Our Clinicians
Darlene Tando, LCSW (She/Her)
I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with a private practice office near Hillcrest/Balboa Park, where I offer therapy with adult individuals, couples, family, and play therapy for children. I earned my Bachelors Degree in Psychology at the University of California at Santa Barbara and my Masters in Social Work at San Diego State University.…
Read More Tristan Hartley, APCC (He/Him)
My name is Tristan Hartley, my pronouns are he/him/his, and I am a proud transmasculine human. As I have had to learn how to overcome and step into my authentic expression, it is my absolute passion to support others as they discover their true path in this human experience. This chaotic world can often feel…
Read More Jaime “Xaime” Aceves Equihua, APCC (He/Him, She/Her, They/Them)
My name is Xaime (pronouns: he, him, she, her, they, them) and I am a queer Latinx person who grew up in the San Diego and Tijuana region. I am a creative, empathic and community-oriented counselor who wants to support individuals struggling on their path towards self-awareness and healing from their mental health challenges. I…
Read More Alexis Smith, LCSW (She/Her)
My name is Alexis Smith and I use she/her pronouns. I am a multiracial, queer licensed clinical social worker with a passion for empowering and walking alongside others who are a part of the LGBTQIA+ community on their life journey. I earned my undergraduate degree in social work from West Chester University of Pennsylvania and…
Read More Nikki Amaro, LCSW (She/Her)
I am Nikki (she/her/hers). I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker offering therapy to adults 17+ via telehealth or in-person at my Hillcrest office. I earned my Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology from Sonoma State University in 2005 and my Master’s Degree in Social Work from the University of Michigan in 2013. I possess expertise in…
Read More Alana “AJ” Lewison, ACSW (They/She)
My name is A.J. and I use they/them and she/her pronouns interchangeably. I am a non-binary and transgender therapist. My degree is in Social Work, which emphasizes seeing and understanding a person within the context of the system they are living in and approaching challenges from a strengths-based perspective. While I have experience in modalities…
Read More KB Bullock, AMFT (He/They)
My personal journey of embracing my authentic expression as an openly trans man has fueled my passion to support others in reconnecting with their truest selves. I began my career working for a community-based organization providing support, education, and advocacy for those affected by mental health struggles and suicide. After that, I spent six years…
Read More Mely Quiroz (they/he/elle/éI)
My name is Mely Quiroz (they/he/elle/éI) and I am a transmasculine, queer, mental health provider and trans advocate and educator. I received my M.S. in Multicultural Counseling and Social Justice Education from the Community Based Block program at San Diego State University. My personal experience growing up in a mixed status family and navigating queerness…
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