Nile Brandt, Ph.D. (La Jolla)

(He/Him/His) Licensed Clinical Psychologist

Hello! My name is Dr. Nile Brandt, and I am a therapist in San Diego (Psychologist #35762) at Hillcrest Psychological Associates (La Jolla), specializing in individual therapy working with adults and adolescents. I have experience with clients from a multitude of various backgrounds, communities, and presenting concerns (e.g., stress and anxiety, transitions, depression, identity development, grief, neurodivergence).

I have specialized training in sport and performance psychology and have an array of experiences working with folx in performance-centric roles, communities, and lifestyles, including athletes, musicians, physicians, and scientists. As such, I am a Certified Mental Performance Consultant (CMPC) through the Association of Applied Sport Psychology (AASP).

As a LGBTQ+ affirming counseling and sport psychologist in San Diego, I am most interested in collaborating, and exploring a meaningful path forward, while identifying practices, skills, and new ways of being with ourselves, our constellation of intersecting identities, values, and experiences. Through this, I aim to meet you where you are in your respective journey, and approach our meetings with curiosity, humility, and openness.

My theoretical orientation consists of contextualizing distress, power, and privilege through a feminist multicultural lens, working within a person-centered, collaborative, and strengths-based approach, and incorporating Acceptance and Commitment (ACT) and Dialectical Behavioral (DBT) therapies.

I was born and raised in San Diego, California. I obtained my bachelor’s degree in psychology at Chico State University, with a minor in Criminal Justice. Following several years as a Teen Director at the Boys and Girls Clubs of East County (San Diego), I pursued my master’s degrees in Clinical Mental Health Counseling (MA) and Sport and Exercise Psychology (MS). I earned by Ph.D. in Counseling Psychology at the University of Utah, with a specialization in Sport Psychology. My practicum and internship placements (at Appalachian State University) offered opportunities to work in university counseling centers, athletics departments, and group practices. I completed my Postdoctoral Residency at the University of California San Diego (UCSD) Counseling and Psychological Services, and most recently served as a Staff Psychologist with Scripps Research.

When I am not serving as a therapist in San Diego, I enjoy movement (e.g., running, walking, hiking, playing soccer), consuming espresso, producing hip-hop instrumentals, and traveling with my partner.

Whether you are having problems adjusting to a new life course, seeking a new life course, or finding meaning where you are in your life— I firmly believe that the work we do together will illuminate a path for you to form a life of meaning, self-acceptance, and resilience. I am excited to work together!

I am an in-network therapist for ABC, Cigna, Aetna, MHN, EHN.