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:
Grief and Loss
Life Transitions
BIPOC
Executive Performance
Dr. Pia Khandekar – Founder and CEO
Teaching and Supervision
From 2017 to 2023, Dr. Khandekar served as a faculty member for the APA-accredited Navy Psychology Internship Program at Naval Medical Center San Diego (NMCSD), where she supervised doctoral-level psychology interns in emergency psychiatry and inpatient mental health. In addition to this experience, she has continued to contribute to the field through teaching and mentorship. Currently, Dr. Khandekar serves as faculty for the Navy Psychiatry Residency Program, where she not only teaches a variety of courses but also facilitates group psychotherapy sessions. Through these roles, she remains deeply committed to advancing clinical education and supporting the next generation of mental health professionals.
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. Over the years, I have had the privilege of working with a diverse range of clients, including commanding officers, physicians, Navy SEALs, and military aviators. Moreover, I understand the complexities of leading in high-stakes environments and appreciate 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 remain committed to empowering individuals in demanding roles to reach their full potential. In addition, 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 integrating both the physical and mental aspects of performance optimization, I can therefore provide a comprehensive and balanced approach to executive development.
Healthcare Providers
With over a decade of experience in large healthcare organizations, I have treated many healthcare professionals, including physicians, nurses, and first responders. As a result, I have witnessed how demanding these environments can be. In fact, providers in such settings often experience burnout, vicarious trauma, and high levels of stress due to the nature of their work. Furthermore, they frequently face emotional strain that impacts both their personal and professional lives. Therefore, individual therapy can play a crucial role in mitigating the long-term effects of overwork, isolation, anxiety, trauma, and depression that may arise in these challenging 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.