Meet Our Team

Nate Balfanz, PsyD

Clinical Psychologist, Pediatric & Adolescent Specialist

CA LiCENSE # - PSY26707

Prior to rejoining The Weichman Clinic, Dr. Nate Balfanz (CA#PSY26707) spent the past eight years abroad serving as the Senior Clinical Psychologist and Head of the Behavioral Health Department for American Medical Center (AMC) of Shanghai, China. During his time in China, Dr. Balfanz specialized in the psychological treatment of both local and international children, adults, and families. In addition to his role with AMC, Dr. Balfanz wrote for various local and international publications on mental health-related matters, served on special interest boards aiming to unify Eastern and Western psychological practices, and was a child protection specialist and frequent guest speaker for the international school communities in and around Shanghai.

Previously, Dr. Balfanz served as a psychological assistant under Dr. Weichman from 2012-2014, as well as a postdoctoral fellow with Reiss Davis Child Study Center of Los Angeles. Other previous clinical work includes dyadic-focused therapies with mothers, fathers, and infants, therapeutic consultation for both pre-K and elementary-age classroom settings, individual counseling for college-aged students managing major life transitions, research and clinical work with adolescents and young adults showing early signs of schizophrenia and psychosis, as well as educational therapy services for children struggling with learning challenges and behavioral/emotional concerns.

In his free time, Dr. Balfanz enjoys spending time outdoors with his wife MaryAnne, their 2 year-old son Angus, and their two dogs Biggie and Baloo.

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Matt Fleischman, LMFT

Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist,
Adolescent/Young Adult Specialist

CA LiCENSE # - MFT46969

Matt Fleischman has spent more than a decade helping teens, young adults, families and children. He specializes in providing emotional support paired with a goal-oriented, collaborative approach to treat behavior problems, adjustment issues, poor social skills and relationship challenges.

A basketball coach and player as well as an outdoors enthusiast, Matt holds an undergraduate degree from the University of California, Irvine and a graduate degree from Pepperdine University.

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Rebecca Garfinkle, DO, FAAP

Pediatric and Adolescent Neurologist

Dr. Rebecca Garfinkle provides compassionate neurologic care for children and teens. She diagnoses ADHD, autism, epilepsy, headaches, concussions and movement disorders and offers expert continuing treatment.

Board-certified in neurology, Dr. Garfinkle received an undergraduate degree in physiological sciences at the University of California, Los Angeles and medical degree from Kansas City University of Medical Biological Sciences.

A San Diego native, she and her husband are raising two young children and enjoy outdoor activities and a variety of cuisines.

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Elise Garcia, AMFT

Associate Marriage & Family Therapist
*Under Supervision of Harpeet Kaur, PhD

CA LiCENSE # - 147485

Elise is an Associate Marriage and Family Therapist who is passionate about supporting children, teens, and young adults as they navigate life and the world around them. Elise supports clients using various evidence-based practices while also focusing on the therapeutic relationship. Her goal is to empower her clients with the space to process their emotions, build healthy coping skills, and regain confidence in their innate strengths.

As a former Division 1 student-athlete and NCAA champion on the women’s swim team at both UC Berkeley and USC, Elise is particularly passionate about working with student athletes. Despite her high level athletic success, she faced her own mental health challenges working through the highs and lows of collegiate sports and rigorous academics. She recognizes that one's mental game is as critical as their physical game. Now, combining her athletic experience and clinical education, she also enjoys supporting the unique needs of athletes and high performers, helping them to find success in their sport and beyond.

Elise obtained her undergraduate degree from UC Berkeley. She later received her Master of Science in Marriage and Family Therapy from the University of Southern California. Elise has experience providing services in a variety of settings including community mental health, school-based services, intensive outpatient/ partial hospitalization programs, and private practice.

Outside of her work, Elise finds joy staying active in new ways, spending time with loved ones, and with her dog, Finn.

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Courtney Grayden, LMFT

Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist

CA LiCENSE # - LMFT130468

Courtney Grayden works with children and adolescents to teach them tools they can implement enabling them to lead happier and healthier lives. It brings her joy to witness the positive changes young people can make when they have someone to help guide them along through the process. She focuses on helping individuals who struggle with anxiety, depression, trauma, autism spectrum disorder, behavioral challenges, and adjustment issues utilizing a Cognitive Behavior Therapy (CBT) and Trauma Focused-CBT approach to treatment.

Courtney holds an undergraduate degree from Chapman University and graduate degree from Pepperdine University. Her professional experience has been at a county mental health clinic and behavior and therapeutic elementary/middle school. In her free time, she enjoys spending time with her family and being outdoors. 

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Laura Hoffman, AMFT

Associate Marriage & Family Therapist

*Under Supervision of Harpreet Kaur, PhD

CA LICENSE # - 144218

Laura Hoffman is an Associate Marriage and Family Therapist with a strong commitment to helping children and adolescents, as well as their families, build resilience, harness their inherent strengths to overcome challenges, and use a holistic approach to navigate difficulties. Laura is passionate about fostering positive change in the lives of her clients.

