Wesley Kayne, PhD (Hillcrest)

(He/Him/His) Licensed Clinical Psychologist

Hi!

My name is Dr. Wesley (Wes) Kayne, and I am a licensed clinical psychologist in San Diego. First and foremost, I am dedicated to creating a safe and supportive space for every person who comes to see me. It takes so much trust to share yourself with someone new, and I always want to honor that level of courage needed to engage in the therapy process. I specialize in working with adults who are struggling with identity development, trauma recovery, and their relationships with others. In times of crisis and change, you can easily feel like you’re drowning and hopeless. My goal is to help you harness these pivotal moments as chances for growth and recognizing your full potential. There is nothing more meaningful to me than assisting someone in discovering that their “rock bottom” can be reframed as a defining opportunity to learn who they really are and what they want out of their life.

A primary focus of my clinical work has been with individuals identifying as LGBTQ+, people of color, trauma survivors, and those presenting with disordered eating and/or body dysmorphia. Additionally, my specialties and experience include generalized and social anxiety, depression, grief, self-harm and suicidality, women’s issues, addiction, and relational/familial difficulties. In my work, I focus on how my clients’ hardships have made them stronger, the importance of self- compassion and grace, and using mindfulness skills to promote mental calm and clarity. From there, we use this newfound strength and self-awareness to recognize their core values and how they can take steps to live in greater harmony with their guiding principles.

As a San Diego therapist, my clinical style focuses on understanding what you have been through, who you are now, and where you want your life to go from here. I use a psychodynamic and relational framework to explore how your past relationships and experiences have shaped your identity and belief system. For many, this type of self-discovery can lead to profound insight and emotional release, especially for those who have experienced trauma and adversity. I go further and use Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Narrative Therapy to teach you skills to confront your negative self-talk and feel more in control of your emotions on a daily basis. So much of our pain comes from the stories we tell ourselves, and I want to help you challenge and rewrite your current narrative.

I have worked with adults and adolescents at college campuses, high schools, and substance abuse recovery centers. I also have experience conducting psychological assessments for the juvenile justice system of San Jose county. My postdoctoral residency was completed in 2019 at University of California, San Diego Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS), where I guided students through a wide range of clinical concerns and life challenges as a San Diego therapist. In my spare time, I have a deep passion for songwriting, playing bass, and singing. I strongly believe that the best art comes from those who have experienced hardship, and I would love to help you access more of your creativity and self-expression in whichever medium speaks to you.

I am in-network with Aetna and will be in-network with Cigna, Anthem Blue Cross, and MHN shortly.

Education & Training:

July 2019 Post-Doctoral Residency – University of California, San Diego (CAPS)
July 2018 APA-Accredited Psychology Internship – University of the Pacific, Stockton (CAPS)
July 2018 Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology – Alliant International University, San Francisco
June 2016 M.A. in Clinical Psychology – Alliant International University, San Francisco
July 2012 B.A. in Applied Psychology – University of California, Santa Barbara