Our Team
Rubin Khoddam, PhD
COPE Founder
Clinical Psychologist PSY 31388
Doctoral Alma Mater: University of Southern California
Undergraduate Alma Mater: University of California, San Diego
Post-Doctoral Fellowship Training: Substance Use Disorder / Homeless Mental Health Clinics at the West Los Angeles VA Hospital
Types of Clients Seen: Teens, Young Adults, Adults, Couples, Families
Therapeutic style in 3 words: Authentic, Curious, and Compassionate
Specialty in 1 sentence: I specialize in helping people learn ways of rescripting their life and engaging in more effective behaviors whether that be related to their addiction, past traumas, depression, work stress, or relationship difficulties.
Other Languages: Farsi
Pronouns: he/him/his
About
He is a Clinical Psychologist with years of research and clinical experience working in academic medical centers and addiction treatment facilities. His work focuses specifically on the evidence-based treatment of addiction, trauma, and mood disorders, such as anxiety and depression. He sees his goal in therapy as helping you truly understand the parts of your life most impacting you in order to gain the tools, insights, and skills necessary to live the life you want. He hopes to help you write new scripts to your life, engage in behaviors that are more effective, and ultimately have a new emotional experience that will provide the pathway to the life you want.
He provides individual, couples, and group therapy focused on these issues as well as other concerns, such as life transition, work stress management, etc. Throughout his work, he uses evidence-based treatments and have been trained extensively in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Dialectical Behavioral Therapy, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, as well as Cognitive Processing Therapy and Prolonged Exposure for Trauma.
He strives to come from a place of compassion and empathy because, as humans, we all have patterns, messages, and lessons that constantly show up in our lives. These patterns seem to show up over and over but with a similar theme. The more conscious and mindful we can become of these patterns, the more freedom we can have from them.
For more information about my background, please COPE Psychologist Founder
Hannah Khoddam, PhD
CLINICAL PSYCHOLOGIST PSY 32931
Doctoral Alma Mater: University of Southern California
Undergraduate Alma Mater: University of California Los Angeles
Post-Doctoral Fellowship Training: Health Psychology (Pain, Primary Care Mental Health, Palliative Care, Consultation Liaison Clinics) at the West Los Angeles VA Hospital
Types of Clients Seen: Teens, Young Adults, Adults, Couples, Families
My therapeutic style in 3 words: Warm, Supportive, and Genuine
My specialty in 1 sentence: I specialize in helping people recognize the habits and patterns that may be keeping them stuck and cofacilitating the journey to being in the driver’s seat of their own life.
Pronouns: she/her/hers
About Me:
Dr. Hannah Khoddam is a licensed clinical psychologist with years of experience working with individuals, families and couples who may be struggling with difficulties related to mental and physical health as well as the intersection of the two. She also has a specialty in treating individuals with physical health difficulties (i.e. chronic pain, insomnia, migraines, tinnitus, sexual dysfunction, new or chronic medical illnesses, end of life difficulties etc.) that often have a large influence on one’s emotional well-being. She sees therapy as an exploration of whatever may be keeping you stuck in the habits, patterns, or situations that may no longer be serving you and finding ways to be in the driver’s seat of your own life.
She specializes in evidence-based treatments and have extensive training in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, as well mindfulness-based approaches, with a specific focus on issues related to the interplay between mental and physical health. She has experience treating diverse individuals with anxiety, depression, and difficulties with life transitions.
She believes that change cannot happen without compassion for the person that you are right now and her goal as a therapist is to help you fully accept who you are while simultaneously gain insight into the ways in which you can become the person you want to be in the future. She looks forward to meeting you wherever you may be on this journey.
Natasha Mehta, PhD
Clinical Psychologist PSY 30818
Doctoral Alma Mater: Georgia State University
Undergraduate Alma Mater: University of Southern California
Post-Doctoral Fellowship Training: Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder Clinic at West Los Angeles VA
Types of Clients Seen: Young Adults, Adults
Therapeutic style in 3 words: authentic, warm and compassionate
Specialty in 1 sentence: She specializes in helping people to understand and have compassion for their struggles, whether it be past trauma, ineffective behaviors, or life stress, in order to heal, change and live a meaningful life.
