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!

IMPORTANT: All clients must complete our intake form and sign our policies before their appointment. Please complete these documents at https://intakeq.com/new/6oakjo/lusjbb or contact us at 415-968-6515 (call or text).

I'm accepting new patients in Arizona and California!

As a Board-Certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner, I've dedicated my career to helping individuals find clarity and stability through compassionate, evidence-based medication management. My journey in mental health began with my foundational education at Mount Saint Joseph University, followed by advanced psychiatric training at Purdue Global, where I developed specialized expertise in psychopharmacology—the science of how psychiatric medications work in the brain and body.

I understand that starting or adjusting psychiatric medication can feel overwhelming. Many of my patients come to me after struggling with multiple providers, ineffective treatments, or confusing explanations about their care. I've made it my mission to change that experience. When we work together, you'll never wonder why I'm recommending a particular medication or what to expect from your treatment plan.

My clinical focus includes complex conditions that benefit from careful, individualized medication strategies: ADHD, OCD, personality disorders, PTSD and trauma-related conditions, depression, anxiety disorders, panic disorder, mood disorders, and bipolar disorder. I particularly enjoy working with patients who have treatment-resistant symptoms or multiple diagnoses—situations that require creative problem-solving and a deeper understanding of how medications interact within your unique system.

What sets my approach apart is the time I invest in truly understanding you. I'm here to provide clear guidance and consistent support throughout your journey toward better mental health.