

Seeking mental health care in Encinitas? Our 939 licensed providers serve communities including Leucadia, Olivenhain, and Cardiff-by-the-Sea. Sessions are available within two weeks, with most patients saving 75% on care through insurance coverage.
Richard Perez is a Board Certified Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner. For over 15 years, he has dedicated his career to serving the healthcare needs of Long Beach and Los Angeles County. Richard wants to continue improving the lives of each patient by providing professional, compassionate, and person-centered care.
Richard has spent the last two years providing mental health care to underserved populations. This experience has significantly sharpened his clinical skills, which he now aims to bring to the general patient population.
With over a decade of acute care experience as a Registered Nurse and a Master’s degree as a Psychiatric Mental
Health Nurse Practitioner, I specialize in treating mood disorders, anxiety, PTSD, neurodiversity, and medication
management.
My name is Dianne Fontaine, MSN, APRN, and I'm a Licensed Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner, Board Certified (PMHNP-BC) by the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC). I obtained my Master’s Degree from Walden University and has undergone advanced clinical training, equipping me to assess, diagnose, and treat a spectrum of psychiatric illnesses, as well as provide psychotherapy.
I’m here to make this journey feel gentle, welcoming, and human. I keep things clear and simple so you can focus on what matters, not the overwhelm. My style is warm, encouraging, and a little poetic—because softness helps us breathe. Let’s take this step together, one calm moment at a time.
Mental health has long been treated as the forgotten side of healthcare — and for me, that's exactly why it matters so much. As a Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner serving clients across California through telehealth and in-person care, I specialize in helping people navigate depression, anxiety, and ADD/ADHD. I believe that when mental health struggles go unaddressed, everything else in life suffers — and that healing is not only possible, it's necessary. When I'm not supporting my clients, you'll find me out in nature, getting lost in a good movie, or discovering new music — small reminders of the joy and balance I encourage my clients to find for themselves.
Hello, my name is Alexander Valenzuela PMHNP. I specialize in psychiatric medication management and cognitive behavioral talk therapy. If you're struggling with your mental health and realize you want help, you don't have to do it alone. I am looking forward to starting the journey with you to help achieve your best self.
Hi, I'm Cassie (Cassandra), a board certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner with over five years of experience in mental health care.
I believe mental health treatment should feel supportive, collaborative, and free of judgment. Every person has a unique story, and I take the time to listen, understand your goals, and create a treatment plan tailored to your individual needs.
I specialize in the treatment of anxiety, depression, ADHD, stress, burnout, sleep concerns, and other common mental health conditions. Through thoughtful psychiatric evaluation and medication management, my goal is to help you find clarity, restore balance, and move forward with confidence.
Whether you are seeking support for the first time or looking for a fresh approach to your mental health care, I strive to provide a comfortable and welcoming space where you feel heard, respected, and supported.
I look forward to partnering with you on your journey toward improved mental wellness and helping you build the tools needed to thrive in everyday life.











Headway makes it easy to find support for your mental health — from finding the right provider, to understanding costs, to scheduling with ease.
Finding the right psychiatrist in Encinitas starts with understanding what kind of care you need. Psychiatrists are medical doctors who can diagnose mental health conditions, prescribe medication, and in some cases provide talk therapy. If you're looking for help with anxiety, depression, ADHD, bipolar disorder, or medication management, a psychiatrist may be the right fit. Psychiatric nurse practitioners (PMHNPs) can also prescribe and manage medication and are another option worth considering.
With multiple providers practicing across Encinitas and nearby North County San Diego communities like Carlsbad, Solana Beach, and Del Mar, narrowing your search can take time. Consider what matters most to you — whether that's a provider who specializes in a specific condition, offers virtual appointments, or practices close to where you live or work. Reading a provider's bio can help you understand their approach and decide if they're a good match before you book.
Psychiatry in Encinitas can be expensive without insurance. Using your in-network benefits is one of the most reliable ways to lower your out-of-pocket costs. On Headway, you can enter your insurance details to see estimated session costs upfront, and your out-of-pocket expense may be as low as $0 per session. Nationally, Headway partners with over 100 insurance plans, making it easier to find a psychiatrist who is both the right clinical fit and covered by your plan.
Use left and right arrow keys to switch tabs. Press Shift+Tab to return to the tab list from links in the selected tab.