Trauma and PTSD therapists & psychiatrists in Chula Vista, CA

Are you are experiencing verbal and/or mental abuse from a romantic partner, a parent, sibling, friend, co-worker? Do you struggle with your own internal thoughts (e.g. "you’re not good enough”, "it's all your fault", “you are not a priority”). Maybe you’ve lost someone and you’re grieving. You are emotionally exhausted because of the pain you hide and the inability to say "no". You tell yourself the good is good but the bad is bad. You're scared and confused on what to do or how to "fix" things. These experiences create rumination, avoidance, trauma, anxiety, and more.

Sometimes a thoughtful conversation with the right person can make all the difference. As an experienced therapist, husband, and father, I bring both professional training and real-life wisdom to help people navigate life’s challenges. Over many years of both life and clinical work, I’ve had the privilege of helping people move through difficult seasons, gain clarity, and reconnect with their strengths. Whether this is your first time seeking therapy or you’re returning after time away, it’s normal to feel uncertain. Our first conversation is simply a starting point. I often work with people facing life transitions, relationship challenges, or feeling stuck, seeking clarity and a practical path forward. Together, we’ll slow things down, understand what’s happening, and identify steps that help move you forward. If you are going through a difficult season, you don't have to navigate it alone.

I have a Master's in Counseling and have practiced in the field of mental health for nearly two decades. My experience as a therapist includes extensive training and work in eating disorders, anxiety, depression, trauma, grief and loss, relationship issues, women’s issues, and spirituality. I am licensed in both California (LPCC) and Washington (LMHC), and I’m a Certified Eating Disorder Specialist (CEDS) through the International Association of Eating Disorder Professionals (IAEDP). I also hold a certification in Grief (CGP). I emphasize a whole-person approach to care, considering the full spectrum of physical, emotional, social, and spiritual factors that impact your overall health and well-being.

First Things First, you are here! I’m happy about that and excited to help you reach your next step in life. Having helped my clients for over 20 years now, I have a deep understanding of how to facilitate growth and will be tailoring our sessions to your personal goals and individual needs.

I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and work statewide via Telehealth. I work with adults, young adults, adolescents, children, and couples. I have experience in dealing with depression, anxiety, trauma, crisis support, grief and loss, and complicated grief.

I’m a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT) and have worked in mental health since 2019 across both youth and adult settings, supporting individuals with trauma, anxiety, and depression. I’m passionate about creating a space where you can better understand yourself and feel empowered to make meaningful changes. Together, we’ll explore the connection between your thoughts, emotions, and behaviors so you can walk away with more clarity and options. I believe awareness leads to choice, and choice leads to power.

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

I have worked with clients in English/Spanish helping adults with co-occurring disorders, at-risk youth, children, adolescents and veterans, with exposure to trauma, neglect, abuse, and parents with parenting issues. Working with these clients early on in my career motivated me to help those who cannot help themselves. Working as a therapist is a rewarding experience as well as a privilege to be invited into another person's life. I find that in joining clients on their journey to make changes and overcome the difficulties in their lives it enables them to discover their best self.

As a therapist providing individual, couples, family, and group therapy, I utilize several frameworks derived from a number of models such as Cognitive Behavioral, Psychodynamic, Solution-Focused, and Narrative.

I have certifications in Trauma Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, CBT, Crisis Oriented Recovery Systems Model, and Managing and Adapting Practices. Also trained in Gottman Couples and EMDR.

IMPORTANT: For current availability, visit https://mentalhealthpractitioners.com/ or call or text us anytime at 415-968-6515—we make it super easy! Intake forms are required before your first appointment and will be emailed to you when you book online. You can text us your info or email us at [email protected]. Please be sure to send us a picture of your insurance information and photo ID!

I'm Christina Stelly, DNP, APRN, PMHNP-BC — a board-certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner based in Martinez, CA. With over 15 years of clinical experience across inpatient psychiatry, maternal health, and advanced practice, I am deeply committed to delivering compassionate, evidence-based mental health care to every person I serve.

I specialize in treating schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, PTSD, depression, anxiety, and etc.

My academic background includes a Post-Certificate DNP in Psychiatric Mental Health from the University of Illinois Chicago, a Doctorate of Nurse Practice from Texas Tech University, and a Master of Science in Nursing from Touro University. I also completed an intensive NP residency focused on advanced psychiatric care, crisis stabilization, and forensic psychiatry, which further strengthened my clinical expertise.

Earlier in my career, I specialized in maternal mental health, serving as a Patient Care Director for high-risk obstetric populations and contributing to perinatal mental health policy at the state and national levels. This background gives me a uniquely broad, whole-person perspective on psychiatric care across the lifespan.

My approach is grounded in trauma-informed, individualized care. I take time to fully understand your history, concerns, and goals before collaboratively building a treatment plan tailored to you. I have also served on health policy committees and presented at national nursing conferences, reflecting my commitment to psychiatric care.