Book a therapist or psychiatrist in La Jolla, CA covered by Aetna

I grew up in a small town in Hawaii, then came to Southern California and began studying psychology in 2001. I completed my master’s degree at Fuller School of Psychology in 2010 and served children and families at a community mental health agency for 10 years, also starting a private practice in 2015. While I loved island life, I’ve put down roots here through friendships, involvement in my community, and my love of LA’s cultural diversity.

I provide compassionate, evidence-based mental health care in a safe, judgment-free space.

I'm Holly, a board-certified Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner with 23 years of clinical experience in psychiatric care and maternal-child health. This dual background has shaped how I see mental health: not as something separate from the rest of your life, but deeply woven into every transition, relationship, and challenge you face. My work taught me that women's mental health—especially during pregnancy, postpartum, and hormonal transitions—requires specialized understanding and individualized care.

I provide comprehensive psychiatric treatment for adults across a broad spectrum of conditions: perinatal mood and anxiety disorders, OCD, PTSD and trauma-related disorders, personality disorders, depression, anxiety, panic disorder, bipolar disorder, and schizophrenia spectrum conditions. I have particular expertise in women's mental health throughout the reproductive years, though I welcome anyone seeking compassionate, evidence-based care.

My approach is straightforward: effective treatment should fit your real life. I combine psychiatric interventions—including medication management when appropriate—with practical therapeutic strategies and lifestyle modifications that actually work for you. I'll help you understand what's happening, why it's happening, and what options make sense for your unique situation.

What matters most to me is seeing you as a whole person—not just a diagnosis. You have strengths, values, relationships, and goals that deserve attention alongside your symptoms. Whether you're managing a long-standing condition, processing trauma, navigating major life changes, or simply seeking better balance, you deserve a provider who recognizes your potential and partners with you toward sustainable wellness.

I work primarily with young adults who are feeling overwhelmed, burned out, or stuck — especially when it comes to anxiety and relationship challenges. Many of my clients are used to holding it all together on the outside, but internally feel lost or unsure of how to move forward.

I bring a calm, grounded presence to the work, even in high-stress situations. Much of my background is in working with clients in crisis, which allows me to help you navigate difficult emotions without things feeling out of control. At the same time, I’m warm, relatable, and honest — I’ll meet you where you are, while also gently challenging patterns that may be keeping you stuck when or if needed.

Introduction

I primarily use a cognitive behavioral approach. My focus area of practice is helping clients improve their lives and find meaningful change.

My communication style

My sessions are calm, collegial, interactive, respectful, directive, and helpful.

How I help clients reach goals

Change does not necessarily take a long time. We're 'shooting for the moon' right away. What's the worst that could happen?

My journey to becoming a provider

Helping others help themselves is an absolute privilege! I'd pay them to do this work (but please don't tell them that.) How did I get here? It's a long story. I originally went to college to be a journalist, but changed to broadcasting. Dumb. I needed to jumpstart my life, so I changed to this profession. Talk about purpose and meaning!

I'm a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist with experience working in community mental health, co-occurring substance use treatment, and residential care settings. I work with adults experiencing anxiety, depression, trauma, substance use challenges, mood disorders, relationship stress, and major life transitions.

I believe therapy works best when clients feel heard, respected and supported without judgement. My approach is collaborative, trauma-informed, and tailored to each client's unique needs and goals. I draw from CBT, motivational interviewing, and strengths-based approaches to help clients build insight, emotional stability, and healthier coping strategies.

I use family systems thinking to understand how relationships shape your experiences, and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy to address thoughts, feelings, and behaviors. I'm also interested in how attachment styles influence your choices and connections. I believe in meeting you where you are and tailoring our work to what fits you best.

I have found my own personal healing to be intimately connected to nature, and it is here that I believe that we can all begin to rediscover our intrinsic humanity and let go of those things that distract us from our higher selves. In my spare time, I work as an outdoor educator and manage my own private practice and guide Outdoor Retreats

I believe it is helpful and important to translate what is discussed in session and in telehealth meetings into lived experience and real change.

Hi, I'm a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, and I provide therapy in a supportive, down to earth, and collaborative way. I earned my degree from the University of Southern California, and I currently work in a Federally Qualified Health Center, where I support individuals and families who may be facing barriers to accessing care. I also served in the United States Air Force, which has shaped my perspective, and understanding of resilience and life transitions.