Pacific Beach
Karly Worth, APCC
Rancho Bernardo / Pacific Beach
Karly holds a Master’s degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Northwestern University. She specializes in working with motivated couples and adults aiming to foster deeper connections with themselves and their partners. Karly embodies a nonjudgemental approach, and she has experience working across diverse cultural backgrounds and identities.
Karly approaches her clients with compassion and warmth, acknowledging her capacity to offer a nurturing and secure environment while also challenging them when necessary and beneficial. She believes in customizing her approach for each client, adapting it based on their individual needs, preferences, and desired outcomes. Drawing from methodologies such as The Gottman Method and Emotion Focused Therapy (EFT), Karly is dedicated to helping couples overcome obstacles and deepen their emotional bonds. Recently completing an intensive EFT training program, she employs research-backed techniques to facilitate meaningful breakthroughs.
Karly also works one-on-one with adults dealing with anxiety, depression, life transitions, and relationship issues. She integrates approaches from Psychodynamic therapy, Internal Family Systems (IFS), and solution-focused models to help clients understand and navigate the unique parts of themselves. Karly looks forward to helping guide you on your journey towards self-compassion.
APCC License Number 13866
Trevor Olson, Psy.D.
Pacific Beach
I was born and raised in San Diego and went to UCSD for college. I may be the only former State Beach Lifeguard you know who can also drive a Zamboni. I majored in Math & Economics until I studied the wrong material, had a panic attack during the final and flunked the test. Soon afterwards, I changed my major to Psychology and found I liked it. I went to graduate school at Regent University in Virginia. Recently I spent several years living and working in a community on a farm in rural New Hampshire. I lived with the people I counseled, taught, chopped wood and played basketball with. And I loved it.
I have worked clinically and corporately in a number of capacities. I have published on life stories and faith and am in the process of writing a book on the daily practice of virtue. Surfing and reading books ranging from history and philosophy to children's fiction are favorite pastimes. Spending time in A-grade conversation with the people in my life who are dear to me is another.
Brett Grinnell, LCSW
Pacific Beach
I’m lucky enough to call myself a Pacific Beach native, and even luckier to bring my counseling career to my hometown. I initially started my professional career in the entertainment industry in Los Angeles (to be more accurate – trying to work in the entertainment industry), however I quickly realized the path I decided on as an adolescent was not what I thought it would be. A change was needed. After seeking my own clinical guidance, I changed my focus to social work and graduated from the University of Southern California with an MSW. As a licensed clinician, I aim to help others struggling on their path or struggling to find their way. I’ve worked with combat veterans struggling with transition into civilian life, individuals in substance abuse recovery, and homeless individuals coping with psychiatric disorders, and have loved every minute. I utilize Motivational Interviewing (MI) and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) with a human-centered approach but will never stop being open and adaptable to new ways and approaches toward helping others. In my free time, I enjoy reading, catching up on the latest hit show everyone’s already binged, or going for a jog.
Jessica Imhoff, AMFT
Kearny Mesa / Pacific Beach
Hello. My name is Jessica. I am an Associate Marriage and Family Therapist who works under the supervision of Luke Schlimme LCSW. I completed my Master’s degree in Clinical Counseling from Point Loma Nazarene University and since then I have been providing services to those with severe persistent mental illness. There are many experiences that have shaped me into the therapist I am today, so a little about me. I was born in San Diego and moved frequently in my childhood as my father was in the military. I am a Christian and believe in giving back to the community by volunteering in different capacities. I strongly believe in the use of coping skills and doing things that make you happy. So in my free time, I enjoy listening to music, reading, spending time with family/friends, volunteering in my church, traveling, and watching sports.
I have experience working with those that experience depression, anxiety, bipolar, psychosis, PTSD, substance use, and suicidal ideation. I employ various therapeutic approaches including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Motivational Interviewing (MI), Solution Focused Therapy, Person Centered Therapy and Chronological Assessment of Suicide Events (CASE).
