About Dr. Rashelle Hakak, Ph.D.
Dr. Rashelle Hakak is a licensed clinical psychologist who provides mental health support across the lifespan. She specializes in therapy for children, adolescents, college students, young adults, and adults, offering developmentally attuned support. Dr. Hakak tailors her approach to meet individuals where they are—helping children build awareness, guiding teens through identity formation, supporting college students in managing transitions and stress, and empowering adults to navigate relationships, career challenges, and personal growth. She offers a warm, collaborative space where clients feel safe to explore challenges, foster resilience, and connect with their authentic selves.
Dr. Hakak’s therapeutic work is grounded in evidence-based modalities, including:
• Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
• Trauma-Focused CBT
• Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)
• Functional Family Therapy (FFT)
• Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR)
Her approach draws from ecological and family systems frameworks, allowing her to provide family therapy while supporting individuals and families within the broader context of their relationships, communities, and environments. Clients are encouraged to reflect, grow, and reconnect with their inner guidance.
Areas of Specialization
Dr. Hakak works with a wide range of concerns, including:
• Life transitions and adjustment-related stress
• Anxiety and mood disorders
• Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)
• Trauma and intergenerational trauma
• Complex learning and neurodevelopmental profiles
• Family, interpersonal, and intergenerational cultural conflict
• Academic and school-related challenges
She has unique expertise working with twice-exceptional (2e) individuals—those who are gifted and also experience learning differences or neurodivergence. Additionally, she collaborates with families managing complex medical and genetic conditions, including PANS/PANDAS.
Educational Consultation & Advocacy
With deep knowledge of the educational system, Dr. Hakak provides educational consultation services, including:
• Forensic consultation to school districts
• Private educational consulting and advocacy services for children and families navigating IEPs, 504 plans, and school accommodations
Her goal is to empower families and ensure that each student receives the support and services they need to thrive both emotionally and academically.
Professional Background
Dr. Hakak earned her Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology from the APA-accredited California School of Professional Psychology at Alliant International University in San Diego. She completed her APA-accredited internship at Western Youth Services, where she gained broad training in psychological assessment, diagnosis, and evidence-based treatment for youth and families.
During her Postdoctoral Fellowship at the Los Angeles Veterans Affairs, Dr. Hakak co-developed a Family Therapy Treatment Program and provided training to psychiatry residents and fellows. She pioneered and led the development of the Telepsychiatry Regional Center Research Program at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center. Other clinical and research positions include roles at the University of California, San Diego (UCSD) Psychiatric Hospital and The UCLA Help Group.
Dr. Hakak has provided care in a wide range of settings, including outpatient clinics, hospitals, schools, and private practice, offering a comprehensive and compassionate approach to treatment.