Our Providers | Alyssa Hufana, Ph.D.

Alyssa Hufana, Ph.D.

Clinical Psychologist

Dr. Alyssa Hufana is a Licensed Psychologist who treats adults. She describes her approach as culturally responsive, intentional, and collaborative. Dr. Hufana believes a strong therapeutic relationship and collaboration is critical to the journey of healing and personal growth. She believes that understanding how one’s thoughts and emotions impact behavior can empower clients to create the changes they want in their lives.

Dr. Hufana works to build an affirming space that allows clients to show up authentically, and frequently uses humor and metaphors to illustrate important topics in the therapeutic process. She believes that, together with her clients, they can explore what is creating the areas of concern, identify helpful strategies and tools, and highlight strengths that support reaching clients’ desired goals.

Dr. Hufana’s clinical work draws from an integrative approach tailoring therapy to the client’s unique needs and strengths. She uses evidence-based treatment approaches including Interpersonal Therapy (IPT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), culturally responsive Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), and Motivational Interviewing, all through a trauma informed lens. She has specialized training in anxiety, depression, substance use, relationship concerns, chronic illness, women’s health, paternal mental health, and adjustment to major health diagnoses.

Education & Experience

Dr. Hufana earned her doctorate in Counseling, Clinical, and School Psychology from the University of California, Santa Barbara, and her master’s degree in Counseling from Loyola Marymount University in Los Angeles. She completed an APA-accredited internship at California State University, Long Beach Counseling and Psychological Services, followed by a postdoctoral residency in Health Service Psychology at the University of California, San Diego Counseling and Psychological Services.

Dr. Hufana is expanding her specialization in women’s health and perinatal care and is currently pursuing Perinatal Mental Health Certification (PMH-C). She supports women through fertility concerns, pregnancy and postpartum transitions, identity shifts, and the invisible mental and emotional load of motherhood and caregiving. She is also passionate about paternal mental health and men’s issues, recognizing that partners and fathers are impacted too, and that supporting them ultimately supports the whole family.

Dr. Hufana also brings extensive experience in research, writing, and public speaking. She has over a decade of experience in program development, teaching, and mentoring future mental health professionals. She values holistic integrated care and collaborates closely with medical providers and multidisciplinary teams to offer intentional and quality care. Outside of work Dr. Hufana enjoys hiking, visiting the national parks, gardening, and cooking, and time with her family.