Addiction therapists & psychiatrists in Escondido, CA

Hi, I’m a Board-Certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner with over 20 years of nursing experience. I provide thoughtful, personalized care for individuals dealing with anxiety, depression, ADHD, and other common mental health concerns. My approach is warm, respectful, and judgment-free — I believe real healing starts with feeling heard and understood. I work closely with each client to create a treatment plan that feels supportive, practical, and tailored to their unique needs.

Two decades of clinical excellence.

Dr. Cindy Ruelas-Tafolla's path to becoming a clinician began at age 13 with the sudden loss of her father — an experience that planted the seed of her life's purpose: to be the kind of support she needed during her own darkest moments.

She earned her Bachelor of Arts in Law and Society from UC Santa Barbara, her Master of Social Work from the University of Southern California, and her Doctorate in Social Work (DSW) from USC.

Over two decades, she has served as a Medical Social Worker, Case Manager, and Behavioral Health Therapist — bringing doctoral-level depth, board-certified credentials, and genuine compassion to every client she works with.

Welcome to my practice. I have a Ph.D. in clinical psychology and I am a licensed psychologist in the state of California. I have many years of experience working with a variety of clients including: children, veterans, hospital inpatients and outpatients, mental health clinics, and individuals in private practice. My orientation is cognitive-behavior therapy (CBT) and I received my year-long training and became a consultant at the Atlanta Center for Cognitive Behavior Therapy. I also believe that trust is a central part of therapy and it is my responsibility to earn your trust. It is incredibly important that I have an accurate understanding of you, your situation and any problems you may be facing currently. I will rely on your guidance to ensure my understanding of you is accurate.

I provide empathic, compassionate care in a safe, supportive, and nonjudgmental space where clients feel heard and respected. My goal is to offer therapy you can trust—an environment where you can openly explore your thoughts, challenges, and goals while receiving understanding and supportive guidance.

I am open, approachable, and committed to listening carefully to your experiences without judgment. I believe that each person carries a unique story, and my goal is to provide a supportive space where you feel heard, understood, and encouraged as you navigate life’s challenges and opportunities for growth. Together, we can explore what is most important to you and work toward creating a life that feels meaningful, authentic, and aligned with your values.

My background includes earning a Ph.D. from the University of California, Berkeley, along with a lifelong appreciation for personal growth, nature, and the healing power of connection. Growing up learning to surf fostered a deep respect for the ocean and the lessons it offers about resilience, balance, and adapting to life's changing conditions. These experiences have shaped my belief in the importance of honoring each individual’s journey and recognizing that growth often comes through both challenge and reflection.

Hi, and welcome! I am Joy Nnebe, a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner. I am thrilled you’re considering working with me.

I have 8 years of experience in psychiatric/mental health nursing, and I specialize in treating anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder, ADHD, trauma, and more, using approaches like CBT therapy and trauma-informed care. I aim to provide simple, non-judgemental, supportive, and personalized care to help you feel understood and empowered on your mental health journey.