Trauma and PTSD therapists & psychiatrists in Vista, CA

I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT) based in Orange County, California, and working with clients statewide via telehealth. I work with adults and specialize in anxiety, relationship issues, substance abuse/addiction, and trauma.

My communication style is calm, accommodating, and reassuring. I want my clients to feel comfortable talking with me about anything, and I pride myself on my ability to listen without judgment.

I decided to become a therapist because I have always wanted to help people. Whether it was as an epidemiologist working with the physically ill, mentoring high school students in relational and life decisions, or being a loyal friend, I have always naturally been drawn to helping people through difficult times. Now, as a therapist, I get to enjoy seeing people realize their full potential, heal from their pain, and identify and begin working toward a new future of hope for themselves.

Your goals are most important to me, but I do recommend goals when needed. I accept you just as you are. I will work together with you to achieve an improved quality of life. I have over 30 years experience working in mental health counseling, and 10 1/2 years as a licensed provider. In that time, I have learned to use a variety of modalities. I tailor the type of therapy to my client and to his/her needs, so I might introduce more than one type during our work together. The issues I work with most include depression, anxiety, and trauma, I am also certified in addiction recovery, and neurodivergent issues.

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 Sharon Atwood, a board-certified Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner and Adult Nurse Practitioner with over a decade of dedicated clinical experience. I hold active, unrestricted licenses in Florida, New York, California, and Idaho, and I specialize in serving adults aged 18 and older through both telehealth and outpatient settings.

My educational foundation reflects a lifelong commitment to excellence. I earned my Associate in Science and Diploma in Nursing before completing a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology magna cum laude from Kean University. I then pursued my Master of Science in Nursing from Florida Atlantic University and a Post-Master's Certificate in Psychiatric-Mental Health from the University of Miami, both achieved summa cum laude. I maintain dual board certifications through ANCC and AANP, and I am a proud member of the American Academy of Nurse Practitioners, the American Psychiatric Nurses Association, and the California Association of Nurse Practitioners.

My clinical background spans diverse settings, including adult and geriatric primary care, inpatient psychiatry, crisis intervention, hospital consultation, assisted living environments, and outpatient psychiatric medication management. This breadth of experience equips me to confidently address a wide range of conditions, including depression, anxiety, PTSD, ADHD, bipolar disorder, panic disorder, OCD, schizophrenia, schizoaffective disorder, sleep disturbances, and complex co-occurring presentations. I welcome individuals with treatment-resistant symptoms.

My approach is collaborative, evidence-based, and rooted in genuine partnership. I combine psychiatric medication management with integrative health practices, examining how sleep, nutrition, exercise, stress, and social connection shape your overall wellbeing. I believe that meaningful progress flourishes when expert care is paired with healthy lifestyle.

I am a board-certified Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner with over 10 years in practice, in various settings, including outpatient, emergency department, and urgent care.

I want to be your partner in your wellness journey.

Welcome to my profile! As a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, I believe that prioritizing mental health will set the foundation for the path ahead of you. It's not easy to start your journey but what matters is that first step, which to me, is understanding what your mind and emotions need so that you can begin to mold yourself into the person you deserve to become. I have been practicing for 4 years and enjoy supporting individuals, couples, and families in facing their challenges with confidence.

I grew up on the South Side of Chicago, and that experience shapes everything about how I approach this work. I founded Accepting Psychology with a clear mission: to deliver dedicated, rigorous care to people who are too often underserved. I'm a licensed psychologist with over a decade of experience across hospital and clinical settings, and I specialize in helping adults navigate trauma, anxiety, depression, and the specific challenges that come with men's mental health and major life transitions. I understand that taking the first step toward therapy can feel vulnerable, and I'm here to provide a secure, affirming space where you can move at whatever pace feels right.

I specialize in working with individuals, couples, and families to navigate the challenges related to anxiety, depression, communication, and relationship dynamics. Mental health influences every part of our lives—how we think, feel, and connect with others. When something feels off, it can ripple through our well-being and relationships. Therapy offers the space to identify what’s not working and develop tools for balance, clarity, and lasting change through an engaging and supportive process.

I support teens, adults, and families who are navigating life transitions, emotional overwhelm, relationship challenges, grief, identity exploration, anxiety, depression, and the lasting impact of difficult or traumatic experiences. Whether you are feeling disconnected from yourself, struggling to break painful relational patterns, or simply trying to find steadiness during a difficult season of life, therapy can become a space where healing and clarity begin to emerge.

Hi, I'm Jamie Plaxco, a board-certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner with a passion for helping individuals find healing and balance in their mental health journey. I earned my Master of Science in Nursing from Vanderbilt University, graduating summa cum laude, and have dedicated my career to providing compassionate, evidence-based psychiatric care.

My areas of expertise include treating OCD, eating disorders, depression, PTSD, and substance use disorders. This breadth of experience has taught me to meet people where they are and tailor treatment to their unique needs.

Throughout my career, I've had the privilege of working with individuals facing serious mental illness, those in crisis situations, and people seeking preventive care and wellness optimization. My training at UCLA's Department of Neurology and Riverside County Department of Mental Health provided me with a strong foundation in both the neurological and psychological aspects of mental health. I understand that mental health challenges often have complex origins, and I explore all aspects of your wellbeing.

I believe in treating the whole person, not just symptoms, and I value building therapeutic relationships with my clients. I work with clients across the lifespan and take pride in creating a safe, non-judgmental space where we can collaborate on your path to wellness. My approach combines traditional psychiatric medication management with innovative, integrative treatments. Whether you're struggling with a long-standing condition, navigating a difficult transition, or facing new challenges, I'm here to support you with expertise, empathy, and evidence-based solutions. I stay current with the latest research and treatment modalities to provide you with the highest quality care. My practice is grounded in mutual respect and shared decision-making, ensuring your voice remains central throughout treatment. Together, we'll work toward lasting wellness.

I offer a compassionate, welcoming space for children to work through challenges and build confidence. If your child is having a hard time with emotions, behavior, or school, you’re not alone, I’m here to help! With five years as a school-based therapist, I value working closely with families and schools to support the whole child, so they feel supported in all areas of their life.