Pronouns: she/her/hers
About Me:
Dr. Natasha Mehta is a licensed clinical psychologist with nearly a decade of experience in the treatment of trauma, anxiety, depression and other mental health concerns. She has extensive training in evidence-based treatments such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, and Dialectical Behavior Therapy, as well as specialized training in Cognitive Processing Therapy and Prolonged Exposure for trauma.
Her approach to therapy is to provide a safe, non-judgmental space for you to explore and understand your struggles and to help you obtain the tools necessary to be more effective in living the life you want. She believes it is by having acceptance and compassion for the things you may not like about yourself or want to change that you are able to find more effective ways of experiencing and living your life. He goal as a therapist is to understand and appreciate your unique life experience in order to help you do this.
In addition to private practice, she has worked as the Team Lead on the women’s unit of a mental health residential rehabilitation treatment program and currently work in a medical center’s outpatient mental health clinic, where she provides psychotherapy and supervise trainees. She earned her undergraduate degree from the University of Southern California in Los Angeles and her graduate degree from Georgia State University in Atlanta. She looks forward to taking these experiences and helping you with your current circumstances.
Abigail Colyer, PsyD
Doctoral Alma Mater: The Wright Institute (Berkeley, CA)
Undergraduate Alma Mater: San Francisco Conservatory of Music
Post-Doctoral Fellowship Training: VA Sepulveda Ambulatory Care Center, Trauma Postdoctoral Resident
Types of Clients Seen: Adults of all ages
My therapeutic style in 3 words: Warm, Empathetic, Engaging
My specialty in 1 sentence: Through a trauma-informed and strengths-based approach, I assist people in developing effective coping skills to heal from the pain of trauma, anxiety, depression, insomnia, and substance use disorders, and support them in overcoming their challenges and finding meaning towards living a life that aligns with their personal values.
Pronouns: She/Her/Hers
About Me:
Dr. Colyer specializes in evidence-based treatments for adults of all ages with anxiety, depression, trauma, substance use disorders and addiction, sleep & behavior problems. She has experience working with adults from diverse backgrounds and identities and approaches her work from multicultural framework, honoring the intersections of each of her client’s unique identities. She has extensive experience working with Veterans, LGBTQIA+, and artists/creatives, as well as survivors of trauma, harassment, and abuse. She incorporates scientifically supported treatment modalities with a relational and individualized approach to each of her clients and brings warmth, humor, and compassion into each of her therapy sessions.
Dr. Colyer’s therapeutic approach is engaging and interpersonal, and she meets clients where they are on their personal journeys. She has training in evidence-based treatments such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), and Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), and specialized training in Prolonged Exposure Therapy (PE) for PTSD and VA-certified training in Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT). She has experience working in a variety of clinical settings, including school, community mental health, outpatient, and VA medical centers. Dr. Colyer collaborates with her clients to help them identify their goals and treatment plan to assist them in moving towards their values to improve their overall well-being and interpersonal relationships.
Dr. Colyer believes that her clients are the experts of their own lives and sees her role as a therapist as supportive and uplifting, empowering her clients to move forward in their healing and their lives. Her background as a musician and performer gives her a unique voice and perspective, an ability to work creatively, connect with and tailor her approach to each client’s unique needs and goals. Her goal as a therapist is to be an advocate for those with whom she works, honoring the intersections of their unique and multicultural identities into therapy, and helping them build skills to overcome pain and move towards their goals, grounded in personal values and meaning.
Mona Khaled, PhD
Clinical Psychologist PSY 33985
Doctoral Alma Mater: University of Southern California
Undergrad Alma Mater: University of California, Los Angeles
Post-Doctoral Fellowship Training: Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) Clinic at the Long Beach VA Hospital
Types of Clients Seen: Young Adults, Adults, Couples
My therapeutic style in 3 words: Compassionate, Collaborative, Empowering
My specialty in 1 sentence:
I specialize in helping people heal pain in their life, empower them to build more confidence and self-compassion, and develop more useful ways of managing emotionally difficult moments resulting from trauma, depression, or anxiety.
