Trauma and PTSD therapists & psychiatrists in Chula Vista, CA

Dr. Clancy Cavnar is a licensed psychologist with specializations in addictions and psychedelic therapy. She has worked with a wide variety of people and with a broad range of diagnoses and life situations that therapy can help with. She offers a comprehensive assessment and treatment focused on a client’s individual needs. Dr. Cavnar is empathic and compassionate, and therapy with her is an exchange of ideas, with deep listening and non-judgmental acceptance.

I work with teens, adults, and couples. I believe that true wellness comes from integrating all aspects of ourselves—spiritual, social, emotional, intellectual, physical, and creative. As a California-certified sexual assault counselor, fully trained in EMDR and Brainspotting, I provide trauma-informed care with empathy and expertise. I also specialize in psychedelic therapy preparation and integration, guiding clients through their profound journeys with care and intention.

Hi, I’m Julieta a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist who is passionate about helping individuals navigate life’s challenges with clarity and confidence. I’ve been working in the mental health field since 2016 and bring both clinical experience and real-life perspective into my work. I create a supportive and collaborative space where clients feel heard, respected, and empowered. My approach blends cognitive-behavioral therapy, dialectical behavior skills, and person-centered care to help clients build emotional resilience and healthier relationships. I specialize in working with anxiety, stress, life transitions, and trauma.

I truly believe that no matter how overwhelmed you feel right now, you are capable of healing. Sometimes, the most important part of the journey is simply having a space where you feel seen, heard, and completely accepted without judgment. Since 2018, I’ve been walking alongside individuals as they navigate the complexities of life, and more recently, I’ve dedicated my practice to supporting parents through the highs and lows of the prenatal and postpartum period. Whether you are struggling with depression, anxiety, OCD, or the weight of past trauma, I am here to help you find your way back to yourself.

Hi, I’m Tina Chen, a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner dedicated to helping clients feel their best. I specialize in treating depression, anxiety, and ADHD, and I combine medication management with practical tools from CBT and positive psychology. With advanced training from California Baptist University and National University, I focus on creating a supportive, collaborative space where you can build confidence, resilience, and balance in your everyday life.

I am currently a licensed psychologist in California, having previously worked as a psychotherapist under supervision for over 14 years. As an independent practitioner, I am accepting new clients, both in person and by remote means.

I seem to work especially well with younger and middle-aged people who are creatively inclined and having difficulty with self-realization and/or interpersonal relationships, from important relationships to everyday interactions with others. In the past, I have worked in community-based and private addiction recovery settings across a wide demographic. I specialize in trauma informed treatment that includes PTSD, depression, anxiety and phobias.

I seem to work especially well with younger and middle-aged people who are creatively inclined and having difficulty with self-realization and/or interpersonal relationships, from important relationships to everyday interactions with others.

Hello, my name is Sherri Crespin, a board-certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner passionate about providing integrated care for complex mental health challenges, including personality disorders, PTSD and trauma, schizophrenia and psychosis disorders, substance use disorders, ADHD, depression, anxiety, panic disorders, mood disorders, and bipolar conditions. My practice recognizes these conditions are interconnected in ways requiring specialized understanding.

I chose these specializations because I understand how trauma influences personality development, how ADHD complicates substance use recovery, how psychotic symptoms emerge during extreme stress, and how these complex interactions require providers who see the complete picture. Whether you're in recovery while managing other conditions, dealing with personality patterns that developed as survival mechanisms, or navigating multiple diagnoses, I bring the expertise needed for comprehensive care.

My approach emphasizes evidence-based treatments and the healing power of being truly understood. I recognize that seeking help for stigmatized conditions like personality disorders or psychosis takes tremendous courage, especially after negative experiences with providers. I create a therapeutic space where you can explore your experiences without judgment or shame.

You can expect a thorough assessment, personalized treatment planning, and consistent support throughout our work together. My goal is to help you build resilience, develop effective coping strategies, and thrive in your daily life.

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. You can text us your info or email us at [email protected]. Please send us a picture of your insurance information and photo ID!

I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist supporting individuals as they navigate life’s challenges and work toward meaningful, lasting change. My approach is warm, collaborative, and grounded in evidence-based practices. I strive to create a safe space where individuals feel genuinely heard, understood, and supported.

Greetings! My name is Leslie Bartholomew and I am excited to get to know you and help support your road to healing and change. Although I have achieved licensure fairly recently, I have about 14 years of therapeutic experience in a vast array of populations (individuals, teens, children, young adults, couples, foster youth, unaccompanied minors and migrant families). My passion derives from providing a safe and accepting environment to prepare clients to undergo healing and achieve a full and balanced life. I particularly enjoy giving back to the Latino community which I am a part of and an advocate for equality and a world free from discrimination and abundance of acceptance. My goal is to help you feel seen, heard, and empowered to reach your personal goals.

Welcome! I’m Robert Plavajka, a licensed marriage and family therapist dedicated to supporting individuals of all ages—children, adolescents, and adults—who are navigating the complexities of family trauma, anxiety, depression, and the search for purpose in 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.