Book a therapist or psychiatrist in Concord, CA covered by Aetna

Hi, and welcome! I am Joy Nnebe, a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner. I am thrilled you’re considering working with me.

I have 8 years of experience in psychiatric/mental health nursing, and I specialize in treating anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder, insomnia, trauma, and more, using approaches like CBT therapy and trauma-informed care. I aim to provide simple, non-judgmental, supportive, and personalized care to help you feel understood and empowered on your mental health journey.

LMFT, MA in Counseling Psychology from CIIS

Somatic oriented, Humanistic

I've been a licensed LMFT in Sacramento, CA. for over 40 years. My primary education was at California State University, Sacramento, but have received extensive training in other areas that include, but not limited to: PTSD, Depression, Anxiety, Domestic Violence, Grief, Family Systems and interpersonal relationships. I have vast experience with diverse populations, cultures within unique mental health settings and situations. Historically I have worked with young children and teens, but my areas of focus have shifted to young adults, afults, and seniors in areas of Depression, PTSD, and interpersonal relationships with individuals and couples.

People say I am a good listener so I will get to know you and the goals you bring to therapy

It turns out our problems and symptoms always make perfect sense. You don't need years of therapy to figure them out and experience profound change. You need focus, depth, and a specialized approach.

You may be seeking support in moving toward a more preferred version of yourself, your life, and your relationships. You may be questioning important facets of your identity, or wondering how to locate and uproot the seeds of painful and complicated emotions. Perhaps you are curious about navigating a different type of relational structure with your loved ones, or you may be feeling stuck with a particular challenge in the way you connect to others. My role as a therapist is to provide support and facilitate insight that will allow you to work toward your personal goals.

I'm a nature loving California native whose work blends depth psychology with nervous system healing, helping people move beyond simply coping and into a more authentic relationship with themselves. I have experience supporting adults through trauma, grief, anxiety, identity exploration, and major life transitions using body-based approaches. My clients are thoughtful, introspective, and feeling-types including Highly Sensitive People (HSPs), who are ready to explore themselves with curiosity, honesty, and compassion.

I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and founder of CRiY Therapeutic Services: Cultivating Resilience in You. I specialize in helping individuals navigate stress, trauma, grief, and emotional challenges using varying approaches that build resilience and leads to lasting change as you journey to renew your mind. I provide support to individuals 13 yrs and up, couples, and families. I also provide support to individuals living with chronic pain including sickle cell anemia, long term disease, and individuals struggling with varying life challenges.

Please note that although I enjoy working with couples, I will no longer be able to offer couples therapy due to insurance reimbursement issues.

I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) and Certified Alcohol and Drug Counselor (CADC II) with over 25 years of experience supporting individuals, couples, and families as they navigate life and the concerns that arise. I specialize in addiction, trauma, and co-occurring mental health challenges. I bring a deep commitment to meeting people where they are in their process. In my practice, I offer a warm, collaborative, and trauma-informed space where clients feel seen, heard, and supported. I believe meaningful change happens when we honor each person’s lived experience and work together toward self-identified goals at a pace that feels safe and manageable. I meet clients where they are, whether they are just beginning to explore change or looking to deepen their healing and personal growth.

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My Training

I am a licensed clinical psychologist and a graduate of the PGSP–Stanford Psy.D. Consortium, a program known for its rigorous academic training and emphasis on evidence-based care. There, I received instruction and mentorship from some of the leading clinicians and researchers in the country. My practice draws on specialized training and extensive experience in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT) for couples, and comprehensive psychological assessment.

My Approach to Therapy

My clinical approach is focused, compassionate, and results-oriented. I work actively with clients to identify what’s holding them back, and to build the tools and insight needed to move forward with clarity and confidence. For individuals, I use CBT to help shift unhelpful thought and behavior patterns. For couples, I use EFT to deepen emotional connection, improve communication, and restore trust. Whether I’m working with a client facing anxiety, burnout, or relationship conflict, my aim is always the same: to help you reconnect with your strength, values, and capacity for meaningful change.

My Professional Background

Before becoming a psychologist, I served as a U.S. Marine Corps officer, including deployments to Iraq and Afghanistan. Leading diverse teams in high-stress environments taught me how to connect across differences—with people of all backgrounds, beliefs, and personalities. That experience continues to shape my work today. I bring a grounded, nonjudgmental presence to therapy, and I take seriously the responsibility of earning each client’s trust. My passion—both then and now—is helping individuals become the strongest, most authentic version of themselves.

Clients working with me can expect a therapeutic experience rooted in restorative care, cultural authenticity, and deep respect for their lived story. At Cultivating A Better Me, healing is not defined solely by symptom reduction—it is a process of rebuilding inner safety, strengthening emotional resilience, and reconnecting with the parts of yourself that deserve to be seen, honored, and supported.

My clinical foundation began at Sacramento Head Start, where I learned the profound impact of compassion, early intervention, and family‐centered support. With advanced training in Early Childhood Development and Counseling Psychology, I bring specialized expertise in disruptive behaviors, trauma‐responsive care, and expressive‐arts‐based healing.

Within my practice, clients are invited into a space where they can slow down, breathe, and explore their experiences without judgment. I integrate evidence‐based practices with creativity, narrative work, and culturally grounded approaches that honor identity, community, and personal agency.

Most importantly, clients should know that I show up with presence, authenticity, and a deep commitment to helping them cultivate meaningful, sustainable change. Healing is a collaborative journey—and I walk alongside you with compassion, clarity, and support.

Are you struggling to have harmony in your relationships? Does having ease in your life seem like a far-fetched dream? Are you feeling overwhelmed with the state of the world and all you have to do? Welcome, you're in the right place! I have been in your shoes and the first (or twenty) step is always the hardest. As someone who has learned to balance multiple cultures, I know what it can feel like to straddle various parts of your identity. I have first hand experienced feeling overwhelmed, frustrated, angry, and at a complete loss for how to navigate the intensity of my emotions. This has informed my practice and work with clients where I strongly believe that our emotions guide us to understanding ourselves in a new light. Asking for help can be difficult, especially in a culture that values productivity over personality.

Thanks for considering me as your therapist. I have many years of experience and genuinely love working with people to increase insight, improve communication, and survive the Trump years! I enjoy working with people of all ages and life stages, but I'm particularly a specialist in women's issues, working with teens and young adults, and members of the LGBT community.