Pronouns: she/her/hers
About Me:
Dr. Mona has years of experience working with trauma, anxiety, depression, grief, and difficult life transitions. Whether you are looking to heal from pain from the past or trying to find a way to move forward in your life, you don’t have to go through it alone. She strives to create a safe, non-judgmental relationship where individuals feel validated and empowered to overcome life’s challenges and lead a more fulfilling life. Her approach is person-centered and one of collaborative self-exploration where she sees herself as a guide to help you get where you want to be. She will work together with you to build more confidence, self-compassion, and hope and help you find some relief and peace in your life.
Dr. Mona provides individual, couples, and group therapy using evidence-based treatments. She has extensive training in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, emotion-focused therapy, mindfulness-based therapies, and trauma-focused therapies such as Cognitive Processing Therapy and Prolonged Exposure for Trauma.
Seeking help takes courage and self-awareness. You are already on a path of finding ways to live the life you want. She looks forward to being able to guide and support you through that process.
Natalia Jaramillo, PhD
Clinical Psychologist PSY 35305
Doctoral Alma Mater: University of California, Santa Barbara
Undergraduate Alma Mater: Clark University
Post-Doctoral Fellowship Training: UCLA Department of Psychiatry and Biobehavioral Sciences
Types of Clients Seen: Children, Adolescents, Young Adults, Adults, Families
My therapeutic style in 3 words: Warm, Collaborative, Compassionate
My specialty in 1 sentence: I specialize in helping people explore new ways of understanding themselves and their experiences of distress, while mindfully integrating effective coping skills, building on personal strengths, and prioritizing personal values.
Other Languages: Spanish
Pronouns: She/Her/Hers/Ella
About Me:
Dr. Jaramillo specializes in evidence-based treatments for children, adolescents, young adults, and families. Dr. Jaramillo focuses in treating depression, traumatic stress, anxiety, self-harm, life transitions, and relationship challenges. She has experience providing therapy in inpatient, outpatient, college counseling, and community mental health settings.
Dr. Jaramillo utilizes a collaborative, non-judgmental, and individualized approach in therapy. She strives to establish a trusting therapeutic relationship and enjoys working with clients with diverse intersecting identities. She has extensive experience providing Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, Dialectical Behavior Therapy and Interpersonal Psychotherapy. She also utilizes Mindfulness-Based Interventions to promote self-awareness, acceptance, and compassion. In addition, she also enjoys helping clients explore ways to connect with themselves through creativity.
In addition to her clinical practice with COPE, Dr. Jaramillo is a postdoctoral fellow at UCLA. She received her BA from Clark University and her PhD from the University of California, Santa Barbara. She completed her pre-doctoral internship at Children’s Hospital Los Angeles where she obtained specialized clinical training in the Division of Adolescent and Young Adult Medicine. Her research focuses on understanding patterns of risk and resilience in the context of trauma, suicide prevention, and examining the mechanisms that contribute to, maintain and/or exacerbate mental health disparities. In addition, she is a certified yoga instructor. Dr. Jaramillo looks forward to getting to know you and creating an inclusive space where you can feel heard, safe, and validated.
Shima Esmaeili, PsyD
Licensed Clinical Psychologist PSY36291
Doctoral Alma Mater: University of La Verne
Undergraduate Alma Mater: University of California, San Diego
Post-Doctoral Fellowship Training: Substance Use Disorder (SUD)/Primary Care Mental Health
Integration (PCMHI) Clinics at VA Los Angeles Ambulatory Care Center
Types of Clients Seen: Young adults, Adults
My therapeutic style in 3 words: Compassionate, Collaborative, Culturally-responsive
My specialty in 1 sentence: I specialize in helping people understand the roots of their struggles, attune to their emotions and patterns, heal from overwhelming or painful experiences, and cultivate more flexible, compassionate ways of relating to themselves, particularly around addiction, trauma, depression, and anxiety.
