Bipolar disorder therapists & psychiatrists in Santa Maria, CA

I believe each person deserves a space to be seen and valued for their authentic self. As a bilingual (Spanish), bicultural, first-generation Latina born and raised in Boyle Heights, my worldview is deeply shaped by the resilience of marginalized communities, the weight of generational survival, and the intricate dance of navigating multiple cultures. As the daughter of Salvadorian immigrants who fled conflict in the 80s in search of a better life, I understand firsthand the invisible loads, systemic complexities, and profound courage it takes to build a path forward.

Richard Perez is a Board Certified Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner. For over 15 years, he has dedicated his career to serving the healthcare needs of Long Beach and Los Angeles County. Richard wants to continue improving the lives of each patient by providing professional, compassionate, and person-centered care.

Richard has spent the last two years providing mental health care to underserved populations. This experience has significantly sharpened his clinical skills, which he now aims to bring to the general patient population.

I am a dual board-certified Nurse Practitioner specializing in both Family Practice and Psychiatric Mental Health. With a foundation in whole-person, evidence-based care, I integrate medical management with psychotherapy and lifestyle interventions to support mental and physical wellness.

My background spans outpatient psychiatry, primary care, home health, and assisted living settings, allowing me to understand the unique needs of patients across all stages of life. I have extensive experience treating mood and anxiety disorders, trauma-related conditions, and chronic medical comorbidities that impact emotional well-being.

I believe in creating a collaborative, compassionate, and culturally sensitive environment where patients feel heard and empowered to take an active role in their care. My approach focuses on building balance—supporting both the mind and body—through medication management, therapy, and integrative care strategies.

I have a Master's Degree in Counseling, Marriage, and Family from Phillips Graduate Institute.

I earned a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Sociology from UCSB.

I typically work with clients who have a history of trauma, life transitions, relationship issues, and managing anxiety, The clients I work with are very motivated to make changes in their lives.

I worked with high-risk, traumatized, and abused youth for many years. I find practicing therapy very rewarding. Assisting my clients to work through life challenges and progress in their life journey is a privilege.

I am a dedicated and compassionate Board-Certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP) and Women’s Health Nurse Practitioner (WHNP). With an unwavering passion for guiding individuals toward mental well-being, I leverage my extensive experience in advanced nursing practice to identify and address the root causes of mental health disorders.

I am an experienced therapist of many years who feels lucky to be in a career that engages my intellect and my heart. I have always had my own private practice which enables me to be creative and flexible in my approach. People, in all their complexity and shared humanity, continue to fascinate.

Melinda Fay is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist with a specialty in Art Therapy. I received my MA in Psychology from Phillips Graduate Institute in 2002 and I have been licensed since 2008.