LGBT therapists in Atascadero, CA

I’m April Madden, a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist and the owner of Twisted Oaks Family Therapy.

If you are interested in services, please reach out to clerical at (805)721-6112 or visit our website at twisitedoakstherapy.com

As the owner of Twisted Oaks Family Therapy, I’ve also built a team of clinicians with diverse specialties so that clients can be matched with a therapist who best fits their individual needs. Our goal is to provide a welcoming, nonjudgmental environment where clients can feel comfortable doing difficult work while knowing they do not have to navigate it alone.

I hold a master’s degree in clinical psychology and have more than 20 years of experience in the helping profession, working with individuals and families facing a wide range of emotional, behavioral, relational, and life challenges.

My approach to therapy is compassionate, trauma-informed, and direct. I believe therapy should be a space where you feel heard and supported, but also a place where meaningful growth happens. I work collaboratively with my clients to identify patterns, build healthier coping skills, strengthen relationships, and create lasting change.

I have experience working with adolescents, adults, couples, and families, with particular focus on trauma and PTSD, anxiety, depression, relationship and family concerns, life transitions, addiction and recovery, communication difficulties, self-esteem, and rebuilding trust and connection. I am also a Certified Substance Use Disorder Counselor IV (SUDCC-IV), which provides me with specialized experience in substance use, addiction, and recovery.

Whether you are seeking support for yourself, your relationship, or your family, our goal is to meet you where you are and help you move toward greater understanding, healing, and meaningful change.

In addition to my work as a licensed therapist, I have over 15 years of experience supporting children, adults, couples, and families in a variety of mental health and community settings. As a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist who works with teens, adults, couples, and families navigating trauma, anxiety, relationship challenges, and the lasting impact of childhood experiences. My passion is helping cycle breakers heal old wounds, build healthier relationships, and create lives that feel more connected, intentional, and authentic.

As a therapist, I am passionate about walking alongside folks as they reveal their truths and vulnerabilities to themselves. I believe, and have witnessed that people are capable of long standing change with knowledge, support, and connection, and that therapy is a great place for that. You can learn new ways to manage life stressors, feel safe, gain confidence, and live a more joyful and purposeful life. I use cognitive behavioral, solution-focused, and strength-based techniques, while never ignoring the human element and connection where the real change happens.

Stuck? In pain? Contemplating a life change, or just had one thrust upon you? Let's explore your options and make things easier.

I have 20+ years of experience helping demoralized adults back to high functionality. I specialize in helping develop motivational skills in those are dealing with depression, anxiety and adjustment issues (including relational and gender identity issues).

IMPORTANT: All clients must complete our intake form and sign our policies before their appointment. Please complete these documents at https://intakeq.com/new/6oakjo/lusjbb or contact us at 602-800-4699 (call or text). Please also email or text us a copy of your photo ID/driver's license at [email protected]

For the most current schedule and openings, please book directly on our website at https://mentalhealthpractitioners.com/book-appointment/ or call us at 415-968-6515.

As a PMHNP-BC who specializes in autism, complex cases, OCD, personality disorders, PTSD/trauma, schizophrenia/psychosis disorders, and substance use, I've built my practice around understanding that every person's mental health journey is unique—especially when multiple conditions interact or when traditional approaches haven't worked.

I also provide comprehensive treatment for depression, anxiety, panic disorders, mood disorders, and bipolar disorder, always with an understanding that these conditions often overlap and influence each other in complex ways. What I want you to know is this: your experiences are valid, your struggles make sense in the context of your life, and there's no such thing as being "too much" for treatment.

Whether you're masking autistic traits, battling compulsive behaviors, managing intense emotions, processing trauma, questioning reality, or struggling with substances, I meet you exactly where you are without trying to force you into a predetermined mold. My approach combines evidence-based treatments with deep respect for your individual needs and experiences.

You deserve a provider who doesn't see complexity as a problem to solve, but as a roadmap to understanding how to best support your unique path to wellness.

I'm Stephanie Patrick-Calvillo, a Board-Certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner with a genuine passion for helping people navigate their mental health journeys. I've spent over 15 years in healthcare, and what drives me every day is knowing that mental health challenges don't define you—they're just something we work through together.

My background includes treating adults and adolescents across various settings, from crisis care to long-term recovery programs. I've worked with individuals facing serious mental illness, mood and anxiety disorders, ADHD, eating disorders, substance use concerns, and personality disorders. I also have specialized training in geriatric mental health and dementia-related behavioral changes.

What makes my approach unique is my extensive leadership experience overseeing psychiatric services across multiple facilities. This has taught me not just how to prescribe medication, but how to truly understand the whole person—your daily struggles, your support system, and your goals for feeling better. I take time to explore what's worked before, what hasn't, and why, because effective treatment is never one-size-fits-all.

I'm committed to evidence-based care while recognizing that healing happens differently for everyone. Some people benefit most from medication management, others from therapy integration, and many from a combination approach. I stay current with the latest research and treatment modalities, but I never lose sight of the fact that you're the expert on your own experience.

I believe everyone deserves compassionate, judgment-free care. Whether you're seeking help for the first time or you've been struggling to find the right treatment, I'm here to listen, understand your unique situation, and work collaboratively with you to find solutions that fit your life. My goal is to help you feel heard, supported, and hopeful about your path forward.