Dr. Ipek Aykol, PhD, LMFT (#97315), is the founder and Clinical Director of Mind & Wellness Center in Newport Beach, California, where she leads a team dedicated to providing compassionate, evidence-based mental health care. She is passionate about helping individuals, couples, and families navigate life's most difficult challenges with resilience, hope, and lasting transformation.

​

Dr. Aykol earned her doctorate in Holistic Life Counseling with a specialization in Holistic Healing. She also holds a Master's Degree in Marriage and Family Therapy from California State University, Long Beach, and a Bachelor's Degree in Psychology from Koç University in Istanbul, Turkey. Her doctoral work strengthened her commitment to integrating evidence-based psychotherapy with holistic approaches that recognize the connection between the mind, body, and spirit.

​

With extensive experience treating trauma, addiction, anxiety, depression, relationship concerns, and life transitions, Dr. Aykol believes that every individual's story deserves to be heard with compassion and without judgment. Her therapeutic approach is personalized, collaborative, and rooted in creating a safe space where clients can heal, grow, and rediscover their strengths.

​

In addition to traditional psychotherapy, Dr. Aykol integrates complementary wellness practices when appropriate, helping clients develop greater self-awareness, emotional resilience, and overall well-being. Her work reflects a whole-person philosophy that supports healing on emotional, psychological, and personal levels.

​

Dr. Aykol also provides comprehensive Immigration Psychological Evaluations, including evaluations for Asylum, VAWA, U Visa, Hardship Waivers, and other immigration matters. She is known for conducting thorough, compassionate assessments that thoughtfully document the psychological impact of trauma and hardship while maintaining the highest professional standards.

​

Beyond her clinical work, Dr. Aykol is an educator, speaker, and advocate for mental health. She enjoys sharing practical, evidence-based strategies on trauma recovery, addiction treatment, emotional wellness, and holistic healing with both professionals and the community. Her mission is to make mental health care more approachable, reduce stigma, and empower individuals to seek support with confidence.

As the founder of Mind & Wellness Center, Dr. Aykol is committed to building a practice where clients feel genuinely seen, supported, and respected. Whether someone is taking the first step toward therapy or continuing their healing journey, she believes meaningful change begins with a trusting therapeutic relationship and the belief that healing is always possible.

​

"Healing is not about becoming someone new—it's about reconnecting with the strength that has always been within you."