Education and Clinical Experience

Dr. Khandekar earned her PsyD in Clinical Psychology from the University of Denver in 2011 and completed her APA-approved doctoral internship at Sharp Mesa Vista Hospital in San Diego.
As a licensed clinical psychologist, she has had extensive experience treating the following:

Dr. Pia Khandekar – Founder and CEO

Teaching and Supervision

Dr. Khandekar served as a faculty member for the APA-accredited Navy psychology internship program from 2017-2023 at Naval Medical Center San Diego (NMCSD) where she supervised doctoral-level psychology interns in emergency psychiatry and inpatient mental health.
In addition to her role in the internship program, Dr. Khandekar is currently faculty for the Navy Psychiatry Residency Program where she teaches the following courses and facilitates group psychotherapy:

  • Group Psychotherapy

  • Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)

  • Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)

Dr. Khandekar brings her wealth of knowledge and experience to the table, providing residents with valuable insights and guidance as they navigate their training and prepare for their careers in psychiatry.

SPECIALIZATIONS

Human Performance Optimization

As a specialist in performance optimization, I understand the unique challenges and demands faced by individuals in leadership roles. I have had the privilege of working with a diverse range of clients, including commanding officers, physicians, Navy SEALs, and military aviators. I understand the complexities of leading in high-stakes environments and recognize the immense responsibility that comes with such positions. Whether it is guiding military aviators to perform at their peak during critical missions or enabling commanding officers to make effective strategic decisions, I am committed to empowering individuals in demanding roles to reach their full potential.
Through a combination of tailored strategies and personalized coaching, I assist executives in honing their leadership skills, improving decision-making abilities, and managing stress and pressure effectively. By addressing both the physical and mental aspects of performance optimization, I can provide a comprehensive approach to executive development.

Healthcare Providers

With over a decade of working in large healthcare organizations, I have treated healthcare professionals including physicians, nurses, and first-responders. Providers in these settings often experience burnout, vicarious trauma, high levels of stress, and emotional strain due to the nature of their work. Individual therapy helps mitigate the long-term impact of the overwork, isolation, anxiety/trauma, and depression that can occur in the context of these occupations.

Research

  • Dr. Khandekar is a co-investigator on the Department of Defense funded clinical trial Moderators of the Effectiveness of Crisis Response Planning, in conjunction with The Ohio State University.

  • Dr. Khandekar co-authored the first VA/DoD Clinical Practice Guideline for the Management of First-Episode Psychosis and Schizophrenia. The guideline serves as a valuable resource for healthcare providers, ensuring that individuals experiencing first-episode psychosis and schizophrenia receive appropriate evidence-based care.

Honors , Publications and Presentations

  • NMCSD Master Clinician 2022

  • NMCSD Associate Master Clinician 2019

  • NMCSD Psychology Internship Faculty of the Year: 2017-18 and 2022-23

  • Commencement Speaker, Naval Medical Center San Diego Psychiatry Residency, 2018, 2020

  • Commencement Speaker Naval Medical Center San Diego Psychology Internship, 2021

  • Working Group Member: Management of First Episode Psychosis and Schizophrenia Working Group [Internet]. VA/DOD clinical practice guideline for management of first episode psychosis and schizophrenia. Washington (DC): Department of Veterans Affairs, Department of Defense; 2023. Available from: Click Here

  • Glassman L.H., Khandekar, P.R., Otis, N.P., Kline, A.C., Hunt, W.H., & Walter, K.H. (August 2024). Gender differences in treatment outcomes among U.S. service members with comorbid PTSD and MDD. Poster presentation accepted to the 2024 Military Health Systems Research Symposium conference in Kissimmee, FL.

  • Khandekar, P.R., Miggantz, E.L., Kline, A.C., Otis, N.P., Glassman, L.H., Bryan, C.J., & Walter, K.H. (July 2024). Clinical and implementation considerations for conducting a randomized clinical trial among service members at-risk for suicide in a military treatment facility. Poster presentation accepted to the 2024 VA/DoD Suicide Prevention Conference in Portland, OR.

  • Khandekar, P.R., Kline, A.C., Latu, J.R., Miggantz, E.L., Otis, N.P., Glassman, L.H., Bryan, C.J., & Walter, K.H. (August 2024). Conducting a randomized clinical trial with service members at high risk for suicide: exploring military factors and implementation considerations. Poster presentation accepted to the 2024 Military Health Systems Research Symposium conference in Kissimmee, FL.