Addiction therapists & psychiatrists in Tacoma, WA

I want my clients to know that I believe healing happens through collaboration, trust, and compassion—not judgment. My goal is to create a safe, respectful space where you feel heard, understood, and actively involved in your care.

As a board-certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP-BC), with over 25 years of nursing experience in acute care settings, I provide evidence-based, person-centered care for individuals experiencing mental health and substance use concerns. I recognize that every person's story is unique, and I take the time to understand your experiences, strengths, values, and goals before developing an individualized treatment plan together.

I believe that medication is only one piece of treatment. When appropriate, I also incorporate education, supportive therapy, motivational interviewing, cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) principles, harm reduction, lifestyle interventions, and coordination with other members of your care team to support your overall well-being.

My role is not to judge your past, but to help you build the future you want. Whether you're seeking care for anxiety, depression, trauma, bipolar disorder, ADHD, substance use, or another concern, I am committed to providing honest guidance, evidence-based recommendations, and a therapeutic relationship built on mutual respect. I encourage questions, welcome open communication, and want you to feel empowered to participate in decisions about your care.

Together, we'll focus on helping you achieve meaningful, lasting improvements in your mental health and quality of life.

I am a highly experienced mental health professional with over 31 years of practice in diagnosing and prescribing medication for depressive disorders, bipolar disorder, and attention deficits. My primary focus is on stabilizing your mood and helping you achieve a better quality of life.

I am a licensed mental health counselor and substance use disorder profession in the state of Washington with over 35 years of experience working in various community clinics, treatment centers, hospitals and private practice. I am also a geriatric mental health specialist. I have worked with hundreds of people with a wide variety of concerns, including addiction/recovery, depression and anxiety, PTSD, stress management, LGBTQ-related issues, family systems, codependency, self-esteem, relationships of all types, grief and loss, and issues related to abuse and trauma.

I am a licensed mental health counselor in Washington. I have 14 years of experience as a counselor and 16 experience practicing law. I also have 14 years of sobriety. I congratulate you on seeking therapy to improve your life. I enjoy working with clients from young adults navigating early adulthood to older adults coping with the changes that age brings.

Stimulants, Suboxone and Benzodiazepines are prescribed in this practice with DEA guidelines. Dr. Padilla is a Doctor of Nursing Practice from the New York tri-state area and has over 30 years of experience in healthcare. He treats children from 6 years old through adulthood, focusing on psychiatric medication management. He specializes in mental health and has extensive experience in the field of psychiatry. Dr. Padilla takes a “start low and go slow” approach to prescribing, paying special attention to medication potency and potential interactions with other medications prescribed by other providers. Dr. Padilla earned his Doctorate in Clinical Practice Nursing from Rutgers University–New Brunswick. He also holds bachelor’s degrees from Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, and the University of Miami, as well as an associate’s degree from Bergen Community College.

Smart Duru is psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner with over 10 years of combined healthcare experience. He attended University of Derby, England for a Bachelor of Science Degree in Nursing and a master’s in psychiatric mental health nursing with Distinction. Smart Duru obtained a Master of Science Degree with specialization in Psychiatry mental health Nurse Practitioner. He has extensive experience in Mental health, Primary care, Sub/Post-Acute Care, Long Term Care, Correctional Medicine, and Family Medicine.

With 30 years of experience as a therapist, I earned my Ph.D. in Counseling Psychology from Stanford University, specializing in school and community-based counseling. I'm dedicated to guiding clients through challenges like trauma, anxiety, and depression, fostering self-awareness and providing practical strategies for greater clarity and fulfillment. My practice is built on a compassionate approach, crafting personalized, evidence-based therapy to help you thrive. I also bring a unique perspective from my work as a university professor and international consultant, promoting mental health equity and inclusivity worldwide.

As a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, I approach therapy as a collaborative, relational process grounded in authenticity, trust, and respect. I believe meaningful change happens when individuals feel genuinely seen, understood, and supported, and I strive to create a space where clients can explore their experiences openly without fear of judgment. My work is informed not only by clinical training, but also by lived experience, which allows me to connect with clients in a way that is both empathetic and deeply human.

My therapeutic style is engaged, flexible, and tailored to each individual. I integrate evidence-based modalities including EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing), Ketamine Assisted Psychotherapy, and Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT). Through EMDR, I help clients process and resolve trauma and distressing life experiences. In Ketamine-Assisted Therapy, I support clients in accessing new perspectives and reducing symptoms that may feel stuck or resistant to traditional approaches. With DBT, I focus on building concrete skills in emotional regulation, distress tolerance, mindfulness, and interpersonal effectiveness. I aim to balance insight-oriented work with practical tools that clients can apply in their daily lives.

I believe therapy does not have to feel overly clinical or rigid to be effective. I intentionally incorporate humor, warmth, and relatability into my work, recognizing that moments of lightness can be incredibly grounding and healing. Humor can create connection, reduce shame, and make difficult conversations feel more approachable, while still honoring the depth and seriousness of each person’s experience.

• Outstanding Patient Reviews - Google reviews (Access Psych Meds)
• Experienced Mental Health Provider (13 years) assisting clients with ADHD (adult) Anxiety Depression Chronic Pain Chronic Sleep problems Mood disorder PTSD: Military combat, childhood & sexual trauma Alcohol Use Disorder
• Dual Master’s Prepared
• ANCC Dual Board Certified - Psych Mental Health Nurse Practitioner and Clinical Nurse Specialist
• Veteran 22 yrs retired US Navy Commander/O-5
• Licensed in 5 States - AZ, CA, OR, MD, WA