111 Elm Street, San Diego, CA 92101

St. Paul’s PACE is proud to offer a robust Behavioral Health Program for seniors in San Diego experiencing anxiety, depression, grief, pain or other symptoms. From talk therapy to customized support groups, we have programs to address specific challenges and help our participants become strong and joyous.

Why Behavioral Health?

As seniors age and their bodies begin to change, they often experience new challenges that can impact daily living. These physical and cognitive changes in older adults can be accompanied by depression, anxiety and grief. That is why St. Paul’s PACE in San Diego doesn’t just address physical health, but our interdisciplinary team takes a look at the whole person, including mental health.

Do I Qualify?

How it Works

When a new participants is enrolled in St. Paul’s PACE, our clinical team assesses the individual’s needs to see if they could benefit from therapy or other behavioral health services. They are then paired with a mental health clinician who will meet with them in-person at our Wellness Center or remotely via tele-health, when appropriate. The clinician will work with the participant and interdisciplinary team to determine what type of counseling or services are best for their wellness journey.

first steps of enrollment

Our Behavioral Health Program Features:

  • Licensed Clinical Therapists
  • One-on-one Counseling
  • A Centralized Wellness Center
  • A Full Spectrum of Care Partners
  • Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
  • Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) Therapy
  • Substance Abuse Therapy
  • Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT)
  • Life Skills Support
  • Grief and Loss Support
  • Pain Management/Recovery
  • Self-Esteem Support

See if You Qualify for PACE

Talk to an Enrollment Specialist to see if St. Paul’s PACE is right for you. Call 1-833-PACE NOW and ask about how to qualify for PACE, or you can fill out a free evaluation form online.

CLICK HERE FOR FREE EVALUATION

St. Paul’s PACE Wellness Center: Now Open!

In the spring of 2022, St. Paul’s PACE opened the doors to its first Wellness Center, a centralized space dedicated to serving the mental health and wellness needs of PACE seniors throughout San Diego County.

At the Wellness Center in Bankers Hill, PACE participants can come from anywhere in San Diego to visit with their clinician face-to-face to experience the benefits of in-person counseling. However, telehealth appointments are still available for those who prefer to stay in the comfort of their home, when appropriate.

The vision for the St. Paul’s Wellness Center is to foster independence and enable seniors to stay living safe at home by offering a full range of services including counseling, educational events, group classes and even support groups for care partners.

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(619) 677-3800

Give us a call to schedule your appointments, coordinate your care and more.

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Our Pillars of Wellness

Senior mental health is not just about clinical care. At St. Paul’s PACE, our San Diego-based behavioral health program addresses the whole person. We have developed six “Pillars of Wellness,” which include:

  • Emotional
  • Environmental
  • Intellectual
  • Spiritual
  • Social
  • Physical

Mission

The mission of the St. Paul’s PACE Wellness Center is to provide high quality mental health, wellness, and health promotion services. Within the framework guided by St. Paul’s Senior Homes and Services values, we care for the whole person by partnering with participants and community members to promote well-being, healthy lifestyle choices, skills and experiences that empower them to achieve individually tailored health and wellness goals.

Vision

St. Paul’s PACE Wellness Center is every Participant’s preferred choice for behavioral health, wellness, and health education services. The Wellness Center leads the way in fulfilling St. Paul’s PACE commitment to provide a network of services that fosters independence, preserves individual dignity, and enables seniors to remain at home, involved with their family, friends and community.

Your Wellness Team

Dr. Jacob Paulsen

Behavioral Health Program Manager

St. Paul’s PACE Behavioral Health Providers:

Elizabeth Ysla

ASW, MSW, JD – Associate of Social Work, Master of Social Work, Juris Doctor

Brian Mitchell

LCSW – Licensed Clinical Social Worker

Victor Acedo

CADC II – Certified Alcohol Drug Counselor

Shuna Ball

AMFT – Associate of Marriage and Family Therapy

Dr. Sean Hodges

Clinical Psychologist

Dr. Andres Marwick

Clinical Psychologist

Dr. Maria Torres

Psychological Associate

Dr. Robert Zaragoza

Psychiatrist

Robert LaVigne

PA – Psychiatry

Shannon Boyce

PA – Psychiatry

Negean Shahnematollahi

PMHNP – Psychiatry

Vanessa Caraveo

Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist

Join Our Team: Behavioral Health Jobs in San Diego

Our San Diego Behavioral Health clinic is hiring! We are actively looking for new clinicians and providers to join our team at St. Paul’s PACE. Reach out to us at (619)677-3800 or check out our careers page at Our Careers to apply.

Call (619) 677-3800 to learn more about Behavioral Health Services at St. Paul’s PACE.

Last updated on May 16th, 2024 at 7:03 am - St. Paul’s PACE website H5629 2102 - Approved on 3/23/2021

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