Trauma and PTSD therapists & psychiatrists in Arcata, CA

I am a board-certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP-BC) dedicated to providing compassionate, patient-centered mental health care to individuals across California. With a background in both nursing and psychiatry, I specialize in diagnosing, treating, and supporting patients with a wide range of mental health conditions, including anxiety, depression, ADHD, bipolar disorder, and more.

Hi. I've been working as a therapist for 9 years. I have my AA in Sociology from Miracosta College, my BA in Psychology from Cal State Long Beach, and my MSW (Master of Social Work) from Cal State San Marcos. I assist people in dealing with stress from work, relationships, etc. I help people process unresolved trauma, grief, etc. I can help utilize the strengths you have, develop new strengths, in helping you live the most meaningful life in what that means to you.

Life's challenges can sometimes feel overwhelming, whether you're struggling with anxiety, depression, relationship concerns, grief, or the transitions that come with different stages of life. You don't have to navigate these experiences alone. My goal is to provide a safe, supportive, and judgment-free space where you can feel heard, understood, and empowered to move toward meaningful change from an eclectic evidenced based approach that promotes hope, stability, and wellness, including faith-based perspective.

I specialize in working with adults and older adults experiencing anxiety, depression, grief and loss, intimate relationship conflict, and couples counseling.I believes my purpose is to assist individuals to live life healthy and with hope.

I have extensive experience with substance abuse, holding a previous Certified Alcohol Drug Certificate (CADC) in Illinois, previous certification as an Emergency Services Prescreener with mental health, certified as a Clinical Trauma Professional, trained in level 2 of the Gottman Couples Method, experienced with anxiety, depression, grief & loss, and intimate relationship conflict. I received an outstanding excellent therapy award in 2021 and am committed to lives being changed. I am inspired daily by my husband, two adult children, and in love with my five grandchildren. In my spare time I love exercising, running miles, and reading educational/spiritual literature to keep myself sharp to assist others in sharpen themselves.

I am a licensed Marriage & Family Therapist. I have offices in Santa Monica, Malibu, Ojai, & Ventura. I practice traditional talk therapy as well as Attachment Focused EMDR both in person and remotely. I also practice Ketamine Assisted Psychotherapy (KAP) with an emphasis on treating depression, anxiety, PTSD, and trauma. My practice focuses on trauma, mood disorders, life transitions, addiction & recovery, and relationships. I trained as a KAP therapist at the Ketamine Training Center in San Rafael, California. I am trained by MAPS in MDMA Assisted Psychotherapy. I am certified in Psychedelic Therapy by Fluence.

I’m a naturally curious, growth-oriented human who believes healing happens when insight meets action. I love helping people zoom out to see the bigger picture of their lives—while also gently zooming in on the patterns, habits, and beliefs that shape their everyday experience.

I’m drawn to the intersection of self-awareness and real-world momentum. Therapy with me is thoughtful, collaborative, and grounded. We can explore the deep stuff—identity, relationships, purpose, transitions—while also building practical tools you can actually use on a Tuesday afternoon when life is lifing.

I value emotional honesty, nervous system regulation, and sustainable growth over quick fixes. I believe you’re not broken—you’re adaptive. Together, we figure out what’s working, what’s outdated, and how to move forward in a way that feels aligned, empowered, and authentically you.

Expect warmth, insight, humor when it fits, and a space where all parts of you are welcome. Healing doesn’t have to be clinical and cold—it can be connected, intentional, and even a little energizing.

I specialize in working with adults experiencing burnout, chronic stress/anxiety, trauma, and neurodivergence. As a neurodivergent therapist who has navigated my own experiences with burnout, I understand how exhausting it can be to constantly feel "on" for everyone else. I’m especially passionate about supporting helping professionals, caregivers, and high-achieving folks who spend so much energy caring for others that they forget to care for themselves. I also bring my full personality into the therapy room (including humor, authenticity, and the occasional slightly twisted joke) when the moment calls for it.