Bipolar disorder therapists & psychiatrists in Atascadero, CA

I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker who helps individuals and couples navigate life’s more difficult and complex experiences. I specialize in supporting patients in understanding how past experiences impact present-day challenges, so they can move toward a more fulfilling, authentic, and connected life.

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.

I hold a Bachelor's degree in Psychology and a Master's degree in Social Work. I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW), with extensive experience in both community settings and private practice. I specialize in supporting women through the unique challenges they face in life. I offer a compassionate, empathetic approach to help women navigate anxiety, depression, struggles with identity, and the journey toward recognizing their self-worth.

I am a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT) based in Orange County, California. I have worked in this field for over 13 years, and am committed to helping adult individuals from all walks of life navigate life's various challenges. My goal is for us to join together as a therapeutic team to help you better navigate whatever struggles life has thrown your way. I specialize in working with adults experiencing a wide array of concerns including, but not limited to, anxiety, trauma, mood disorders, attention-deficit disorders, relationship difficulties, struggles with self esteem, and various life stressors and transitions.

I work with adolescents and adults and offer individual, couples, and family therapy. I help individuals identify their goals and make the changes necessary to help them lead more productive and fulfilling lives. I am directive, and I provide a warm, caring and non-judgmental environment to explore the issues and life-events with which you may be struggling.

My orientation is cognitive behavioral therapy influenced by philosophy. The foundation of therapy is acceptance, unconditional positive regard and emotional support. The therapist partners with the client to clarify their thoughts to provide new skills and insights which increase the client coping skills and resiliency He educates and teaches about psychiatric disorders as depression and anxiety and the skills to overcome tthm.