Find a psychiatrist in Salinas, CA — covered by insurance

I’m a board-certified psychiatrist who works with adolescents through older adults, and I bring both medical and therapeutic training into my work. In addition to psychiatry, I’ve completed advanced training in psychodynamic psychotherapy, which allows me to look beyond symptoms and explore the deeper emotional patterns shaping your experience.

I specialize in mood disorders, trauma and PTSD, ADHD, and women’s mental health, including the unique challenges that come with life transitions. Whether you’re navigating longstanding patterns or a more recent shift, I aim to create a space that feels warm, affirming, and grounded in real understanding.

My patients can expect me to be warm, empathetic, and genuinely interested in their story. I take time to understand not just current struggles, but also personal history and experiences that have shaped who they are. I believe that mental health is deeply connected to overall health, and treating psychiatric conditions can positively impact all areas of life. I work with all patients and conditions, and I always meet people where they are. If someone isn’t ready for medications, I fully support their choice and will be there to provide guidance, education, and care until the time feels right for them. Above all, I listen, I value each person’s perspective, and I aim to create a safe space where patients feel truly heard.

Hello! I’m a board-certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner providing personalized care through telehealth. I work with adults experiencing anxiety, depression, trauma, ADHD and stress-related challenges. My goal is to create a space where you feel comfortable, heard, and supported without judgment. I take a collaborative approach to care and include medication management when appropriate. I also offer services in both English and Spanish.

My goal is to create a space where you feel comfortable, understood, and supported. I know that seeking help for your mental health can take courage, and I deeply respect each person’s journey. I take time to listen, collaborate, and find a treatment plan that fits your individual needs and lifestyle. I value open communication and believe that healing happens best when we work together as a team.

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 know how heavy life can feel when you’re carrying pain, uncertainty, or self-doubt. But I believe, as a wise old wizard once said, “Happiness can be found even in the darkest of places, if one only remembers to turn on the light.” My role is to help you find that light again. I work with Gen Z and Millennial adults facing anxiety, depression, trauma, bipolar disorder, ADHD, and more. Through integrative, culturally responsive care, I combine evidence-based psychiatry with holistic strategies to help you feel heard, supported, and empowered to create a life that aligns with your true self.