top of page

Hi, I'm Dr. Angela. . .

 

I am a licensed clinical psychologist in the greater San Diego area.  I specialize in treating disordered eating, self-harm, suicidality, and pervasive anxiety and mood disorders, as well as substance use, in adolescents, families, and adults.  I emphasize concrete behavioral strategies and validation to foster balance, self-awareness, and connection. Creating lasting change can seem daunting--and I can support you in this journey, with tools to help you take it one step at a time, to ultimately achieve your goals.

 

I earned my Ph.D. from the University of Missouri, Columbia in 2009.  Through Mizzou's doctoral program I gained a rigorous foundation in research, treatment, and assessment with children and adults.  I then completed my clinical internship at the University of South Carolina Counseling and Human Development Center and my postdoctoral fellowship at the University of Mississippi Medical Center.  I have worked at intensive outpatient and partial hospitalization programs, as well as private practice, and was a licensed psychologist in New Jersey before moving to San Diego in 2012.

 

My experience in specific specialties includes involvement in grant-funded research, intensive trainings, and clinical delivery (see further details below).  I have presented both nationally and internationally and am the author of “Mindful Eating from the Dialectical Perspective: Research and Application," as well as multiple journal publications. 

​

When I'm not in the office I love enjoying the beach, travel adventures, cuisine, and the arts.

Specialty Experience

Disordered Eating

  • Eating disorder therapist since 2003

  • Research Psychologist for the UCSD Eating Disorders Center for Treatment and Research (7/12-6/15)

  • Implementation of dialectical behavior therapy (DBT) and mindfulness for eating disorders within intensive outpatient and partial hospitalization programs

  • University of South Carolina Eating Disorder Treatment Team (08/08-07/09)

  • Primary Investigator of studies on DBT and mindfulness for eating disorders

  • Research Assistant for R03MH074861 grant, “Outcome of Adolescent-Onset Eating Disorders” (1/07-5/07). University of Missouri, Columbia.  Primary Investigator: Anna Bardone-Cone, Ph.D. 

  • University of Missouri Eating Disorder Treatment Team (2/07-6/08)

  • University of Missouri Eating Disorder Task Force (10/06-7/08)

 

Anxiety-Based/Restrictive Disorders

  • Training in Radically Open Dialectical Behavior Therapy

    • Radically Open Dialectical Behavior Therapy: Intensive Training Course, Berkeley, California (5/12-5/15/15; 1/18-1/22/16).  Instructors: Thomas Lynch, Ph.D., & Erica Smith-Lynch, M.A., M.E.C.I., Dip.P.M.

    • Radically Open Dialectical Behavior Therapy, Maudsley Hospital, London (6/25/15).  Instructors: Thomas Lynch, Ph.D., & Erica Smith-Lynch, M.A., M.E.C.I., Dip.P.M.

    • Radically Open Dialectical Behavior Therapy: Targeting Behaviors of Overcontrol, Seattle, Washington (4/28-5/2/14; 1/19-1/23/15).  Behavioral Tech, LLC, Instructors: Thomas Lynch, Ph.D., Erica Smith-Lynch, M.A., M.E.C.I., Dip.P.M., & Jennifer Sayrs, Ph.D.

    • Introduction to Radically Open Dialectical Behavior Therapy, Seattle, Washington (9/30/13; 10/1/13).  Behavioral Tech, LLC, Instructors: Thomas Lynch, Ph.D., & Jennifer Sayrs, Ph.D.

  • Training in cognitive behavior therapy (University of Missouri, Columbia, 8/02-12/09)

​

Self-Harm & Skin Picking

  • DBT therapist since 2004

  • Individual and group therapist at the DBT Center of San Diego (7/12-10/14)

  • Study therapist and postdoctoral research fellow for R34MH079248 grant, “Developing an Emotion Regulation Group Therapy for Self-Harm Among Women with BPD” (8/09-6/11). University of Mississippi Medical Center, Jackson.  Primary Investigator: Kim Gratz, Ph.D. 

  • Training in Dialectical Behavior Therapy (University of Missouri, Columbia, 8/02-12/09)

 

Substance Use

  • Training in Dialectical Behavior Therapy for Substance Use Disorders (12/8-12/9/11), Behavioral Tech, LLC. Instructor: Linda Dimeff, Ph.D.

  • Motivational Interviewing Team, University of Missouri (9/05-5/07).

  • Study therapist for American Cancer Society grant MRSG-04-207-01, “Efficacy of Smoking Cessation Intervention for Expectant Fathers” (1/05-7/08).  Dept. of Family and Community Medicine, University of Missouri, Columbia.  Primary Investigator: Kevin Everett, Ph.D.           

Mia Najor, MA, LMFT

blue portrait resized_edited.jpg

Hi, I'm Mia Najor.  I am a licensed marriage and family therapist at Centered Ground, supervised by licensed psychologist, Dr. Angela Klein.  In particular, I receive ongoing supervision from Dr. Angela in Radically Open DBT, having completed intensive training in October 2018.  At Centered Ground I see primarily adults for individual sessions, lead the adult standard DBT group, and co-lead mindful eating group and radically open DBT class.

 

Mia has worked with adolescents, adults, and families, at various levels of treatment care, including residential, day treatment, and intensive outpatient, with a focus on disordered eating, eating disorders, and body image, since 2013.  She also has experience treating mood disorders, relationship concerns, and self-esteem issues.  She loves empowering her clients using truth without judgment.  In addition to DBT at Centered Ground, she offers solution-focused therapy. She is multicultural and LGBTQIA affirming.  

 

Mia earned her Bachelor’s degree from Cal State University San Marcos in 2009. She then went on to earn her Master’s degree at Azusa Pacific University in Clinical Psychology with an emphasis in Marriage and Family Therapy in 2013.

​

Mia is passionate about social justice. She spends her free time playing music, swimming, surfing, and snorkeling, She also loves riding her bike and playing tennis.

Sherri Ardekani, LCSW

GWA-132.JPG

Hi, I am Sherri Ardekani.  I am a licensed clinical social worker and a Linehan Board Certified DBT therapist. I just moved to San Diego from St. Louis, MO.  My mission is to help you achieve your best self by helping you identify where you are now and create a plan to towards where you want to be. I specialize in trauma, addictions, compulsions, suicidal thoughts, self-harm and other life-interfering behaviors. I provide structured individual and group therapy that teach coping skills to be used immediately and when in distress. 

 

Since I started practicing in 2003, I have witnessed people transform their lives by changing their thoughts and behaviors. The results have created improved relationships with clients themselves to create a life worth living.

 

Fun Facts: I am first generation Iranian American. When I am not in the office, I enjoy salsa/bachata dancing, running, biking, yoga and traveling and much more. In addition, my 7-pound Yorkie is playful and keeps me busy. 

 

Specialty Experience:

  • Saint Louis DBT since 2016

  • Led and Co-led DBT skills training groups 2017-2021

  • Linehan Board Certified DBT therapist 2020

  • Adjunct Professor at Webster University teaching Principles of DBT in Practice 2021

  • Supervisor of clinicians for licensure 2022

  • Training for DBT-Prolonged Exposure -Melanie Harned 2021

  • Ran outpatient substance abuse IOP program 2014

 

Education:

  • DBT Academy at St. Louis DBT 2018

  • Saint Louis University BA in Psychology 1999

  • Saint Louis University Master of Social Work 2002

  • Licensed in California and Missouri 

bottom of page