Other Languages: Farsi
Pronouns: She/Her/Hers
About Me:
Dr. Shima Esmaeili specializes in evidence-based treatments for addiction, trauma, anxiety, and depression. She has experience supporting clients from a wide range of cultural and personal backgrounds and values the ways our identities, families, and cultures shape our worldviews and experiences; she strives to welcome these differences with curiosity, respect, and collaboration. Her style blends warmth and empathy with thoughtful, direct insight to help clients develop new capacities that reflect their values. She also believes deeply in the healing power of humor and welcomes it into the therapy process.
Dr. Shima works from the belief that early experiences, relational trauma, and messages about emotions influence how people relate to themselves, others, and the world around them. As such, her therapeutic approach is relational, emotion-focused, and person-centered with an emphasis on emotional processing and moving toward valued-living. She has training in evidence-based treatments such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT), and Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT). She engages clients in a collaborative process to create personalized treatment plans that supports their goals and facilitates meaningful change.
Outside of her clinical work, she gravitates towards warm, sunny weather, loves hiking and hot yoga, and can often be found spending time with her small dog (Lily!), who brings joy to her days. She brings this same grounded presence into therapy, hoping clients feel deeply seen, supported and understood. She looks forward to meeting you and supporting you as you take your next steps toward healing and growth.
Alyssa R Palmer, PhD
CLINICAL PSYCHOLOGIST PSY 35469
Doctoral Alma Mater: University of Minnesota, Twin Cities
Undergraduate Alma Mater: The Pennsylvania State University
Pre-Doctoral Internship Training: Children’s Hospital Los Angeles, Early Childhood Track
Post-Doctoral Fellowship Training: UCLA Departments of Psychiatry and Psychology, National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) T32 Postdoctoral Research Training Fellowship in the Science of Child Mental Health Interventions
Types of Clients Seen: Toddlers, Preschoolers, Children, Teens, Families, Perinatal Individuals and Couples, Adults
My therapeutic style in 3 words: Warm, Collaborative, Strengths-Based
My specialty in 1 sentence: Through a relational, trauma-informed, and strengths-based orientation, I specialized in helping children and families heal from experiences of stress, trauma, behavioral challenges, anxiety, or depression by helping them develop an effective toolbox of skills.
Pronouns: She/Her/Hers
About Me:
Dr. Palmer specializes in providing evidence-based treatments for Toddlers, Preschoolers, Children, Teens, Families, and Perinatal individuals who have experienced trauma, anxiety, depression, OCD, and behavior problems. Dr. Palmer is particularly passionate about helping children and families heal from stressful life experiences. When working with children, she aims to strengthen family relationships and identify strategies to improve whole family functioning and wellbeing. Dr. Palmer is also passionate about working with perinatal adult populations who are experiencing peripartum depression, anxiety, OCD, and processing traumatic births. She has extensive experience working with clients from diverse, multicultural backgrounds. She strives to cultivate a collaborative, non judgmental, and individualized approach to therapy that is grounded in evidence-based treatments while adjusting strategies as needed to meet an individual’s or family’s needs.
Dr. Palmer’s therapeutic approach is informed by attachment theory and is thus based on creating trusting relationships and is person-centered. She enjoys helping clients face their challenges, heal from past trauma, and develop confidence and compassion for themselves. She enjoys working with children of all ages, including very young children and often incorporates parents into sessions. She has training in modalities such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT), Coping Cat, Child-Parent Psychotherapy (CPP), Exposure Response Prevention, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), DIR/Floor Time, Incredible Years, Families Overcoming Under Stress, and Circle of Security. Dr. Palmer works collaboratively with each client to identify treatment goals and develop a personalized treatment plan to make meaningful changes in your life.
She strives to meet all clients with validation, compassion, and empathy. She will work with you to cultivate a warm and inviting space where you can share your thoughts and feelings without judgment. She looks forward to getting to know you and supporting you on your journey toward healing and growth.
