Debra Halliday, Psy.D.

Debra Halliday, Psy.D. (License #: CA PSY23206) is the visionary Founder, CEO, and Chief Psychologist of the Halliday Center for Psychotherapy and Wellness, a multidisciplinary practice dedicated to providing thoughtful, evidence-based care to children, individuals, couples, and families across North County San Diego.

Dr. Halliday’s approach to building the Center is rooted in a lifelong commitment to service. She began her work in 1980 as a volunteer doula with the Beach Area Community Clinic and as a midwife with Birthways in Encinitas, supporting families through pivotal life moments. After returning to San Diego in 2007, she brought that same philosophy of care into what would become the Halliday Center.

Today, the Halliday Center for Psychotherapy and Wellness has grown into a trusted, multidisciplinary practice serving individuals, couples, and families throughout North County San Diego. The Halliday Center offers both in-person and telehealth services in multiple languages, including English, French, Spanish, and Farsi, with a strong commitment to accessibility and inclusive care. The team supports a wide range of needs, while prioritizing underserved populations, including LGBTQ+ individuals, people of color, women, veterans, and active-duty military members. Sliding scale and pro bono services remain an important part of the Center’s mission.

Beyond the Halliday Center, Debra Halliday has contributed to the broader field of psychology through leadership and advocacy. She has served as President of the San Diego Psychological Association and as Co-Chair of its Ethics and Standards Committee, supporting professional integrity during a time of increased demand for mental health services. She has also participated in statewide advocacy efforts to expand access to care.

The Halliday Center reflects Dr. Halliday’s vision: a collaborative, compassionate space where high-quality mental health care is accessible, and where both clients and clinicians feel supported in their growth.

“Dr. Debra Halliday continues to lead and innovate in psychotherapy, offering personalized, empathetic care that resonates with and supports the needs of her patients.”

Expertise

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)
Psychodynamic Therapy
Jungian Therapy
Group Therapy
Couples Psychotherapy

Specializations

Dr. Halliday offers specialized and evidence-based services tailored to the concerns of her patients. She specializes in working with:

Adults 16+ (young adults through seniors)
Anxiety
Bipolar Disorder
Borderline Personality Disorder
Couples Therapy
Depression
LGBTQ Issues
Life Transitions
OCD
Trauma
Consultation

Dr. Debra Halliday Is Not Currently Accepting New Patients

Capabilities

As a warm and collaborative therapist, Dr. Debra Halliday brings tools, support, and practical feedback to help patients effectively address personal challenges. She emphasizes a multi-modal and individualized approach in therapy, focusing on deep empathy and empowerment. Her methods are insight-oriented and solutions-focused, catering to the unique journey of each client.

Experience

Dr. Halliday involvement in forming consultation groups, providing clinical training, and her current role as President of the San Diego Psychological Association (SDPA) highlights her commitment to the field. She holds a Master’s degree and Doctorate (Psy.D.) in psychology from The PGSP-Stanford University PsyD. Consortium in Palo Alto California and an undergraduate degree in Psychology from UC Berkeley.