Trauma and PTSD therapists & psychiatrists in Atascadero, CA

Ready to feel more connected, confident, and in control of your life? Whether you’re facing relationship struggles, overwhelming emotions, or challenges around identity, you deserve a space where you feel truly seen and supported.

I’m Rocio Vaca, a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with 17+ years of experience helping couples, individuals, children, and teens create meaningful, lasting change.

For couples, I help turn conflict and disconnection into stronger communication, deeper friendship, and emotional intimacy.

I provide an affirming, judgment-free space for those exploring identity, preparing to come out, building self-acceptance, or navigating gender-affirming care. Together, we can strengthen resilience and address anxiety, depression, and stress.

Being vulnerable and allowing yourself to seek support when needed is a sign of strength. Together in therapy, we can continue to build on those strengths and learn to create a life worth living. I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with specialization in Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and training in different therapeutic modalities. I have had the privilege of working with children, families, and adults in all stages of life in both outpatient and inpatient settings who are having mental health difficulties with everyday stressors, life/stage transitions, mental illness, and terminal illness.

Hello! I'm Gurleen Hans, a board-certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner dedicated to supporting individuals on their mental health journey. I earned my Master of Science in Nursing from Walden University and have five years of nursing experience working with diverse populations and cultures. My passion for mental health care stems from a genuine love of caring for others and witnessing the transformative power of compassionate, evidence-based treatment.

I specialize in medication management for adults and adolescents experiencing a wide range of mental health conditions, including depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, schizoaffective disorder, and co-occurring substance use disorders. My experience spans both partial hospitalization programs and community-based outpatient settings, allowing me to understand the full spectrum of mental health needs—from acute crisis stabilization to ongoing maintenance care.

I have provided psychiatric services in various behavioral health settings, including work with interdisciplinary teams to deliver comprehensive, patient-centered care. I have particular expertise in serving individuals with severe and persistent mental illness (SPMI), and I'm committed to meeting clients where they are in their recovery journey.

My approach integrates holistic wellness principles with pharmacological interventions, recognizing that effective treatment addresses the whole person. I stay current with emerging research through ongoing professional development, ensuring you receive evidence-based care.

I prioritize open communication and actively involve you in treatment decisions. Whether you're seeking support for the first time or looking for medication optimization, I bring clinical expertise combined with cultural sensitivity and an understanding that each person's mental health story is unique. I'm honored to support you on your path toward wellness, and lasting hope.

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 a licensed therapist with a background in supporting adults and teens through anxiety, trauma, life transitions, and relationship stress. I earned my graduate degree in counseling and have worked in both community-based and private practice settings, which has helped me understand the real-life pressures people carry—work, family, finances, identity, and burnout.

My style is practical and compassionate: we look at patterns, the stories you’ve learned to live by, and what it would feel like to respond differently—more grounded, more empowered, and more like “you.” I often integrate inner child work, trauma-informed care, and skills for emotional regulation and ADHD/executive functioning.

I primarily work with adults who want to improve communication, rebuild trust, and create more secure connection.

I strive to provide a warm, safe, and non-judgmental environment for my clients. I am passionate about helping clients find support and tools to navigate life's challenges, release emotional burdens, and reconnect with their own strengths and values. My goal is to provide a space where you feel heard, understood, respected, and empowered to move forward through life's challenges.

I provide compassionate, evidence-based mental health care in a safe, judgment-free space.

Welcome! Taking the first step toward therapy can feel overwhelming, and I strive to create a supportive, nonjudgmental space where you feel heard and understood.

I am dedicated to providing compassionate, client-centered care and work with children, adolescents, adults, couples, and families. I earned my Master’s degree in Clinical Psychology from Pepperdine University and have extensive experience in community mental health, supporting individuals from diverse backgrounds and underserved communities.

Throughout my career, I have helped clients navigate a wide range of concerns, including anxiety, depression, trauma, relationship challenges, life transitions, and psychotic disorders. My approach is collaborative and tailored to each client’s unique needs, with a focus on helping you build insight, develop effective coping skills, and create meaningful, lasting change.

