Book a therapist or psychiatrist in Walnut Creek, CA covered by Aetna

I'm an open minded individual and welcome any topics in treatment

Whatever's brought you here — depression that's hard to shake, anxiety that won't quiet down, the weight of past trauma, the ups and downs of bipolar disorder, or strain in your closest relationships — you don't have to navigate it alone. I'm a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist with over 28 years of experience, and I've spent that time helping individuals, couples, and families find their way through life's hardest stretches.

My specialties include depression, bipolar disorder, anxiety, and trauma, along with deep experience in relationships, family dynamics, child development, and parenting. After nearly three decades in this work, very little feels too big or too complicated to bring into the room — and I'll meet you with both warmth and the honesty that real change requires.

Hi, and welcome! I am Joy Nnebe, a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner. I am thrilled you’re considering working with me.

I have 8 years of experience in psychiatric/mental health nursing, and I specialize in treating anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder, ADHD, trauma, and more, using approaches like CBT therapy and trauma-informed care. I aim to provide simple, non-judgemental, supportive, and personalized care to help you feel understood and empowered on your mental health journey.

People say I am a good listener so I will get to know you and the goals you bring to therapy

Hola, Soy Christina Zapata, mi pronombre es ella. Hello, I'm Christina Zapata, my pronouns are she and her. I am bilingual (English/Spanish), bi-and pan cultural. My professional training is in clinical social work. I started out in depth-oriented psychotherapy in 2012, moved to family work with foster and adoptive families in the middle part of my career and have returned to psychodynamic, systems-oriented psychotherapy with individuals and families since 2017. I have experience working with Transgender individuals, those in current or former relationships where intimate partner violence is present, foster and adopted youth, and Spanish speaking political and economic refugees and immigrants. I am trained in EMDR. I have undertaken a three year grief training to help people stay connected to, sit with and move through pain. More recently, I am adding to my practice work around supporting individuals who are experiencing stress and confusion in their workplace.

You may be seeking support in moving toward a more preferred version of yourself, your life, and your relationships. You may be questioning important facets of your identity, or wondering how to locate and uproot the seeds of painful and complicated emotions. Perhaps you are curious about navigating a different type of relational structure with your loved ones, or you may be feeling stuck with a particular challenge in the way you connect to others. My role as a therapist is to provide support and facilitate insight that will allow you to work toward your personal goals.

Clients working with me can expect a therapeutic experience rooted in restorative care, cultural authenticity, and deep respect for their lived story. At Cultivating A Better Me, healing is not defined solely by symptom reduction—it is a process of rebuilding inner safety, strengthening emotional resilience, and reconnecting with the parts of yourself that deserve to be seen, honored, and supported.

My clinical foundation began at Sacramento Head Start, where I learned the profound impact of compassion, early intervention, and family‐centered support. With advanced training in Early Childhood Development and Counseling Psychology, I bring specialized expertise in disruptive behaviors, trauma‐responsive care, and expressive‐arts‐based healing.

Within my practice, clients are invited into a space where they can slow down, breathe, and explore their experiences without judgment. I integrate evidence‐based practices with creativity, narrative work, and culturally grounded approaches that honor identity, community, and personal agency.

Most importantly, clients should know that I show up with presence, authenticity, and a deep commitment to helping them cultivate meaningful, sustainable change. Healing is a collaborative journey—and I walk alongside you with compassion, clarity, and support.

Do you carry the weight of your responsibilities home? Does it impact your relationships, your sense of peace, or your ability to recognize yourself beneath the demands of daily life? Growth and healing take courage, and I admire your willingness to prioritize your well-being.

My practice focuses on three areas:

• Individuals in high-pressure helping and public service professions, including first responders and those working in EMS, Fire, Law Enforcement, Corrections, Dispatch, Judicial settings, Healthcare, Mental Health, and Education. My dual Master’s degrees in Marriage and Family Therapy and Trauma & Related Conflict, combined with lived experience, allow me to offer a culturally informed understanding of the unique challenges these roles carry. Together, we address operational stress, strengthen resilience, and support sustainable well-being.

• Adults navigating identity, authenticity, creativity, and life transitions, including LGBTQ+ individuals and those seeking to reconnect with themselves, clarify their values, and build lives that feel meaningful and aligned.

• Older adolescents and emerging adults preparing for graduation and the transition into college, vocational paths, or adulthood as they explore who they are, what matters to them, and how they want to move through the next chapter of their lives.

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.

I am a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, certified in Spiritual Guidance and Expressive Art, with a multi-cultural background. I bring a warm, person-centered approach to my practice. I have a passion for working with older adults, especially those navigating life transitions, and I offer therapy in Farsi, Turkish, and English. My focus is on creating a safe, supportive environment where clients feel heard and understood.

I am passionate about mental health and provide compassionate and transformative healing for individuals who have experienced anxiety, major depression, and trauma. I am dedicated to guiding our clients on a journey towards recovery, resilience, and self-discovery through evidence-based therapy, psychedelic-assisted therapy, Brainspotting, and a holistic, collaborative approach to mental well-being. My approach is a commitment to encouraging a safe and supportive therapeutic environment where clients can explore their inner landscapes, confront past traumas, and find hope and healing.

Healing is a collaborative journey, and I am honored to walk alongside our clients as they navigate the path to recovery. My core values include empathy, respect, and a deep understanding of the unique needs of each individual and believe in individualizing the approach to each client.