I believe in meeting you where you are at. Whether that's in the trenches of a deep depression or managing daily stressors, I meet you there and support you along your journey of healing. I believe in a therapy that is compassionate but also challenges you to think beyond your perspective/to grow.
Mila Almquist, MA Clinical Counseling, AMFT.
Pacific Beach / Kearny Mesa
Mila received her Bachelor’s Degree in Studio Art from Scripps College in Claremont, California, married into the military and grew up exploring the world through education and adventure with her husband and three daughters. After surviving cancer, she went to graduate school and pursued her long time interests - psychology and counseling. Since receiving her Master of Arts in Clinical Counseling from Point Loma Nazarene University. she has worked as a therapist in training at a San Diego Crisis Hospital, being present with those struggling with addiction, depression, anxiety, Bipolar disorders and Schizophrenia.
Over the last two years, as an Associate Marriage and Family Therapist, she has been using cognitive and dialectical behavior therapies, Existential and Psychodynamic techniques with groups, individuals, couples and youth. Her primary focus is on helping her clients find meaning and wholeness through understanding their own stories while helping them bring integration to their mind, body and soul. She is comfortable with conversations involving spiritual issues, grief and loss, shame and guilt, sexual and relational health, depression and anxiety. She understands the unique challenges that military spouses and children face through her own lived experience. She uses art, music and play to give a voice to children and those of any age who need help giving expression to their own stories.
In her leisure time, she enjoys coffee and meaningful conversation, spending time with her family, music, reading, sailing, bicycling and trips to the Sierras.
Jeff Pellegrino, APCC
Pacific Beach / Telehealth
Jeff is a pre-licensed clinical counselor and earned his master's degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Concordia University,
Irvine. Jeff treats a variety of mental health concerns including anxiety, depression, OCD, ADHD, bipolar disorder, relational issues, substance abuse, and performance anxiety. Jeff is a former Division I athlete and brings his drive and intensity from the field into the office. He treats each client as a unique individual and works collaboratively with his clients to identify the most beneficial treatment modalities for them. Jeff works to create a safe therapeutic environment and empower his clients to make significant and lasting positive progress.
Lauren Cortez, AMFT
Pacific Beach / Telehealth
Hello! I am a pre-licensed Marriage and Family Therapist working under the supervision of Dr. Trevor Olsen. I completed my bachelor’s degree in marketing at the University of San Diego and decided soon after to pursue a career in holistic mental health. I went on to become a certified Integrative Health Coach as well as Rapid Transformational Therapist (Hypnotherapy) before most recently completing my master’s in Marriage and Family Therapy at Touro University Worldwide.
I believe in a holistic approach to optimal health, both mental and physical. My passion lies in helping people discover their power as well as how the past or any underlying issues may be holding them back from living the life they desire. I have been formally trained in EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) and find great joy in helping clients uncover and release old traumas, blocks, and limiting beliefs through this process. In my work with individuals, couples, and teens, I specialize in attachment-based trauma, depression, anxiety, and relationship issues.
I aim to provide a safe, kind, respectful, empathetic, supportive, and transformational space for all my clients to explore their inner worlds and make the most of their reality.
In my free time, you can find me cooking, taking long walks on the boardwalk, swimming at the beach, spending time with my family, reading in the sunshine, or traveling to a new city or country :)
Alex Pestereanu-Gere, PsyD
Pacific Beach / Telehealth
I am particularly zealous about social injustice issues and working with marginalized population. I am passionate about working with and helping people who are living with depression, anxiety, traumatic events, racism, relationship conflicts, childhood problems, self-esteem issues, communication problems, as well as acculturation. I am concerned with the impact of anxiety and depression and improving intervention to support daily functioning and living with anxiety and depression for better emotional, physical and relationship health.
My counseling and therapy experience across a variety of treatment settings include inpatient psychiatric, outpatient psychiatric, community-based services, homeless veterans inrehabilitation center, and children and adolescents in child protective cases.
I have experience serving various populations in the following areas: group psychotherapy, crisis intervention, individual therapy, anxiety, depressive disorders, addictive behaviors and substance use issues, post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), suicidal self-harm behavior, personality disorders, physical sexual and emotional abuse, anger and stress management, developmental disabilities, mood disorders, schizophrenia and various symptoms of psychosis, trauma and abuse, chronic pain and LGBTQI+.
