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Addiction therapists & psychiatrists in Chula Vista, CA


Top addiction and substance use disorder therapists and psychiatrists in Chula Vista, CA
Whether you're navigating recovery from opioid use disorder, stimulant abuse, or nicotine dependence in Chula Vista, Headway connects you with compassionate providers trained in harm reduction, SMART Recovery, and 12-step facilitation therapy. With flexible scheduling and support for both talk therapy and medication management, healing is within reach.
I am Licensed MFT and I have been in the field for twenty plus years. I help my client to explore their behaviors, thoughts, and emotions in a safe and confidential space. The goal is personal growth and improve mental wellbeing and navigate the client through anxiety, depression, addiction and relationship issues, through collaborative work my client able to gain the tools and insight to deal with the at hand problems and future issues. Developing rapport with my clients is a primary focus and understanding their struggles in their own words, by providing them with safe and nonjudgmental environment.
Two decades of clinical excellence.
Dr. Cindy Ruelas-Tafolla's path to becoming a clinician began at age 13 with the sudden loss of her father — an experience that planted the seed of her life's purpose: to be the kind of support she needed during her own darkest moments.
She earned her Bachelor of Arts in Law and Society from UC Santa Barbara, her Master of Social Work from the University of Southern California, and her Doctorate in Social Work (DSW) from USC.
Over two decades, she has served as a Medical Social Worker, Case Manager, and Behavioral Health Therapist — bringing doctoral-level depth, board-certified credentials, and genuine compassion to every client she works with.
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]
Hi, I'm Amy! As a board-certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner, I provide comprehensive, individualized care for complex mental health challenges. My expertise includes ADHD, autism spectrum disorders, OCD, personality disorders, PTSD and trauma, schizophrenia and psychotic disorders, substance use disorders, depression, anxiety, panic disorders, mood disorders, and bipolar conditions.
What sets my practice apart is my commitment to seeing each person as a unique individual with their own strengths, challenges, and goals. Whether you're seeking your first diagnosis, managing multiple conditions, or looking for a fresh perspective, I bring both clinical expertise and genuine empathy to every interaction. I work to address not just symptoms, but the whole person behind them.
I believe in collaborative care, where your voice and preferences guide our treatment decisions. My approach combines evidence-based psychiatric interventions with respect for your lived experience and personal values. I take time to listen, ask thoughtful questions, and ensure you feel heard and understood. Whether we're exploring medication options, developing coping strategies, or working through diagnostic questions, you'll always be an active partner in your care.
My goal is to help you thrive in daily life. Together, we'll work toward building resilience, improving functioning, and creating the meaningful life you deserve. I'm here to support you every step of the way. I create a safe, judgment-free environment where healing and growth are possible. Ready to begin? I'm currently accepting new patients.
Hi there!
I'm Dr. Tayo (Omotayo) Alamutu, Dual Board Certified Psychiatric Mental Health Practitioner and Family Nurse Practitioner. I earned my Doctor of Nursing Practice degree in 2019, with specialized training in psychiatric mental health. I believe everyone deserves to feel heard, understood and supported without judgement. I provide psychiatric evaluations, medication management and supportive therapy for adults experiencing anxiety, depression, sleep problems, substance use concerns, mood disorder, PTSD and other mental health concerns. I practice via telemedicine and In person, offering flexible scheduling, including evenings and weekends.
I'm Candice Jeffers, a board-certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner with an unusual background—I spent nearly a decade in cardiovascular critical care before dedicating myself to mental health. That ICU experience taught me something crucial: psychiatric crises deserve the same urgency, expertise, and unwavering support as any cardiac emergency.
For nine years at Ascension Seton Medical Center's Cardiovascular ICU, I supervised teams through impossible situations. I learned to stay steady when everything felt uncertain, to read the subtle signs others might miss, and to offer hope when families needed it most. Those years shaped how I practice psychiatry today—with precision, presence, and profound respect for what you're facing.
I completed my Master of Science in Nursing at University of South Alabama in 2024, immersing myself in over 600 clinical hours spanning outpatient clinics, inpatient psychiatry, and crisis intervention. My pediatric nursing background adds another layer—I understand how early experiences shape us and how differently mental health shows up across ages.
My practice centers on thorough psychiatric evaluations, personalized medication management, and crisis intervention for all ages. I specialize in suicide risk assessment, trauma-informed approaches, and evidence-based treatments that actually fit into real lives. I'm MOUD-trained and licensed for telehealth in Texas, California, Arizona, and Florida.
Here's what matters most: I approach mental health as someone who's held space for both miracles and heartbreak. I know seeking help requires tremendous courage. I know healing rarely follows a straight line. And I know you need a provider who won't flinch, no matter what you share. My work blends critical care decisiveness with deep compassion—because you deserve both.
Hey there! You being here is huge, and I am honored to partner with you on your journey toward wellness. I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) and U.S. Navy veteran, having earned both my BA and Master of Social Welfare from UCLA. My professional background includes extensive experience with the Department of Veterans Affairs and Harbor-UCLA Medical Center, specializing in helping individuals navigate complex psychosocial needs, trauma, and substance use. Ultimately, I am deeply committed to helping you break down life's barriers, adapt to major transitions, and successfully reclaim your stability
About our therapists who can help with addiction and substance use in Chula Vista, CA



- 100%Substance use / addiction
- 98%Anxiety
- 96%Depression
- 89%Stress management
- 85%Trauma

- 99%Aetna
- 83%Cigna
- 81%Carelon Behavioral Health
- 77%Anthem Blue Cross California
- 66%Blue Shield of California

- 97%English
- 12%Spanish
- 2%Farsi
- 1%Igbo
- 1%Tagalog

- 90%Online only
- 10%In-person or online

- 69%Woman
- 30%Man
- 1%Non-binary

- 41%Licensed Marriage/Family Therapist
- 27%Licensed Clinical Social Worker
- 16%Nurse Practitioner
- 8%Clinical Psychologist
- 7%Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor

- 99%Individual therapy
- 42%Family therapy
- 30%Couples therapy
- 17%Child or adolescent therapy
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