

In 2008, I worked in Marin County, where I developed the Oak Hill School for children and youth with intellectual and developmental disabilities and autism spectrum challenges. As an adoptive dad of kids with special needs, I gained valuable insight into the challenges families face, from navigating complex school district IEP processes to understanding the regional center system.

In 2011, I became the CEO of the Arc San Francisco for 6 years, followed by the CEO of the Reimagine Network in Orange County for 5 years, a large organization supporting individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities and those with traumatic brain and spinal cord injuries.

Wanting to return to clinical work, I opened a private practice in Encinitas/San Diego North County in 2023. I am dedicated to using my rich experiences to create a welcoming and effective therapeutic space for my clients. Trained in a psychodynamically oriented doctoral program, I enhance my treatment philosophy with years of real-world experience helping individuals overcome challenges, designing behavioral programs, and applying developmentally based learning and treatment methods. My approach is client-centered, holistic, and comprehensive, and I will work with you to address your mental health needs in a safe environment.

Education:

Psy.D. Doctor of Psychology, Pepperdine University, Malibu CA, 1996

M.A. Master’s in Clinical Psychology, Montclair State University, Upper Montclair, NJ 1992

B.A. Bachelor of Arts, Economics/Spanish, College of the Holy Cross, Worcester, MA