Before scheduling a surgical evaluation with Dr. Benavidez, please verify that your insurance is accepted. If you are uncertain about if you are covered, kindly refer to the "More About Insurance Accepted" section on this website. If you indicate that your insurance is accepted by Dr. Benavidez but it is not, you may be responsible for the full cost of the evaluation ($200.00) if the service is rendered under incorrect assumptions, regardless of whether the misrepresentation was intentional or unintentional.

To schedule a psychiatric diagnostic evaluation for surgery (Bariatric, Spinal, SCS, Organ Transplant, etc...)
click the button below and then select "request appointment."

"You are not your illness.You have an individual story to tell. 
You have a name, a history, a personality.
Staying yourself is part of the battle."
— Julian Seifter

At Pacific Coast Psychology, we recognize the intrinsic value of mental wellbeing, holding it on par with physical wellbeing.
Our mission is to bestow upon our patients exceptional care, characterized by an unwavering commitment to excellence.
Our practice values compassion, integrity, fairness, and an unwavering belief in the fundamental right of every individual to discover inner harmony, beauty, balance, and peace.

We are a Veteran-owned business

We are a member of the Veterans Chamber of Commerce

We are inclusive and accepting of patients of all backgrounds.

We are educated about disability issues and ableism

Dr. Joanna Rose Benavidez

Ph.D., (Doctor of Philosophy, Clinical Psychology)
Licensed Psychologist (LP)
Credentialed Health Service Psychologist (HSP)
EMDR Certified Therapist™
Practice Owner and Administration/Clinical Supervisor
United States Air Force Veteran

About Dr. Joanna Rose Benavidez

Dr. Joanna R. Benavidez is NOT CURRENTLY ACCEPTING NEW PATIENTS FOR TREATMENT, HOWEVER SHE IS CURRENTLY ACCEPTING PATIENTS WHO NEED SURGERY EVALUATIONS.

Dr. Benavidez accepts the following insurances/modes of payment:

Dr. Benavidez's Contact Information:
PHONE: (760) 694-0327 (CALL OR TEXT)
E-MAIL: Dr.JRBenavidez@PCpsych.net (this email address is encrypted end to end).
FAX: (855) 928-4320

Information about Dr. Joanna R. Benavidez:
Dr. Joanna Rose Benavidez is a distinguished clinical psychologist that has operated in the healthcare field for almost two decades with their sharp expertise and compassionate care. Hailing from a diverse professional background, she embarked on a remarkable journey that led her to the realm of mental health. Initially, she served as an Aerospace Medical Service Journeyman (4N051) and Licensed Emergency Medical Technician (E.M.T.) in the United States Air Force (U.S.A.F.), Dr. Benavidez enjoyed operating in the healthcare field and developed a profound passion for the intricacies of the human mind upon retiring from military service.

To further cultivate her understanding and skills, Dr. Benavidez pursued and successfully attained a doctorate (Ph.D.) in Clinical Psychology from the esteemed California School of Professional Psychology (CSPP) at Alliant International University. In her commitment to advancing her knowledge, she completed her Internship and Postdoctoral fellowship at the renowned Scripps Clinic Medical Group, Division of Mental Health in San Diego, California. Her professional experience encompasses a broad spectrum of clinical settings, including inpatient psychiatric hospitals, the inpatient burn unit at UCSD, residential facilities (like Veterans Village of San Diego), and outpatient care within the esteemed Scripps Division of Mental Health and within private practice.

Employing a comprehensive repertoire of evidence-based psychotherapeutic approaches, Dr. Benavidez tailors her treatments to suit the unique needs of each individual. Her therapeutic toolkit encompasses Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Interpersonal Therapy (IPT), Supportive-Expressive Therapy (SET), Eye Movement Desensitization Reprocessing Therapy (EMDR), Logotherapy, and Pain Reprocessing Therapy (PRT). Dr. Benavidez is also trained and available to provide psychological testing such as: Intelligence Testing (e.g., WAIS-IV, WISC-IV); Personality Testing (e.g., NEO-PI, MMPI-2, MCMI IV); Cognitive Testing (e.g., MOCA, TMT, RBANS); Psychodiagnostic Testing (e.g., BSI, SCL90); and Subjective Testing (e.g., TAT, Rorschach, RISB, HTP). Through psychological assessment and treatment, she empowers her patients to navigate their psychological journeys with grit, grace, and self-discovery.

In her practice, Dr. Benavidez specializes in providing support to individuals of all ages grappling with Acute Stress Disorder, and chronic and/or complex Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). She also specializes in treating psychiatric symptoms of experiencing chronic illness-related/health-related concerns. She also extends her scope of practice to adults and adolescents combating depressive or anxiety disorders. Furthermore, she champions inclusivity and welcomes patients from diverse backgrounds, harboring an unwavering belief that one's race, ethnicity, gender, marital status, sexuality, socioeconomic standing, disability status, or religious beliefs should never impede the delivery of exceptional care. With a particular focus on cross-cultural issues and acculturation, Dr. Benavidez possesses a remarkable proficiency in working with Latino/a/x/e patients, an expertise that was cultivated through her extensive research on psychometric considerations with this population. She is also proficient in practicing multicultural psychology, paying special attention to how one's culture affects their mental health. Identifying as Latine and Indigenous (Diné/Pueblo). Dr. Benavidez is attempting to weave Indigenous wisdom into her psychology practice in both how the company operates and how we treat patients. She is currently contracted with Southern Indian Health Council (SIHC) to provide culturally-appropriate psychological assessment.