Shaleise Collier, PhD
Licensed Clinical Psychologist PSY 33519
Neuropsychologist
Undergrad Alma Mater: Chapman University
Doctoral Alma Mater: California School of Professional Psychology (CSPP)
Pre-Doctoral Training: Children’s Hospital Colorado, Department of Psychiatry (APA-accredited)
Post-Doctoral Fellowship Training: Children’s National Medical Center, Washington, DC (APPCN accredited)
Types of Clients Seen: Kids, Teens, Families, Young Adults, Adults
My therapeutic style in 3 words: Insightful, encouraging, practical
My specialty in 1 sentence: Dr. Collier specializes in helping youth and adults navigate anxiety, mood concerns, life transitions, and ADHD by building practical skills that support attention, emotional regulation and resilience in daily life.
Pronouns: She/Her/Hers
About Me:
Dr. Collier specializes in evidence-based treatments for children, teens, and adults with ADHD, anxiety, OCD, and mood disorders. Dr. Collier has a particular passion for helping patients move toward selfdiscovery, gaining insight into their challenges while developing practical tools for meaningful change. In addition to conducting ADHD evaluations across the lifespan, Dr. Collier works closely with parents and families to navigate the occasional rollercoaster of raising a child with ADHD, especially when emotional regulation difficulties and disruptive behaviors are part of the mix. Known for her approachable and results-driven style, Dr. Collier delivers therapy that is structured enough to create lasting change, yet flexible enough to meet each patient exactly where they are. Dr. Collier’s non-judgmental and collaborative approach reminds patients that therapy isn’t about being “perfect”- it’s about practicing new skills, stumbling forward and learning to celebrate the small wins.
Dr. Collier’s therapeutic approach is grounded in evidence-based practices but never feels like a ‘onesize-fits-all.’ Dr. Collier blends Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), solution-focused strategies, and practical problem-solving to help patients build sustainable skills that stick. Dr. Collier’s formal training at UCLA’s OCD, Anxiety, and Tic Disorder Clinic afforded her extensive experience in diagnosing and treating anxiety and OCD, including specialized expertise in Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP) – the gold standard for OCD treatment. Furthermore, Dr. Collier provides Behavioral Parent Training (BPT) for parents of children with ADHD, offering research-backed strategies that turn daily battles into healthier, more cooperative family dynamics. Dr. Collier also uses Motivational Interviewing to spark motivation and build momentum in teens and adults facing procrastination, executive dysfunction or burnout. Dr. Collier’s philosophy is simple: insight is important, but action is what transforms daily life.
Outside of her clinical work, Dr. Collier balances her professional passion with play – often on the beach volleyball court or in the small, everyday moments that keep life grounded. Dr. Collier believes progress, whether in therapy or in life, comes from showing up consistently, embracing the wins and learning from the missteps along the way.
Annemarie Kelleghan, PhD MPH
Licensed Clinical Psychologist PSY34483
Undergrad Alma Mater: University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA)
Doctoral Alma Mater: University of Southern California
Post-Doctoral Fellowship Training: Stanford University School of Medicine, Pediatric Psychology Fellowship
Types of Clients Seen: Kids, Teens, Young Adults, Adults, Families
My therapeutic style in 3 words: Strengths-based, compassionate, collaborative
My specialty in 1 sentence: I help children, teens, adults, and families navigate anxiety, mood disorders, challenging behaviors, trauma, and chronic medical conditions by providing practical skills and support that builds on their existing strengths and abilities.
Pronouns: She/Her/Hers
About Me:
Dr. Annemarie Kelleghan is a licensed clinical psychologist who provides evidence-based treatment for preschoolers, children, adolescents, adults, and families with anxiety and mood disorders, challenging behaviors, trauma, and adjustment to life transitions. She also has a passion for and specialty in treating individuals with problems of mind-body connection (e.g., headaches, chronic pain, disorders of gut-brain interaction/ gastrointestinal symptoms, disordered eating) and children with chronic medical conditions (by addressing medical trauma, adjustment to illness, treatment adherence, pain, and end-of-life concerns). Dr. Kelleghan has experience treating individuals from various socioeconomic, racial, ethnic, gender identity, and religious backgrounds and across many levels of care (primary care, outpatient medical clinics, inpatient medical floors, community mental health, intensive outpatient programs, emergency department). She is dedicated to meeting the unique needs of her clients, utilizing science-backed interventions and a warm, compassionate approach to empower each person to improve the quality of their lives and relationships.
