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 care is built on partnership, empathy, and evidence-driven practice. With extensive experience across inpatient psychiatry, crisis response, and medication oversight, I appreciate that meaningful care begins with genuinely understanding the person before me, their history, strengths, challenges, and goals.

I take a comprehensive view of mental health, looking beyond symptoms to the full context of your life. Working with high-acuity populations, including veterans, individuals navigating serious mental illness, co-occurring substance use conditions, and those facing acute psychiatric emergencies, has confirmed that no two people require the same approach. Every treatment plan is shaped by your particular needs and may encompass medication management, lifestyle considerations, and coordination with your broader care team.

My specialized training in forensic psychiatry, crisis stabilization, and perinatal mental health has deepened my ability to meet patients precisely where they stand, including during life's most complex and vulnerable periods. Trauma-informed principles guide every facet of my practice, fostering an environment where you feel protected, respected, and actively involved in your own treatment decisions. This breadth of experience informs each recommendation I offer.

I am a resolute advocate for shared decision-making. I invest time in presenting your options with clarity, examining benefits and risks with full openness, and ensuring you feel empowered and thoroughly informed at every stage. My engagement in health policy efforts at state and national levels reflects a wider commitment to advancing psychiatric outcomes for all people.

Above all, I am here to function as a reliable, knowledgeable partner in your care, entirely invested in your progress and the path you are forging ahead. You deserve a provider who sees all of who you are — and that is what I am here to be.

From the moment you reach out, you are no longer facing this alone. Your first session is centered on you—your story, your experiences, and what has led you to seek support. My priority is creating a safe, nonjudgmental space where you feel comfortable, respected, and genuinely heard. There is no pressure to have every answer; simply showing up is a meaningful and courageous first step.

I will conduct a comprehensive psychiatric evaluation to develop a thorough 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 approach every evaluation with both clinical precision and sincere compassion. Throughout this process, you are an equal partner—your input, priorities, and preferences actively shape the care we build together.

I will ask about your background, relationships, lifestyle, and previous treatment experiences—not to overwhelm you, but to form the most complete picture of your needs. My training across inpatient psychiatry, crisis stabilization, forensic settings, and perinatal mental health has equipped me to meet patients at every stage of life with sensitivity and attentiveness.

By the end of our first session, we will begin outlining an individualized care plan. If medication is appropriate, I will walk you through your options clearly and openly, ensuring you feel fully informed and involved in every decision. You will never leave uncertain about what comes next.

I want you to walk away feeling seen, supported, and hopeful. My commitment reaches well beyond the session itself—I am dedicated to showing up consistently through every phase of your care. I look forward to walking alongside you toward greater wellbeing and renewed hope. That journey begins right here, and I am honored to take every step of it with you.