Benjamin Metta Penhas

I was born in Mexico City and had the privilege of immigrating to San Diego at a young age, where I completed the majority of my education and clinical training. I completed my bachelor’s degree in psychology at SDSU Following my bachelor’s, I obtained my doctorate in Clinical Psychology (PsyD) from an APA accredited program at California School of Professional Psychology -San Diego. I later completed my APA internship at the counseling center at the University of Notre Dame. Finally, I completed my postdoctoral residency at the UCSD, Counseling and Psychological Services. I use an integrated approach to assessment and therapy where no one treatment plan is the same as another, but instead, treatment is tailored to the client themself. I utilize different aspects of various evidenced-based treatments along with supportive therapy to help an individual maintain or improve their quality of life, their relationships, and their overall mental health.

I find the quality of the relationship between myself and my clients to be the most essential aspect of therapy. I strive to provide a safe and comfortable space to whoever sits on my couch (or video screen). I totally understand that going to therapy is not something that most of us grew up with and might be seen as taboo or strange within our families and communities. However, if life were a roller coaster full of twists and turns, then therapy would be your seatbelt. The hardest part about coming to therapy is making the first appointment and showing up afterward; these steps are the only ones that I will not be able to help you with. After the initial steps, therapy becomes a collaborative journey between me, you, and your world. Together we work towards achieving your therapeutic goals while learning how to manage all of the unexpected twists and turns that life might throw your way.