Grief counselors and therapists in Santa Ana, CA

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 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.

As a board certified psychotherapist, I believe therapy should feel safe, collaborative, and empowering to individuals of all ages. I have 8 years of experience in the field in working with children, adolescents, and adults navigating through depression, anxiety, and everyday life stressors. I am passionate about supporting individuals through my multi-modal therapeutic approach which integrates CBT and solution-focused, reality-based strategies to support emotional regulation, self-awareness, and meaningful change.

We can all feel overwhelmed by persistent sadness, anxiety, or racing thoughts. Major life shifts—like a career change, relationship end, parenting, or new phase of life—can be difficult to navigate. You do not have to figure it out alone.

I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) dedicated to helping adults break free from painful emotional patterns and reclaim a sense of control. My practice specializes in treating mood disorders and guiding individuals through challenging life transitions.

I have a Masters in Clinical Psychology from Azusa Pacific University with Specialisation in Marriage and Family Therapy, a Bachelors in Psychology, Honours Bachelors Degree in Education (post grad) in School Guidance and counseling, Mediator and Divorce Mediator Certificate,SAT Teacher Certification and EMDR Certificate (Emdria)

I’m a Board-Certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner who believes mental health care should feel human—not rushed or impersonal.

I provide a non-judgmental space where you can speak openly and feel understood. My approach integrates thoughtful medication management with psychotherapy when appropriate, always tailored to your individual needs.

Diagnosis can be an important part of understanding your experience, but it’s only one piece of the picture. I look at your mental, physical, and emotional well-being, as well as the life experiences that shape what you’re going through.

I offer collaborative, grounded care to help you move toward a more balanced, integrative, and holistic sense of well-being.

I’m a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) with extensive experience in child welfare and supporting individuals through life’s most challenging moments. My focus is working with individuals experiencing anxiety, depression, stress, relationship challenges, and major life transitions. My goal is to provide you with the coping skills, practical tools, and supportive guidance needed to navigate life’s challenges with greater confidence, resilience, and emotional well-being while empowering you to create meaningful, lasting change.

I am dedicated to helping teens struggling with trauma and self-harm behavior. My experience working with Orange Unified School District, running groups from grade 6-12 for students struggling with emotional and behavioral problems has given me unique insight into not only helping teens, but also working with the families, schools, and community to provide more effective treatment. I have partnered with Western Youth Services in helping at risk teens and low income families in helping adolescents to overcome academic barriers and families cope with serious defiance and drug use.

I specialize in supporting women through major life transitions and personal shifts, as well as challenges related to boundaries, self-trust, self-worth, and emotional resilience. I also work with women who find themselves repeating unhelpful relational patterns or struggling with overwhelm, stress, and uncertainty. In my trauma work, I incorporate Brainspotting, a brain-body modality that helps process trauma, emotional stress, and experiences that may feel difficult to access through talk therapy alone. I also support clients navigating grief and loss in its many forms. My goal is to help you better understand yourself, strengthen your ability to cope, and move toward healing and meaningful change in a way that feels sustainable.

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I am a licensed therapist, with over a decade of experience in the mental health field and doctoral-level education specializing in trauma-informed care. I am trained in multiple disciplines including but not limited to EMDR, TF-CBT, and CPT. My integrative approach exists to treat various mental health concerns while passionately working to help individuals, couples, and families of all diverse backgrounds and populations heal.