LGBT therapists in La Mesa, CA

As a board-certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner specializing in adult and geriatric care (65+), I provide comprehensive treatment for 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 mental health needs evolve throughout different stages of adult life.

I'm particularly skilled at helping adults who are discovering mental health conditions they've lived with for years without knowing it, as well as older adults facing the intersection of mental health and aging. Many of my patients are surprised to learn that their lifelong struggles with focus, social situations, or emotional regulation have names and effective treatments available.

My treatment approach is built on respect, patience, and understanding. I know that starting mental health treatment as an adult or older adult can feel intimidating, especially if you've had negative experiences with healthcare in the past. I work to create a comfortable environment where you can share your experiences openly without fear of judgment.

I believe in practical, realistic treatment plans that fit into your actual life. Whether you're working full-time, caring for family members, managing health conditions, or navigating retirement, we'll develop strategies that work for your specific situation. My goal is to help you feel more confident, capable, and satisfied with your daily life while managing any symptoms that interfere with your well-being.

It's never too late to seek support and improve your quality of life. Healing is possible at every age. I'm experienced in medication management for older adults and understand the unique considerations that come with aging and multiple health conditions.

Mental health has long been treated as the forgotten side of healthcare — and for me, that's exactly why it matters so much. As a Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner serving clients across California through telehealth and in-person care, I specialize in helping people navigate depression, anxiety, and ADD/ADHD. I believe that when mental health struggles go unaddressed, everything else in life suffers — and that healing is not only possible, it's necessary. When I'm not supporting my clients, you'll find me out in nature, getting lost in a good movie, or discovering new music — small reminders of the joy and balance I encourage my clients to find for themselves.

I’ve worked as a therapist for the past ten years, helping people untangle their stories and find compassion for the messy, imperfect parts of being human. My own experiences as a client deeply shaped my approach. I bring empathy, warmth, and a genuine understanding of how vulnerable therapy can feel. I work with clients of all ages, from tweens to adults, to build insight, resilience, and self-acceptance. My style is collaborative and grounded in authenticity, humor, and humanity. Above all, I aim to create a space where you can feel understood, supported, and free to explore what healing might look like for you.

I am available to assist with many of the current issues that are affecting us all. Issues os depression, anxiety and PTSD are impacting many. Relationship and communication challenges are problematic. Challenging adolescents and children suffering from ADHD or Learning Disabilities are impacting family life. I can assist you with these common challenges, and help to provide and process solutions.

The focus is to help individuals heal, energize, and become aware of their inner strengths. I achieve this by providing a neutral safe space, listening to your concerns, and customizing a treatment plan. I help individuals focus on the Solution.

My professional and confidential counseling service offers an opportunity for you to reach your goals and the best version of yourself without leaving the comfort of your home with telemental health counseling. Individuals and Couples can participate in a counseling service that is tailored to meet your individualized needs. I am here to listen, support, encourage, guide and coach. I partner with you to create an effective plan that best fits your needs at a pace that is comfortable for you.

I am Candice Clayton of Clayton Counseling Services and I started out in this field with the purpose of educating people on mental health and providing children, adults and families with the services they need to manage their mental health. I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in the State of California. I obtained my masters of Social Work from the University of Southern California and have been providing counseling for over 15 years in various settings with dynamically different clients. My clinical counseling experience includes working within a variety of different areas with children, adults and couples in both residential and outpatient settings. I have worked with emotionally disturbed youth, survivors of child/teen sex trafficking, individuals struggling with gender and sexual identity, couples struggling through communication, infidelity and co-parenting and many other people that were at various phases of life and benefited from some counseling support. I consider my experience extensive and am sure that I can support you through your journey.

Life is full of ups and downs, and I have learned from both personal and professional experience that 'suffering in silence' is not really sustainable or healthy for anyone. You deserve to feel heard and to function at your best level. I have 6 years' experience post-graduation from the University of Texas with helping folks do just that. From nonprofits, to medical clinics, to correctional facilities, to teletherapy, I have connected deeply and partnered with many clients and families to trudge through some of their darkest hours and find more validation, calmness, and acceptance. My fluency in Spanish has given me opportunities to break down walls and connect with hundreds of clients whose cultural background is different than mine. I would be honored to have the chance to see if working together is a good fit for your healing journey.