About
Mindpath College Health serves college and university students, faculty, and staff.
Caroline (she/her) is drawn to mental health because she believes everyone deserves the opportunity to heal, grow, and live a meaningful life. Throughout her career, she has witnessed the profound impact that therapy can have in helping people navigate life’s challenges, rediscover their strengths, and build resilience.
She especially enjoys working with college students as they navigate one of life’s most significant periods of growth and transition. Balancing academic demands, relationships, family expectations, identity development, financial pressures, and planning for the future can feel overwhelming. Caroline provides a supportive, collaborative space where students can develop practical coping skills, increase self-awareness, and build confidence as they move toward their goals.
Caroline’s therapeutic approach is collaborative, trauma-sensitive, and grounded in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT). With more than 20 years of clinical experience, she provides compassionate, evidence-based care for adults experiencing depression, anxiety, trauma, ADHD, bipolar disorder, psychosis, and other mental health concerns. She also has extensive experience working with survivors of domestic violence, individuals who engage in domestic violence, military service members and veterans, LGBTQ+ clients, and transitional-aged youth (TAY).
Outside of her work, Caroline enjoys cooking, traveling, and spending time with her husband, Ajay, and their two cats, Stanley and Basil.
Quick Facts
- Role: (LMFT)
- Gender: Female
- Works with: Adults
- Languages: English
- Care options: Online (California)
- Location: 8950 Villa La Jolla Dr STE C121 La Jolla, CA 92037
Education & Certifications
- Master of Arts in Marriage and Family Therapy – University of San Diego
Location & Telehealth Availability
- Offers online appointments for patients located anywhere in California
Areas of Focus
- Anxiety
- Depression
- Adjustment disorder
- Panic attacks/disorders
- Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)
- Mood disorders
- Bipolar disorders
- Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD)
- Stress management
- Trauma/post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
- Grief & loss
- Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT)
- Mental health consultation/evaluation
- Academic Issues
- Addiction disorders
- Anger management
- Behavior modification
- Child abuse
- Co-occuring conditions
- Dialectical behavioral therapy (DBT)
- Domestic violence
- Gender-affirming mental health care
- LGBTQIA+
- Personality disorders
- Phobias
- Physical/sexual abuse
- Women’s mental health
Office Location
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes. Caroline Bender is a therapist with Mindpath Health in La Jolla, California. Her profile lists the La Jolla office location at 8950 Villa La Jolla Dr, STE C121, La Jolla, CA 92037.
Caroline Bender’s areas of focus include anxiety, depression, adjustment disorder, panic attacks/disorders, attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), mood disorders, bipolar disorders, obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), stress management, trauma/post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), grief & loss, cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), and mental health consultation/evaluation.
Caroline Bender works with adults.
Caroline does not offer medication management.
Caroline Bender’s office is located at 8950 Villa La Jolla Dr, STE C121, La Jolla, CA 92037.
Caroline Bender’s profile lists English as her language.
The clinician page includes a “Schedule Now” option for booking with Mindpath Health.
Caroline Bender top insurers are Adventist Health, Aetna, Alameda Alliance, Alignment Health Plan Medicare Advantage Plan, Anthem Blue Cross Commercial, Anthem Blue Cross Medi-Cal, Anthem Blue Cross Medicare Advantage Plan, Anthem Medi-Cal, Blue Shield of CA, Carelon/Beacon Health Options, Cash – Self Pay, Cigna, First Health, Health Plan of San Joaquin (HPSJ), Medi-Cal, Medicare, Medicare Advantage, Medicare Supplemental, Northern Kaiser, Optum / UBH, Partnership HealthPlan of California, SCAN-Medicare Advantage, Scripps Health Plan, Sharp Health Plan, Sutter, United Healthcare, and Wellfleet Student Plan.