Christina Stelly

Helping people reclaim their mental health and quality of life is not just my profession — it is my purpose. I am Christina Stelly, a Board-Certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP-BC) based in Martinez, California, with a deep commitment to compassionate, evidence-based psychiatric care. My path to this work has been shaped by years of experience across diverse, high-acuity clinical settings, and I bring both clinical expertise and genuine care to every patient I serve.

My educational foundation includes a Post-Certificate DNP in Psychiatric Mental Health from the University of Illinois Chicago, a Doctorate of Nursing Practice from Texas Tech University, and a Master of Science in Nursing from Touro University — all built upon over a decade of hands-on clinical nursing experience.

I provide comprehensive psychiatric evaluations, medication management, and crisis intervention for veterans navigating conditions including schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, PTSD, and substance use disorders. Prior to this role, I completed an advanced NP residency focused on forensic psychiatry and crisis stabilization, and served as Patient Care Director overseeing high-risk maternal mental health at the University of Illinois Chicago.

I specialize in caring for diverse and underserved populations, including veterans, individuals with severe mental illness, co-occurring disorders, and those in acute psychiatric crisis. My perinatal psychiatry background also provides a unique perspective for supporting individuals through some of life's most vulnerable transitions.

Beyond direct patient care, I am an active mental health policy advocate, contributing to state advisory councils and national nursing organizations. I believe every person deserves dignified, individualized care — and if you are ready to take the next step, I warmly welcome the opportunity to connect and support you.

Teamwork, compassion, and evidence-based medicine shape the psychiatric care I offer. My experience in inpatient psychiatry, crisis response, and medication management has shown me that effective care begins with genuinely knowing the person I am treating, including their background, strengths, challenges, and hopes.

I view mental health through a whole-person lens, looking past symptoms to understand the broader context of your life. Working with people who have complex, high-acuity needs, such as veterans, individuals with serious mental illness, those managing co-occurring substance use concerns, and people in acute psychiatric crisis, has taught me that no one approach fits everyone. Nothing is too complicated to bring to me. Your plan will be built around your particular needs and may include medication management, attention to your daily routines, and coordination with other professionals who are part of your care.

Training in forensic psychiatry, crisis stabilization, and perinatal mental health has deepened my ability to meet people exactly where they are, even in the most difficult and vulnerable periods of life. Trauma-informed principles guide every interaction, creating an environment where you feel safe, respected, and fully involved in decisions about your treatment. You can open up at your own speed.

I strongly believe in shared decision-making. I take the time to explain your options in plain language, speak honestly about potential benefits and risks, and make sure you feel confident and well informed at every stage. Your questions are always encouraged. My work in health policy at both the state and national levels reflects a wider commitment to improving psychiatric care for everyone.

Above all, I strive to be a steady, knowledgeable partner who is truly invested in your growth and your future. Every step forward, however small, deserves recognition.

Once you reach out, you no longer have to face this alone. Our first visit centers entirely on you, including your story, your experiences, and what prompted you to seek support. My priority is to provide a secure, inviting environment where you feel at ease, respected, and truly listened to. You do not need to have everything figured out; simply arriving is a brave and important first step.

During this visit, I will complete a thorough psychiatric assessment to understand your mental health background, the concerns you are facing now, and the goals you hope to reach. With substantial experience evaluating and treating conditions such as PTSD, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, substance use disorders, and overlapping diagnoses, I bring thoughtful clinical judgment and sincere compassion to every assessment. You will be an equal partner throughout, and your perspective, priorities, and preferences will guide the care we build together.

I will ask about your history, relationships, daily routines, and past treatment, not to overwhelm you, but to form the clearest and most accurate picture of what you need. You can share as much or as little as feels comfortable. My background includes inpatient psychiatry, crisis stabilization, forensic settings, and perinatal mental health, which has prepared me to support people through every season of life with care and sensitivity.

Before we finish, we will start shaping a personalized plan together. If medication seems helpful, I will explain your options clearly and honestly so you feel well informed and involved in every decision. Your questions are always welcome, and you will leave knowing exactly what comes next.

My hope is that you walk away feeling understood, supported, and hopeful. My commitment extends well beyond this first visit, and I am dedicated to being a steady presence at every stage. I look forward to working alongside you as you move toward better well-being and renewed hope.