SAN JOSE & SANTA CRUZAbout Anxiety Treatment Services
Since our founding in 1993, we've been committed to evidence-based, personalized treatment. Our mission is simple: therapy and counseling that's affordable, accessible, and shaped around each client's unique needs.
Dr. Amie Juarez, Ed.D
Licensed Psychologist, PSY36579
Dr. Juarez received her B.A. in Psychology from San Francisco State University and her M.A. in Counseling Psychology from Notre Dame de Namur University. She earned her Doctorate in Counseling Psychology at Argosy University, with a dissertation exploring long-term relationships and the oxytocin effect over time.
Before joining the practice, Dr. Juarez spent 11 years at the Foundation for Autistic Children Education and Support (FACES) — starting as an Applied Behavioral Therapist and advancing to Early Intervention Director, where she oversaw the Foundation, worked directly with School District Special Education Supervisors, and supervised a staff of 60 therapists and support personnel.
Jasper Lee, M.A.
Jasper grew up in a psychologically-focused family — his grandfather and mother were both practicing Licensed Marriage and Family Therapists. He earned his B.A. in Communication Studies from San Diego State University, then his M.A. in Counseling Psychology from John F. Kennedy University, with coursework spanning counseling theory, family systems, and somatic psychology.
Jasper joined Anxiety Treatment Services in 2022 and has trained specifically in treating panic, phobias, PTSD, OCD, social anxiety, and traumatic stress, along with anger, career stress, insomnia, and relationship issues. Outside the office, he enjoys hiking in the Santa Cruz mountains and spending time with family.
Lilli Specter, Ph.D.
Lilli earned her doctorate in Ecological Psychology from UC Santa Cruz, researching how nature and ecological connection shape emotional and psychological wellbeing — after graduating Magna Cum Laude with a B.A. in Psychology from Emory University and a Postgraduate Certificate in Philosophy from the University of Cambridge.
As a trained yoga teacher, Lilli incorporates embodied awareness into her work, and her background spans two years at PCH Treatment Center helping clients overcome fear-based disorders, hospice care volunteering, and supporting psychedelic integration through the Fireside Project Support Line. She's guided by the belief that healing emerges through right relationship — with ourselves, one another, and the wider living world.
Dr. Donald B. Dufford, PhD
Dr. Dufford founded Anxiety Treatment Services in 1993 and spent his career helping people find relief from anxiety, trauma, and depression. He received his Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology from Sierra University, his M.A. from Cornell University, and his B.S. from Rutgers University — practicing since 1985 as a Certified Cognitive-Behavioral Therapist, Certified Clinical Hypnotherapist, Certified Expert in Traumatic Stress, and Certified Doctoral Addictions Counselor.
He was a professional member of the California Psychological Association, the Anxiety Disorders Association of America, the Obsessive Compulsive Foundation, the Trichotillomania Learning Center, and the International EMDR Association.
Dr. Dufford has since passed away, and is remembered with gratitude for the foundation he built and the thousands of clients he helped over more than three decades.