Book a therapist or psychiatrist in San Marcos, CA covered by Aetna

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.

Life can feel overwhelming when stress builds, relationships feel strained, or we are carrying grief, anxiety, or self doubt on our own. I work with individuals, couples, and families who want more clarity, stronger connection, and a more fulfilling life. Whether you are feeling stuck, disconnected, or simply worn down, therapy can be a place where we slow down, make sense of what is happening, and start creating meaningful change together.

I'm a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) with over 15 years of experience helping adults navigate anxiety, depression, trauma, substance use, and life transitions. Throughout my career, I have been passionate about supporting individuals as they work through challenges, build resilience, and create meaningful, lasting change in their lives.

I believe therapy is most effective when clients feel safe, supported, and genuinely heard. My approach is compassionate, collaborative, and strengths-based, focusing on helping you recognize your existing strengths while developing practical tools to manage life's difficulties. Together, we will work to increase self-awareness, strengthen coping skills, and create a path forward that aligns with your values, goals, and overall well-being. My goal is to empower you to navigate challenges with greater confidence and build a life that feels more balanced, fulfilling, and authentic.

I’m David Cao, a board-certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner providing online psychiatric evaluation and medication management for adults throughout California. I especially enjoy working with young adults dealing with anxiety, depression, stress, overthinking, or feeling overwhelmed.

If reaching out for psychiatric care feels intimidating, my goal is to make the process feel approachable. My style is calm, laid-back, and collaborative. Our sessions are more like conversations than interrogations, and I want you to feel comfortable being yourself. I’ll be there for the difficult conversations, celebrate the small wins with you, and make room for a little humor along the way.

With over 7 years of experience in mental health care, I understand how difficult it can be to balance everyday responsibilities while struggling with your mental health.

Are you or your child struggling with anxiety, depression, trauma, or a life change and wishing to feel heard? I support children, adolescents, adults, and families, with a focus on anxiety, depression, trauma, life transitions, and relationship challenges. In English and Spanish, I help clients work through emotional overwhelm, family stress, ADHD, addiction, anger, and difficult experiences.

Whether you are seeking support for yourself, your child, or your family, I will listen without judgment and work alongside you. Together, we can understand what feels difficult, build on your strengths, and move toward meaningful change.