Dr. Ariane Myers, Psychologist in San Diego
Licensed in CA | Telehealth available statewide
Ariane Myers, PhD
Psychologist
Developing therapeutic paths for children, adolescents, and adults with a collaborative care philosophy and a deep focus on compassionate clinical healing.
Contact Dr. Myers directly and confidentially
Text or phone: 858-367-0119
E-mail: ArianeMyersPHD@gmail.com
About Me
I work collaboratively with my clients, and I try to bring humor and a sense of fun to the process, creating a warm and supportive environment. Good therapy, in my view, combines a genuine and engaging therapeutic relationship with techniques that have been shown to work.
I specialize in the treatment of anxiety, OCD, hair pulling/skin picking, phobias, and tic disorders. I also address the intersection of mental health and developmental disabilities, including autism and ADHD.
Therapy room in Del Mar
Point Loma therapy room
Therapeutic Approach
My approach is grounded in evidence-based methods, and I am dedicated to keeping abreast of current research to provide the most effective treatment. Depending on your needs, we may integrate:
-
Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP)
-
Inference-Based CBT (I-CBT)
-
Comprehensive Behavioral Intervention for Tics (CBIT)
-
Habit Reversal Training (HRT)
-
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
-
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)
-
Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) and Emotion Regulation skills
-
Collaborative Problem Solving (CPS)
-
Parent-Child Interaction Therapy (PCIT)
-
Supportive Parenting for Anxious Childhood Emotions (SPACE)
-
Psychological Testing and Evaluation
Conditions Treated
Listed below are some of the primary conditions I work with and how I typically approach them. I often see patients where these conditions overlap.
OCD and OCD Spectrum Disorders I specialize in treating OCD in children, teens, and adults using Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP) and Inference-Based CBT. I have extensive experience and particular expertise in adapting these gold-standard treatments for individuals who also have autism or other developmental disabilities.
Anxiety and Mood Disorders I work with individuals struggling with generalized anxiety, social anxiety, depression, and difficulties managing intense emotions. We work together to build coping strategies and emotional resilience using evidence-based CBT and DBT-informed skills.
Tic Disorders and Tourette’s I provide specialized treatment for tics and Tourette Syndrome using Comprehensive Behavioral Intervention for Tics (CBIT) and Habit Reversal Training (HRT) to help clients manage symptoms effectively and improve their quality of life.
Neurodevelopmental Conditions (Autism, ADHD, & Intellectual Disability) I have a particular specialty in treating children and adults with developmental disabilities who need help with their mental health. I utilize a neurodiversity-affirming framework to help clients navigate their environments, understand their unique profiles, and address specific challenges related to autism and ADHD.
Parenting Concerns and Behavioral Challenges I assist families in navigating parenting hurdles and managing difficult behaviors through a variety of therapeutic techniques including CPS, PCIT, and SPACE. I focus on helping children learn vital emotional regulation skills to manage big feelings and improve communication.
My work often incorporates Collaborative Problem Solving (CPS), which is based on the philosophy that “kids do well if they can.” Rather than focusing on rewards or punishments, CPS identifies the “lagging skills”—such as flexibility, frustration tolerance, and problem-solving—that contribute to challenging behavior. We work together to solve problems in a way that builds these skills and fosters a more peaceful home environment.
Professional Background
I hold a Doctorate in Psychology (PhD) and have extensive training in assessing and diagnosing autism, learning disorders, and ADHD. My background enables me to integrate new research findings into clinical practice to ensure treatment remains effective, modern, and grounded in science.
I earned my undergraduate degree from UC San Diego and my doctorate from CSPP San Diego. My research explored pediatric unintentional injuries, the impact of social media on the mental health of pre-teens, and the aging experience of older adults with autism. I completed an APA-accredited internship at Didi Hirsch Mental Health Services, specializing in the treatment of underserved families and children. My post-doctoral training was as an OCD specialist.
In addition to my clinical work, I taught psychological assessment as an Adjunct Faculty member in a Psychology Doctoral department. I am an active member of the International OCD Foundation (IOCDF) and the Tourette Association of America (TAA) professional networks. These professional memberships keep me connected to current standards and emerging research in OCD and tic disorder treatment, fields that have advanced considerably in the past decade.
Initial Session
Your initial visit is a time to talk openly about your concerns. We will review your history, prior treatments, and current needs. By the end of this session, I will share my clinical impressions, and we will collaborate on a treatment plan with clear, achievable goals.
What to Expect from Treatment
Follow-up Sessions
Standard appointments are focused on your treatment goals. The frequency of sessions is based on clinical considerations and your personal preferences. I offer both in-person sessions at my Del Mar and San Diego offices as well as telehealth options throughout California.
Coordinated Care
With your consent, I coordinate with other treating providers, including Dr. Papp and Dr. Julie Myers at Point Loma Clinic, to ensure a comprehensive approach to your care. Family involvement is also a key component of treatment when clinically appropriate and desired.
Ongoing Assessment
Periodic evaluations review clinical progress and assess therapeutic goals to ensure your care remains responsive to your evolving needs.