Gauri Saxena, Ph.D.
Psychologist

Gauri Saxena, Ph.D.

Dr. Gauri Saxena, Ph.D., is a licensed clinical psychologist. Dr. Saxena has a deep appreciation for individuals who choose to seek therapy – taking this step requires bravery and courage, and her aim is to honor these traits throughout the therapy process. The therapeutic relationship is essential to success in therapy, and Dr. Saxena strives to cultivate a strong, supportive, and warm working alliance. Dr. Saxena attended Barnard College, Columbia University in New York City and graduated magna cum laude with a major in Psychology. She received a Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology from George Washington University in Washington, D.C. and completed her dissertation on perinatal mental health, with research conducted jointly between the Clinical Psychology department and the Prevention and Community Health department in GW’s Milken Institute School of Public Health. Prior to joining Harbor, Dr. Saxena held leadership roles in university counseling centers and worked in telehealth companies. She also works as a consultant in the tech and media industry, with clients including Google, YouTube, Clubhouse, NBC, USC, and others.

Dr. Saxena utilizes an integrative approach in therapy; three areas Dr. Saxena often focuses on with clients include:
• Utilizing “data” to make small shifts that, over time, add up to life changing results. Becoming better able to read and understand personal data including emotions, body / sensations, thoughts, and behaviors ultimately results in shifts that allow for improved quality of life.
• Understanding the forces within self / around us that contribute to patterns & wellbeing. These include family, social, societal, and cultural dynamics, and results in greater understanding of, and compassion for, oneself.
• Recognizing own power and strengths. Honesty with oneself – not just about weaknesses but also strengths – is crucial to improving our relationship with self and others, and also results in a sense of empowerment and capability to achieve
goals.
While Dr. Saxena works with adults of all ages, she has a special interest in working with pregnant and postpartum patients, emerging adults, and people experiencing life transitions. She is also passionate about providing services to immigrants and first generation Americans, as well as other diverse / underserved populations, and those who have never before tried therapy. Clinically, her specialty areas are:
• Perinatal mood disorders and adjustment
• Acute and chronic trauma
• Stress management and anxiety struggles
• Depression including chronic and first time episodes
• Relationship issues and family problems
• Cross cultural / acculturation concerns
Dr. Saxena works with clients in an equal partnership to best determine needs for therapy, including area of focus, length of time in therapy, and goals for treatment. She encourages collaboration with psychiatry and medical care, if a client is receiving any concurrent services from additional providers. Dr. Saxena believes deeply that we are all capable of growth, compassion, and connection, and is honored to help others share their stories and recognize their own power.

Grace Kwon, DO
Psychiatrist
Associate Medical Director

Erin Benesch, DO
Psychiatrist
Associate Medical Director

Kiefer Greenspan, MD
Psychiatrist
Associate Medical Director

G. Mustafa Surti, MD
Psychiatrist
Geriatric Psychiatry Specialist

Arde Anoshivani, MD
Psychiatrist
Addiction Specialist

Anthony Mele, Psy.D.
Clinical Director
Psychologist

Harrell Reznick, Ph.D.
Psychologist

Ralph Kuechle, Ph.D.
Psychologist
Child & Adolescent Specialist

Dina Zayat, Psy.D.
Psychologist
Marriage & Family Specialist

Helen Kienzle, Ph.D.
Psychologist

Vanessa C. Staples, Ph.D.
Psychologist

Aidin Tajbakhsh, Ph.D.
Psychologist

Mary Berst, Ph.D.
Psychologist

Cynthia Nakoski, Psy.D.
Psychologist

Cathy Francis, Psy.D.
Psychologist

Debra Hadden, Psy.D.
Psychologist

Nicole Mantegna, Psy.D.
Psychologist

Balaji Nettimi, Psy.D.
Psychologist

John Chapman, Ph.D.
Psychologist

Sherri Tanferani, Ph.D.
Psychologist

Kristen G. Riedle, Ph.D.
Clinical Psychologist

Kelly D. Krueger, Psy.D.
Psychologist

Galya Cohen, Psy.D.
Psychologist

Natalie Do, Ph.D.
Psychologist

Gauri Saxena, Ph.D.
Clinical Psychologist

Amanda Nelson, PA-C, PMH-C
Maternal Mental Health Specialist

Tannaz Jourabchian, PA-C
Physician Assistant

Ando Muneno, PA-C
Physician Assistant
Ketamine Treatment Specialist

Lauren Dunn, PMHNP-BC
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner
Ketamine Treatment Specialist

Morgan McClafferty, PA-C
Physician Assistant
Treatment Resistant Depression Specialist

Thomas Bales, PA-C
Physician Assistant
Ketamine Treatment Specialist

Danichi Yoshida, PA-C
Physician Assistant

Max Kupferman PA-C
Physician Assistant

Gail Bernstein PMHNP-BC
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner

Chelsea Galdo, PA-C
Physician Assistant

Olivia DeFilippo, PMHNP-BC
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner
Eating Disorders Specialist

Kristin Wilkerson, PMHNP, DNP
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner

Darrell Deguzman, PMHNP, FNP
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner

Jennifer Tustison, PMHNP, FNP
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner

Nimisha Jain, PA-C
Physician Assistant

Sarah Rezaee, PMHNP-BC
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner

Joseph Wilkinson PMHNP, FNP
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner

Dariya Pak PMHNP-BC
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner

Brett Larson, PA-C
Physician Assistant

About Harbor Psychiatry & Mental Health

We believe outstanding healthcare is delivered when we merge the science of medicine with the compassion of our hearts. We refer to this as “head and heart together,” inspiring constant improvement and lasting success.
Psychiatrists Orange County CA
Psychologists Orange County CA