Book a therapist or psychiatrist in Elk Grove, CA covered by Aetna

Welcome. I'm a licensed psychotherapist dedicated to supporting people who are going through a tough life transition, whether it’s a diagnosis, relationship loss, other loss, or it’s you who have changed. You may be stressed, burnt out, depressed, anxious, and/or traumatized by what you are going through and carrying. You don’t have to do this alone. You can find your spark again. I have specialized training in somatic psychotherapy and evidence-based mindfulness therapies. As a person living with T1D, I love working with others in the diabetes community, and I understand the mental load and energy it takes, every single day.

After graduating from New York University with a BFA in drama, I moved to Los Angeles and taught drama and English literature at an L.A. public high school for nearly 20 years. My experience working with teenagers and their families taught me that, all too often, kids' barriers to learning are not academic in nature, but rather emotional challenges stemming from adversity and trauma. I became more and more interested in learning how to help teenagers and adults alike navigate these obstacles and come out stronger in the long run. So, I went back to graduate school to pursue a new career as a therapist so that I could help in a different way. My training and experience has focused on treating anxiety disorders (including OCD), PTSD and Complex-PTSD, and also couples - helping them to navigate challenges and triggers so that they can reset and reconnect.

I am Sharon Atwood, a board-certified Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner and Adult Nurse Practitioner with over a decade of dedicated clinical experience. I hold active, unrestricted licenses in Florida, New York, California, and Idaho, and I specialize in serving adults aged 18 and older through both telehealth and outpatient settings.

My educational foundation reflects a lifelong commitment to excellence. I earned my Associate in Science and Diploma in Nursing before completing a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology magna cum laude from Kean University. I then pursued my Master of Science in Nursing from Florida Atlantic University and a Post-Master's Certificate in Psychiatric-Mental Health from the University of Miami, both achieved summa cum laude. I maintain dual board certifications through ANCC and AANP, and I am a proud member of the American Academy of Nurse Practitioners, the American Psychiatric Nurses Association, and the California Association of Nurse Practitioners.

My clinical background spans diverse settings, including adult and geriatric primary care, inpatient psychiatry, crisis intervention, hospital consultation, assisted living environments, and outpatient psychiatric medication management. This breadth of experience equips me to confidently address a wide range of conditions, including depression, anxiety, PTSD, ADHD, bipolar disorder, panic disorder, OCD, schizophrenia, schizoaffective disorder, sleep disturbances, and complex co-occurring presentations. I welcome individuals with treatment-resistant symptoms.

My approach is collaborative, evidence-based, and rooted in genuine partnership. I combine psychiatric medication management with integrative health practices, examining how sleep, nutrition, exercise, stress, and social connection shape your overall wellbeing. I believe that meaningful progress flourishes when expert care is paired with healthy lifestyle.

Hi, I'm Jennifer Eastman, a Board-Certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner and Family Nurse Practitioner passionate about helping people through comprehensive medication management tailored to your unique needs. I'm currently pursuing my Doctorate in Nursing at Western University of Health Sciences, where I also completed my Master of Science in Nursing and post-graduate certifications in both Psychiatric Mental Health and Family Practice. This dual training gives me a holistic perspective on how mental health intersects with overall physical wellbeing. I bring over 20 years of healthcare experience to my practice, including years as a Registered Nurse in pediatrics and emergency care, where I became a Certified Emergency Nurse. My extensive work in clinical research as a Sub-Investigator in CNS clinical trials has kept me current on the latest evidence-based treatments and emerging medication options. I specialize in psychiatric medication management for adults and adolescents, treating ADHD, depression and mood disorders (including bipolar disorder), anxiety disorders, and personality disorders. I take time to understand your complete story—not just your symptoms—so we can develop a treatment plan that actually works for your life. My approach integrates both pharmacologic and non-pharmacologic interventions, and I carefully monitor treatment response to make adjustments as clinically indicated. I believe in trauma-informed, culturally competent care, creating a safe space where you feel heard and respected. I understand that starting or adjusting psychiatric medications can feel overwhelming, which is why I prioritize clear communication, patient education, and shared decision-making throughout your treatment. I don't just prescribe medication—I partner with you and collaborate with therapists, primary care providers, and other supports in your life to ensure comprehensive care for long-term stability and improved quality of life.