Q: Are you a psychiatrist?
A: No — I’m a Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP-C) with advanced training in mental health care. I’ve been treating behavioral health conditions since 2017, and I’m currently completing a Primary Care Psychiatry Fellowship at UCI School of Medicine.
If your needs require a higher level of psychiatric care, I’ll help coordinate a referral to a trusted provider.
Q: What training do you have in mental health care?
A: I’ve been treating anxiety, ADHD, depression, and insomnia in primary care since 2017, using a whole-person approach rooted in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Motivational Interviewing (MI), and trauma-informed care.
In 2022, I began treating Substance Use Disorders, which deepened my understanding of how closely mental health and addiction are linked. It also showed me that to truly serve this population — and all patients navigating complex behavioral health needs — I needed to expand my training. Since then, I’ve pursued formal education in CBT, MI, and primary care psychiatry to better support patients with co-occurring conditions.
I’m currently completing a Primary Care Psychiatry Fellowship at UCI School of Medicine, which strengthens my ability to provide thoughtful, evidence-based treatment in the primary care setting.
My clinical expertise is informed by both professional experience and personal insight — and my goal is always to offer care that is compassionate, collaborative, and effective.
Q: What if I’ve tried medications before and they didn’t work?
A: You’re not alone — and we specialize in helping people who’ve had difficult past experiences with treatment.
Often, providers start at too high of a dose or fail to consider synergistic combinations that can improve effectiveness. I take a gentle, thoughtful approach, especially for those with treatment-resistant depression, ADHD, or medication sensitivity. Together, we’ll find what works for you.