Dr. Susan Iyican

Dr. Iyican completed her doctorate in clinical psychology at the University of Houston, where her graduate research focused on interventions for distressed couples as well as risk factors and treatment for intimate partner violence. In addition to studying and working clinically with couples, she received extensive training in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) for individuals dealing with anxiety, trauma, stress, and depression.

After finishing her doctorate, Dr. Iyican completed an APA accredited postdoctoral fellowship at the UC San Diego/VA San Diego Healthcare System residency program. As a fellow at the VA’s Family Mental Health Program, she provided Veterans and their partners with couple and individual therapy. This fellowship provided further intensive training in evidence-based psychotherapies, including Integrative Behavioral Couple Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Couple Therapy for PTSD, and Cognitive Processing Therapy for PTSD.

In addition to providing psychotherapy services to couples and individuals through the Couples Wellness Center, Dr. Iyican previously worked as a staff psychologist at the VA San Diego Healthcare System and as an Assistant Health Sciences Clinical Professor at UC San Diego. She has co-authored publications and professional presentations focused on the topics of couple therapy and intimate partner violence.

Dr. Iyican is certified in Integrative Behavioral Couple Therapy, has completed advanced Level 3 Gottman Method Couple Therapy Training and the Emotionally Focused Couple Therapy Externship.

Dr. Iyican is also a mother of two and brings both professional expertise and lived experience to her work with new parents. Her personal journey sparked a deep interest in perinatal mental health and inspired her to pursue advanced training (PMH-C) in treating perinatal mood and anxiety disorders.

Dr. Iyican’s approach is warm, collaborative, and grounded in evidence-based practices. She offers both individual and couple therapy, beginning with a thorough assessment to understand each client’s unique concerns and goals. For couples, this includes an in-depth four-session evaluation to identify patterns, strengths, and challenges in the relationship, followed by a tailored treatment plan. For individuals, therapy begins with a mental health intake to develop a clear plan for addressing their specific needs. Whether working with individuals or couples, Dr. Iyican focuses on practical, research-backed strategies to promote meaningful and lasting change.

Clients can expect to leave sessions with greater insight and actionable tools. Couples will learn evidence-based skills to improve communication, deepen connection, and address relationship challenges. Individual clients will gain clarity around their emotional experiences and develop personalized strategies to support their goals. Across all treatment, Dr. Iyican creates a space that is warm, supportive, and effective in helping clients move forward.