Bipolar disorder therapists & psychiatrists in Elk Grove, CA

My path into psychiatry is both professional and personal. I moved to the U.S. alone at 17 while navigating complex PTSD and periods of misdiagnosis, which shaped how I understand mental health today. I began with a bachelor’s degree in psychology at Nankai University, then trained as a nurse and nurse practitioner at Charles R. Drew University and Purdue University.

Over the past 7 years, I’ve worked across medical and mental health settings, developing an approach that balances clinical precision with individualized care. I specialize in anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder, and complex PTSD, particularly for individuals who feel stuck or haven’t found relief in traditional treatment.

I’m licensed in California, Virginia, New York, Washington, and Oregon, and provide care via telehealth.

I am currently a licensed psychologist in California, having previously worked as a psychotherapist under supervision for over 14 years. As an independent practitioner, I am accepting new clients, both in person and by remote means.

I seem to work especially well with younger and middle-aged people who are creatively inclined and having difficulty with self-realization and/or interpersonal relationships, from important relationships to everyday interactions with others. In the past, I have worked in community-based and private addiction recovery settings across a wide demographic. I specialize in trauma informed treatment that includes PTSD, depression, anxiety and phobias.

I seem to work especially well with younger and middle-aged people who are creatively inclined and having difficulty with self-realization and/or interpersonal relationships, from important relationships to everyday interactions with others.

Hi, I'm Sarah.

For more than 14 years, I've had the privilege of walking alongside people during some of life's most challenging and transformative moments. My career has taken me everywhere from neonatal care to hospice, giving me a deep appreciation for the resilience of the human experience at every stage of life.

Today, I specialize in working with young adults (ages 18–30) who are navigating life's many transitions—whether that's graduating, starting college, launching a career, building relationships, or simply trying to figure out who they are and where they're headed.

Originally from Colorado, I completed my education there before moving to California, where I earned my clinical social work license and continued developing my approach to therapy. My background has shaped me into a systems-oriented therapist, meaning I look beyond symptoms to understand how relationships, family dynamics, environment, and life experiences all influence your well-being.

I believe therapy should be a space where you feel heard, challenged, and supported. My goal isn't just to help you get through difficult moments—it's to help you build a life that feels meaningful, authentic, and sustainable.

When I'm not in the therapy room, you'll likely find me out for a run, cheering on the Seattle Mariners, spending time with my cats, or seeking out quirky places and new adventures. Those moments remind me that healing isn't only about working through hard things—it's also about making space for joy, connection, and curiosity.

I'm honored to do this work and would love the opportunity to be part of your journey.

My name is Rene and I’m a down-to-earth therapist who specializes in substance use and trauma, and I love helping people feel hopeful again during some of the hardest and most confusing chapters of their lives. I also support clients navigating anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder, PTSD, family and relationship struggles, stress, and women’s issues. I especially enjoy working with women rebuilding identity and confidence after difficult life experiences.

People often tell me they feel comfortable with me quickly. My goal is simple: to meet you exactly where you are — whether that’s overwhelmed, stuck, healing, hopeful, or unsure — and help you find freedom, opportunity, and solid ground again. If faith or Christian counseling is meaningful to you, I’m happy to incorporate spirituality into our work together. And if not — that’s perfectly okay too. Therapy with me is about your values and your journey.

I was born and raised in Montana and have a genuine passion for nature and the outdoors. I received my Bachelors in Psychology at Montana State University in 2001. I then pursued my Masters of Social Work degree and graduated in 2008 from the University of Montana. This graduate program had a focus on providing a social justice and integrated practitioner perspective. I have an eclectic style that can be tailored to each unique individual. My primary therapeutic methods include Mindfulness Based, Holistic, Exposure, Narrative, Cognitive and Behavioral, Strengths Based & Solution Focused Therapies. I provide a non-judgmental and compassionate environment that often helps people feel comfortable. A true passion of mine is structuring therapeutic activities for clients to express, process, increase self-awareness, and de-stress from life’s challenging and developmental experiences.

As a Christian therapist, I walk with clients to strengthen and support them in learning self compassion, understanding their worth, finding insight and living wisely. I have studied psychology and marriage and family therapy for over 13 years and have been in practice as a therapist for 7 of those years. I have intentionally learned and applied principles and practices which help clients sustain growth from hurts, unprocessed feelings and lack of direction toward more energy, enjoyment and purposefulness in life again.

I look forward to consulting with you to see if our therapeutic work would fit with you!

My passion is for helping others get unstuck and flourish! The focus of my practice is geared toward helping you develop affirming responses and positive interpretations of what has happened in your life. I will help you have agency and integrity in the midst of a life transition or challenge that has you feeling stuck or out of ways to help yourself.