Trauma and PTSD therapists & psychiatrists in Carlsbad, CA

Hello, I'm a board-certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner whose practice is rooted in one foundational belief: every person deserves compassionate, individualized mental health care — regardless of background, circumstance, or the barriers and challenges they've faced along the way.

I focus on the treatment of depression, anxiety, and life's traumas, with a particular dedication to individuals from underserved and marginalized communities who have historically faced systemic barriers to quality mental health care.

All care is grounded in evidence-based practice, blending the most current clinical research with individualized judgment and patient-centered values. As a lifelong learner, I actively pursue continuing education and emerging best practices in psychiatric care — because excellence in medicine requires ongoing growth, humility, and a willingness to be taught by both science and the patients who make this work meaningful.

I welcome patients of all backgrounds and identities, and I am honored to walk alongside each person on their journey toward healing, wholeness, and hope.

I work with adults and seniors navigating anxiety, depression, grief, trauma, past hurts, and life transitions that can feel overwhelming to carry alone. Many of my clients come in feeling stuck, exhausted, or unsure how to move forward. My goal is to offer a supportive, welcoming space where you feel heard and understood as we work toward greater peace, confidence, and connection in your life.

I am a licensed clinical social worker, with over 10 years of experience in working with adolescents and adults with major focus on anxiety and depression. I am determined to help you find a balance in your life where you can learn to prioritize your mental health. Prioritizing yourself can be hard, so congrats for taking that first step.

Hi, my name is Theresa and I have devoted 11+ years of experience to helping individuals and families navigate life’s emotional challenges with compassion and authenticity. Grounded in both professional expertise and lived experience, I bring genuine empathy and understanding to my therapeutic work.

Hello! My name is Mercedes, I am a first-generation Latina Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT). Hablo Ingles y Español.

I have worked with children for over 15 years and in the mental health field for the past 5 years, supporting children, teens, adults, and foster youth through a variety of emotional, relational, and life challenges. Throughout my career, I have provided individual and family therapy in community mental health settings, which has provided me the opportunity to work with individuals from diverse backgrounds and experiences.

I currently work primarily with adults navigating anxiety, depression, burnout, life transitions, and relationship challenges.

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.

I'm Tabitha — a licensed therapist, former competitive athlete, and a mom who has lived through many of the transitions my clients face. I work primarily with adults navigating anxiety, depression, major life changes, maternal mental health challenges, and the kind of stress that builds quietly until it isn't quiet anymore.

What makes my approach different is that I don't just help you understand your patterns — I help you actually change them. Using CBT, strengths-based work, and creative tools, I tailor each session to what's genuinely useful for you. Therapy with me feels more like a focused, honest conversation with someone in your corner than a clinical process.

I've worked with athletes who've lost their identity after injury, new mothers in the fog of postpartum, women rebuilding after divorce or loss, and high-achievers who've hit a wall they can't push through alone. If any of that sounds like where you are — you're in the right place.

I HAVE 40 YEARS EXPERIENCE WORKING IN MENTAL HEALTH. I HAVE TRAVELED THE WORLD STUDYING CULTURES AND RELIGIONS AND HAVE A LIFETIME OF PERSONAL EXPERIENCES THAT GIVES ME A CLEAR INSIGHT INTO WHAT YOU ARE GOING THROUGH. I WILL BE THERE FOR YOU 24/7 AND I ACTUALLY CARE. I AM INTERESTED IN YOU AS A WHOLE PERSON AND NOT JUST A CURRENT PROBLEM, MY GOAL IS TO GET YOU FEELING BETTER QUICKLY AND ENRICHING YOUR LIFE FOR A FUTURE FILLED WITH POTENTIAL AND JOY.

Robert Troy Vander Zwart obtained his Master's Degree at Gordon Conwell Theological Seminary and has over 25 years of experience. Prior to beginning in his private practice Troy worked in a variety of clinical settings. Troy's specialty is counseling individuals with symptoms of depression and anxiety and who have experienced trauma. He also has a passion for couples counseling, marriage and pre-marriage counseling, and family therapy.