Book a therapist or psychiatrist in Santa Cruz, CA covered by United Healthcare

I work with women of color who are tired of always being the strong one. If you’re carrying old wounds that still feel fresh, stuck in patterns that don’t even feel like yours, or wondering when it’s finally your turn to be cared for; I’m here for that. You won’t have to code-switch with me. Let’s set down the masks you wear just to move through the day.

In this space, you get to be fully seen--the soft parts, the angry parts, the parts you’ve hidden just to keep the peace. All of you is welcome here. Together, we’ll make room for the messy, the painful, and the hopeful parts of your story, at a pace that feels right for you. Healing doesn’t have to be perfect; it just has to start with a space where you’re safe to be real.

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.

Helping people reclaim their mental health and quality of life is not just my profession — it is my purpose. I am Christina Stelly, a Board-Certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP-BC) based in Martinez, California, with a deep commitment to compassionate, evidence-based psychiatric care. My path to this work has been shaped by years of experience across diverse, high-acuity clinical settings, and I bring both clinical expertise and genuine care to every patient I serve.

My educational foundation includes a Post-Certificate DNP in Psychiatric Mental Health from the University of Illinois Chicago, a Doctorate of Nursing Practice from Texas Tech University, and a Master of Science in Nursing from Touro University — all built upon over a decade of hands-on clinical nursing experience.

I provide comprehensive psychiatric evaluations, medication management, and crisis intervention for veterans navigating conditions including schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, PTSD, and substance use disorders. Prior to this role, I completed an advanced NP residency focused on forensic psychiatry and crisis stabilization, and served as Patient Care Director overseeing high-risk maternal mental health at the University of Illinois Chicago.

I specialize in caring for diverse and underserved populations, including veterans, individuals with severe mental illness, co-occurring disorders, and those in acute psychiatric crisis. My perinatal psychiatry background also provides a unique perspective for supporting individuals through some of life's most vulnerable transitions.

Beyond direct patient care, I am an active mental health policy advocate, contributing to state advisory councils and national nursing organizations. I believe every person deserves dignified, individualized care — and if you are ready to take the next step, I warmly welcome the opportunity to connect and support you.

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'm Lirany Vasquez, a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT) based in the Bay Area of Northern California. For the past eight years in the mental health field, I've dedicated myself to aiding individuals in navigating personal challenges, mental health conditions, and interpersonal conflicts. My therapeutic approach is grounded in holistic care, infused with compassion, trauma-informed practices, and a deep commitment to placing clients at the center of their healing journey.