Anxiety and depression therapists and psychiatrists in Vacaville, CA

I have lived in the Truckee Tahoe area off an on for over 30 years, I have an AA Degree in Early Child Development, a BA Degree from the University of California Santa Cruz, and I attended the University of. Nevada, Reno for my Masters in Social Work.

My husband and I have two grown children who live in Northern CA and Nevada. We are avid skiers, mountain bikers, and my hobbies include cooking, art, writing, and learning, and of course, playing with our mini golden doodle, Joaquin.

My roots are in Scranton, Pennsylvania; growing up, life was challenging and unpredictable for me and my sisters. I was the first member of our extended family who was able to put themselves through both undergraduate (BA - Latin American Studies/UCSC, and graduate school (MSW- Masters in Social Work, (UNR) and graduate with honors.

All three of my younger sisters followed in my footsteps to pursue higher education and to find success as Professionals.

My husband and I moved to the Tahoe/Truckee area together in the early 1990s, pursuing seasonal employment. We somehow made ends meet, things got a little easier each year, and he later pursued a career in resort and business management, while I pursued continuing education, mental health and licensure, and opening up my practice.

Our son and a daughter both grew up enjoyed attending local public schools in Truckee, and later the Univeristy of California; they are both living fulfilling adult lives in the nearby region.

I am a board-certified Psychiatric mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP) with over 9 years of experience in mental health care as a Psychiatric Registered Nurse. I graduated with honors and am passionate about providing compassionate, evidence-based care to individuals across the lifespan. My clinical experience includes working with patients experiencing depression, anxiety, mood disorders, and severe mental illness in both inpatient and outpatient settings.

You’re doing everything “right”—staying active, showing up for others, pushing through—but you’re still stuck in your head. You overthink everything. You’re constantly anxious, tense, and on edge. Maybe you feel like you’re always performing—for your team, your job, your family—and you’re tired of carrying it all.

I specialize in working with athletes and active adults who struggle with anxiety, overthinking, burnout, and people-pleasing. Together, we create a space where you can finally breathe, feel grounded, and build emotional strength to match your physical drive.

My approach combines CBT, mindfulness, somatic therapy, and solution-focused strategies through my signature T.H.R.I.V.E. Method. We’ll work together to untangle old patterns, reconnect with your body, and build clarity and confidence from the inside out.

If you’re ready to feel more present, powerful, and mentally strong, I’d be honored to support you.

I AM EMDR TRAINED AND ACCEPTING NEW CLIENTS 9-4, 6-8 MON - THU. CONTACT ME TO SCHEDULE AN APPOINTMENT.

Justen Vernon is a dedicated Individual and Family Therapist with a diverse background in various therapeutic settings. Justen has had the privilege of providing therapy to MediCal clients, contributing to outreach programs for underserved populations, and collaborating on partnerships for mental health game development.