In addition, I served nine years in the United States Navy and have experience in working withhomeless veterans and I am proficient in military and veterans’ issues. I am also an immigrantfrom Romania, and I am passionate about immigrant issues. I am fluent in Romanian and Spanish.
I employ an integrated approach of a variety of therapeutic interventions including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Positive Psychology and Mindfulness.
I am an LGBTQIA+ Affirming therapist. My pronouns are she/her/hers or they/them/theirs.
Julie Neill, LMFT
Pacific Beach / Kearny Mesa
Hello! I am a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist and Professional Clinical Counselor working under the supervision of Dr. Brianna Pepiton. I was born and raised in the Midwest and earned my Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from the University of Nebraska. After moving to San Diego, I worked for 14 years at Poway Unified School District as an aide in special education classrooms. After my children were grown, I pursued my passion for helping others and graduated from National University with a Master of Arts in Counseling Psychology with specializations in Marriage and Family Therapy and Professional Clinical Counseling. Since graduation I have spent the past 3 years working in specialty mental health services.
I believe that people’s past experiences shape who they are now, and that people can use those experiences to heal themselves. I look forward to walking the path to healing with you. I will guide you with empathetic and caring support to reach your goals. I am experienced in providing trauma informed therapy, treating depression and anxiety utilizing Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT), Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Solution-Focused and Positive Psychology to treat individual needs.
Chelsea DuPraw, AMFT, APCC (she/her)
Pacific Beach / Kearny Mesa
Hi, my name is Chelsea! I have always been drawn to the ways we make sense of our experiences—how we tell our stories, how we hold them in our bodies, and how they shape the way we move through the world. My background in English literature from UC San Diego deepened my appreciation for the narratives we live, and becoming a therapist felt like a natural extension of my love for deep connection and meaning-making. I feel honored to witness my clients' stories and help them cultivate greater awareness, resilience, and self-compassion.
While earning my Master’s in Clinical Counseling from Point Loma Nazarene University, I provided therapy to individuals and couples at The Center for Mindful Relationships. There, I worked with a diverse range of clients navigating anxiety, depression, trauma, grief, life transitions, and relational challenges. I take a holistic approach, addressing both mind and body in the healing process, helping clients reconnect with themselves and their relationships in meaningful ways.
I believe that healing happens in connection—with ourselves, others, and the deeper stories that shape our lives. I strive to create a space where clients feel heard and supported as they navigate anxiety, depression, trauma, and life transitions. My approach is relational, existential, and strength-based, integrating mindfulness, cognitive behavioral therapy, emotionally focused therapy, somatic work, narrative therapy, psychodynamic exploration, and compassionate-focused interventions. My style is warm, engaged, and collaborative—I meet clients where they are while gently encouraging growth and self-discovery.
I am a pre-licensed therapist under the supervision of Jessica Anderson, LCSW (#61295), and Dr. Trevor Olson, PSY (#28474) and I know that finding the right therapist matters. If you’re curious about working together, I invite you to reach out for a consultation. I look forward to meeting you!
Remington ‘Remi’ Balderas, Canine Assistant
Remi is a Doberman mix. He self identifies as a worthy companion. In October 2020 he moved from Mexico to the United States and became an American. He is a sometimes contributor in sessions - only when requested. One day he may become a formal part of the therapeutic engagement. Currently his formal engagements in the office are mostly with his bed and toys. Because he doesn’t have a bank account he takes payments in head scratching and treats and tug-of-war with the chew toy. He does not have much training to draw from, but he does have a manner of life that many people find valuable. His professional development is focused on expressing calm, assertive energy. He is studying augmentative alternative communication (he touches buttons that play a recorded word with his paws). He is planning on speaking with clients sometime in the next few years. If you see him eating dirt out of one of the plant pots please don’t hesitate to rebuke his lack of professionalism with a deep, disapproving ‘ohhhhh’.
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