Trailhead Mental Health

Dr. Alison "Al" Dixon

Therapy by Al 

As a therapist, I feel privileged to hear a client tell their story and to help them on their journey. I strive to get to know each individual and the impact of their developmental history, relationships, lifestyle habits and physical health on their quality of life. I take a collaborative approach to defining treatment goals. I value client feedback along the way. Ultimately, I hope to improve my client's self awareness, overall well being, and the ability to decide the next chapter of their story. 

Qualifications

I received my bachelor's degree from Washington University in St. Louis, Missouri with a major in psychology and minor in Spanish, and competed for the school's Division III Track and Field team. I received my medical degree at Rush University in Chicago. During medical school, I was voted into the Gold Humanism Honor Society by my peers, a title awarded to "colleagues who you would want taking care of your own family." I graduated as a member of the Alpha Omega Alpha honor society, recognizing my dedication to the profession and art of healing. 

I moved to San Diego for psychiatry residency at the University of California, San Diego where I received excellent clinical training including a broad exposure to mental health issues and a strong foundation of knowledge in psychopharmacology. I completed the Community Psychiatry Residency Track and Fellowship, serving patients from all walks of life in outpatient clinics throughout San Diego County. I was awarded the JoAnn and Igor Grant Endowed Prize for Professional Excellence in 2022. During residency, I also received specialized training in college mental health, reproductive psychiatry, psychodynamic therapy, grief therapy, and trauma-informed care. My true passion is psychotherapy, and I am currently continuing my therapy training as a first year candidate in the San Diego Psychoanalytic Center's Psychodynamic Psychotherapy Program.  

In my free time, I enjoy trail running, reading, and playing with my dog. 

Summary: 

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