Anxiety and depression therapists and psychiatrists in Encinitas, CA

Hello,

I’m Ermelinda, Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist. I have over 10+ years of experience in providing therapy to adults, children, and adolescents. Do you feel stuck, tired, and not being able to function in your daily life? Are you struggling to balance work, relationships, and life? Many times, we experience loss, grief, anxiety, stress, and depression. I look forward to helping you in your journey to healing. Life is hard and sometimes all you need is just a push.

I work in a collaborative process with older teens (15yrs old and above) and adults who are motivated to find their inner voice and know their highest selves. My clients are focused on setting boundaries, assertive and effective communication skills, healthy relationships, self-advocacy, and self-efficacy. My clients can meet weekly, are willing to reflect on sessions outside of the therapeutic hour, and are receptive to occasional homework. I am here to meet you halfway.

I can understand first-hand how difficult it can be to reach out for help for the first time. I believe in the importance of "practicing what you preach" and I have been the client in the room who needs extra support. I invite you to give yourself a chance, try something new, and gain a healthy perspective on how to address complicated moments in your life.

I am a board-certified Psychiatric mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP) with over 9 years of experience in mental health care as a Psychiatric Registered Nurse. I graduated with honors and am passionate about providing compassionate, evidence-based care to individuals across the lifespan. My clinical experience includes working with patients experiencing depression, anxiety, mood disorders, and severe mental illness in both inpatient and outpatient settings.

You may be seeking support in moving toward a more preferred version of yourself, your life, and your relationships. You may be questioning important facets of your identity, or wondering how to locate and uproot the seeds of painful and complicated emotions. Perhaps you are curious about navigating a different type of relational structure with your loved ones, or you may be feeling stuck with a particular challenge in the way you connect to others. My role as a therapist is to provide support and facilitate insight that will allow you to work toward your personal goals.

I’m a licensed psychologist with a doctorate in clinical psychology, experienced in supporting adults and older teens through anxiety, self-worth, relationships, and life transitions. Clients describe me as warm, grounded, and approachable, with a style that’s both compassionate and direct. I create a space where you feel seen, understood, and supported while working toward meaningful change.

I have been described as a “down to earth” and “real” therapist. I like to believe these are accurate descriptors. I bring a plethora of experience to my therapy room; however, I recognize, acknowledge, and celebrate the client being the expert on their life. I provide a safe environment which allows my clients to be transparent without judgment. It takes a lot of courage to reach out for help and it is definitely a risk. We need to remember there is no growth without risk!