* Now offering evening and weekend appointments *
Welcome to Avina
Psychological Services!
We are a San Diego-based psychology practice dedicated to providing compassionate and individualized care to children, adolescents, and adults. Our team is passionate about fostering a welcoming and supportive environment where every client feels valued for their unique experiences and circumstances.​
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Our therapeutic approach is grounded in collaboration, warmth, compassion, and honesty. We work alongside our clients to help them build the skills and insights necessary to lead fulfilling and meaningful lives. We believe the therapeutic journey is a partnership, and we are committed to helping each individual achieve their personal goals.
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If you are seeking a practice that will partner with you on your journey toward improved mental health and well-being, we invite you to reach out and take the first step toward healing and self-discovery.
Services
We offer in-person and tele-health therapy appointments for children, adolescents, and adults. Tele-health services are offered via a HIPAA compliant platform.
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Treatment specialization
We support individuals living with autism spectrum disorder (ASD), attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), depression, anxiety, and stress-related challenges. We also help clients explore identity development, manage anger, cope with grief and loss, address academic or work-related struggles, strengthen social and peer relationships, enhance emotional regulation skills, and navigate family dynamics. Our services further extend to life transitions, adjustment concerns, dating and relationship issues, communication barriers, and daily stressors that may affect overall well-being.
Initial Consultation: We recognize that the decision to pursue therapy, whether for yourself or your child, can be intimidating. That's why we offer a complimentary 15-minute consultation, providing you with the opportunity to address any questions or concerns you may have.
Child & Adolescent Therapy
Therapy for children and adolescents offers a safe and supportive space to express emotions, build confidence, and develop healthy coping skills. Sessions are tailored to each child’s age and needs, helping them navigate challenges, strengthen relationships, and promote positive emotional growth.
Young Adult Therapy
Individual therapy for young adults provides a safe, supportive space to explore identity, relationships, and life transitions. Sessions are personalized to help build coping skills, increase self-understanding, and support emotional balance, growth, and overall well-being.​
Adult Therapy
Individual therapy for adults provides a supportive space to explore personal challenges, improve emotional well-being, and foster growth. Sessions are tailored to each person’s needs, helping build self-awareness, strengthen coping skills, and enhance overall quality of life.
We offer appointments during the following times to support your scheduling needs:
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Monday – Saturday: 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM
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Sunday: Closed
Meet Stephany Avina, Psy.D.
Dr. Avina is a licensed clinical psychologist (PSY34537). She holds both a Master's and Doctorate degree from the California School of Professional Psychology at Alliant International University, San Diego. With several years of experience dedicated to serving the San Diego community, her professional journey has encompassed a diverse array of clinical environments, including inpatient facilities, crisis homes, outpatient clinics, group homes, and private practice.
Dr. Avina's clinical focus centers on providing support to children, adolescents, and adults grappling with autism spectrum disorder, ADHD, anxiety, depression, daily stressors, grief/loss, life transitions, school and work adjustments, relationship challenges, emotional challenges, social challenges, peer and friendship dynamics, identity development, and parenting and parent-child relationship concerns.
While Dr. Avina specializes in Strengths Based Therapy and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, she tailors her therapeutic approach to the unique needs of each patient. Her passion lies in fostering a welcoming and encouraging environment where every patient is valued for their unique experiences and circumstances. Beyond her clinical endeavors, she actively contributes to the community as a board member of Mentoring Autistic Minds and maintains affiliation with the American Psychological Association.
Meet Julia Smith, AMFT
Julia is a Registered Associate Marriage and Family Therapist (AMFT158051), supervised by Stephany Avina, PsyD (PSY34537). She earned her Master’s degree in Clinical Psychology with an emphasis in Marriage and Family Therapy from Azusa Pacific University and her B.S. in Clinical Psychology from Grand Canyon University. As a therapist, she is passionate about helping clients improve their mental health and reach their full potential.​
Julia has experience providing mental health services to at-risk individuals across the lifespan. She has extensive experience working with diverse populations, including members of the LGBTQIA+ community and other marginalized groups. She specializes in supporting individuals experiencing trauma, anxiety, depression, self-esteem issues, anger management, and bullying.
Her therapeutic approach draws from multiple modalities, including Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (trauma-focused CBT when appropriate), Emotion-Focused Therapy, Solution-Focused Therapy, and Play Therapy. Julia is strongly guided by Humanistic and Person-Centered Therapeutic principles and prioritizes building a safe and comfortable therapeutic alliance where individuals can fully engage in their healing journey.
Fees & Insurance
Cash Pay and Sliding Scale​
Please call the office to inquire about cash pay rates. In some cases, sliding scale treatment may be available.
Insurance
We accept a number of insurances, including:
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Aetna
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Cigna​First Health
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First Health
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Blue Cross Blue Shield
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​Most ​PPO Insurances
For specific information, call us directly for further clarification.
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Cancellation Policy
If you do not show up for your scheduled appointment, and have not notified us 24 hours in advance, you will be required to pay the cancellation fee of $100.
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Good Faith Estimate Notice
Good Faith Estimate Notice: Under the law, health care providers need to give patients who don’t have insurance or who are not using insurance an estimate of the expected charges for medical services, including psychotherapy and other psychological services. You have the right to receive a Good Faith Estimate for the total expected cost of any non-emergency healthcare service, including psychotherapy and psychological services, medical tests, prescription drugs, equipment, and hospital fees. Make sure your health care provider gives you a Good Faith Estimate in writing at least 1 business day before your medical service or item. You can also ask your health care provider, and any other provider you choose, for a Good Faith Estimate before you schedule such an item or service. If you receive a bill that is at least $400.00 more than your Good Faith Estimate, you can dispute the bill. Make sure to save a copy or picture of your Good Faith Estimate. For questions or more information about your right to a Good Faith Estimate, visit www.cms.gov/nosurpises.
Contact Us
If you have any questions or would like to schedule an appointment, please reach out to us via email, phone call, or complete the form below, and we will get back to you as soon as possible. Please note, calls, messages, and emails will be returned within 48 hours during business days.
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Please do not include confidential or Protected Health Information (PHI) regarding your health condition in this form.
Email: info@avinapsych.com
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Phone: 858.751.9259
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Address: 2650 Camino Del Rio North, Suite 100
San Diego, CA 92108
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