Mercedes joined us in 2021 and brings to our practice extensive experience in multiple therapy modalities and settings. She received her Masters in Marriage and Family Therapy from the University of La Verne and is a proud member of PsyChi Honors Society. In addition to clinical work she supervises residents, associate therapists, and serves as a mentor to other licensed clinicians. Highly empathic and engaged, her style fits right in with our practice philosophy to set goals, gain insight, and grow.

Alex also joined is in 2021 and has already improved our patient experience. Currently he is a student at the University of San Diego majoring in biology. Whenever he is in town you might find him in the office, but most likely he is helping remotely through one of our several technology tools built to improve communication with the health team. 

Cassaundra is a school counselor by training. she received her master's degree from the University of Redlands and her bachelors from UC Irvine. She is a native of the Coachella Valley who enjoys traveling, especially when it gets hot in the Desert. She has additional certifications in speech pathology, has completed advanced courses in nutrition, and is CEO of her home. At DWP she makes sure things run smoothly and is ready to help with any questions you may have. 

Dr. Gonzalez is a Board Certified Psychiatrist with a special interest in mood disorders and women’s mental health. He has extensive experience in the treatment of mental health conditions in the emergency, inpatient, and outpatient settings.

Dr. Gonzalez was born and raised in the Coachella Valley and attended the University of San Diego after graduating from CVHS. He attended the Autonomous University of Guadalajara and completed his medical education at New York Medical College. During his residency at the University of Arizona, he was awarded Junior Resident of the Year, served as Chief Resident, and participated in the very first Psychiatry Integrative Medicine in Residency Program. He has additional training in women’s mental health and is a member of Postpartum Support International, Marcé of North America, and the American Academy of Clinical Psychiatrist. 

Prior to starting in private practice, he was a member of the teaching faculty at Kaiser Permanente’s first psychiatry residency program. During his time at Kaiser Permanente, he received his favorite awards, “PGY2 Lecturer of the Year, PGY3 Lecturer of the Year, and Outpatient Teaching Faculty of the Year”. Most recently he has trained medical students and psychiatry residents from Loma Linda University, Western University, and Arrowhead Regional Medical Center.

Dr. Gonzalez is married with three children and welcomed his latest kiddo in 2019. He spends most of his free time with his 3 daughters, wife, and family.  After the kids finally go to bed he works on a series of children’s books where wellness concepts are introduced to both children and parents.