Find a psychiatrist in Brea, CA — covered by insurance

I'm Candice Jeffers, a board-certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner with an unusual background—I spent nearly a decade in cardiovascular critical care before dedicating myself to mental health. That ICU experience taught me something crucial: psychiatric crises deserve the same urgency, expertise, and unwavering support as any cardiac emergency.

For nine years at Ascension Seton Medical Center's Cardiovascular ICU, I supervised teams through impossible situations. I learned to stay steady when everything felt uncertain, to read the subtle signs others might miss, and to offer hope when families needed it most. Those years shaped how I practice psychiatry today—with precision, presence, and profound respect for what you're facing.

I completed my Master of Science in Nursing at University of South Alabama in 2024, immersing myself in over 600 clinical hours spanning outpatient clinics, inpatient psychiatry, and crisis intervention. My pediatric nursing background adds another layer—I understand how early experiences shape us and how differently mental health shows up across ages.

My practice centers on thorough psychiatric evaluations, personalized medication management, and crisis intervention for all ages. I specialize in suicide risk assessment, trauma-informed approaches, and evidence-based treatments that actually fit into real lives. I'm MOUD-trained and licensed for telehealth in Texas, California, Arizona, and Florida.

Here's what matters most: I approach mental health as someone who's held space for both miracles and heartbreak. I know seeking help requires tremendous courage. I know healing rarely follows a straight line. And I know you need a provider who won't flinch, no matter what you share. My work blends critical care decisiveness with deep compassion—because you deserve both.

My path into psychiatry is both professional and personal. I moved to the U.S. alone at 17 while navigating complex PTSD and periods of misdiagnosis, which shaped how I understand mental health today. I began with a bachelor’s degree in psychology at Nankai University, then trained as a nurse and nurse practitioner at Charles R. Drew University and Purdue University.

Over the past 7 years, I’ve worked across medical and mental health settings, developing an approach that balances clinical precision with individualized care. I specialize in anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder, and complex PTSD, particularly for individuals who feel stuck or haven’t found relief in traditional treatment.

I’m licensed in California, Virginia, New York, Washington, and Oregon, and provide care via telehealth.

I provide compassionate, evidence-based mental health care in a safe, judgment-free space.

I know how heavy life can feel when you’re carrying pain, uncertainty, or self-doubt. But I believe, as a wise old wizard once said, “Happiness can be found even in the darkest of places, if one only remembers to turn on the light.” My role is to help you find that light again. I work with Gen Z and Millennial adults facing anxiety, depression, trauma, bipolar disorder, ADHD, and more. Through integrative, culturally responsive care, I combine evidence-based psychiatry with holistic strategies to help you feel heard, supported, and empowered to create a life that aligns with your true self.

Welcome! I’m a dedicated Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP), passionate about providing holistic, solution-oriented care to individuals of all ages. I earned my degree from the University of South Alabama, and my approach is rooted in compassion, active listening, and evidence-based treatment tailored to your unique needs.

I specialize in medication management and psychotherapy for a wide range of mental health conditions, including anxiety, depression, OCD, PTSD, bipolar disorder, ADHD, schizophrenia, and mood disorders. Whether you’re a child, young adult, or part of the older adult population, my goal is to create a safe, supportive space where healing and growth can thrive.

I believe in treating the whole person, not just symptoms. Together, we’ll develop a personalized plan to help you regain balance and move forward with confidence. I look forward to supporting you on your mental wellness journey!

I am a Board Certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner who provides compassionate, patient-centered, and evidence-based care. I strive to create a safe, nonjudgmental space where you feel heard and supported. Together, we develop personalized treatment plans focused on your goals, well-being, and long-term mental health.

Hello,

I am Dr. Jaeger and I welcome you to my practice. I look forward to sitting with you, hearing your story, and developing a plan to help you with your concerns and needs.