Regina Huelsenbeck, PhD

I am a licensed clinical psychologist in San Diego, California and I specialize in addiction and transformation through difficult times. My theoretical treatment orientation blends scientific, evidence-based psychological treatments (such as DBT) with spiritual practice, principles and wisdom.

I saw my first psychotherapy client in 1998 and I began working in the field of addiction treatment research in 1999 (UCLA), later trauma, crisis survival, interpersonal violence, post-traumatic stress disorder (UCSD), depression, anxiety, post traumatic growth, crisis evolution and cancer or psycho-oncology (dissertation).

A cancer therapist specializes in helping people through the lived experience of cancer including diagnosis, treatment, and post treatment - survivor issues, as well as death, dying and letting go. Cancer is a medical diagnosis, but it extends well beyond the physical body.

People living with cancer are often additionally challenged with vocational issues, family/friends/relationship/marital problems, financial/insurance complications and of course existential and identity questions.Cancer therapists understand the challenges the physical condition, treatment and side effects commonly present.

Dr. Regina has worked in the field of recovery since 1999. She was formerly the clinical director with both West coast recovery centers (co-ed facility) and the Gooden Center (men's facility). Dr. Regina also has extensive addiction research experience with both UCLA (methamphetamine addiction research) and UCSD (women's addiction, domestic violence and PTSD research).

Substance Abuse Professional (SAP) services a transportation worker who has violated DOT regulations (DOT Regulations, 49 cfr part 40) must follow a specific procedure before being considered for return to safety-sensitive process, conducted by a qualified Substance Abuse Professional (SAP).

The SAP's function is to protect the public interest in safety by professionally evaluating the employee and recommending appropriate treatment/education, follow-up testing and aftercare.The primary safety objective of the DOT rules is to prevent (through deterrence and detection) alcohol and controlled substance users from performing transportation industry safety-sensitive functions.

Typically we will meet once weekly for 45-50 minutes, sometimes people choose to come more frequently in times of crisis. Especially at the beginning of treatment, a regular, weekly commitment is extremely important. Longer term therapy is typically helpful in solving long standing patterns and creating lasting changes.