For Dr. Pia Khandekar, founding PsychPro Consulting was a culmination of passion, education and years of experience. After nearly two decades in clinical psychology, she wanted to build a practice that embodied the values she believes define great therapy: integrity, collaboration, compassion, and excellence in care.
Dr. Khandekar earned her Doctorate in Clinical Psychology from the University of Denver, following completion of her Bachelor’s in Psychology with a minor in Biomedical Sciences from Colorado State University. Even as a high school student taking her first psychology course, she knew she’d found her life’s work. That certainty carried her through extensive training in various forms of therapy, including psychodynamic psychotherapy, cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT), and more.
Her early career took her into hospital trauma units, college counseling centers, and military settings, including a decade on Navy bases where she worked with flight operations and served as the primary inpatient psychologist and intern supervisor at Naval Medical Center San Diego. Across these settings, she gained expertise in suicidality, trauma, anxiety, depressive disorders, clinical supervision, and an appreciation for the resilience of those who serve others.
“I want to pay things forward and give back to those who give so much themselves — women, leaders, service members, professionals managing others—people who are used to being strong for everyone else,” Dr. Khandekar says. “I want to invest in supporting people who support others.”
Her approach to therapy is integrative and client-led. She blends the structure of different theories, helping clients recognize what’s grounded and what’s distorted in their thinking, and learn to trust their own process of change. Working with her is an attuned and empowering experience. Dr. Khandekar is someone who helps people step outside their comfort zones, while knowing they’re supported every step of the way.
After years of working within large systems, Dr. Khandekar founded PsychPro Consulting to create a space that reflected her priorities.
“While working in large organizations has been so beneficial for my growth and development, after a time, I wanted to be able to have a company that is more values-focused. Having a values and mission-driven business feels so good. I wanted to walk the walk that I asked of my clients. I also just wanted to work with great people. And that’s the best part of this. Cultivating a great group of people to have as a team.”
That vision now extends beyond therapy. Through PsychPro Consulting, Dr. Khandekar provides training and consultation for clinicians and organizations, offering guidance on topics such as managing suicidality and evidence-based modalities like CBT and ACT. Her goal is to equip others to handle complex clinical work.
“If a consulting client comes in unsure of how to manage a condition or lead their team, I want them to leave feeling confident and fully supported — with new skills,” Dr. Khandekar says. “People can overpromise; we want to do the opposite. With us, clients are in the best possible place to move forward, whatever their need may be.”
Outside of work, Dr. Khandekar finds joy in the simple things: gardening, brunch with friends and time outdoors, especially near the ocean—but she also experiences an enormous amount of fulfillment in her work. Her hope is that clients feel supported and that they’re getting a real return on their investment, not just financially, but also in themselves:
“Anytime we’re going to do something that will elicit significant change, nerves and anxiety will come up. But after taking that first step of walking through the door, they won’t be alone in that journey. The best things come when you learn to have a different relationship with yourself.”
To schedule a consultation with Dr. Khandekar, please call (619) 693-8327 or click here.