Dr. Kelleghan is passionate about caring for children of all ages, teens, young adults, and families. She has training in evidenced-based treatments including cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), dialectical behavioral therapy (DBT), acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT), trauma-focused cognitive behavioral therapy (TF-CBT), and mindfulness-based approaches. She is also certified in providing PC-CARE, a brief intervention that helps caregivers improve their relationship with their young children and learn effective behavior management strategies. A core component of her practice is partnering with caregivers and parents to ensure they have the knowledge and tools to sustain positive changes for their families.
She operates from the genuine belief that every individual possesses the capacity for positive change. Her ultimate goal is to guide you and your family in building a brighter, more fulfilling future. She looks forward to partnering with you on your journey.
Ana Hauser, PsyD
Registered Psychological Associate #94028438
Doctoral Alma Mater: The Wright Institute in Berkeley, CA
Undergraduate Alma Mater: University of Michigan, Ann Arbor
Pre-Doctoral Internship Training: Didi Hirsch Community Mental Health Services, serving adults with severe mental illness
Types of Clients Seen: Young Adults, Adults, Couples, and Families
My therapeutic style in 3 words: Curious, Collaborative, Insightful
My specialty in 1 sentence: I specialize in helping adults, couples, and families navigate the complexities of anxiety, depression, trauma, and relationship challenges, empowering them to heal, develop effective coping skills, and create meaningful change in their lives.
Pronouns: She/Her/Hers
About Me:
Dr. Hauser specializes in working with adults, couples, and families navigating challenges such as anxiety, depression, trauma histories, ADHD, emotion regulation issues, relationship dynamics, and severe mental illness. She integrates evidence-based treatments like Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), mindfulness, and trauma-informed care along with more psychodynamic approaches.
Known for her genuine and compassionate approach, Dr. Hauser is deeply committed to creating a therapeutic space where clients feel truly seen, heard, and understood. She believes in the power of connection and uses it as a tool to help clients gain insights into how they show up and interact with others. Dr. Hauser is empathetic, direct, and genuinely invested in her clients’ stories and experiences, prioritizing their well-being and growth. Her goal is to empower clients to feel in control of their emotions and relationships, equipping them with the tools they need to regulate their systems and understand their relational dynamics.
Dr. Hauser earned her BA from the University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, and her PsyD in Clinical Psychology from the Wright Institute in Berkeley, CA. She completed her pre-doctoral fellowship at Didi Hirsch Mental Health Services, where she worked with adults and families navigating severe mental illness and homelessness in an outpatient setting. Her diverse experience spans work in prisons, university settings, schools, the VA, and various mental health clinics. Dr. Hauser is passionate about enhancing access to high-quality mental health services in community settings and looks forward to supporting you on your journey.
Giselle Gomez, PsyD
Clinical Psychologist PSY 35695
Doctoral Alma Mater: University of La Verne
Undergraduate Alma Mater: University of La Verne
Post-Doctoral Fellowship Training: Behavioral Sleep Medicine (BSM)/Health Psychology Clinics at the West Los Angeles VA
Types of Clients Seen: Young adults, Adults, Couples
My therapeutic style in 3 words: Warm, Open-Minded, and Culturally-Responsive
My specialty in 1 sentence: I specialize in helping people navigate various life stressors and mental health realities by collaborating to build the most effective toolbox of life-long skills they can continue using beyond our time together.
