Call Now: (619) 980-4311
Jeff Schmidt, PH.D.
Clinical Psychologist PSY20529
I'm Dr. Schmidt, a native New Yorker whose academic path began at Fordham University where I earned my Bachelor's degree. Initially intending to pursue law, I developed a strong interest in psychology, ultimately choosing it as my major and conducting research focused on learning theories.
Internship Experiences
Escondido Youth Encounter
My first internship was at the Escondido Youth Encounter (EYE), where I worked with adolescents and their families in their juvenile diversion program. My responsibilities included leading educational groups and providing individual cognitive-behavioral therapy. I also trained as a mediator and contributed to gang prevention efforts. Additionally, I co-facilitated male perpetrator domestic violence groups within the EYE's adult clinic, marking my initial exposure to this specialized area.
Professional Community Services
My second internship at Professional Community Services (PCS) broadened my experience to include treating children, adolescents, and adults. I employed individual CBT and child-directive play therapy, ran anger management groups, and worked with couples. Notably, I also treated perpetrators of child sexual abuse. During this time, I initiated the development of PCS's domestic violence program, which became certified by the San Diego Probation Department.
As coordinator, I developed San Diego's first 52-week program with a specific curriculum covering anger management, power and control issues, sexual abuse/marital rape, assertiveness training, and cognitive-behavioral strategies for violent men. Concurrently, I began my dissertation research, which involved testing a moderator-mediator model of male domestic violence.
Post-Doctoral & Licensure Period
Focus on Diverse Caseloads
While I valued coordinating the domestic violence program at PCS, I sought to diversify my clinical work to include children, adolescents, and adults with a wider range of diagnoses. Consequently, I joined Judy de Voss, Ph.D., as a Psychological Assistant. With Dr. de Voss, I primarily engaged in child-directive play therapy and worked with adults. I also contracted as a school counselor at St. Vincent DePaul Elementary School, where I evaluated and treated children, collaborated with teachers, and led skill-based groups.
Incorporating Dr. de Voss's training in psychodynamic and self-psychology techniques, I expanded my clinical skills. I treated diverse client populations, including children with Asperger's and ADHD, and adults with depression, anxiety disorders, and schizophrenia. I also collaborated with Dr. Gary de Voss in running chronic pain management groups.
Chronic Pain Specialization
Subsequently, I worked as a psychological assistant for Dr. Judy de Voss’ husband in his group practice, Behavioral Pain Services (BPS), while completing my Ph.D. and pursuing licensure. At BPS, I independently contracted to perform worker's compensation medical-legal evaluations and treat chronic pain clients. My work addressed common issues associated with chronic pain, such as avoidance, depression, poor self-image, insomnia, anxiety (including panic attacks), anger, and over-reliance on narcotic medications. Treatment included CBT, EMG biofeedback, and skills-based training in areas like assertiveness and sleep hygiene.
Private Practice
In 2008, after gaining extensive experience with chronic pain clients and in private practice settings, I established my own private practice. I have been in private practice ever since, providing individual adult psychotherapy. During the COVID-19 pandemic, I transitioned to seeing clients exclusively via Zoom, which I continue to do, treating a diverse range of issues.