Gretchen J. Penner, Mental Health Care

Hi, I'm Gretchen J. Penner, LCSW. I support people as they overcome their life challenges and unlock their full potential.

Gretchen J. Penner's Bio:

Gretchen J. Penner is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, LCSW97697. Gretchen holds an MSW degree from California State University, Fullerton with a concentration in Community Mental Health. Gretchen has five years experience working with diverse populations in a variety of settings including schools, out patient treatment centers, residential homeless shelters, and domestic violence shelters. Trained in trauma and child and adolescent pathology, Gretchen has vast experience in crisis intervention, treatment planning, and psychotherapy. In addition to individual psychotherapy, Gretchen J. Penner has worked with couples, families, and groups. Gretchen has developed curriculum from evidence based practices, and has led both psycho-educational and therapy groups, equipping youth, adults and families with increased healthy coping skills, social skills, and decreased symptoms of mental illness. Gretchen J. Penner has worked with high-risk adolescents in a school-based treatment program utilizing her training in Integrative Treatment of Complex Trauma for Adolescents, Mindfulness, and Trauma Focused Cognitive Behavior Therapy (TF-CBT). In addition to her trauma training, Gretchen is professionally trained in safety assessments including suicide assessments and interventions. Gretchen is passionate about what she does. She loves helping people overcome life challenges and discover their full potential whether it is through Mindfulness, Solution-Focused Therapy, or Cognitive-Behavior Therapy.

Gretchen J. Penner's Experience:

Psychotherapist and Owner at Sound Mind Center
June 2021 - Present | San Diego, CA
Providing psychotherapy for those struggling with trauma, eating disorder, anxiety and depression.
Therapist at Therapeutic Center for Anxiety and Trauma
October 2017 - May 2021 | San Diego, CA
Provided individuals, couples, and families a safe non-judgmental place to heal and grow through life challenges.
Therapist/School Social Worker at Mending Matters
August 2016 - June 2017 | San Diego, CA
*Provided individual and group therapy *Provided case management services for individual clients and their families. *Provided leadership, clinical intervention and support in crisis situations
Psychosocial Rehabilitation Specialist (Temp) at Community Research Foundation/Maria Sardinas Wellness and Recovery Center
October 2015 - December 2015 | San Diego, CA
*Provided intakes, screenings, assessments and crisis intervention within a Psychosocial Rehabilitation Treatment model. *Conducted and completed biopsychosocial assessments, DSM IV and ICD 10 diagnosis in Anasazi for clients suffering from SMI including active psychosis and co-occurring disorders. *Collaborated with the interdisciplinary team on the development and execution of treatment plans.
Clinical Therapist/MSW Intern at Hoag Hospital
September 2014 - May 2015 | Newport Beach, CA
*Provided psychotherapy for children, adolescents, and adults *Conducted and completed biopsychosocial assessments, DSM-5 diagnosis, and successful treatment planning for individuals, couples, and families. * Collaborated in the development and execution of a social skills adolescent group * Collaborated in the development and production of quarterly newsletters, which were distributed to hundreds of churches across Southern Orange County.
Intern at Illumination Foundation
May 2014 - August 2014 | Orange County, Ca
*Individual and Group Counseling *Case Management *Created 8 Week Curriculum *Co-Facilitated Life Skills Group
Intern at Mercy House Living Centers
October 2013 - February 2014
* Case Management of residential clients * Conduct intake screenings for new clients * Collaborate with multidisciplinary city and community leaders on behalf of clients * Participate in quality assurance reviews.
Hotline Advocate at Human Options, Inc.
July 2012 - December 2013
* Provide telephone support and emergency intervention * Conduct intake screenings for new clients * Assist and support clients with daily needs * Provide coverage for Children's Program when needed. * Collaborate with multidisciplinary team members on behalf of clients * Participate in multidisciplinary team meetings on behalf of clients
Volunteer at Orange County Rescue Mission
September 2012 - October 2013
* Provide child care for ages 6 months to 5-years-old * Facilitated day programs for high risk elementary school aged children

Gretchen J. Penner's Education:

California State University-Fullerton
2013 – 2015
Master of Social Work (MSW)
Concentration: Community Mental Health
Chapman University
1986 – 1990
Bachelor of Arts (B.A.)
Concentration: Sociology

Gretchen J. Penner's Interests & Activities:

*Clinical Social Work * Mental Health Therapy * Mindfulness * Solution Focused Therapy * Strength Based Perspective * Nutrition and Mental Health

Gretchen J. Penner

Licensed Therapist | Mental Health Care

Hi, I'm Gretchen J. Penner, LCSW. I support people as they overcome their life challenges and unlock their full potential.

Gretchen J. Penner's Bio:

Gretchen J. Penner's Experience:

Psychotherapist and Owner at Sound Mind Center

Therapist at Therapeutic Center for Anxiety and Trauma

Therapist/School Social Worker at Mending Matters

Psychosocial Rehabilitation Specialist (Temp) at Community Research Foundation/Maria Sardinas Wellness and Recovery Center

Clinical Therapist/MSW Intern at Hoag Hospital

Intern at Illumination Foundation

Intern at Mercy House Living Centers

Hotline Advocate at Human Options, Inc.

Volunteer at Orange County Rescue Mission

Gretchen J. Penner's Education:

California State University-Fullerton

Chapman University

Gretchen J. Penner's Interests & Activities: