Bipolar disorder therapists & psychiatrists in El Cajon, CA

I am Sharon Atwood, a board-certified Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner and Adult Nurse Practitioner with over a decade of dedicated clinical experience. I hold active, unrestricted licenses in Florida, New York, California, and Idaho, and I specialize in serving adults aged 18 and older through both telehealth and outpatient settings.

My educational foundation reflects a lifelong commitment to excellence. I earned my Associate in Science and Diploma in Nursing before completing a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology magna cum laude from Kean University. I then pursued my Master of Science in Nursing from Florida Atlantic University and a Post-Master's Certificate in Psychiatric-Mental Health from the University of Miami, both achieved summa cum laude. I maintain dual board certifications through ANCC and AANP, and I am a proud member of the American Academy of Nurse Practitioners, the American Psychiatric Nurses Association, and the California Association of Nurse Practitioners.

My clinical background spans diverse settings, including adult and geriatric primary care, inpatient psychiatry, crisis intervention, hospital consultation, assisted living environments, and outpatient psychiatric medication management. This breadth of experience equips me to confidently address a wide range of conditions, including depression, anxiety, PTSD, ADHD, bipolar disorder, panic disorder, OCD, schizophrenia, schizoaffective disorder, sleep disturbances, and complex co-occurring presentations. I welcome individuals with treatment-resistant symptoms.

My approach is collaborative, evidence-based, and rooted in genuine partnership. I combine psychiatric medication management with integrative health practices, examining how sleep, nutrition, exercise, stress, and social connection shape your overall wellbeing. I believe that meaningful progress flourishes when expert care is paired with healthy lifestyle.

I’m dedicated to helping clients create meaningful change through a collaborative, compassionate, and goal oriented approach. I specialize in crisis intervention and draw from proven, evidence-based therapies (EMDR, IFS, CBT, DBT, ERP) tailored to your unique needs. I believe every person’s story is unique, and I work to create a safe, supportive space where you can explore challenges, build on strengths, and move toward the life you want. I earned my Master’s in Educational & Clinical Counseling from Azusa Pacific University and have received specialized training in trauma focused care and crisis interventions. I’ve worked in community mental health settings, crisis intervention programs, and private practice; which has allowed me to support individuals from diverse backgrounds and life experiences.

My role is to work alongside you to understand your experiences and develop a treatment plan that truly fits your life

It is my prayer to build a practice that helps you reach a place where your mental health is truly at the forefront. My hope is that with each appointment—and each day—you feel supported in moving closer to the best version of yourself.

As a dedicated professional, I embrace an inquisitive approach to our journey together, constantly exploring new ideas and encouraging you to ask questions. My goal is to empower you to discover your strengths and push beyond your limits. I challenge you to step out of your comfort zone, fostering growth and resilience along the way. With a strong emphasis on open communication and unwavering support, I’m here to guide you, ensuring you feel confident and inspired as we embark on this transformative experience together!

A core priority in my work is helping clients reclaim the power of their voice. Therapy is most meaningful as a collaborative process where you are not only heard, but truly attempted to be known. As an Iranian American therapist, I understand the richness and complexity of holding multiple cultural identities. I especially enjoy supporting Highly Sensitive People (HSPs), as well working with teenagers and adults navigating identity formation, relationships, and the often tender process of growing into themselves

I believe that in order for therapy to be effective, the client has to participate in the process. I am not a magician. I don't have a magic wand. Changing old behaviors and patterns can be difficult and painful but i am willing to be there to support you on your journey to better health.