Find a psychiatrist in Lake Forest, CA — covered by insurance


Top psychiatrists in Lake Forest, CA accepting new patients
Lake Forest residents can access holistic mental health support through Headway's extensive network of 1,043 providers. From Foothill Ranch to neighboring Orange County areas, find empowering therapists offering flexible in-person or virtual sessions. Free intake consultations available, with many clients saving significantly through insurance coverage.
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.
Hi, I'm Dr. Chigozie Jones Onuh, a Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner. I serve clients across all ages and demographics. I have experience in treating clients with Depression, PTSD, Generalized Anxiety Disorders, Schizophrenia, Mood disorders, Substance use disorders, and other psychiatric related issues.
Hello, and welcome! My name is Dr. Georgiana Anugom, DNP, PMHNP-BC. I am a board-certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner with over six years of experience providing compassionate, evidence-based mental health care to adolescents and adults.
I earned my Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) degree and have extensive experience treating a wide range of mental health conditions, including depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, PTSD, OCD, ADHD, and borderline personality disorder (BPD). I believe in treating each individual with dignity, respect, and empathy. My goal is to create a safe, nonjudgmental space where clients from all backgrounds feel heard, understood, and supported throughout their mental health journey.
I am passionate about helping individuals achieve emotional wellness, improve their quality of life, and develop the tools needed to thrive in their personal and professional lives.
I'm Candice Jeffers, a board-certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner with an unusual background—I spent nearly a decade in cardiovascular critical care before dedicating myself to mental health. That ICU experience taught me something crucial: psychiatric crises deserve the same urgency, expertise, and unwavering support as any cardiac emergency.
For nine years at Ascension Seton Medical Center's Cardiovascular ICU, I supervised teams through impossible situations. I learned to stay steady when everything felt uncertain, to read the subtle signs others might miss, and to offer hope when families needed it most. Those years shaped how I practice psychiatry today—with precision, presence, and profound respect for what you're facing.
I completed my Master of Science in Nursing at University of South Alabama in 2024, immersing myself in over 600 clinical hours spanning outpatient clinics, inpatient psychiatry, and crisis intervention. My pediatric nursing background adds another layer—I understand how early experiences shape us and how differently mental health shows up across ages.
My practice centers on thorough psychiatric evaluations, personalized medication management, and crisis intervention for all ages. I specialize in suicide risk assessment, trauma-informed approaches, and evidence-based treatments that actually fit into real lives. I'm MOUD-trained and licensed for telehealth in Texas, California, Arizona, and Florida.
Here's what matters most: I approach mental health as someone who's held space for both miracles and heartbreak. I know seeking help requires tremendous courage. I know healing rarely follows a straight line. And I know you need a provider who won't flinch, no matter what you share. My work blends critical care decisiveness with deep compassion—because you deserve both.
I am a board-certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP-BC) providing compassionate, integrative psychiatric care in California, Utah, and Washington via telehealth, and in-person in Rocklin, California.
I work with adolescents and adults navigating anxiety, depression, ADHD, OCD, bipolar disorder, trauma, burnout, stress, sleep problems, and perinatal and postpartum mental health. If something feels off and you're not sure where to start, you're in the right place.
I provide evaluation and medication management using a trauma-informed approach that considers your sleep, stress, lifestyle, and history. I collaborate with therapists and other providers to support coordinated, patient-centered treatment.
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.
I’m David Cao, a board-certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner providing online psychiatric evaluation and medication management for adults throughout California. I especially enjoy working with young adults dealing with anxiety, depression, stress, overthinking, or feeling overwhelmed.
If reaching out for psychiatric care feels intimidating, my goal is to make the process feel approachable. My style is calm, laid-back, and collaborative. Our sessions are more like conversations than interrogations, and I want you to feel comfortable being yourself. I’ll be there for the difficult conversations, celebrate the small wins with you, and make room for a little humor along the way.
With over 7 years of experience in mental health care, I understand how difficult it can be to balance everyday responsibilities while struggling with your mental health.
Hi, I'm Chidinma! I am a dual-certified Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP-C) and Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP-BC). I bring over 14 years of diverse clinical experience, including more than 9 years practicing independently as an advanced practice nurse.
My background spans complex healthcare settings—including the VA Healthcare System, Primary care, Urgent care, and Correctional medicine—where I have proudly delivered comprehensive care across the lifespan.
I firmly believe that physical health and mental well-being are deeply intertwined. By combining my extensive primary care and psychiatric expertise, I provide thorough, comprehensive evaluations for individuals of all ages, ensuring you receive safe, well-rounded care that honors your unique background.
Welcome! I’m a dedicated Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP), passionate about providing holistic, solution-oriented care to individuals of all ages. I earned my degree from the University of South Alabama, and my approach is rooted in compassion, active listening, and evidence-based treatment tailored to your unique needs.
I specialize in medication management and psychotherapy for a wide range of mental health conditions, including anxiety, depression, OCD, PTSD, bipolar disorder, ADHD, schizophrenia, and mood disorders. Whether you’re a child, young adult, or part of the older adult population, my goal is to create a safe, supportive space where healing and growth can thrive.
I believe in treating the whole person, not just symptoms. Together, we’ll develop a personalized plan to help you regain balance and move forward with confidence. I look forward to supporting you on your mental wellness journey!
I am a Board Certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner who provides compassionate, patient-centered, and evidence-based care. I strive to create a safe, nonjudgmental space where you feel heard and supported. Together, we develop personalized treatment plans focused on your goals, well-being, and long-term mental health.
About our psychiatrists located within 20 miles of Lake Forest, CA



- 100%Anxiety
- 100%Depression
- 95%ADD/ADHD
- 91%Bipolar disorder
- 82%Stress management

- 100%Aetna
- 100%Cigna
- 100%Anthem Blue Cross California
- 91%Carelon Behavioral Health
- 73%United Healthcare

- 100%English
- 18%Spanish
- 9%Hindi
- 5%Arabic
- 5%French

- 100%In-person or online

- 64%Woman
- 36%Man

- 100%Nurse Practitioner

- 100%Individual therapy
- 5%Family 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 Lake Forest
Finding psychiatrists in Lake Forest starts with knowing which type of 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 and other forms of support. Medication management may be part of care for concerns such as anxiety, depression, ADHD, bipolar disorder, or OCD. Both therapy and psychiatry can be useful entry points, depending on what you are looking for.
In a smaller city like Lake Forest, local psychiatry options may be more limited than in larger parts of Orange County, so virtual appointments can help expand your search. Psychiatry visits, including medication management appointments, are often shorter and less frequent than therapy sessions. Some psychiatrists also offer therapy, and some people work with both a therapist and a prescriber. As you compare options, look at availability, whether the psychiatrist is accepting new patients, and what each bio says about clinical focus, communication style, and appointment format.
Psychiatric care in Lake Forest can be a significant expense without insurance. Using in-network insurance is one of the most reliable ways to reduce session costs and see your estimated cost before you book. Headway helps you find psychiatrists who may match your preferences, with many providers accepting insurance and accepting new patients, so you can review bios, compare appointment options, and book directly when you are 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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