Meet our Therapists
Dr. Jeannette Giorgio, PhD
- Bachelor's Degree: University of California, San Diego (UCSD)
- PhD: Temple University, Philadelphia, PA
- Internship: VA Pittsburgh Healthcare System (specialty rotations in combat PTSD, military sexual trauma, and women's health)
- Residency: Salem VA Medical Center (Roanoke, Virginia), specializing in PTSD
I have been treating trauma for 20+ years and proudly serve Veterans as a staff psychologist and PTSD Clinical Team Lead in the Northern California VA Health Care System since 2010. I was a founding member of the Military Sexual Trauma (MST) committee. It has also been an honor to co-chair the Diversity, Inclusion, and Equity Committee until its dissolution in 2025. I also worked as a staff psychologist at the Salisbury VA Medical Center and Winston-Salem CBOC in North Carolina prior to relocating to California.
Other clinical experience:
- Research assistant at the Treatment Research Institute (TRI) in Philadelphia, teaching parenting skills to mothers in substance use rehabilitation programs.
- NJ Cares Institute, a treatment center for children who have experienced trauma and their families
- Friends Behavioral Health, an inpatient facility in Philadelphia, with specialty rotations in Women's Health, Adolescents, and Substance Use Disorders
I specialize in culturally informed care for individuals who have experienced trauma, including severe, chronic, or complex trauma. I specialize in working with Veterans, first responders, sexual trauma, abuse, bullying, discrimination, traumatic grief, and moral injury. I am experienced in adapting care so it fits each unique client, including accommodating ADHD and learning differences.
I am certified in several evidence-based treatments for PTSD including:
- EMDR
- Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT)
- Prolonged Exposure (PE)
- Narrative Exposure Therapy (NET)
- Written Exposure Therapy (WET).
I am also a certified CPT trainer and consultant. Please visit our CPT training page for more information about becoming a CPT provider.
I identify as a biracial (Asian and European) American, cis female (she/her), married to a man. I am a first generation daughter of an immigrant and a supporter of neurodiverse family members.
Dr. Joe Giorgio, PsyD
- Bachelor's Degree: Lehigh University, Bethlehem, PA
- PsyD: La Salle University, Philadelphia, PA
- Internship: Federal Bureau of Prisons, Butner, NC (specialty rotations in behavioral medicine and addictions)
- Residency: Kaiser Permanente Psychiatry - Adult, Roseville, CA (specialty experience in ADHD assessment, and healthy relationships)
I serve those who served our country, working for the Department of Veteran Affairs for the past 10 years. I currently serve in a management role as the Clinical Director for Whole health/Wellness services. Prior to that, I was the Integrated Care Program Manager, overseeing three clinical service lines and over 40 clinical providers. I also worked as a Staff Psychologist, providing mental health services while embedded in the Primary Care Clinic at the Mather VAMC in Sacramento.
Prior to working at the VA, I worked in various medical settings including primary care, specialty medical clinics, and skilled nursing facilities, helping individuals adapt to and cope with medical diagnoses and illness.
I am a clinical health psychologist focusing on helping individuals make behavioral and lifestyle changes including addressing physical activity, making dietary changes, improving sleep, quitting smoking, managing stress, and adjusting to chronic health concerns. I treat the effects of stress and trauma on the body like pain management, gut or IBS symptoms, and headaches. I also help others looking to improve their anger, self-esteem and relationships, including healthy masculinity at all ages and levels of ability.
My approach considers the complex interaction between our mental health and physical health; it also appreciates the complex demands of daily living. My goal is to meet others where they are at and consider their unique experiences in order to assist them their on their wellness journey. I am trained in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and incorporate several evidence-based treatments into care including Motivational Interviewing (MI) and Problem-Solving Therapy (PST) as well as aspects of Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)
I identify as an Italian American, cis male (he/his), married to a woman.
How do I know if my therapist is a good fit?
Therapist Green Flags
You feel heard and understood
They have experience with the things you want to work on
They are open to your feedback
You feel like you “click”
They are good at communicating clearly
You agree on a plan for treatment together, and you know what to expect from them
You feel challenged, but not judged
They ask about your identities and incorporate them into the work
They monitor your progress and check in with you about how things are going
They respect your boundaries and are clear about theirs
Feeling comfortable with your therapist is key to success in treatment. We start with a 15 minute FREE consultation so you can get to know your therapist a bit before committing.
What is the difference between a psychologist and other mental health providers?
A PSYCHOLOGIST (PhD, PsyD, EdD) has completed a bachelor's degree, masters degree, and a doctoral degree. This includes 4-6 years of advanced coursework and supervised clinical experience providing therapy. Further, psychologists must complete an additional 3,000 hours of supervised training, including an internship, and often a residency for specialization. Psychologists must pass 2 licensing exams to practice in CA. Psychologists are also required to complete research projects, and are unique in their ability to conduct and interpret research findings, as well as administer psychological assessments (tests) to inform complex diagnosis and treatment.
A PSYCHIATRIST (MD, DO) has completed a bachelor's degree and medical school. They also complete a 4 year residency program in psychiatry. Some psychiatrists may complete additional fellowship training to specialize further. Psychiatrists need to pass a licensing exam and may also seek board certification. Psychiatrists are unique in that they are able to prescribe medications, and often focus on the biological aspects of mental illness.
A LICENSED CLINICAL SOCIAL WORKER (LCSW) has completed a bachelor's degree, plus a masters degree in social work (MSW). Some may also have a PhD in clinical social work. They must complete 3,000 hours of supervised training and pass 2 licensing exams to practice in CA.
A MARRIAGE AND FAMILY THERAPIST (MFT) has completed a bachelor's degree, plus a masters degree. They must also complete 3,000 hours of supervised training and pass 2 licensing exams to practice in CA. MFTs are unique in that their training focuses specifically on couples and family systems.
A PSYCHIATRIC NURSE PRACTITIONER (PMHNP) has completed at least a RN nursing degree, as well as a master’s degree in psychiatric/mental health nursing. They must complete 2 years of specialized training in mental health. They must pass a licensing exam to become an Advanced Practice RN, as well as a national certification exam. They are unique in that they can prescribe medications and practice from a nursing perspective.
Individuals that are designated as interns, residents, associate SWs or associate MFTs are typically in training and working under a licensed provider's supervision.