Other Languages: Spanish
Pronouns: She/Her/Hers
About Me:
Dr. Gomez specializes in providing evidence-based treatments for adults with various presenting concerns, including depression, anxiety, insomnia, chronic pain, grief, managing chronic medical conditions, and helping people adjust to major life changes. She has experience working with adults in different life stages and from diverse cultural backgrounds. She makes sure to make space to explore your values and collaborates with you to create goals that align with what is important to you and what you hope to gain from treatment. She prides herself in providing high-quality treatment to help you achieve your goals effectively. Interpersonally, Dr. Gomez is warm, compassionate, adaptable, and open-minded. She understands that starting treatment with a new provider can be a nerve-wracking experience; therefore, she is committed to fostering a safe, welcoming, and supportive environment where you can comfortably express your true self.
Dr. Gomez has training in evidence-based treatments, such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) to address various presenting concerns. Her approach is integrative, bringing in skills that might be helpful to you from other evidence-based treatment approaches, such as Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT). Dr. Gomez’s training in various medical settings has granted her the opportunity to receive specialized training in Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy for insomnia (CBTi) and Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy for Chronic Pain (CBT-CP). She will take the time to comprehensively discuss your treatment options, answer any questions, and collaborate with you in creating an individualized treatment plan that works best for your unique needs and goals.
Dr. Gomez received her Bachelor of Science (B.S.) in Psychology, Master of Science in Clinical Psychology (M.S.), and Doctorate in Clinical Psychology (Psy.D) at the University of La Verne. She completed her pre-doctoral internship at the University of Rochester/Strong Memorial Hospital, where she worked with adults with various mental health and physical health concerns, both inpatient and outpatient. She also completed her postdoctoral fellowship at the West Los Angeles VA, providing treatment to Veterans for various presenting issues in the behavioral sleep medicine clinic, pain clinic, transplant clinic, and HIV/infectious disease clinic. As an English-Spanish bilingual, Dr. Gomez’s research interests have focused on making high-quality evidence-based treatments more accessible to culturally and linguistically diverse individuals. She looks forward to meeting you and supporting you in meeting your goals.
David Cenkner, M.A., B.S.
PSYCHOLOGY EXTERN
Doctoral Alma Mater: UC Irvine (in progress)
Undergraduate Alma Mater: University of Pittsburgh
Pronouns: He/Him/His
About Me:
David is a Psychology Extern at COPE and currently finishing his PhD in Clinical Psychology from University of California, Irvine where he specializes in working with individuals with trauma, depression, anxiety, and suicidal thoughts.
David aims to build a warm and engaging therapeutic space where clients can explore and work towards therapeutic goals that can help them build a life that brings them meaning and purpose. David uses a holistic approach with each client and takes the time to understand what may be preventing clients from achieving therapeutic success. David will work alongside clients to identify thought and behavioral patterns that may be preventing progress and help clients implement more adaptive thought and behavioral patterns using evidence-based strategies that will help clients move towards and achieve their therapeutic goals
Tiffany Tao, M.A.
Undergrad Alma Mater: The University of Hong Kong
Doctoral Alma Mater: UC Irvine (in progress)
Pronouns: She/Her/Hers
About Me:
Tiffany is most drawn to working with individuals navigating depression, anxiety, trauma, grief, and other life transitions. These are not just clinical categories to her—they are deeply human experiences that often come with questions about identity, values, and direction. Her passion lies in supporting people not only in reducing distress, but also in connecting more fully with who they are, who they want to become, and what it means to live a life aligned with their values. While she’s trained in delivering evidence-based treatments, she sees therapy as an inherently personal process. It’s deeply fulfilling to offer tools from her psychological “toolbox” and watch each client apply them in a way that leads to realizations and growth unique to their story.
Tiffany aims to bring a sense of calming and grounding touch to therapy. She approaches therapy with structure and clarity, drawing elements from different modalities. She offers steady validation and a deep respect for the complexity of her clients’ experiences. She also carries an appreciation for trauma-informed and relational ways of understanding people in their broader contexts. She wants her clients to feel seen for how far they’ve come—and to feel empowered about where they can go. If you’re hesitant about starting therapy, she wants you to know: You don’t need to have it all figured out. Our work can begin exactly where you are.