OPAL Psychological | Referral Resource
The Next Step in Continuing Care.
Individualized outpatient therapy for appropriate next-step care following intensive treatment.
Transitions between levels of mental healthcare matter. At OPAL Psychological, we provide personalized individual psychotherapy for adolescents and adults who are clinically appropriate for outpatient care, helping them continue receiving support as their needs evolve.
A resource for Charlie Health professionals and the individuals they support.
Meet Our Psychologists
Continuity across levels of care
The Right Support, at the Right Time.
Different stages of treatment may call for different levels of structure and support. Thoughtful care coordination can help clients transition between those levels while maintaining engagement in their mental health care.
Outpatient therapy
OPAL Psychological
Individual psychotherapy with a licensed psychologist, in person in La Jolla or virtually for clients in California.
Sessions are typically once a week, adjusted to each client's needs.
Virtual IOP · a separate organization
Charlie Health
Charlie Health describes its virtual intensive outpatient program (IOP) as 10+ hours of structured care each week, typically over 6–12 weeks.
Descriptions of Charlie Health come from its public website. OPAL does not speak for Charlie Health.
Step up: OPAL → Charlie Health
When outpatient psychotherapy no longer provides enough support, a higher level of structured care such as virtual IOP may be considered.
Step down: Charlie Health → OPAL
When intensive treatment concludes and outpatient care is clinically appropriate, OPAL may offer continued individual psychotherapy.
Care should evolve with a person's needs.
Neither organization automatically transfers clients to the other. Each recommendation rests on the client's treatment team, clinical appropriateness, and the client's own preferences. Charlie Health's materials describe virtual IOP as sitting between weekly therapy and higher levels of care such as partial hospitalization or inpatient treatment.
Progress Doesn't Have to End When Intensive Treatment Does.
Completing an intensive treatment program is an important milestone. For many people, continued outpatient therapy may be an appropriate part of their ongoing treatment plan.
Maintain Connection
Continue engaging with a mental health professional as new challenges, responsibilities, and goals emerge.
Build on Progress
Create opportunities to practice and further develop strategies introduced during previous treatment.
Support the Next Chapter
Receive individualized outpatient care suited to the client's current needs, preferences, and treatment goals.
When OPAL may be an appropriate fit
Who May Benefit From Continued Care at OPAL?
OPAL may be considered for clients who are clinically ready for traditional outpatient psychotherapy and would benefit from ongoing individual treatment.
Every referral is individually reviewed for clinical appropriateness, clinician availability, insurance, and client preference. OPAL cannot accept every inquiry.
- Clinically appropriate for outpatient care
- Seeking continued individual therapy after intensive treatment
- Age-eligible for an OPAL clinician
- Interested in individualized psychological treatment
- Able to attend in person in La Jolla or eligible for California telehealth
- Seeking ongoing support for mental health and life challenges
- Interested in establishing a consistent outpatient therapy relationship
Our psychologists
Personalized Care Begins With the Right Connection.
Founder · Clinical Psychologist
Dr. Ladera Linn, PsyD
Behavioral medicine and health psychology, with attention to anxiety and depression, eating disorders, sleep and burnout, and identity and culture.
- Works with
- Adults (18+)
- Insurance
- Aetna, Cigna, UnitedHealthcare, self-pay
- Availability
- Please confirm with our Patient Care Team
Clinical Psychologist
Dr. Alina Mraz, PsyD
Person-centered care for adolescent and young adult mental health, anxiety and mood, ADHD, and neurodiversity. Approaches include CBT, DBT, and ACT.
- Works with
- Adolescents and adults
- Insurance
- UnitedHealthcare, self-pay
- Availability
- Please confirm with our Patient Care Team
Psychologist · Sports & Performance
Dr. Kai Chuang, PsyD
A human-first, skills-based approach for athletes, high performers, and people carrying anxiety, stress, or trauma, including military members and veterans.
- Works with
- Adolescents and adults
- Insurance
- Aetna, UnitedHealthcare, self-pay
- Availability
- Please confirm with our Patient Care Team
Not sure which clinician may be the best fit? Our Patient Care Team can help explain available options.
Connect With Our Patient Care TeamGetting started
A Thoughtful, Straightforward Process.
- 01
Reach Out
Charlie Health staff, an appropriate referring professional, or a prospective client can contact OPAL to explore outpatient options.
- 02
Initial Consultation
A complimentary 15-minute phone consultation provides an opportunity to discuss needs, ask questions, and consider possible next steps.
- 03
Review the Fit
OPAL considers relevant clinical needs, age, insurance, clinician availability, and personal preferences.
- 04
Coordinate Next Steps
When appropriate, OPAL helps arrange the initial outpatient appointment and discusses the secure process for any necessary clinical care coordination.
A consultation or referral inquiry does not guarantee an appointment, acceptance, or availability.
For Charlie Health professionals
A Direct Point of Contact for Referral Questions.
Whether you're exploring outpatient options during discharge planning or have a question about OPAL's services, our Patient Care Team can help you understand our clinician availability, insurance options, and referral process.
