Addiction therapists & psychiatrists in Atascadero, CA

I'm invested in helping you find value and joy in your life!

For over the past decade in this field, I have assisted clients at all stages of life. I prefer to show up with humility, humor, and genuine humanity.

Hello, my name is Alexander Valenzuela PMHNP. I specialize in psychiatric medication management and cognitive behavioral talk therapy. If you're struggling with your mental health and realize you want help, you don't have to do it alone. I am looking forward to starting the journey with you to help achieve your best self.

My path into psychiatry is both professional and personal. I moved to the U.S. alone at 17 while navigating complex PTSD and periods of misdiagnosis, which shaped how I understand mental health today. I began with a bachelor’s degree in psychology at Nankai University, then trained as a nurse and nurse practitioner at Charles R. Drew University and Purdue University.

Over the past 7 years, I’ve worked across medical and mental health settings, developing an approach that balances clinical precision with individualized care. I specialize in anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder, and complex PTSD, particularly for individuals who feel stuck or haven’t found relief in traditional treatment.

I’m licensed in California, Virginia, New York, Washington, and Oregon, and provide care via telehealth.

My clients should know that I truly care about their well-being and take the time to listen. I want them to feel comfortable, respected, and never rushed. I believe in providing care that is compassionate, thorough, and personalized to their needs. I also value honesty, trust, and clear communication, so clients feel informed and supported every step of the way.

I am Tony Gunn, a Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker and Licensed Clinical Social Worker. I am also a Substance Abuse Professional and a board certified transgender care therapist. I value connection, trust, and respect.

I work with adults, teens, families, and couples. My focus areas include LGBTQIA+ clients, gender nonconforming clients, transgender care, sexual health concerns, trauma, grief, mood concerns, and major life transitions.

You receive care grounded in empathy, cultural awareness, and collaboration. Sessions center on clear goals, practical skills, and meaningful insight. I create a space where you feel heard, supported, and understood without judgment.

I provide services through in-person and telehealth settings. My approach blends evidence-based practice with care shaped around your needs, values, and lived experience. My goal centers on supporting clarity, stability, and long-term well-being through an affirming therapeutic relationship.

I’m here to make this journey feel gentle, welcoming, and human. I keep things clear and simple so you can focus on what matters, not the overwhelm. My style is warm, encouraging, and a little poetic—because softness helps us breathe. Let’s take this step together, one calm moment at a time.

Life is filled with ups and downs, which can seem overwhelming at times for many of us. Whether you are struggling with depression, anxiety, trauma, going through a stressful transition in life, or getting stuck in negative thoughts or beliefs, I am here to help you get unstuck.

I communicate in a direct but supportive manner, fostering an environment where you feel heard. Through active listening and structured feedback, we'll work as a team to identify challenges and set clear, achievable goals. Expect me to be understanding yet focused on guiding you to develop resilience and coping skills to overcome difficulties.

My goal is to work collectively as a team with you to identify current difficulties and assist your efforts to overcome these difficulties in a healthy environment where you feel heard and supported. Measurable treatment goals will be established and take priority for each client I serve.

Clients often describe me as warm, approachable, and easy to talk to. I aim to create a supportive and engaging space where you feel safe to be emotionally open, while also bringing a sense of ease.

At the core of my style is curiosity. I’m drawn to the “why” - why we feel, think, and respond to life the way we do. I take a holistic and at times existential approach, exploring not just immediate challenges, but the deeper patterns, life transitions, and questions of meaning that shape your experience.

I draw from a wide range of personal and professional experiences, including working directly with and overseeing a large and diverse group of clients. This allows me to adapt different techniques and perspectives to support growth, insight, and lasting change. Throughout the process, I remain thoughtful, engaged, and focused on what will be most helpful for you.