Our Team: Unique Experience & Caring

Dr. Jake Hollingsworth, Psychiatrist & Co-Founder
Dr. Jake Hollingsworth is an osteopathic physician, and is board-certified in Adult Psychiatry. He and his wife, Dr. Jessica Hollingsworth, a board-certified anesthesiologist, co-founded Pacific Psych in 2015. He specializes in treating anxiety, depression, and other mood disorders, as well as ADHD and insomnia, with a comprehensive array of modalities, including IV ketamine therapy, Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS), psychiatric medication management, and psychotherapy.
Dr. Jake completed his medical education at Western University of Health Sciences in Pomona, followed by psychiatric residency at the University of Texas Health Science Center, San Antonio. Following high school, he served as an enlisted infantry and reconnaissance Marine for five years. After medical training, he served eight years in the Air Force as a psychiatrist, including deployment to Afghanistan, traveling between numerous forward locations, before beginning private practice in San Diego in 2015.
Dr. Jake is a 2022 graduate of California Institute of Integral Studies’ (CIIS) Certificate Program for Psychedelic-Assisted Therapies and Research which included the MAPS MDMA Training Modules. Additionally, in 2021 he completed a 2-year integrative medicine fellowship with the Academy of Integrative Health & Medicine (AIHM). He serves as PPC’s medical director. His practice specializes in treating anxiety, depression, ADHD, insomnia, and other mood disorder.

Dr. Jessica Hollingsworth, Anesthesiologist & Co-Founder
After graduating from the Chico State University nursing program, Jessica began her career in healthcare as a registered nurse. Then, after seven years in nursing, she changed directions and completed medical school at the University of Texas Health Science Center, San Antonio (UTHSCSA), where she also completed an internal medicine internship. She then completed her residency in anesthesia here at UC San Diego.
Now a Board certified anesthesiologist, Jessica co-founded Pacific Psych with her husband, Dr. Jake Hollingsworth, in 2015. In addition to her expertise in intravenous infusions and general medicine, she brings a warm, nurturing demeanor to our patients.

Dr. Amanda Franciscus
Psychiatrist
Dr. Amanda received her medical degree from the University of California, Irvine, School of Medicine. She then completed her internship and psychiatry residency at Stanford School of Medicine. While at Stanford’s Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, she trained in specialty clinics for numerous disorders such as Anxiety/PTSD, ADHD, Major Depression, etc. She has extensive psychotherapy experience in multiple schools of time-limited, evidenced-based treatment modalities and her practice now focuses on ketamine assisted psychotherapy (KAP). KAP is a short term, focused therapy to be paired with ketamine infusions or injections. KAP includes setting intentions, preparing for the intervention, and processing content that arose during the experience. In her practice, she is a proponent of alternative approaches, integrated care, and minimal medications. Dr. Amanda, a board-certified psychiatrist and independent contractor for Pacific Psych, brings a thorough, thoughtful, and engaged presence to her care.

Rafael Ramos, PA-C
Psychiatric Physician Assistant
Rafael Ramos was born and raised in the Greater Los Angeles area. He completed his undergraduate studies at UC San Diego and later obtained his Master’s degree in Physician Assistant Studies from DeSales University in Pennsylvania. Rafael cultivated his experience in the fields of primary care and mental health while working with the inner city communities of Los Angeles County.
Since returning to San Diego, Rafael has focused on providing quality psychiatric care to those who suffer from a variety of mental health ailments including mood disorders, anxiety disorders, addiction, eating disorders and trauma. Rafael believes that the best results can be achieved by having a cooperative relationship between the patient and the clinician. At Pacific Psych, his focus is on medication management while incorporating TMS and ketamine therapy when appropriate. Rafael is also a proponent of including therapy based treatment and will provide referrals when needed.

Alexandra Brown, Associate Marriage & Family Therapist
Originally from Minnesota, Alexandra Brown is a certified Associate Marriage and Family Therapist (AMFT). Alexandra completed her MA in Clinical Counseling from Point Loma Nazarene University here in San Diego. Alexandra began her career in Psychology and Addiction Counseling, earning her undergraduate degree from University of Mary in Bismarck, North Dakota. Her diverse experiences include work as a women’s volleyball coach while obtaining her graduate degree.
Across culture, gender and age, Alexandra maintains friendly professionalism, and she enjoys working one-on-one as well as in group settings. She is an empathetic and compassionate therapist who works with her patients for continued growth in mental health.

Monica Czypull
Monica, a dedicated and compassionate AANP certified Family Nurse Practitioner, brings a wealth of expertise to her practice. With a comprehensive background in primary care, urgent care, addiction medicine, and ketamine-assisted psychotherapy, Monica is committed to providing high-quality and patient-centered care.
Her genuine passion for holistic well-being is evident in every aspect of her practice. Monica understands that true healing encompasses not only physical health but also mental and emotional well-being. With a warm and empathetic approach, she creates a supportive and empowering environment where patients feel valued, heard, and understood.