Whether you’re seeking support for a specific challenge or looking to improve your overall well-being, I look forward to walking alongside you on your journey toward healing and growth.

I'm Saby Kirpal, a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner dedicated to providing comprehensive mental health care. I hold Master's degrees from Chamberlain University and Walden University, graduating with Presidential Honors, reflecting my commitment to clinical excellence. My diverse professional background spans inpatient psychiatric hospitals, residential treatment centers, and outpatient clinics, giving me insight into mental health treatment at every level of care. I specialize in treating depression, anxiety, autism spectrum disorders, eating disorders, and substance use disorders across age groups. My experience includes working with children as young as eight through adults in crisis stabilization, residential treatment, and ongoing medication management.

What makes my practice unique is the integration of my nursing background with psychiatric expertise. I understand how physical health, medications, lifestyle factors, and mental health interconnect. Being trilingual in English, Hindi, and Punjabi, with conversational Spanish, allows me to serve diverse communities and appreciate how culture shapes mental health experiences.

I've worked from UCSF Health to community clinics, teaching me that excellent care isn't about the setting—it's about the relationship. Whether you're seeking help for the first time, between providers, or managing ongoing conditions, I'm here to partner with you. My approach centers on listening first, explaining clearly, and making decisions together. Mental health treatment should never feel like something done to you, but rather something we navigate together. I'm committed to creating a space where you feel respected, understood, and genuinely supported.

Xin chào! I am a relationally-oriented Jungian depth psychotherapist with degrees from Pacifica Graduate Institute. I enjoy working with creatives, students of psychotherapy, and those dedicated to a life oriented toward meaningfulness.

Hello! I am Veronica Rolon, a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist. As a bilingual, bicultural Latinx mental health therapist, I am passionate and dedicated in promoting mental health wellness for women of color, addressing a wide range of concerns including; Anxiety, Depression, Wok Stress, Self-esteem, Identity Development, Relationship Concerns, Life Transitions, Grief, Loss, Trauma, Parenting Concerns, and Maternal-Infant Mental Health.

I am a California-licensed Marriage and Family Therapist actively working in the field since 2019. I have a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from San Jose State University and a Master of Arts in Counseling from Palo Alto University. I work with a wide range of Clients and diagnoses dealing with topics around coping with life changes, anxiety/stress, depression, mood, relationships, sex, trauma, anger, and harm (to name a few).

Hi, I'm Jamie Plaxco, a board-certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner with a passion for helping individuals find healing and balance in their mental health journey. I earned my Master of Science in Nursing from Vanderbilt University, graduating summa cum laude, and have dedicated my career to providing compassionate, evidence-based psychiatric care.

My areas of expertise include treating OCD, eating disorders, depression, PTSD, and substance use disorders. This breadth of experience has taught me to meet people where they are and tailor treatment to their unique needs.

Throughout my career, I've had the privilege of working with individuals facing serious mental illness, those in crisis situations, and people seeking preventive care and wellness optimization. My training at UCLA's Department of Neurology and Riverside County Department of Mental Health provided me with a strong foundation in both the neurological and psychological aspects of mental health. I understand that mental health challenges often have complex origins, and I explore all aspects of your wellbeing.

I believe in treating the whole person, not just symptoms, and I value building therapeutic relationships with my clients. I work with clients across the lifespan and take pride in creating a safe, non-judgmental space where we can collaborate on your path to wellness. My approach combines traditional psychiatric medication management with innovative, integrative treatments. Whether you're struggling with a long-standing condition, navigating a difficult transition, or facing new challenges, I'm here to support you with expertise, empathy, and evidence-based solutions. I stay current with the latest research and treatment modalities to provide you with the highest quality care. My practice is grounded in mutual respect and shared decision-making, ensuring your voice remains central throughout treatment. Together, we'll work toward lasting wellness.