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.

My philosophy of psychiatric practice centers on partnership, empathy, and treatment rooted in solid research. Having worked extensively in inpatient settings, crisis response, and ongoing medication management, I've come to understand that quality care starts with genuinely getting to know each individual—their background, capabilities, obstacles, and aims.

I take a comprehensive view of mental wellness, looking past mere symptoms to grasp the entirety of someone's life circumstances. My work with high-need populations—veterans, those managing serious mental illness, people navigating both substance use and psychiatric concerns, and individuals in acute crisis—has taught me clearly that a one-size-fits-all method simply doesn't work. Every plan I develop is tailored to what you specifically need, which might involve medication, attention to lifestyle elements, and working alongside your broader care team.

My specialized training in forensic settings, stabilizing acute crises, and perinatal mental wellness has strengthened my ability to connect with people during even the most challenging and fragile chapters of their lives. Everything I do is rooted in trauma-informed thinking, which means creating an environment where you feel protected, valued, and genuinely part of the decision-making process regarding your treatment.

I make it a priority to walk you through your choices thoroughly, being upfront about both advantages and potential downsides, so you always feel assured and knowledgeable at every stage. My work advocating for mental health policy at both state and national levels reflects my broader dedication to improving psychiatric care more widely.

Ultimately, my role is to be a dependable, informed ally throughout your care journey, fully committed to your growth and what lies ahead. This is a responsibility I hold with great seriousness, and it's the foundation for everything we work toward together.

From the moment you connect with me, you are no longer navigating this on your own. Your first appointment centers entirely on you—your story, your experiences, and what has motivated you to seek support. My priority is creating a safe, judgment-free space where you feel comfortable, appreciated, and genuinely heard. There is no expectation to have everything sorted out; simply showing up is a courageous and meaningful first step. I will conduct a thorough psychiatric evaluation to develop a complete understanding of your mental health history, current concerns, and personal goals. Drawing on extensive experience assessing and treating conditions such as PTSD, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, substance use disorders, and co-occurring diagnoses, I bring both clinical precision and sincere empathy to every assessment. Throughout this process, you are an equal partner—your perspective, priorities, and preferences actively shape the care we build together.

I will ask about your background, relationships, daily routines, and prior treatment experiences—not to overwhelm you, but to construct the most thorough picture of your needs. My training across inpatient psychiatry, crisis stabilization, forensic settings, and perinatal mental health has equipped me to meet individuals at every stage of life with sensitivity and intention. By the end of our first visit, we will begin forming a personalized care plan. If medication is appropriate, I will guide you through your options with transparency and warmth, ensuring you feel fully informed and involved in each decision. You will never leave uncertain about what comes next.

I want you to depart feeling recognized, uplifted, and filled with renewed possibility. My dedication extends well beyond the appointment itself—I am committed to showing up dependably through every phase of your care. I look forward to walking beside you toward greater wellness and fresh hope.