Book a therapist or psychiatrist in Vista, CA covered by Aetna

I'm Candice Jeffers, a board-certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner with an unusual background—I spent nearly a decade in cardiovascular critical care before dedicating myself to mental health. That ICU experience taught me something crucial: psychiatric crises deserve the same urgency, expertise, and unwavering support as any cardiac emergency.

For nine years at Ascension Seton Medical Center's Cardiovascular ICU, I supervised teams through impossible situations. I learned to stay steady when everything felt uncertain, to read the subtle signs others might miss, and to offer hope when families needed it most. Those years shaped how I practice psychiatry today—with precision, presence, and profound respect for what you're facing.

I completed my Master of Science in Nursing at University of South Alabama in 2024, immersing myself in over 600 clinical hours spanning outpatient clinics, inpatient psychiatry, and crisis intervention. My pediatric nursing background adds another layer—I understand how early experiences shape us and how differently mental health shows up across ages.

My practice centers on thorough psychiatric evaluations, personalized medication management, and crisis intervention for all ages. I specialize in suicide risk assessment, trauma-informed approaches, and evidence-based treatments that actually fit into real lives. I'm MOUD-trained and licensed for telehealth in Texas, California, Arizona, and Florida.

Here's what matters most: I approach mental health as someone who's held space for both miracles and heartbreak. I know seeking help requires tremendous courage. I know healing rarely follows a straight line. And I know you need a provider who won't flinch, no matter what you share. My work blends critical care decisiveness with deep compassion—because you deserve both.

I am John Keay, a licensed psychologist practicing in Utah and California. I started out in information technology because I loved computers and making sense of data, but over time I found I enjoyed working with people more than working with machines, so I went back to school and earned my doctorate in clinical psychology (PsyD). Since then I have worked in counseling centers, outpatient clinics, hospitals, and schools, and I have really enjoyed applying the science of psychology to help people understand themselves and navigate the challenges of everyday life. I see teens, young adults, adults, and older adults for concerns including depression, anxiety, grief and loss, trauma, life transitions, relationships, men's mental health, and questions of religion and spirituality.

I can understand first-hand how difficult it can be to reach out for help for the first time. I believe in the importance of "practicing what you preach" and I have been the client in the room who needs extra support. I invite you to give yourself a chance, try something new, and gain a healthy perspective on how to address complicated moments in your life.

My name is Sebastian Villaseñor, LCSW, and I hold an MSW from Cal State Fresno with ten years of clinical experience. I’ve worked with diverse populations in multiple settings, allowing me to adapt my approach to each client’s needs. I aim to create a supportive, welcoming therapy space where clients feel understood and empowered. Let’s work together toward growth, clarity, and lasting positive change.

Introduction

I primarily use a cognitive behavioral approach. My focus area of practice is helping clients improve their lives and find meaningful change.

My communication style

My sessions are calm, collegial, interactive, respectful, directive, and helpful.

How I help clients reach goals

Change does not necessarily take a long time. We're 'shooting for the moon' right away. What's the worst that could happen?

My journey to becoming a provider

Helping others help themselves is an absolute privilege! I'd pay them to do this work (but please don't tell them that.) How did I get here? It's a long story. I originally went to college to be a journalist, but changed to broadcasting. Dumb. I needed to jumpstart my life, so I changed to this profession. Talk about purpose and meaning!

Feeling overwhelmed, stuck or needing to focus? I enjoy partnering with my clients on their journeys to improved wellness. In our time together, we will celebrate your strengths and develop goals to maximize your wellness, together. While we can't change our past, we can work together to process our story’s strengths and struggles. We can talk through your current challenges and quiet the noise around you. We can explore the barriers that may get in the way of enjoying life to the fullest. We can identify ways to find joy again. I look forward to meeting with you to plan how to achieve your goals.

I am a compassionate and dedicated Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor with over 10 years of experience in the counseling field. I am committed to supporting adults facing mental health challenges, providing evidence-based interventions, and fostering resilience.

Welcome! I’m a dedicated Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP), passionate about providing holistic, solution-oriented care to individuals of all ages. I earned my degree from the University of South Alabama, and my approach is rooted in compassion, active listening, and evidence-based treatment tailored to your unique needs.

I specialize in medication management and psychotherapy for a wide range of mental health conditions, including anxiety, depression, OCD, PTSD, bipolar disorder, ADHD, schizophrenia, and mood disorders. Whether you’re a child, young adult, or part of the older adult population, my goal is to create a safe, supportive space where healing and growth can thrive.

I believe in treating the whole person, not just symptoms. Together, we’ll develop a personalized plan to help you regain balance and move forward with confidence. I look forward to supporting you on your mental wellness journey!

I am a board certified, doctoral prepared PMHNP. I completed my post graduate at National University in Adult, Child and Adolescent Psychiatry. I earned my DNP from Azusa Pacific University and graduated from CSUSB MSN program. I have been a faculty at CSUSB since 2014. Extensively trained and a certified Trauma-Informed specialist. I diagnose and treat mental disorders including medication-assisted treatment along with counseling for chemical dependency and substance use disorders.

Choosing a therapist is a big decision, and it helps to know a little about the person you’ll be working with. With more than 18 years in behavioral health, I’ve supported people from all walks of life through mental health challenges, trauma, and major life transitions. Whatever brought you here, I’d be honored to walk alongside you as you move forward with more confidence and resilience.

I create a warm environment to work collaboratively on achieving your objectives. I've been a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist for over 20 years. I specialize in relationships, anxiety, depression, fears/phobias, couples work, creativity, career enhancement among other goals. I have an eclectic treatment modality including psychodynamic, self-psychology, cognitive-behavioral, hypnotherapy and NLP.

Hi, I'm Cristina Hodge, a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT) serving adults and couples in California. I help people who are struggling with anxiety, depression, relationship challenges, trauma, life transitions, and recurring patterns that leave them feeling stuck.

Many of the struggles people experience today are influenced by recurring patterns in the way they think, respond, and relate to others. Together, we'll identify the patterns contributing to your current challenges, develop practical tools for change, and create meaningful, lasting progress.

I am passionate about helping clients develop greater self-awareness, improve their relationships, and move toward a more satisfying and meaningful life. Whether you're struggling with anxiety, depression, relationship conflict, or a difficult life transition, therapy can provide a space for understanding, growth, empowerment, and meaningful change.

I work with teens, young adults, and families navigating ADHD, anxiety, depression, substance use, identity exploration, family conflict, relationship challenges, life transitions, and emotional overwhelm. Whether you're feeling stuck, disconnected, overwhelmed, or uncertain about what comes next, therapy can provide a space to better understand yourself and move toward meaningful change.

My approach is warm, collaborative, and nonjudgmental. I believe therapy works best when clients feel genuinely understood, supported, and accepted for who they are. Together, we build on strengths, develop practical coping skills, and explore the patterns that may be getting in the way of living a more fulfilling life.

I strive to create a safe and supportive environment where clients can be honest, reflective, and fully themselves without fear of judgment. My goal is not only to help clients navigate current challenges but also to foster greater resilience, self-awareness, confidence, and connection.