Book a therapist or psychiatrist in South Pasadena, CA covered by Cigna

Board Certified Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner with a master’s degree in nursing from Western Governor University and post master’s from Maryville University in St. Louis. Also board certified in Ambulatory Care and have been caring for people with mental health issues in/out of the hospital for over 18 years. I have a strong critical care background and treat different issues such as anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder, LGBTQ+ issues, men’s health issues, postpartum depression amongst others.

Having been in therapy myself, I've experienced firsthand its positive impact, helping me overcome my anxiety and equipping me with practical tools I still use today. I understand that repeatedly answering 'How does that make you feel?' can be frustrating. Drawing from my personal experience both as a therapy client and practitioner in a treatment center setting, I bring energy into my sessions and build momentum to help clients get unstuck and face their Anxiety & OCD with confidence.

It takes real courage to take this first step toward prioritizing your mental health, and I want to honor that. Beginning therapy can feel vulnerable, unfamiliar, or even intimidating, and I understand that. Maybe you’ve spent a long time in survival mode, developing ways of coping that helped you get through hard experiences but may no longer serve you. That can show up as disconnecting from yourself or others, struggling with boundaries, or carrying a story about yourself shaped by cultural or relational expectations. Wherever you are, we can start exactly where you are.

I work collaboratively to explore patterns that may leave you feeling stuck, overwhelmed, or disconnected from yourself. Whether you’re navigating anxiety, depression, ADHD, relationship challenges, or life transitions, therapy can offer space to gain insight and create meaningful change. I specialize in working with those who overthink, worry, people-please, struggle with boundaries, or put others’ needs first. Therapy can help you better understand these patterns, develop a stronger sense of self, and build practical coping skills. I offer an open, nonjudgmental space to explore these topics with compassion and a sense of humor.

My work centers queer and transgender preteens, teens, and adults, as well as individuals with current or past foster care involvement. My clients may be feeling overwhelmed, questioning their identity, or don't know where to start with therapy. I can support you by helping you notice patterns and build trust in your own process.

I love mental health. I love listening to people and diving into the challenges my clients face on a daily basis. I am humbled with the invitation to join your journey, and help you learn how to help yourself. We all have the tools to undertake the obstacles that we encounter; sometimes we need someone to help us take a step back to find a different perspective. I appreciate the bravery and courage that it takes for each of my clients to let me into their lives and become vulnerable with me.

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.

When working with clients, I strive to make the therapy experience respectful and genuine. Everyone's journey to personal resilience is unique and there is no one size fits all solution. My approach is flexible and client centered. I often explore childhood attachment issues which can assist the client in achieving sustained emotional growth.