Itzia Plascencia, Ph.D. (Hillcrest)

(She/Her/Hers) Psychological Associate supervised by Dr. Kristina Mendez, Ph.D.

Hello and welcome! I am glad you are here. My name is Dr. Itzia Plascencia, and I am a postdoctoral therapist in San Diego at Hillcrest Psychological Associates (Psychological Associate, PSB94028647), supervised by Dr. Kristina Mendez, PhD (PSY32985).

As a therapist, I specialize in treating symptoms caused by depression, anxiety, trauma, grief, relationship issues, family concerns, divorce, stage of life changes, and identity exploration. I enjoy working with individuals of all ages, first and second-generation immigrants, LGBTQIA+ individuals and college students. As a Spanish speaker, I also welcome anyone who would like to use Spanish to further express themselves in the therapeutic process.

My therapeutic approach is based on the understanding that one size does not fit all, so I work from a humanistic and person-centered perspective to adjust to your style of learning. Interventions will often include Acceptance Commitment Therapy, which is a mindful approach that can help people stay focused on the present moment, learn to accept imperfection as a natural part of life and help to move forward with a greater sense of control and inner peace. I will also work with you to understand how your family of origin, culture, and social factors influence your current thoughts and experiences.

As a fellow human, I know life happens and when it gets in the way of our goals, it can leave us feeling alone, misunderstood, frustrated, and even hopeless. You are not alone in your experience, and you don’t have to be alone in your process. You have taken the first step to bettering your life, let’s take the next few steps together. My goals for you are to learn how to be your truest self, gain the necessary tools to manage day to day stress with confidence, and strive to live a healthy and balanced life.

I am an in-network provider for Cigna, Aetna, and Anthem Blue Cross in San Diego. If you are interested in working with me, I encourage you to contact our main line at 619-354-7400 or fill out the contact form on this website. I look forward to hearing from you and starting the healing journey together!

Education and Training:

PhD in Clinical Psychology, California School of Professional Psychology (CSPP), Los Angeles, CA (August 2024)

APA-Accredited Psychology Internship, University of California Irvine, Counseling and Psychological Services (July 2023-July 2024)

Masters of Arts (MA) in Clinical Psychology, California School of Professional Psychology (CSPP), Los Angeles, CA (May 2020)

Bachelor of Arts (BA) in Psychology
California State University San Marcos, San Marcos, CA (May 2018)