Diana Pena

IMPORTANT: All clients must complete our intake form and sign our policies before their appointment. Please complete these documents at https://intakeq.com/new/6oakjo/lusjbb or contact us at 415-968-6515 (call or text).

Hello, I'm Diana Pena, a board-certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner. I provide comprehensive care for complex psychiatric presentations. My expertise spans ADHD, autism spectrum disorders, OCD, personality disorders, PTSD and trauma, schizophrenia and psychosis disorders, substance use disorders, depression, anxiety, panic disorders, mood disorders, and bipolar conditions. I've dedicated my practice to supporting those who may have struggled to find providers comfortable with their complexity.

What sets my practice apart is my genuine comfort with diagnostic complexity and co-occurring conditions. Many patients come to me after experiencing frustration with providers who seemed overwhelmed by multifaceted presentations or offered fragmented care. I understand that real people rarely fit into neat diagnostic boxes, and I bring the expertise needed to address how neurodivergence, trauma, substance use, and mental health conditions intersect.

My approach is individualized and trauma-informed. Whether you're navigating ADHD and autism together, managing OCD alongside trauma history, dealing with personality disorder symptoms while in recovery, or experiencing psychotic symptoms, I take time to comprehend your unique situation. I believe in thorough assessment, accurate diagnosis, and collaborative treatment planning that honors your goals.

I provide a safe, non-judgmental space for open conversation. My goal is to help you understand your experience, develop effective coping strategies, and build resilience as we work toward the meaningful life you want. For up-to-date availability, please visit our website at mentalhealthpractitioners.com or call/text us at 415-968-6515.

My care is grounded in sincere respect, open collaboration, and the belief that no one understands your life better than you. Rather than prescribing a set path, I act as a trusted guide and ally. Meaningful, lasting progress in mental health comes from a real partnership, and I start building that connection at our very first visit, always at your pace.

Every question and concern deserves attention, and nothing you share with me will be brushed aside. I meet you with openness and curiosity, working to understand your perspective, your circumstances, and the culture and identity that shape your well-being. What brought you here matters to me. I look past symptoms to see the full picture, including how they affect your daily life, relationships, and sense of self.

I provide whole-person care that addresses biological, psychological, and social factors together. This includes careful medication management when it offers real benefit, along with evidence-based therapies, practical lifestyle changes, and the strengths and resources you already have. I also share clear, honest information about your diagnosis, treatment options, and current research, so you can play an active role in your recovery.

Struggling with mental health is part of being human, not a sign of failure or weakness, and seeking help takes strength. At every visit, I want you to feel seen, heard, and cared for in a space that is safe, welcoming, and judgment-free. I tailor my approach to your individual needs. With your permission, I'll coordinate with your support system and other providers when it helps your healing. If any part of your plan isn't working, we'll discuss it openly and adjust together.

Above all, I remain fully present at every stage of your care, through setbacks and breakthroughs alike, so you never have to face this journey alone. It would be a privilege to support you as you move toward greater balance, stability, and a renewed sense of hope.

Our first appointment has one simple aim: helping you feel listened to, respected, and understood. We'll start with what led you here, whether you're dealing with depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, ADHD, PTSD, or another challenge affecting your daily life. I'll ask about your symptoms, including how often they occur, how severe they feel, what sets them off, how long they've lasted, and whether they've shifted over time. We'll go at an easy pace, and you can't give a wrong answer.

Your mental health background is central to our discussion. We'll look at previous diagnoses and treatments, and if you've used medication in the past, we'll review each one, including how long you took it, the dosage, how effective it was, and why you stopped. This lets me steer clear of what hasn't helped and build on what has.

Family history adds insight, since genetics can affect which treatments are most likely to work for you. Your medical background is equally important. Existing conditions, prescriptions, allergies, seizure history, and physical symptoms all help me prescribe safely, as certain medications can interact with other drugs or health issues.

We'll also discuss your sleep, substance use, job, relationships, and support network, along with how you cope with stress and painful emotions. If past trauma or grief is part of your experience, you can share as much or as little as you're comfortable with. Nothing is expected of you, and whatever you share will be met without judgment.

With the full picture, we'll decide together whether medication is the best route for you. I will offer my clinical impressions candidly and walk you through each recommendation in plain terms, including the expected benefits and potential side effects. Questions are welcome at any point, and you'll leave with a specific plan you understand and feel good about. We'll also set up follow-up appointments to monitor progress and fine-tune the plan as needed.