Bipolar disorder therapists & psychiatrists in Costa Mesa, CA

I have lived in the Truckee Tahoe area off an on for over 30 years, I have an AA Degree in Early Child Development, a BA Degree from the University of California Santa Cruz, and I attended the University of. Nevada, Reno for my Masters in Social Work.

My husband and I have two grown children who live in Northern CA and Nevada. We are avid skiers, mountain bikers, and my hobbies include cooking, art, writing, and learning, and of course, playing with our mini golden doodle, Joaquin.

My roots are in Scranton, Pennsylvania; growing up, life was challenging and unpredictable for me and my sisters. I was the first member of our extended family who was able to put themselves through both undergraduate (BA - Latin American Studies/UCSC, and graduate school (MSW- Masters in Social Work, (UNR) and graduate with honors.

All three of my younger sisters followed in my footsteps to pursue higher education and to find success as Professionals.

My husband and I moved to the Tahoe/Truckee area together in the early 1990s, pursuing seasonal employment. We somehow made ends meet, things got a little easier each year, and he later pursued a career in resort and business management, while I pursued continuing education, mental health and licensure, and opening up my practice.

Our son and a daughter both grew up enjoyed attending local public schools in Truckee, and later the Univeristy of California; they are both living fulfilling adult lives in the nearby region.

Hello, my name is Alexander Valenzuela PMHNP. I specialize in psychiatric medication management and cognitive behavioral talk therapy. If you're struggling with your mental health and realize you want help, you don't have to do it alone. I am looking forward to starting the journey with you to help achieve your best self.

Hello, my name is Kateri Ross, and I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist. I earned my Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from the University of California, Davis, and my Master of Arts in Counseling Psychology with an emphasis in Health Psychology from Santa Clara University.

My clinical background includes work in both community mental health and private practice settings, where I have helped individuals manage acute challenges as well as long-standing emotional and behavioral patterns that impact daily functioning and overall well-being.

I specialize in working with adults ages 18 and older experiencing anxiety, depression, OCD, trauma, postpartum depression and anxiety, binge eating, perfectionism, procrastination, stress management, and life transitions. I also support individuals who struggle with self-critical thinking, guilt, shame, emotional overwhelm, managing stress or difficulty maintaining balance during demanding phases of life.

Melinda Fay is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist with a specialty in Art Therapy. I received my MA in Psychology from Phillips Graduate Institute in 2002 and I have been licensed since 2008.

I actively participate in helping you get to where you want to go, and I offer insight when clients have a desire and readiness to hear it. I have worked in the mental health field for over ten years as well, so I have heard it all! My office is a no judgement zone first and foremost. I am a sex therapist and look forward to helping you overcome sexual shame and trauma so that you can have all the intimacy and closeness you desire.

I am currently accepting new clients!

If you’ve lived with anxiety or depression for a long time, it can be easy to wonder whether this is simply as good as life is going to get. I don’t believe it has to be. Even when a problem can’t be completely eliminated, there is often room for greater confidence, connection, enjoyment, and quality of life.

I’m a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with more than nine years of experience as an LCSW and several additional years working in mental health. I earned my bachelor’s degree in Criminal Justice and Master of Social Work from California State University, Bakersfield. My background includes community mental health, crisis work, court-ordered programs, and working with people across the lifespan.

Today, I especially enjoy working with adults from their late 20s through their senior years who are experiencing anxiety, depression, loss, loneliness, life changes, chronic illness, or a reduced quality of life.

Clients often describe me as a safe and comfortable person to talk with. I’m warm, calm, patient, compassionate, and down-to-earth. I listen first. I’ll also be direct when I believe it can help you move forward. I don’t believe therapy should feel like you’re being analyzed, judged, or talked at.

Therapy can involve serious subjects, but every moment doesn’t have to feel heavy or clinical. There’s room for warmth, laughter, and appropriate humor, too. I want therapy to feel like a natural conversation with a purpose—helping you move toward meaningful, lasting change.

You don’t need to have everything figured out before reaching out. We can start with where you are today and work together toward where you’d like to be.

Hello, I am glad you are here. My goal is to offer a safe welcoming space where you can be yourself without fear of judgement. I believe everyone deserves to be heard with kindness, respect, and compassion. Together, we'll move at a pace that feels right for you as we work toward the life you want to create.