How a referral inquiry works
- Call or email our Patient Care Coordinator first, before sending anything about a client.
- Share administrative details only: your name, organization, best way to reach you, and a general question about fit.
- OPAL reviews availability, age eligibility, insurance, and clinician fit, and replies with next steps.
- If a client moves forward, the team arranges an appropriate secure process for any clinical coordination, with the client's authorization.
Delia Mejia
Patient Care Coordinator · OPAL Psychological
- Phone
- 619-259-0107
- Hours
- Monday–Friday, 9:00 am–6:00 pm
For patient privacy, please do not include confidential health information in standard email or unsecured website forms. Contact our team first to arrange an appropriate secure referral process.
Insurance and payment
Understanding Your Care Options.
- Aetna
- Cigna
- UnitedHealthcare
- Self-Pay
Participation varies by clinician. Our team can help clarify available providers and discuss insurance verification before an appointment.
OPAL's insurance participation is separate from Charlie Health's. Eligibility checks and benefit estimates are not guarantees of coverage, payment, or final out-of-pocket cost. Please do not send insurance ID numbers through this page.
A place designed for personalized care
Care That Feels Personal.
Located in the heart of La Jolla, OPAL offers a welcoming environment for individual psychotherapy. Our practice emphasizes thoughtful relationships, individualized treatment, and a more personal approach to mental healthcare.
Individualized
Care shaped around each client's needs.
Collaborative
Thoughtful communication and coordination when appropriate.
Accessible Next Steps
Clear consultation, scheduling, and insurance information.
7946 Ivanhoe Avenue, Suite 203
La Jolla, CA 92037
Virtual sessions are also available for clients located in California, subject to clinician availability and applicable requirements.
Get Directions (opens in a new tab)Frequently asked questions
Questions, Answered Plainly.
Can Charlie Health professionals refer clients to OPAL?
Yes. Professionals may contact OPAL's Patient Care Team to ask whether outpatient care could be an appropriate next step for a client. Every inquiry is reviewed for clinical appropriateness, clinician availability, insurance, and client preference. An inquiry does not guarantee acceptance, and this page does not describe a formal agreement between OPAL and Charlie Health.
What happens after a client completes IOP?
That depends on the individual's treatment plan and their care team's recommendations. For some people, individual outpatient therapy is one appropriate option. If a client or their team is considering OPAL, a complimentary 15-minute phone consultation is a low-pressure way to discuss needs, ask questions, and explore whether it may be a fit.
How do I know if OPAL is the right level of care?
OPAL provides traditional outpatient psychotherapy, typically one session per week, with frequency adjusted to need. It is not an IOP or PHP. Clients who are clinically ready for that level of structure may be appropriate. The treating team's guidance matters most, and OPAL's team can talk through fit during the consultation.
What ages does OPAL serve?
OPAL works with adolescents and adults, and age ranges vary by clinician. Dr. Linn works with adults 18 and older, while Dr. Mraz and Dr. Chuang also work with adolescents. Please confirm each clinician's current minimum age with our Patient Care Team before referring a younger client.
Does OPAL offer in-person and virtual therapy?
Yes. Sessions are offered in person at our La Jolla office and virtually for clients located in California, subject to clinician availability and applicable requirements. Our team can explain the options during scheduling and help each client consider which format may fit their needs.
What insurance does OPAL accept?
OPAL lists Aetna, Cigna, and UnitedHealthcare as in-network, and self-pay is available. Participation varies by clinician and plan, so verification before a first appointment is important. Eligibility checks are not a guarantee of coverage or final cost. Please do not send insurance ID numbers through this page. See our Insurance & Fees page.
Does OPAL provide family or parent therapy?
No. OPAL currently offers individual outpatient psychotherapy and does not advertise family or parent therapy. If family involvement is an important part of a client's treatment plan, please raise that with our Patient Care Team early so everyone has a clear picture of what OPAL can and cannot provide.
What if someone needs more support than traditional outpatient therapy?
OPAL does not provide IOP, PHP, residential or inpatient treatment, medication management, or emergency services. If a client may need a higher level of care, their clinician will discuss options, which may include a program such as Charlie Health's virtual IOP or another appropriate resource. In immediate danger, call 911. For crisis support, call or text 988.
Can clinical records be shared for care coordination?
Possibly, with the client's written authorization and through approved secure methods. Please do not send confidential health information by standard email or through website forms. Contact our Patient Care Team first so an appropriate secure process can be arranged. OPAL has not established a shared-records arrangement with Charlie Health.
How do I request a consultation?
Use the consultation page to request a complimentary 15-minute phone consultation, or call 619-259-0107 Monday through Friday, 9:00 am to 6:00 pm. Availability varies, so timing is not guaranteed. Please share basic administrative details only, and do not include clinical information.
A Clearer Next Step Starts With a Conversation.
Whether you're exploring outpatient referral options or looking for continued psychological care, our team is available to help you understand the next step.
OPAL Psychological | La Jolla, California