In addition to her clinical prowess, Dr. Benavidez possesses specialized training in conducting presurgical psychiatric evaluations, ranging from Bariatric surgery evaluations to Spinal Cord Stimulator evaluations and organ transplant surgery evaluations. Her expertise in this domain has led her to establish a contracted partnership with Scripps Mercy and Scripps Green Hospitals in the vibrant San Diego region.

Operating a thriving private group practice, nestled in the enchanting locale of Mission Valley West in San Diego, California, Dr. Benavidez extends her reach even further through the provision of telehealth services. This technological advancement enables her to offer psychological support to individuals throughout the entirety of California, fostering healing and growth within the comfort of one's own home.

Dr. Joanna Rose Benavidez is licensed in the state of California. She is credentialed as a Health Service Psychologist (HSP) by The National Register of Health Service Psychologists. They are also an EMDR Certified Therapist™Dr. Benavidez is a member of the San Diego Psychological Association (SDPA). She is the Chairman of the Contemplative Practices Committee of the SDPA.

Verify Dr. Benavidez's Licensed Psychologist (LP) Credential here: https://search.dca.ca.gov

Dr. Galina A. Buckhout

Psy.D. (Doctor of Psychology, Counseling Psychology)
Registered Psychological Associate (RPA)

Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor (LPCC)

Postdoctoral Fellow

About Dr. Galina A. Buckhout

Dr. Galina Buckhout is CURRENTLY ACCEPTING NEW PATIENTS


Dr. Buckhout accepts the following insurance/mode of payment:


Dr. Buckhout's Contact Information:

PHONE: ‭(773) 592-4069‬ (CALL OR TEXT)

E-MAIL: Galina.Buckhout@gmail.com

FAX: (855) 928-4320


Information about Dr. Galina A. Bukhout:

Dr. Galina A. Buckhout, an essential provider in her field of psychology, wields her profound expertise to guide individuals towards transformative growth and self-discovery. Holding the esteemed title of Doctor of Psychology (Psy.D.), she is also licensed as a Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor (LPCC) in both Illinois and California, in addition to being a Registered Psychological Associate (RPA) in the state of California. Dr. Buckhout's remarkable academic journey includes earning an M.A. in Counseling from NEIU in 2006 and a Psy.D. in Counseling Psychology from the prestigious California Southern University in 2019.

With over 17 years of experience across diverse mental health settings, Dr. Buckhout has showcased her unwavering commitment to aiding individuals and families in their personal struggles. Her invaluable contributions have spanned inpatient facilities, partial hospitalization programs (PHP), outpatient clinics, and addiction centers, where she has skillfully addressed a myriad of challenges such as depression, anxiety, stress, family dynamics, addictions, relationship distress, parenting concerns, and trauma/abuse, among others.

Driven by an unwavering dedication to enhancing the lives of her clients, Dr. Buckhout embarks on a transformative journey alongside them, fostering self-awareness and self-acceptance. By adeptly resolving personal issues and alleviating their suffering, she paves the way for a more joyous, healthier, and fulfilling existence.

Delving deeper into her specialized areas of focus, Dr. Buckhout possesses a profound interest and background in anxiety disorders and alcohol use disorders, both of which served as the subjects of her dissertation. To augment her expertise, she has participated in numerous prominent conferences, workshops, and training programs centered on anxiety, depression, ADHD, anger management, non-suicidal self-injury, and couples therapy. Through this continuous pursuit of knowledge, Dr. Buckhout remains at the forefront of cutting-edge therapeutic practices, ensuring that her clients receive the utmost care tailored to their unique needs, life challenges, and circumstances.

Rejecting the notion of a one-size-fits-all therapeutic approach, Dr. Buckhout staunchly advocates for patient-centered care rooted in acceptance and support. Her eclectic and integrative style weaves together the finest elements of cognitive, developmental, solution-focused, systemic, and psychodynamic therapies, culminating in a tailored approach that resonates with each individual's journey towards healing.

Harnessing the power of technology, Dr. Buckhout extends her transformative services virtually to the entirety of California. This virtual platform enables individuals across the state to access her expertise from the comfort of their own spaces, facilitating a seamless and convenient therapeutic experience.

Verify Dr. Buckhout's Credential here: https://search.dca.ca.gov

New Provider (ASW) Coming Soon


LOCATION:
Pacific Coast Psychology
2831 Camino Del Rio S.
Suite #103
San Diego, CA 92108

Phone: (760) 694-0327
Fax: (855) 928-4320

 © Pacific Coast Psychology