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. I work from a relational framework and use active, practical methods such as skill-building, role plays, and structured tools. I believe strongly in building authentic therapeutic relationships and in balancing acceptance with change. I am originally from Estonia, and my culture tends to be straightforward. This often translates into direct and personal conversations, a degree of irreverence, and a chronic mix-up of gender pronouns (the Estonian language has none). I ask for and give unembellished feedback, but with compassion and recognition that my view is inherently biased by my intersecting identities and life experiences. I am curious about people’s cultural experiences and strive to contribute to social justice and to creating spaces where individuals feel included and respected. I don't assume that I know you better than you know yourself. Clinicians may have expertise in mental health — but you have expertise in you. Oftentimes therapy is a journey back to that trust: that your thoughts and feelings make sense, that you are doing the best you can, and that your wishes matter. People are not broken. You are not broken. You are a person who learned to survive, even if the coping that was once protective is no longer working. Change comes from understanding and honoring what brought you here, and building on it by creating new ways of relating - to yourself and others - that carry you forward.

My experience includes relational issues, mood and anxiety disorders, trauma processing, and neurodiversity (including autism and ADHD). I completed my postdoctoral residency working with individuals who were homeless, frequently incarcerated, or involuntarily hospitalized. That experience left me wanting to support people entangled in the justice system and navigating structural inequities. I also worked in other community mental health settings including the UCLA Semel Institute for Neuroscience and Human Behavior and the CBT/DBT Clinic at Harbor-UCLA Medical Center.

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. 

Dr. Helena Sidrak

Psy.D. in Psychology, Postdoctoral Psychological Associate

I bring both clinical expertise and a passion for community service to my role at Oceanside Clinics. I completed my doctorate in Clinical Psychology with a concentration in Primary Care at Loma Linda University, and I have broad experience providing therapy and psychological assessment for individuals across the lifespan. My clinical work has spanned diverse settings—from veterans at the Aleda E. Lutz VA Medical Center to students at UC Santa Barbara—where I have treated a wide range of concerns including trauma, anxiety, depression, and relational challenges using evidence-based practices. In addition to my clinical practice, I serve as Assistant Director of The Good Shepherd – Mark & Jacob Foster Care Agency, a nonprofit dedicated to connecting children with safe, loving families. Through my dual roles in clinical care and community leadership, I am committed to fostering healing, resilience, and hope in the lives of those I serve. 

Dr. Travis Trotter

Psy.D. in Psychology, Postdoctoral Psychological Associate

I hold a Doctor of Psychology (PsyD) degree from Pacifica Graduate Institute and work as a Registered Psychological Associate providing psychotherapy to adults navigating anxiety, depression, trauma, relationship challenges, identity transitions, men’s issues, and professional burnout. My approach integrates evidence-based and depth-oriented therapies, balancing practical tools with meaningful insight-oriented work. I draw from cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), dialectical behavior therapy (DBT), psychodynamic therapy, Internal Family Systems (IFS), trauma-informed care, and Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR). I am also trained in ketamine-assisted psychotherapy (KAP). My doctoral research focused on psychedelic-assisted psychotherapy for PTSD and complex trauma. Before entering the mental health field, I spent more than 25 years in aviation leadership as an airline pilot and military combat veteran, along with more than a decade in executive coaching and leadership development. I strive to create a therapeutic environment that is collaborative, grounded, and authentic, helping clients develop greater self-understanding, resilience, and meaningful change.

Nichelle Cieri

M.Sc. in Psychology, Research Assistant

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.

Ziba Enayati

Psychology Extern

I am a doctoral student in clinical psychology at the California School of Professional Psychology. At Oceanside Clinics, I provide therapy and assessment to adults of varying ages. My clinical interests include anxiety, depression, relationship concerns, trauma, ADHD, autism, and identity development. I take an integrative approach to my work, drawing primarily from cognitive behavioral and psychodynamic therapies, and I strive to provide culturally responsive, identity-affirming care. I am curious, nonjudgmental, and strive to understand and honor people's lived experiences. As a clinician, I try to go the extra mile to support the people I work with. 

Aliza Jeong

Psychology Extern

I am a doctoral student pursuing a Psy.D. in Clinical Psychology at Alliant University and hold a B.S. in Psychological & Brain Sciences from UC Santa Barbara. Prior to my clinical career, I worked in human resources leadership. My clinical background spans inpatient crisis work and outpatient psychotherapy, with a growing specialization in psychological assessment. I draw on psychodynamic frameworks alongside CBT, ACT, and strengths-based approaches to support adults navigating anxiety, mood disturbances, identity-related concerns, trauma, and life transitions. As a certified yoga instructor, I also incorporate mindfulness and somatic techniques into the therapeutic process when appropriate. I approach my work through a trauma-informed, multicultural lens, recognizing how cultural values, family systems, and the body shape well-being. Throughout my research, community engagement, and clinical work, I seek to elevate minority communities and provide culturally responsive care.

Danielle Oliver

A.A. in Allied Health & Liberal Arts & Sciences, Peer Support Specialist & Care Coordinator

I am a devoted mother and passionate peer advocate with a lifelong commitment to human connection and community support. From a young age, I’ve been drawn to understanding and uplifting others, which has shaped my purpose both personally and professionally. Having overcome my own mental health challenges and navigated the complexities of the legal system, I bring deep empathy, resilience, and real-world insight to my work. One of my core missions is to ensure that no one feels alone in their struggles. Through active listening, advocacy, and shared experience, I strive to create safe, trusting spaces where individuals feel seen, supported, and empowered on their paths to healing and self-determination. 

Malcolm DeCesare

Certified Nursing Assistant, Peer Support Specialist

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. 

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.