Compassionate care, clinical expertise, and lived experience come together at San Diego Transformation Center — where our multidisciplinary team guides individuals through mental health treatment and addiction recovery across San Diego, North County, East County, and South Bay. From licensed therapists and medical professionals to case managers and wellness staff, every member of our team is committed to your long-term healing.
Compassionate, multidisciplinary, and clinician-led — our behavioral health team at San Diego Transformation Center brings together licensed therapists, medical professionals, and recovery specialists under one roof.
Each team member shares a commitment to evidence-based practice, trauma-informed care, and the highest standards of clinical ethics.
We serve individuals across San Diego, North County, East County, and South Bay who are seeking meaningful, lasting change.
Jerry’s life is rooted in 12 years of recovery from mental health and substance use disorders—a transformation that shapes everything he does. He channels that experience into creating sustainable, person-centered solutions for communities in need.
Equipped with an MBA in Creative Leadership and currently pursuing a PhD in Social Policy and Behavioral Health Administration, Jerry integrates personal insight, leadership, and evidence-based strategy to advance long-term healing and systemic change.
Kevin Belcastro LMFT is a licensed therapist specializing in trauma-informed care, with nearly two decades of experience across residential, outpatient, and private practice settings. He leads San Diego Transformation Center’s clinical team in delivering deep therapeutic work within a safe, consistent environment.
Kevin draws on CBT, Motivational Interviewing, EMDR, and Solution-Focused approaches to treat trauma, depression, anxiety, substance use, and mood disorders — helping clients build lasting insight, resilience, and sustainable change.
Steven Ackerman is a seasoned operations specialist with a decade of experience in the behavioral health field. Driven by his own journey with mental health and substance abuse, Steven brings deep empathy and determination to every project he undertakes. Over the past decade, he has played a pivotal role in establishing four treatment centers, ensuring operational excellence and delivering client-focused care.
Steven’s commitment to supporting others in their recovery is matched only by his dedication to his family. Outside of work, he finds joy on the open road, pursuing his passion for motorcycles and quality time with loved ones.
Eli is an Associate Marriage and Family Therapist and Doctor of Marriage and Family Therapy (DMFT) student specializing in systemic building to decrease systemic trauma.
Eli supports individuals, couples, and families navigating trauma, communication challenges, and significant life transitions. Their clinical approach integrates Family Systems Theory, EMDR, and trauma-informed, strengths-based interventions to foster resilience and meaningful change.
Eli’s doctoral work focuses on enhancing the quality, accessibility, and cultural responsiveness of treatment centers to deliver more effective and equitable care. They are dedicated to strengthening systems of support and enhancing mental-health outcomes across diverse communities.
Sebastian is a trilingual associate therapist with master’s degrees in Clinical Counseling and Neuropsychology. He integrates cognitive-behavioral and trauma-focused approaches, drawing on insights from neuropsychology, to provide thoughtful, individualized care.
With experience across community mental health, correctional, and rehabilitation settings, Sebastian supports individuals navigating severe mental illness, trauma, substance use, and relational challenges. Guided by warmth, curiosity, and integrity, he emphasizes emotional understanding, resilience, and authentic connection in his work.
A devoted husband and father, Sebastian views psychotherapy as both a scientific and deeply human process that fosters growth and healing.
Ronald Gardner is a devoted husband and proud father of five who brings his whole heart to the recovery community. With 7 years of sobriety from addiction, he understands firsthand the courage, humility, and daily commitment it takes to rebuild a life.
Ron has walked alongside people at every stage of recovery—detox, residential, PHP, and IOP—and has seen how fragmented care can leave clients feeling unseen and unsupported. His vision is to change that reality by creating a space where nutrition, physical health, mental health, and fitness come together under one roof, treating the whole person rather than just their symptoms.
Grounded, compassionate, and deeply relational, Ron is driven to help build a long-term, sustainable model of care that replaces the revolving door of treatment with genuine healing, dignity, and lasting change.
Jennifer is a Community Liaison with extensive experience supporting diverse client populations, including individuals living with bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, borderline personality disorder, and substance use disorders.
Before her current role, she provided direct care in a crisis house setting, developing strong skills in de-escalation, client advocacy, and collaborative care.
Jennifer is committed to fostering trust, improving communication between clients and service providers, and ensuring compassionate, person-centered support that empowers individuals and strengthens the networks that promote long-term stability and well-being.
Stephanie is an essential part of the daily operations at The San Diego Transformation Center. Born to Filipino and Mexican descent, Stephanie fosters an inclusive environment that welcomes everyone from all walks of life. She is a strong advocate and humanitarian for individuals experiencing poverty and social injustice.
A generational survivor of substance use disorder, Stephanie is deeply knowledgeable about the recovery process from inception to completion. Her strong conviction and unwavering passion for the recovery community are evident in every step she takes to help the next person move forward in their journey.
Kara is a registered alcohol and drug technician working as a behavioral health tech. She is currently pursuing a PhD in trauma-focused clinical forensic psychology at a graduate school. Kara has been working in the mental health field for over five years and is a co-founder of the nonprofit organization Teens 4 Teens Help.
Having navigated her own mental health challenges and years of treatment, she strives to provide others with the support she knows is vital to lasting recovery. She is passionate about helping others overcome the consequences of their trauma and advocates for individuals facing social disadvantages.
After serving in the U.S. Army, Joey Peña watched many friends and fellow veterans struggle with substance use disorders and mental health challenges—struggles he knew personally from his own battle with alcoholism before enlisting. That experience ignited his commitment to behavioral health.
Now a devoted father, Joey is driven to help build a world where his children grow up free from the stigma surrounding mental health and addiction. He is passionate about making every client feel genuinely seen, valued, and heard, not just processed as a number in the system.
Every member of our team is united by a single purpose: to walk alongside you through every stage of your recovery journey. We believe in the power of collaboration, empathy, and clinical excellence—so you can focus on what matters most: your transformation.
Interested in meeting our team or learning more about our approach?
Contact us to schedule a tour or speak with an admissions specialist.
Reaching out for help can feel uncertain — our admissions process is designed to make that first step as simple as possible. When you contact San Diego Transformation Center, you’ll speak directly with a knowledgeable team member who can answer your questions, review your insurance, and match you with the right level of care.
Whether you’re exploring PHP, IOP, or outpatient services, our clinicians will conduct a thorough assessment to build a treatment plan tailored to your goals and schedule.
Our clinical team draws on a range of evidence-based modalities — including CBT, EMDR, DBT, Motivational Interviewing, and trauma-focused therapy — to address both mental health and substance use disorders at their root. No two treatment plans look alike because no two people are the same.
We treat the whole person: emotional health, physical wellness, case management, and family support are all part of how we deliver care at San Diego Transformation Center.
San Diego Transformation Center provides outpatient mental health and addiction treatment to individuals across San Diego, North County, East County, and South Bay — including communities like Chula Vista, El Cajon, Escondido, and La Mesa. Our programs are structured to fit real life: flexible scheduling, outpatient formats, and both in-person and connected care options.
If you or someone you love is struggling with mental health challenges or substance use, our team is ready to help — wherever you are in your recovery journey.
