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Gina Mendez, Therapist
Therapist in Encinitas, California

Gina Mendez, Therapist

Specialties:
First responder stress Military & veteran Sexual trauma +47
Provider Gender: Female (She/Her)
Ages Served: 0-75+
Appointments: Telehealth only. In-office visits not available
Manages Medications: No, provides therapy only
Accepts Insurance: Yes - View accepted plans

Gina Mendez helps children, teens, adults, and seniors build stability, insight, and resilience when mental health challenges disrupt daily life. She provides compassionate, clinically grounded therapy to individuals and families across California, supporting clients as they navigate complex emotional, behavioral, and relational concerns. Gina is known for creating a safe, collaborative environment where clients feel empowered to engage in treatment and take meaningful steps toward long-term well-being. Gina is particularly passionate about working with trauma and stress-related conditions, especially with First Responders and Military/Veterans. She understands the unique pressures faced by those in high-risk and service-oriented roles and is deeply committed to advocacy, suicide prevention, and reducing stigma around mental health care. Her work often integrates trauma-informed strategies to address PTSD, anxiety, and mood instability, while honoring each client’s strengths, values, and lived experiences. She treats children, adolescents, teens, adults, and older adults with concerns such as PTSD/trauma, anxiety, and alcohol or drug use issues, while also addressing a wide range of additional mental health conditions. Gina works with diverse populations, including First Responders, Military/Veterans, and LGBTQ+ individuals, and offers culturally responsive care tailored to each client’s needs. Her clinical approach draws from Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), along with additional evidence-based interventions as appropriate. She provides both individual and family therapy to support healing at every stage of life. Outside of clinical practice, Gina is deeply involved in equine-assisted therapy and is the founder of a nonprofit organization dedicated to serving veterans and first responders. Her passion for advocacy, education, and community connection strongly informs her therapeutic work.

Provider Introduction

Types of Care & Ages Served

Areas of Focus

Individual Therapy

Get help addressing challenges and improve well-being with a clinician's guidance.

  • First responder stress
  • Military & veteran
  • Obsessive Compulsive Disorder
  • Sexual trauma
  • Trauma & PTSD
  • Adoption & foster care
  • Aging
  • Alcohol use
  • Anxiety
  • Attachment issues
  • Bipolar Disorder
  • Career & relationships (mid-life)
  • Career & work issues
  • Caregiving
  • Childhood behavioral issues
  • Chronic pain-related issues
  • Depression/feeling down
  • Drug/substance use
  • Early adulthood: Independent living or relationships
  • Early adulthood: Starting college or career
  • Empty nesters
  • Family conflict
  • General relationship issues
  • Grief & loss
  • Intense mood changes
  • LGBTQ+
  • Marital stress or divorce
  • Panic attacks
  • Parenthood
  • Parenting
  • Phobias
  • Premarital counseling
  • Retirement
  • School behavioral issues
  • Self-esteem
  • Self-injury or cutting
  • Sex & intimacy issues
  • Social skills & communication
  • Stress management

Family Therapy

Improve communication and resolve conflicts within family dynamics with a clinician's guidance.

  • First responder stress
  • Military & veteran
  • Obsessive Compulsive Disorder
  • Sexual trauma
  • Trauma & PTSD
  • Adoption & foster care
  • Aging
  • Alcohol use
  • Anxiety
  • Attachment issues
  • Bipolar Disorder
  • Career & relationships (mid-life)
  • Caregiving
  • Childhood behavioral issues
  • Chronic pain-related issues
  • Depression/feeling down
  • Drug/substance use
  • Early adulthood: Independent living or relationships
  • Early adulthood: Starting college or career
  • Empty nesters
  • End-of-life challenges
  • Family conflict
  • Gambling
  • General relationship issues
  • Grief & loss
  • Hallucinations
  • Intense mood changes
  • LGBTQ+
  • Marital stress or divorce
  • Other addictive behaviors
  • Panic attacks
  • Parenthood
  • Parenting
  • Phobias
  • Pornography/sexual behaviors
  • Premarital counseling
  • Psychosis/issues with reality
  • Retirement
  • Schizophrenia/schizoaffective
  • School avoidance
  • School behavioral issues
  • Self-esteem
  • Self-injury or cutting
  • Social skills & communication
  • Stress from ongoing health issues
  • Stress management
  • Unusual thoughts or beliefs
  • Video game/internet

Languages

  • English

Education

  • University of Nevada Las Vegas

  • University of Nevada

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Frequently Asked
Questions

Please use our online form to schedule an appointment with Gina Mendez. You can also call 858-279-1223 to have someone assist you.

See what our patients are saying about Gina Mendez

Therapists and psychiatrists are attentive and kind. They care about you and are responsive to your needs. They are caring and they are helpful. I highly recommend.
Read Full Review
Michele Kalis (Muneera K.

Michele Kalis (Muneera K.

Sep 26, 2025
Google Google
Very pleased with Dr Ines attention to root cause and long term planning.
Read Full Review
Stephen S.

Stephen S.

Oct 07, 2025
Google Google
Great! Very knowledgeable and patient and answered all my questions
Read Full Review
Anonymous

Anonymous

Aug 04, 2025
WebMD WebMD
Excellent experience
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Andi C.

Andi C.

Jan 27, 2026
Google Google
Excellent experience
Read Full Review
Kevin M.

Kevin M.

Jan 21, 2026
Google Google
Excellent experience
Read Full Review
Kasi S.

Kasi S.

Apr 13, 2025
Google Google
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Patient Review Disclaimer

The testimonials and reviews shared on our platforms reflect the personal experiences and opinions of individuals voluntarily shared on third-party sites (e.g., Google). These reviews are voluntarily provided and are not compensated, solicited, or endorsed by LifeStance Health.

Important Notes:

  • Reviews do not represent the views of LifeStance Health, Inc., its clinicians, or affiliates
  • Individual results may vary – testimonials are not guarantees of similar outcomes
  • We do not independently verify the clinical accuracy or authenticity of statements
  • Clinician qualifications, expertise, and fit for your specific needs should be assessed through direct consultation
Gina Mendez, Therapist

Gina Mendez

Therapist in Encinitas, California

New patient?

View Availability

Already have an appointment?

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