Find a psychiatrist in Escondido, CA — covered by insurance


Top psychiatrists in Escondido, CA accepting new patients
Whether you're in Escondido's Felicity, Downtown, or Rincon neighborhoods, Headway's 1,044 providers offer compassionate talk therapy and medication management. Sessions are available virtually or in-person with insurance accepted, helping you find the right fit for your mental health journey.
I'm Saby Kirpal, a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner dedicated to providing comprehensive mental health care. I hold Master's degrees from Chamberlain University and Walden University, graduating with Presidential Honors, reflecting my commitment to clinical excellence. My diverse professional background spans inpatient psychiatric hospitals, residential treatment centers, and outpatient clinics, giving me insight into mental health treatment at every level of care. I specialize in treating depression, anxiety, autism spectrum disorders, eating disorders, and substance use disorders across age groups. My experience includes working with children as young as eight through adults in crisis stabilization, residential treatment, and ongoing medication management.
What makes my practice unique is the integration of my nursing background with psychiatric expertise. I understand how physical health, medications, lifestyle factors, and mental health interconnect. Being trilingual in English, Hindi, and Punjabi, with conversational Spanish, allows me to serve diverse communities and appreciate how culture shapes mental health experiences.
I've worked from UCSF Health to community clinics, teaching me that excellent care isn't about the setting—it's about the relationship. Whether you're seeking help for the first time, between providers, or managing ongoing conditions, I'm here to partner with you. My approach centers on listening first, explaining clearly, and making decisions together. Mental health treatment should never feel like something done to you, but rather something we navigate together. I'm committed to creating a space where you feel respected, understood, and genuinely supported.
You show up every day: for your clients, your patients, your family, your team. But somewhere between all of that, showing up for yourself got lost. If you are a caregiver, a healthcare professional, or someone who has spent years keeping everything running, you may have noticed the anxiety, the exhaustion, or the low-grade stress that just will not lift. That is exactly who I work with. As a board-certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner and Certified Compassion Fatigue Professional with more than 25 years in healthcare, including mental health crisis urgent care, inpatient and outpatient settings, and telehealth work with adults experiencing depression, ADHD, bipolar disorder, PTSD, OCD, and panic disorders, I bring clinical depth and a genuine understanding of what burnout does to the body and mind. I trained at Azusa Pacific University (BSN, Public Health Nursing) and Wilkes University (MSN, PMHNP), and my goal is to help high-functioning professionals and caregivers restore clarity, resilience, and balance.
IMPORTANT: For current availability, visit https://mentalhealthpractitioners.com/ or call or text us anytime at 415-968-6515—we make it super easy! Intake forms are required before your first appointment and will be emailed to you when you book online. You can text us your info or email us at [email protected]. Please be sure to send us a picture of your insurance information and photo ID!
Hi! I'm Christina Stelly, DNP, APRN, PMHNP-BC — a board-certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner based in Martinez, CA. With over 15 years of clinical experience across inpatient psychiatry, maternal health, and advanced practice, I am deeply committed to delivering compassionate, evidence-based mental health care to every person I serve.
I specialize in treating schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, PTSD, depression, anxiety, etc.
My academic background includes a Post-Certificate DNP in Psychiatric Mental Health from the University of Illinois Chicago, a Doctorate of Nursing Practice from Texas Tech University, and a Master of Science in Nursing from Touro University. I also completed an intensive NP residency focused on advanced psychiatric care, crisis stabilization, and forensic psychiatry, which further strengthened my clinical expertise.
Earlier in my career, I specialized in maternal mental health, serving as a Patient Care Director for high-risk obstetric populations and contributing to perinatal mental health policy at the state and national levels. This background gives me a uniquely broad, whole-person perspective on psychiatric care across the lifespan.
My approach is grounded in trauma-informed, individualized care. I take time to fully understand your history, concerns, and goals before collaboratively building a treatment plan tailored to you. I have also served on health policy committees and presented at national nursing conferences, reflecting my commitment to psychiatric care.
Helping people reclaim their mental health and quality of life is not just my profession — it is my purpose. I am Christina Stelly, a Board-Certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP-BC) based in Martinez, California, with a deep commitment to compassionate, evidence-based psychiatric care. My path to this work has been shaped by years of experience across diverse, high-acuity clinical settings, and I bring both clinical expertise and genuine care to every patient I serve.
My educational foundation includes a Post-Certificate DNP in Psychiatric Mental Health from the University of Illinois Chicago, a Doctorate of Nursing Practice from Texas Tech University, and a Master of Science in Nursing from Touro University — all built upon over a decade of hands-on clinical nursing experience.
I provide comprehensive psychiatric evaluations, medication management, and crisis intervention for veterans navigating conditions including schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, PTSD, and substance use disorders. Prior to this role, I completed an advanced NP residency focused on forensic psychiatry and crisis stabilization, and served as Patient Care Director overseeing high-risk maternal mental health at the University of Illinois Chicago.
I specialize in caring for diverse and underserved populations, including veterans, individuals with severe mental illness, co-occurring disorders, and those in acute psychiatric crisis. My perinatal psychiatry background also provides a unique perspective for supporting individuals through some of life's most vulnerable transitions.
Beyond direct patient care, I am an active mental health policy advocate, contributing to state advisory councils and national nursing organizations. I believe every person deserves dignified, individualized care — and if you are ready to take the next step, I warmly welcome the opportunity to connect and support you.
Hi, I’m a Board-Certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner with over 20 years of nursing experience. I provide thoughtful, personalized care for individuals dealing with anxiety, depression, ADHD, and other common mental health concerns. My approach is warm, respectful, and judgment-free — I believe real healing starts with feeling heard and understood. I work closely with each client to create a treatment plan that feels supportive, practical, and tailored to their unique needs.
It is my prayer to build a practice that helps you reach a place where your mental health is truly at the forefront. My hope is that with each appointment—and each day—you feel supported in moving closer to the best version of yourself.
Hello, I'm William Jakini, a board-certified Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner and founder of Aurora Mental Health Services. I work with adults experiencing anxiety, depression, ADHD, trauma-related symptoms, PTSD, insomnia, and other mental health concerns. My background in psychiatric care has taught me that every person's story is different, and effective treatment starts with understanding the individual behind the symptoms. I strive to create a supportive, respectful environment where clients feel comfortable discussing their concerns and working toward meaningful improvement.
As a Nurse Practitioner, I believe healthcare should be a partnership, not a prescription. My approach combines advanced clinical skills with a deep commitment to patient advocacy, ensuring every individual has the tools and confidence to take charge of their health. I specialize in creating personalized treatment plans that honor the whole person — mind, body, and spirit. Whether I’m diagnosing, prescribing, or simply listening, my mission is to make every patient feel seen, heard, and cared for. I strive to turn sessions into moments of trust, learning, and hope."
I am board certified in Family Practice as well as Psychiatry and have been in practice for 25 year. I work with mental health issues such as depression, anxiety, sleep disorders, bipolar disorder, as well as address physical symptoms or issues that may affect mental health. I hold a Doctorate degree in education and Master Degrees in Advance Practice Nursing and education.
I’m a board-certified Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner with over a decade of experience in mental health. I provide care in both English and Spanish. I enjoy helping people better understand their mental health and find treatment that works for them.
About our psychiatrists serving Escondido, CA



