Dr. Annika Okamoto

Ph.D. in Psychology, Licensed Psychologist

I have worked in mental health settings for over 25 years. In addition to clinical work, I also engage in clinical training and research. Previously I worked in various community mental health clinics such as UCLA Semel Institute for Neuroscience and Human Behavior and CBT/DBT Clinic of Harbor-UCLA Medical Center. My experiences cover relational issues, couple's therapy, mood and anxiety disorders, processing trauma experiences and neurodiversity (autism, ADHD and so forth). In addition, I completed my postdoctoral residency working with the homeless, frequently incarcerated and involuntarily hospitalized, so I have tremendous compassion for those entangled in the justice system. I am an ally to the queer community. I am curious about people's cultural experiences and try to do my part for social justice and ensuring people feel included in our community. 

I prefer to work in the relational mindset with active methods such as skill building, role plays and other practical tools. Most of all, I believe in building authentic relationships with people, and in the balance between acceptance and change. I am originally from Estonia and my culture tends to be straightforward, translating into direct and personal connections with people that I work with, a degree of irreverence and a chronic mix-up of gender pronouns while speaking (the Estonian language has none). I ask and give unembellished feedback, but with compassion and recognition that my view is inherently biased by my intersecting identities and life experiences. I don't assume that I know better than you, and neither should you. Doctors may have expertise in mental health - but you have expertise in yourself. 

Dr. Saman Mohseni

Ph.D. in Psychology, Licensed Psychologist

I was originally a business economics major at UC Irvine before realizing that I might be in the wrong field. I decided to change my trajectory to psychology, and the rest is history! I began my career working as an ABA therapist with children diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder. While I attended graduate school at Alliant International University, I worked in various community mental health clinics with children and adults coming from a variety of diverse ethnic and cultural backgrounds. I attended postdoctoral training specializing in supervision and had the opportunity to support people with significant mental health and social issues such as schizophrenia or bipolar disorder. I often observed how the people with mental health issues are disadvantaged in our society, and that makes me a strong proponent of advocacy and increasing community awareness of these challenges. 

My prior experiences and successes have allowed me to become good at what I do. I am bilingual and have provided therapy in Farsi; and I tend to work with people through a cultural lens. I am flexible and adaptable and modify my approach for each person that I work with. I utilize a variety of clinical tools, evidence-based practices, and experiential techniques to engage the people that I work with. I wholeheartedly believe that everyone has it within them to achieve their goals and overcome their challenges. I appreciate authentic connections and enjoy facilitating healing through my clinical work. 

Travis Trotter

M.A. in Psychology, Doctoral Extern in Psychology

I hold a Master of Arts degree in Psychology and am currently completing a Doctor of Psychology (PsyD) at Pacifica Graduate Institute. I specialize in helping individuals recover from depression, anxiety, and unresolved traumas, navigate intimate relationships, deal with men's issues, and manage career burnout. With 11 years of executive coaching experience combined with my experience as a therapist, I have developed the skills to be action-oriented while also building a deep understanding of each person I work with. I am trained in several therapeutic modalities, including cognitive-behavioral therapy, dialectical behavior therapy, trauma-informed therapy, psychodynamic therapy, ketamine-assisted psychotherapy, Internal Family Systems (IFS), and life coaching. My doctoral research focuses on using psychedelic-assisted psychotherapy for PTSD and complex trauma experiences. Additionally, I have over 25 years of leadership and flying experience as an airline pilot and a combat veteran, which has given me a unique perspective to support people from diverse backgrounds and professions. I am a patient, empathetic, and down-to-earth individual who puts in the effort to understand the relational experiences of the people I work with, both in their lives and in their relationships with me. 

Nichelle Cieri

M.Sc. in Psychology, Doctoral Extern in Psychology

I hold a Masters of Science in psychology and I am currently pursuing a doctorate in clinical psychology with an emphasis in diverse populations at Mount Saint Mary’s University, Los Angeles. I studied acupuncture and Traditional Chinese Medicine through the Ni Family at Yo San University. For the past decade I have been working with survivors of sexual assault, domestic violence, and other forms of interpersonal violence. I have experience in trauma-informed work, working with adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) and high-conflict personalities. I have a heart for social justice and liberation psychology, and I have trained to work with groups and individuals who experience difficulties with emotion regulation and distress tolerance, using modalities such as cognitive-behavioral therapy, dialectical behavior therapy and trauma-informed therapy, My past experiences include volunteer and executive positions for organizations that empower and serve disproportionately affected youth and young adults. I am warm and outspoken, and rely on humor and genuine interest towards other people to build a connection.

Mirjam Sepp

B.Sc. in Psychology, M.Sc. in Digital Health, Clinical Consultant

Before completing my education in psychology and health care, I studied economics, finance and law and worked for over ten years in IT-industry. I completed my Ma-degree in digital health, on the crossroads of psychology and technology. Above all, I value human connections and diversity around us. Much of my work lies in supporting people and organizations achieve their goals, improve equity and inclusion, and build a meaningful life with better access to resources. 

Malcolm DeCesare

Certified Nursing Assistant, Peer Advocate

I have had a passion for volunteerism and advocacy since my earliest days, and for all of my adult life. I have cared for a diversity of individuals, ranging from persons with developmental disabilities, to those struggling with addiction and obstacles related to their mental health. My own experiences related to identity have greatly informed my ability to care for and understand persons belonging to the LGBTQIA+ community. And my more recent work in critical care, has broadened the scope of my abilities, to include patients going through trauma related to terminal illnesses. It is my personal mission to find, and to cherish, moments of laughter and joy where others may struggle to find it, and I could not imagine the life without surprises, games, and jokes, which hopefully serve to remind us all that life is worth living, and worth celebrating.