Addiction therapists & psychiatrists in Arcata, CA

Great to meet you! Taking the first step toward caring for your mental health can feel overwhelming, so I'm glad you're here. I'm a board-certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP-BC) with over 13 years of experience helping adolescents and adults navigate anxiety, depression, ADHD, bipolar disorder, trauma, and other mental health concerns. My approach is compassionate, collaborative, and personalized, and I strive to create a safe, judgment-free space where you feel heard, supported, and empowered to reach your goals.

I have been on my own healing journey for 40+ years and so I know personally how much courage and effort it can take to heal and grow. I also know how amazing life and relationships can get as a part of that healing process; I wish that experience for everyone.

My name is Rene and I’m a down-to-earth therapist who specializes in substance use and trauma, and I love helping people feel hopeful again during some of the hardest and most confusing chapters of their lives. I also support clients navigating anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder, PTSD, family and relationship struggles, stress, and women’s issues. I especially enjoy working with women rebuilding identity and confidence after difficult life experiences.

People often tell me they feel comfortable with me quickly. My goal is simple: to meet you exactly where you are — whether that’s overwhelmed, stuck, healing, hopeful, or unsure — and help you find freedom, opportunity, and solid ground again. If faith or Christian counseling is meaningful to you, I’m happy to incorporate spirituality into our work together. And if not — that’s perfectly okay too. Therapy with me is about your values and your journey.

I have 15+ years of experience working with individuals and couples who have experienced trauma, both directly and indirectly. My specialty is those going through a loss, suffered emotional trauma, or are victims of violence. Unaddressed individual trauma can often lead to anxiety, depression and difficulties in developing / maintaining loving relationships. Couples can struggle with unhealthy patterns of communication and need alternative tools to better understand each other. With a warm, collaborative, and evidence-based approach I support clients facing issues such as anxiety, grief, life changes and relationship challenges.

I work with adults and seniors navigating anxiety, depression, grief, trauma, past hurts, and life transitions that can feel overwhelming to carry alone. Many of my clients come in feeling stuck, exhausted, or unsure how to move forward. My goal is to offer a supportive, welcoming space where you feel heard and understood as we work toward greater peace, confidence, and connection in your life.