Bipolar disorder therapists & psychiatrists in Walnut Creek, CA

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'm Michael, a board-certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner passionate about providing integrated care for complex mental health challenges, including ADHD, autism spectrum disorders, OCD, personality disorders, PTSD and trauma, schizophrenia and psychosis disorders, substance use disorders, depression, anxiety, panic disorders, mood disorders, and bipolar conditions. My practice recognizes that these conditions are deeply interconnected in ways requiring specialized understanding.

I chose to specialize across this broad spectrum because I understand how neurodivergence intersects with trauma responses, how personality patterns emerge as adaptive mechanisms, how substance use can complicate other presentations, and how psychotic symptoms may develop in vulnerable individuals. Whether you're in recovery while managing other conditions, discovering neurodivergence later in life, or dealing with multiple diagnoses that influence each other, I bring the expertise needed to see the complete picture.

My approach emphasizes both evidence-based treatments and the healing power of being truly understood by someone who isn't intimidated by complexity. I recognize that seeking help for multiple or stigmatized conditions takes tremendous courage, especially after disappointing experiences with other providers who may have felt overwhelmed by your needs.

What you can expect from our collaboration is a thorough assessment, personalized treatment planning, and ongoing support as we navigate your unique mental health journey. My goal is to help you build resilience, develop effective strategies, and create the fulfilling life you deserve. You are full of possibilities. Together, we'll work at your pace, honoring your experiences while moving toward meaningful change.

For up-to-date availability, please visit our website at mentalhealthpractitioners.com or call/text us at 415-968-6515. Thank you for reading!

Who I Am: In my nursing career of over 25 years I have undergone extensive training in the specialized fields of neurology and psychiatry, which eventually led me to my true passion of becoming a Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP). Throughout my career, I’ve been deeply interested in the brain and its complexity. My path into mental health was shaped by a lifetime of witnessing the impact of mental illness on those around me. Helping others grow, improve their well-being, and experience a better quality of life has always been a central passion of mine, and it continues to guide the work I do today.

I was born and raised in Montana and have a genuine passion for nature and the outdoors. I received my Bachelors in Psychology at Montana State University in 2001. I then pursued my Masters of Social Work degree and graduated in 2008 from the University of Montana. This graduate program had a focus on providing a social justice and integrated practitioner perspective. I have an eclectic style that can be tailored to each unique individual. My primary therapeutic methods include Mindfulness Based, Holistic, Exposure, Narrative, Cognitive and Behavioral, Strengths Based & Solution Focused Therapies. I provide a non-judgmental and compassionate environment that often helps people feel comfortable. A true passion of mine is structuring therapeutic activities for clients to express, process, increase self-awareness, and de-stress from life’s challenging and developmental experiences.

I bring a wealth of experience from my work in child welfare for nearly 10 years, which has shaped me into a deeply trauma-informed practitioner. Over the years, I have supported clients of all ages and walks of life, including individuals facing complex socioeconomic stressors and diverse life circumstances. I am comfortable working with a wide range of mental health concerns, from mood disorders like anxiety and depression to more complex personality-based struggles. No matter your background or the challenge you are facing, I offer a stable, professional, and non-judgmental presence designed to help you process your experiences and move toward a healthier future.

I believe that therapy is a partnership, and my goal is to provide a safe, non-judgmental space where you feel truly heard. As a licensed clinical social worker, I specialize in supporting individuals as they navigate life’s transitions, stress, and anxiety. My approach is rooted in compassion and evidence-based practices, primarily utilizing Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and a client-centered perspective to help you develop practical tools for your daily life. I am dedicated to working alongside you to build on your existing strengths, foster resilience, and help you create the change you are seeking. You don’t have to navigate these challenges alone; I invite you to reach out so we can start this work together.

Hi, I'm glad you're here. Starting or coming back to therapy can feel like the right step and still feel difficult. Life is full of both/ands: "I am struggling and I will be okay," "I have a great job and I'm still feeling depressed." I am here to support you through the dualities of life and help you carry and navigate both. My approach is warm, friendly, gentle, and at times directive. I won't ever tell you what decision to make, but I will support you in figuring out what makes sense for you.

I have a masters degree in psychology with a background in development throughout the lifetime. I have worked with school age, teens, and families through a school based setting. This has given me the value of supporting growth in regards to gender, sexuality, and trauma.

I bring 14 + years of experience providing thrrapy in both private and clinical settings. My work is grounded in a client centered strengths-based approach, rooted in unconditional, positive regard and a commitment to providing a safe, non-judgmental space where client can openly share their stories.

I identify as neurodivergent and have personally and professionally navigated ADHD. This experience allows me to bring both clinical knowledge lived understanding to my work, helping clients recognize their strengths, develop effective strategies, and move toward meaningful growth and stability.

Georgia Barnes, MSN, FNP-C, PMHNP-BC

I am a dual board-certified Advanced Practice Registered Nurse (APRN) with more than 25 years of clinical experience and board certifications as both a Family Nurse Practitioner and Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner. I provide compassionate, evidence-based mental health care for adolescents and adults experiencing anxiety, depression, PTSD, ADHD, mood disorders, and other psychiatric conditions through personalized medication management and supportive psychotherapy.

I believe meaningful mental health care begins with trust, respect, and collaboration. My approach is patient-centered, recognizing that every individual's experiences, strengths, and goals are unique. I work closely with each client to develop a personalized treatment plan that promotes emotional wellness, resilience, and long-term recovery.

My priority is to create a safe, welcoming, and nonjudgmental environment where you feel heard, valued, and empowered to participate in your care. Together, we focus not only on reducing symptoms but also on building healthy coping strategies, restoring balance, and improving overall quality of life. Whether you're facing anxiety, depression, trauma, mood disorders, ADHD, or co-occurring substance use concerns, I am committed to providing thoughtful, evidence-based care that supports your journey toward lasting wellness.

Hello,

I am Dr. Jaeger and I welcome you to my practice. I look forward to sitting with you, hearing your story, and developing a plan to help you with your concerns and needs.