Grief counselors and therapists in Escondido, CA

Hi there, I’m Maria Avina. For me, therapy is all about helping individuals find healing in many areas of their life. I have over 15 years of experience working as a therapist in the community. My approach: I set clear goals for myself and my clients, and treat every session as an opportunity to make progress. I approach therapy through a person-centered lens and through other holistic approaches. I am excited to work with anyone seeking healing and self growth.

I am a bilingual therapist offering therapy in both English and Spanish, and I work with couples, families, adolescents, young adults, and children through many different stages of life. I know that reaching out for support can feel vulnerable, so I strive to create a warm, accepting space where you can feel comfortable being yourself. Whether you're navigating relationship challenges, trauma, family concerns, or a difficult season of life, my goal is to help you feel supported as you heal, grow, and work toward the life and relationships you want.

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 have spent over 13 years in clinical practice at the locale, federal and community level. In this time I have developed an expertise in trauma treatment working directly with veterans, first responders and trauma survivors.

I believe therapy should feel like a collaboration, an honest, safe space where you don’t have to have everything figured out before you walk in the door. My goal is to help you find clarity, strength, and connection in the places that matter most: within yourself and in your relationships.

I am someone who wants to support personal growth in others. Life is rough and we don't always listen to our heads and that's okay. I am someone who tries to meet clients where they are and not judge.

Hi, I’m a board-certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner. I offer a supportive and judgment-free space to help you manage anxiety, depression, ADHD, eating disorders, and mood disorders. I work with children, adolescents, and adults using evidence-based care that’s tailored to your needs. My goal is to help you feel seen, heard, and empowered within the family. Let’s walk this journey together, one step at a time.