Jesus Payan, MA

Jesus (he/him) is a dedicated and versatile mental health professional with a Master of Arts in Counseling from San Diego State University. He holds a certificate in working with Native American & Indigenous youth and is also certified in breathwork, meditation, yoga, and weightlifting, integrating these healing modalities into his practice to meet the diverse needs of his clients.

Jesus brings a wealth of experience to his work, having supported young adults in cultural and professional development at the university level, provided behavioral and academic support to middle and high school students, and currently, working with individuals and families across the country through a crisis line. His passion lies in working with teens and young adults, particularly middle schoolers, where he takes great pride in addressing their unique challenges and helping them grow.

At the core of Jesus’ approach is a commitment to authenticity and the belief that every human being deserves to feel seen, validated, and connected. He is a strong advocate for men’s mental health, encouraging healthier ways to cope with stress and fostering meaningful connections. His clinical practice is client-centered, focusing on building authentic rapport through a strength-based and growth mindset while taking practical steps to create lasting change. Jesus believes that everyone has a story worth hearing and a dream worth pursuing.

Drawn to Wonder’s innovative and dynamic approach, Jesus appreciates the integration of activity-based support and therapeutic experiences as a natural way to embed healing into everyday life. His authenticity, curiosity, and willingness to explore new avenues—whether through tough conversations or new hobbies—allow him to connect deeply with clients. During his time at the University of Iowa, he focused on supporting students in exploring their cultural identities, and in his work with middle and high school students, he helped them cultivate self-efficacy by recognizing their everyday achievements. As a crisis counselor, he is passionate about holding space for individuals struggling with grief, loss, anxiety, depression, and relationship concerns.

Originally from Chicago, Jesus was born and raised there, but after completing his graduate studies at SDSU, he chose to make California his permanent home. In his free time, Jesus enjoys playing beach volleyball, bouldering, outdoor climbing, and walking along the bay and beach at night. He also loves visiting his retired parents near Las Vegas. His next adventures include learning how to sail and practicing jiu-jitsu. With an extensive background in boxing and Muay Thai, Jesus appreciates the emotional, physical, and mental discipline required to master these arts. He also enjoys indulging in tacos, pho, sushi, and soul food and has recently discovered a newfound interest in sweets.

Jesus’ broad skill set and deep passion for mental health make him a valuable resource for the families he works with. His certifications in yoga, breathwork, meditation, sound bath practices, and weightlifting provide him with a holistic approach to healing, tailored to the needs of young adults and their families.