- 99%Depression
- 99%Anxiety
- 87%ADD/ADHD
- 85%Bipolar disorder
- 85%PTSD

- 98%Aetna
- 96%Cigna
- 89%Carelon Behavioral Health
- 84%Anthem Blue Cross California
- 57%United Healthcare

- 99%English
- 8%Spanish
- 5%Tagalog
- 4%Igbo
- 3%Hindi

- 90%Online only
- 10%In-person or online

- 73%Woman
- 27%Man

- 91%Nurse Practitioner
- 7%Medical Doctor
- 1%Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine

- 96%Individual therapy
- 18%Family therapy
- 7%Couples therapy
- 7%Child or adolescent therapy
Frequently asked questions


Find the right psychiatrist for you
Headway makes it easy to find support for your mental health — from finding the right provider, to understanding costs, to scheduling with ease.
Factors to Consider When Choosing a Therapist in Escondido
Finding psychiatrists in Escondido starts with knowing which type of mental health care fits your needs. Psychiatrists and psychiatric mental health nurse practitioners can diagnose mental health conditions and prescribe medication, while therapists focus on talk therapy. Medication management may be part of care for concerns like anxiety, depression, ADHD, bipolar disorder, or OCD. Some people start with a therapist, some start with a prescriber, and some work with both. Review each psychiatrist’s listed specialties, credentials, and approach to see whether their training matches what you want support with.
Escondido is a smaller city, so local in-person psychiatry options may be more limited than in larger parts of San Diego County. Virtual appointments can expand your search while still giving you access to psychiatrists licensed in California. Psychiatric medication management appointments are often shorter and less frequent than therapy sessions, so scheduling fit matters. As you compare options, look at appointment availability, whether the psychiatrist is accepting new patients, and whether they offer therapy in addition to prescribing. Reading bios can also help you understand communication style and what to expect in a first visit.
Psychiatric care in Escondido can be a significant expense without insurance. Using in-network insurance is one of the most reliable ways to reduce session costs and understand your expected out-of-pocket cost before you book. Headway helps you search for psychiatrists who match your preferences, verify insurance, and see estimated costs upfront. Every provider listed is accepting new patients, making it easier to compare bios, choose a covered psychiatrist, and book directly when you’re ready.
If you're already taking psychiatric medication and considering switching providers, talk to your current prescriber before changing or stopping any medication — most psychiatric medications shouldn't be stopped abruptly. Anyone experiencing thoughts of self-harm or in acute crisis should call 988 or go to the nearest emergency department rather than wait for an outpatient appointment.
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