Meet Our Team:

Dana Schmidt, Psy.D.

Licensed Clinical Psychologist, Clinical Supervisor and Reluctant CEO

Contact: dr.schmidt@assistpsychservices.com

I love what I do, and I believe that shines through in every interaction I have with my clients. My approach to treatment is collaborative and I practice from a third wave cognitive behavioral perspective. Previous and current clients describe me as warm, empathic and "great at saying the hard thing without judgment." I utilize cognitive behavioral strategies, mindfulness-based strategies, values and skill building to help clients create the life they want and effectively manage its inevitable challenges. I tailor treatment to an individual's specific needs and personal style. In addition to private therapy, I also conduct mental skills training and performance workshops (see Performance Services for details on qualifications). One of my most favorite activities as a psychologist is to provide training and supervision for aspiring mental health professionals and consultation for my colleagues.

I received my bachelor's degree from Cal Poly San Luis Obispo and master's degree in applied behavioral analysis/teaching from National University. I obtained doctorate in clinical psychology from California Lutheran University. I have been trained in comprehensive Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Cognitive Behavior Therapy, Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT), and psychodynamic psychotherapy. I am currently in process of becoming VA certified in the provision of Cognitive Processing Therapy, an evidence based treatment for Post Traumatic Stress Disorder.

Since moving to San Diego, I have worked at Sharp Mesa Vista Hospital, Naval Medical Center San Diego Pain Medicine Department and I am a current staff psychologist at San Diego Veteran's Affairs . I am a member of the American Psychological Association (APA), the California Psychological Association (CPA), and the Association for Contextual Behavioral Science (ACBS).

Proudest parenting moment: Hearing my now 21 yo and 19 yo sons say, "it wasn't so bad having a psychologist for a mom..."

Mark Schmidt, M.A., CMPC (Candidate)

Mental Performance Consultant and Director of Business Operations

Contact: mark@assistpsychservices.com

I love helping students, athletes, and professionals achieve what John Wooden originally called "competitive greatness"- being at one's very best when one's very best is required- and I know from experience how crucial the mental components of that process are! I believe we all have an inner sense of where we want to go and what we want to achieve in our performance settings, and I see my role as helping others figure out how to get there and learn the skills needed to stay there.

I work collaboratively, taking a client-centered, integrative and flexible approach to developing the mental skills needed to helping performers become the very best versions of themselves. Whether you are a student, athlete, coach, parent, administrator, or professional, and are looking to manage your stress, overcome some obstacles getting in your way, or just want to take your performance to the next level, I would love the opportunity to help you along that path.

I've been involved professionally in education and athletics as a teacher and a coach for almost thirty years, from my time as a collegiate athlete in aquatics through my time as a successful coach, through my current transition to a role as a CMPC. I have extensive experience in competitive aquatics, having competed and coached water polo and swimming for most of my career, and love learning new sports and the unique mental challenges they present. I have direct experience working with water polo, swimming, diving, cross country, field hockey, tennis, soccer, volleyball, and baseball. I see academics as a unique and challenging performance venue, and use my extensive experience as an educator to help students in that area.

I earned my undergraduate degrees from the University of CA, Santa Cruz, an MA in Educational Leadership and Policy from CA State Northridge, and an MA in Sports and Performance Psychology from National University. I'm currently completing requirements for certification as a Mental Performance Consultant (CMPC) through the Association of Applied Sport Psychologists (AASP). I maintain my performance edge through physical fitness, open-water swimming, SUP, and outrigger canoe as often as I can.

More fantastic clinicians coming soon...