Pacific Psych Career Opportunities
We are recruiting mental health professionals (physicians, therapists, and nurses) at all levels. Grow your career with us and make an immediate impact on your patients.
Schedule Appointment
Please call or email to schedule an appointment.
Office: (858) 261-4622
Email: Office@PacificPsychCenters.com
Contact Pacific Psych
Check Out Our New Vlog: Mental Health and Treatments with Dr. Jake (Vlog #1)
Welcome to our new vlog: Mental Health and Treatments with Dr. Jake. In this first video, Dr. Jake Hollingsworth of Pacific Psych in San Diego opens a conversation about what’s happening at the clinic and in the world of mental health with an overview of drug...
Cannabis: What Patients Need to Know
According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse, cannabis is the most commonly used illegal psychoactive substance in the United States. A recent survey conducted by SAMHSA found that 11.8 million young adults reported using cannabis in 2018. Still illegal in the...
Psychedelics as Treatment for Depression: Conclusion
Although there is still much information to be gathered, it is clear that there is a case building for the use of various psychedelics as treatment for depression, including MDMA. Even as far back as the 1940s, scientists were looking for therapeutic approaches for...
Psychedelics Treatment: Psilocybin for Depression
Psilocybin, the active ingredient in “magic mushrooms” and a substance found in dozens of species of fungi, is also on the list of potential drugs that can treat depression. In fact, in the study pointed out in the first chapter, the patient was using a pill form of...
Psychedelics Treatment: Ketamine for Depression
Ketamine, or “Special K” as many people know it, is another drug that is being investigated for its ability to assist with depression and other mental health conditions. This was actually the first to make the FDA approval list, in March 2019. A nasal spray made of...
Psychedelics Treatment: MDMA for Depression
This is part two of a five-part series on psychedelics as treatment for depression. Be sure to read part one: Psychedelics for Depression. Check back next week for part three. MDMA is one of the most popular drugs being studied for use as a treatment support in those...
Psychedelics for Depression Treatment: Introduction
Recently, there has been a growing focus on the use of psychedelics for depression treatment. There is still a lot of research to be done, but so far, the studies have been promising. [This is part one of a five-part series on psychedelics as treatment for depression.]
Your Guide to Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) Therapy
TMS therapy is one of the many options available to people seeking alternative treatments for depression. This procedure has been around for decades and has improved over the years with additional research and insight, but still works much the same as it always has....
Is MDMA for PTSD Effective?
Naturally, when people are seeking out new treatments, one of the first questions is going to be whether or not the treatment is going to be effective. MDMA is a hot topic right now in the psychotherapy realm because it is being studied as a potential new solution for...
MDMA for PTSD Treatment Is Ready for FDA Approval
PTSD, or Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder, is a condition that affects billions of people around the world. To date, there is little in the way of effective treatment that doesn’t require years of medications, therapies, and other possible methods to help alleviate the...
MDMA for PTSD: an FDA update
MDMA...A potential [reboot] breakthrough treatment for PTSD MDMA, which is short for 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine, could be an FDA-approved medication for the treatment of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) as early as next year (2021). In the 1970's and...
Physician Assistants in Psychiatry
Physician Assistants in Psychiatry: Helping to Meet America's Mental Health Needs Article from "Current Psychiatry" September 2019 Here's the article: Physician Assistants in Psychiatry This is a great article that discusses the value of Physician Assistants (PAs) in...
What Is IV Ketamine Infusion Therapy?
A surprising drug with somewhat of a checkered history has reemerged as a promising treatment for severe depression. Ketamine was initially used as an anesthesia medicine in the 1960s. It was administered to soldiers on the front lines during the Vietnam War. At lower...
What is Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS)?
More than 17 million American adults are affected by major depressive disorder, which for simplicity we can simply refer to as depression. Depression is a diagnosable mood disorder that brings about symptoms like intense sadness, loss of energy and appetite, and lack...
Dealing with Loss
“Although the world is full of suffering, it is also full of the overcoming of it.” -Helen Keller Losing a loved one is never easy. I know this first hand. I lost my mother to cancer a little over a year ago. She was on hospice, she knew she was dying, I knew she was...
The New Normal: Tips From a Psychiatrist on how to Optimize Mental Health and Wellness During the Current Pandemic
An Original Article by Dr. Jake Hollingsworth, a board-certified psychiatrist. We’re all in this together. COVID-19 is a very unique situation for one very specific reason; we are all dealing with it together; doctors and patients alike. These are a new set of...
Overprescribing of Benzodiazepines
Benzodiazepines, such as Xanax (alprazolam), Valium (diazepam), and Ativan (lorazepam), are generally prescribed to help treat anxiety disorders, insomnia, and alcohol dependence. However, they can become quite addictive which led the College of Physicians and...
Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS)
What is Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS)? Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) is an interventional psychiatric treatment that uses a magnetic pulse generator to produce magnetic pulses directed at specific locations of the brain. This makes for a safe,...
IV Ketamine for Depression
The use of intravenous (IV) ketamine treatments for depression is one of the latest discoveries in psychiatry. Traditionally, ketamine has been used as an anesthetic for major and minor surgeries. But recent studies have revealed another use for ketamine: as a...
Coping with Stress Over the Holidays
https://www.pacificpsych.com/wp-admin/The holiday season is meant to be a joyous occasion filled with laughter and happiness. But all too often the stress of preparing for large gatherings and purchasing gifts for every relative takes away all the fun.According to the...
What Are Interventional Psychiatric Treatments?
As a board-certified psychiatrist, I can tell you that this is a very exciting time for the field of psychiatry. Traditionally, patients with debilitating depression and anxiety symptoms have seen psychiatrists for a quick medication adjustment, then go home and wait...
Intravenous (IV) Ketamine Testimonial
Transcript Juliet Today is my 14th Ketamine treatment. I came to Dr. Jake back in October after numerous ECT’s, electroconvulsive therapy, and I found that Ketamine has changed my life and has really helped me live again and I haven't been suicidal since I started....
Pacific Psychiatric Intervention & Wellness Centers in the News
Ketamine-Like Drug Approved to Treat Severe Depression A mind-altering medication related to the club drug ketamine has been approved for treatments relating to severe depression. Watch Video
