Bipolar disorder therapists & psychiatrists in Santa Maria, CA

Welcome. I’m Karen, a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT). I work with adults and adolescents who are navigating challenges such as depression, anxiety, trauma, relationship stress, and major life transitions.

My approach is collaborative and strengths-based. I support clients in developing healthy boundaries, strengthening communication skills, and identifying coping strategies that genuinely fit their lives. Together, we work toward healing, personal growth, and greater emotional balance.

I strive to create a safe, supportive space where you feel empowered to explore your experiences, reconnect with your strengths, and move through life’s challenges with confidence and intention.

I have a Masters Degree in Clinical Social Work, and a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW), working in private practice as a Psychotherapist. I live in Los Angeles, and work in-person or hybrid, with adults, teens, couples and the aging population. I specialize in anxiety, life transitions, relationship issues, work stress/dissatisfaction, career goals, sleep disorders, substance use, trauma (ptsd/complex/acute), obsessive compulsive disorders (OCD/OCPD), attention deficit disorders (ADD/ADHD). In addition I deal with grief, isolation, and breaking creative blocks.

I am a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP) who provides compassionate, evidence-based care for adults. My approach is clinical, trauma-informed, and whole-person; I look beyond symptoms alone and consider the many parts of life that shape mental health. I believe care should feel collaborative, supportive, and not overwhelming. My goal is to help you feel understood while creating a treatment plan that fits your life, values, and goals. Whether you are seeking medication management, in-office IV or IM ketamine treatment, or support through a difficult season, I want you to feel safe, respected, and empowered.

Hello, I'm Kathy-Ann Dougan, a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist in the state of California, and a Christian life coach. My faith isn't separate from my work — it's the foundation of it. I utilize brief and longer-term evidence-based clinical methods alongside an awareness of our spiritual humanness. Areas of attention for clients may be anxiety, relational struggles, life transitions, and pain that often goes unspoken. Some come needing to be heard & understood; others, with areas around acceptance & attention, care or lack of care, needing solutions, and desiring answers — courage to face what's presently occurring & things of the past — faith to believe again, forgiveness & needing to forgive, friendship, support, protection, purpose, and peace, strength, resolving differences, establishing healthy boundaries, and other problem areas of life. Scripture is the infallible, immutable Word of God. And life can try to bring unanswered questions, no solutions, fear-based insurmountable challenges, ineffective change when seeking effective results. Well it's a new day — Once I wrongly believed Scripture was merely words on pages, until I came to know & experience Christ as living truth. I bring both professional training and honest, unpretentiousness into every session. I'd be honored to support you through your process towards healthy change & finding solutions.

My patients can expect me to be warm, empathetic, and genuinely interested in their story. I take time to understand not just current struggles, but also personal history and experiences that have shaped who they are. I believe that mental health is deeply connected to overall health, and treating psychiatric conditions can positively impact all areas of life. I work with all patients and conditions, and I always meet people where they are. If someone isn’t ready for medications, I fully support their choice and will be there to provide guidance, education, and care until the time feels right for them. Above all, I listen, I value each person’s perspective, and I aim to create a safe space where patients feel truly heard.

You’ve spent a lifetime caring for everyone else. My job is to help you finally exhale.

I’m Melissa Lou Koerner, LCSW — a therapist with 20+ years of experience helping people navigate the messy, meaningful, and often hilarious business of being human. I’m a generalist at heart, which means you don’t have to fit into a diagnostic box to work with me. If it’s part of your story, it’s welcome in the room.

Over the years I’ve supported adults, couples, families, caregivers, Veterans, adoptive families, and folks moving through grief, trauma, identity shifts, and major life transitions. From school hallways to hospice rooms to VA clinics to private practice, I’ve learned one thing over and over: people are far more resilient than they realize.

My style is warm, grounded, and practical. I blend trauma‐informed care, attachment work, and evidence‐based approaches with a healthy dose of humor — because sometimes the only way through a hard moment is to laugh at how absurd life can be.

And while I’m a true generalist, I’ll admit my favorite work these days is helping adults untangle enmeshment, estrangement, and parentification. There’s something powerful about watching people reclaim space in their own lives after years of carrying roles that were never theirs to begin with.

If you’re looking for a therapist who can help you untangle what’s heavy, honor what’s hopeful, and

Are you feeling stuck, overwhelmed, or weighed down by anxiety, depression, self-doubt, or past experiences? Moving forward can feel difficult when emotional pain, relationship struggles, or life stress leave you feeling trapped or uncertain.You do not have to face these challenges alone. I provide a compassionate, supportive, and nonjudgmental space where we can work together to help you heal, grow, and regain confidence. I believe your worth is not defined by your past or your struggles. Together, we will explore practical tools and strategies to help you create meaningful change and move toward a healthier, more fulfilling life.

My name is Sara. I have been working in the field for over 7 years. I am currently finishing up my PhD in Mindful Andrological practices. I consider myself a very down-to-earth, gentle, and holistic person.

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.

You should know that I genuinely care about the people I work with. I approach therapy with curiosity, compassion, and respect for your lived experience. I believe healing happens through safety, connection, and understanding—not pressure or judgment. My role is to walk alongside you as you make sense of patterns, heal from past experiences, and move toward a life that feels more authentic and fulfilling.

Finding a good fit when seeking therapy is important, so allow me to introduce myself! I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with over 25 years of experience working with clients with various general mental health concerns. I currently work with adults and my practice is LGBTQ+ affirming. I view therapy as a conversation and look forward to talking with you!

Hi, I'm Chidinma! I am a dual-certified Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP-C) and Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP-BC). I bring over 14 years of diverse clinical experience, including more than 9 years practicing independently as an advanced practice nurse.

My background spans complex healthcare settings—including the VA Healthcare System, Primary care, Urgent care, and Correctional medicine—where I have proudly delivered comprehensive care across the lifespan.

I firmly believe that physical health and mental well-being are deeply intertwined. By combining my extensive primary care and psychiatric expertise, I provide thorough, comprehensive evaluations for individuals of all ages, ensuring you receive safe, well-rounded care that honors your unique background.