LGBT therapists in Encinitas, CA

Hello! My approach is centered in the belief that authentic connection with ourselves and others heals. Therapy is an opportunity to dive deep, to develop greater self knowledge, to come into wholeness, accepting and integrating all of our parts and aligning our lives with our Truth and the fullness of who we are. I look forward to the opportunity to support you.

I’m a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (NY & CA) with an MSW from NYU and a BA in Communications from Northwestern. With 14 years as a professional actor and teaching artist, I incorporate creativity into my eclectic therapeutic approach, which includes CBT, mindfulness, expressive arts, and psychodynamics. I specialize in supporting clients with anxiety, depression, identity exploration, relational challenges, and personal growth.

Dr. Clancy Cavnar is a licensed psychologist with specializations in addictions and psychedelic therapy. She has worked with a wide variety of people and with a broad range of diagnoses and life situations that therapy can help with. She offers a comprehensive assessment and treatment focused on a client’s individual needs. Dr. Cavnar is empathic and compassionate, and therapy with her is an exchange of ideas, with deep listening and non-judgmental acceptance.

My work centers queer and transgender preteens, teens, and adults, as well as individuals with current or past foster care involvement. My clients may be feeling overwhelmed, questioning their identity, or don't know where to start with therapy. I can support you by helping you notice patterns and build trust in your own process.

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.

I'm Michael, a board-certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner passionate about providing integrated care for complex mental health challenges, including ADHD, autism spectrum disorders, OCD, personality disorders, PTSD and trauma, schizophrenia and psychosis disorders, substance use disorders, depression, anxiety, panic disorders, mood disorders, and bipolar conditions. My practice recognizes that these conditions are deeply interconnected in ways requiring specialized understanding.

I chose to specialize across this broad spectrum because I understand how neurodivergence intersects with trauma responses, how personality patterns emerge as adaptive mechanisms, how substance use can complicate other presentations, and how psychotic symptoms may develop in vulnerable individuals. Whether you're in recovery while managing other conditions, discovering neurodivergence later in life, or dealing with multiple diagnoses that influence each other, I bring the expertise needed to see the complete picture.

My approach emphasizes both evidence-based treatments and the healing power of being truly understood by someone who isn't intimidated by complexity. I recognize that seeking help for multiple or stigmatized conditions takes tremendous courage, especially after disappointing experiences with other providers who may have felt overwhelmed by your needs.

What you can expect from our collaboration is a thorough assessment, personalized treatment planning, and ongoing support as we navigate your unique mental health journey. My goal is to help you build resilience, develop effective strategies, and create the fulfilling life you deserve. You are full of possibilities. Together, we'll work at your pace, honoring your experiences while moving toward meaningful change.

For up-to-date availability, please visit our website at mentalhealthpractitioners.com or call/text us at 415-968-6515. Thank you for reading!