Book a therapist or psychiatrist in Escondido, CA covered by Cigna

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.

As a 2nd generation child of immigrants/refugees, I understand the complexities of exploring one’s own identity as life is still in motion. I believe that integration of new lived experiences with old ones are key in discovering wholeness. As your therapist, I’ll support you in better understanding how these have influenced your way of being–how you think, behave, and interact with the world around you!

I am Licensed Clinical Social Worker with a Master’s degree in Clinical Social Work from Rutgers University. With over 7 years of experience in social services, I have observed how all individuals are learning to exist & thrive within the context of a greater whole. Within my role as a mental health therapist, I prioritizes person-centered work with a lens on how one’s lived experiences have shaped their worldview and way through life.

I believes in holistic care and supports the idea that the tools required for healing and wholeness derive within each individual; as your therapist, I’ll support you in discovering what these tools are within your own capacities.

I have experience working with individuals working through cultural identity challenges, grief, chronic illness, geriatric populations & in couples therapy.

I'm Candice Jeffers, a board-certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner with an unusual background—I spent nearly a decade in cardiovascular critical care before dedicating myself to mental health. That ICU experience taught me something crucial: psychiatric crises deserve the same urgency, expertise, and unwavering support as any cardiac emergency.

For nine years at Ascension Seton Medical Center's Cardiovascular ICU, I supervised teams through impossible situations. I learned to stay steady when everything felt uncertain, to read the subtle signs others might miss, and to offer hope when families needed it most. Those years shaped how I practice psychiatry today—with precision, presence, and profound respect for what you're facing.

I completed my Master of Science in Nursing at University of South Alabama in 2024, immersing myself in over 600 clinical hours spanning outpatient clinics, inpatient psychiatry, and crisis intervention. My pediatric nursing background adds another layer—I understand how early experiences shape us and how differently mental health shows up across ages.

My practice centers on thorough psychiatric evaluations, personalized medication management, and crisis intervention for all ages. I specialize in suicide risk assessment, trauma-informed approaches, and evidence-based treatments that actually fit into real lives. I'm MOUD-trained and licensed for telehealth in Texas, California, Arizona, and Florida.

Here's what matters most: I approach mental health as someone who's held space for both miracles and heartbreak. I know seeking help requires tremendous courage. I know healing rarely follows a straight line. And I know you need a provider who won't flinch, no matter what you share. My work blends critical care decisiveness with deep compassion—because you deserve both.

I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) with 28 years of experience in the mental health field. I earned my Master of Social Work (MSW) from the Hunter School of Social Work and have lived and practiced in California for over three decades. My professional background includes extensive work with older adults, individuals experiencing homelessness, and adults living with severe and persistent mental illness. I am known for my patient, compassionate, and attentive approach, and I strive to be fully engaged and present with every client I serve. My goal is to provide thoughtful, individualized support that helps clients feel understood and empowered in their therapeutic journey.