Laura completed her Bachelor's degree at The Interdisciplinary Center Herzliya where she developed a deep understanding of human behavior and the complexities of interpersonal relationships. Building upon this knowledge, she pursued a Master's degree in Marriage and Family Therapy at Northwestern University.

Outside of her professional life, Laura finds balance through yoga, channels her creativity into painting, and unwinds by binge-watching TV shows.

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Michael Louie, DO

Board-Certified Psychiatrist

CA LiCENSE # - PSY20665

Dr. Michael Louie is a board-certified psychiatrist who received his medical degree from Western University of Health Sciences before completing his psychiatry residency at Loma Linda University. He also has a degree in cognitive psychology from UC Irvine. With a deep understanding of mental health across all age groups, Dr. Louie is proficient in treating adolescent and adult populations alike. His clinical expertise encompasses a broad spectrum of disorders, such as depression, anxiety, eating disorders, substance use disorders, and psychosis, with deep experience working in both inpatient and outpatient settings. Dr. Louie is committed to providing individualized care, ensuring that each patient receives a personalized approach that respects their unique journey and needs.

When he is not working, Dr. Louie enjoys travel, spending time with family and friends, outdoors, and binge watching new shows.

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Jacob A. Palm, PhD

Clinical Psychologist, Psychological Assessment

CA LiCENSE # - PSY20665

Dr. Jacob Palm is a licensed clinical psychologist with extensive experience in pediatric psychological testing and assessment and neuropsychological screening and evaluation. He has deep expertise in assessing children and teens for ADHD, learning disabilities and developmental delays and also trains other assessment specialists around the globe on new testing techniques and research.

He received his doctorate in clinical psychology from Fordham University in the Bronx and is affiliated with Miller Children’s Hospital, where he provides neuropsychological assessment and consultations. He is a faculty member of Santiago Canyon College.

Dr. Palm, who trained as a professional chef, enjoys cooking, gardening, entertaining, competitive soccer, writing and travel.

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Kwitka Peratt, MD

Pediatric and Adolescent Psychiatrist

Dr. Kwitka Peratt’s focus is the medical evaluation and treatment of emotional and behavioral difficulties in children and teens. The American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology has certified her in psychiatry as well as child and adolescent psychiatry.

She majored in biological sciences and psychology at the University of California, Irvine and received her medical degree from the University of Southern California.

Dr. Peratt likes to cheer on the Trojans football team, hop on amusement park rides and relax with family and friends.

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Josiah Peratoner, AMFT

Associate Therapist — Under the Supervision of Matt Fleischman, LMFT

CA LICENSE # - AMFT 149037

Josiah Peratoner is an Associate Marriage and Family Therapist who grew up in a rural Iowa farming community, finding his way throughout the country to California during his nine years of military service in the Navy. Josiah earned his Bachelor’s degree from Southern Illinois University and Master’s degree from National University. Josiah’s goal in therapy is to help children, teens, young adults, and families develop their identity and navigate a wide variety of relationship challenges, using an integrative, culturally informed approach. He is passionate about providing tools to build resilience, improve communication, and foster healing.

Josiah practices culturally sensitive care using tools drawn from the ideals of dialectical behavior, schema, and strength-based therapies.

When not in session, you’ll find Josiah enjoying time with his wife and kids, exploring California’s State Parks, and working on a number of projects to bring awareness, understanding, and healing to his community.

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Amalia Pérez, ASW

Associate Therapist — Under the Supervision of Matt Fleischman, LMFT

CA LICENSE # - ASW 134530

Amalia Mercedes Perez is an associate-level therapist who supports children, adolescents, and families experiencing anxiety, depression, ADHD, emotional and behavioral challenges, relational conflict, and difficulties with transitions—from normative changes such as a new grade, a new sibling, or puberty, to more traumatic events including divorce, loss, and natural disasters. Amalia helps clients uncover and understand the underlying emotions contributing to their struggles and develop healthy ways to cope.

As a relational and attachment-informed therapist, Amalia is passionate about helping families come together to process conflict, heal, and grow more connected. Whether working one-on-one with a child or adolescent or providing family therapy, Amalia brings warmth, empathy, and direct communication to support clients in problem-solving, improving relationships, and regaining a sense of agency over their inner and outer worlds.

Amalia earned her Bachelor’s degree from Brown University and her Master’s in Social Work from New York University, where she specialized in clinical work with children and adolescents. She has worked with young people and their families in schools, hospitals, community mental health settings, and private practice.

In her free time, Amalia enjoys spending time with her fiancé, visiting family and friends on the East Coast, and exploring the outdoors.

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Dr. Stephen Pines, PsyD

Clinical Psychologist,
Psychological Assessment

CA LiCENSE # - PSY28698

Stephen Pines is a licensed psychologist who assesses and treats teens and young adults struggling with depression, anxiety, trauma, self-esteem issues, ADHD, substance abuse, LGBTQ issues and bipolar disorder. He also tests for ADHD, psychological disorders and learning disabilities.

He holds a master’s degree in marriage and family therapy and a doctorate in clinical psychology from the American School of Professional Psychology.

When he’s not at work, he likes to hike, stay active and enjoy time with his family.

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