Leasa Dering

I'm Leasa Dering, a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner with 30 years of nursing experience. I earned my MSN as a PMHNP from Walden University, building on three decades of hands-on care including critical care nursing at Loma Linda University Medical Center. Across all those years, the moments that mattered most to me were the ones spent slowing down with people who were quietly struggling—with anxiety, depression, grief, or anger—and offering them genuine attention and compassion. That calling led me to psychiatry.

I work with adults across the lifespan and treat a range of concerns including anxiety, depression, PTSD and trauma, ADHD, mood disorders, and sleep difficulties. I have a particular heart for those living with PTSD, and I believe most of us would benefit from mental health support at some point in our lives—there is no shame in seeking it.

I practice whole-person care. Rather than treating a diagnosis in isolation, I want to understand what's happening in your life, your body, and your relationships that may be contributing to how you feel—the biological, psychological, social, and lifestyle pieces that shape mental health.

My style is collaborative. You keep your autonomy in your care, and together we'll agree on a treatment plan that helps you reach your goals. In return, I offer empathetic care, active listening, education, and clear direction. I believe lasting wellness comes from balancing effective medication management with healthy lifestyle choices—quality sleep, good nutrition, movement, and supportive relationships—and I'll guide you in those areas alongside any prescribed treatment.

In our first session, you can expect a thorough psychiatric evaluation in a warm, unhurried environment where you feel free to share what's been going on. I'll listen closely, ask questions to understand the full picture of your health and life, and work to understand not just your symptoms but the context behind them.

Together we'll begin shaping a treatment plan that fits your needs and that you feel comfortable with. My hope is that you leave feeling heard and understood, knowing you received compassionate, whole-person care—and that you walk away with a clear plan and direction for your healing.