Prenatal and postpartum therapists & psychiatrists in San Mateo, CA

I’m a clinical psychologist (doctor) in Ventura county, California, with over 25 years of experience and a practice designed to feel calm, human, and welcoming. Many of the patients I work with come to therapy feeling exhausted, overwhelmed, disconnected, anxious, depressed, or stuck. They may be navigating trauma, grief, relationship pain, major life transitions, or the quiet weight of having tried to manage too much for too long. My work is for people who are ready for something deeper than just getting through the day. My approach is warm, grounded, and deeply human, focused on real life, not just symptoms.

I am Sharon Atwood, a board-certified Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner and Adult Nurse Practitioner with over a decade of dedicated clinical experience. I hold active, unrestricted licenses in Florida, New York, California, and Idaho, and I specialize in serving adults aged 18 and older through both telehealth and outpatient settings.

My educational foundation reflects a lifelong commitment to excellence. I earned my Associate in Science and Diploma in Nursing before completing a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology magna cum laude from Kean University. I then pursued my Master of Science in Nursing from Florida Atlantic University and a Post-Master's Certificate in Psychiatric-Mental Health from the University of Miami, both achieved summa cum laude. I maintain dual board certifications through ANCC and AANP, and I am a proud member of the American Academy of Nurse Practitioners, the American Psychiatric Nurses Association, and the California Association of Nurse Practitioners.

My clinical background spans diverse settings, including adult and geriatric primary care, inpatient psychiatry, crisis intervention, hospital consultation, assisted living environments, and outpatient psychiatric medication management. This breadth of experience equips me to confidently address a wide range of conditions, including depression, anxiety, PTSD, ADHD, bipolar disorder, panic disorder, OCD, schizophrenia, schizoaffective disorder, sleep disturbances, and complex co-occurring presentations. I welcome individuals with treatment-resistant symptoms.

My approach is collaborative, evidence-based, and rooted in genuine partnership. I combine psychiatric medication management with integrative health practices, examining how sleep, nutrition, exercise, stress, and social connection shape your overall wellbeing. I believe that meaningful progress flourishes when expert care is paired with healthy lifestyle.

There may be times when you wish you had someone who truly listens, deeply and without judgment. Let me be that person for you. I work with adults across California on anxiety, depression, trauma, grief and loss, family and relationship strain, stress, and the pressures that come with new motherhood. I also support women, transgender clients, and people navigating cultural and identity questions, in English or in Spanish. Whatever you are facing right now, I am here to help you move toward the next chapter of your life with clarity and confidence. Together, we will honor your unique story and set clear, achievable goals that actually feel within reach.

I am Amaka Iheaka, PMHNP-BC, a board-certified psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner with over 8 years of inpatient mental health experience. My path in mental health began as a mental health worker and progressed through nursing and leadership roles, including charge nurse and house supervisor. That's given me broad experience with a wide range of mental health needs. I work with children, adolescents, adults, and veterans from diverse backgrounds and provide comprehensive initial psychiatric evaluation, medication management, and psychotherapy. My treatment areas include anxiety, depression, ADHD, bipolar disorder, panic disorder, PTSD, trauma, grief, stress, and relationship and family concerns, with an interest in women's mental health. I'm passionate about helping people understand their mental health and feel empowered to take an active role in their care.

I help clients navigate life's challenges and achieve greater fulfillment. Whether you're facing stress, anxiety, depression, relationship issues, or self-esteem concerns, I'm here to support and empower you on your journey toward positive change.