Anxiety and depression therapists and psychiatrists in Hayward, CA

I am a board-certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP-C) providing compassionate, evidence-based care through telehealth. My background includes experience in emergency care and mental health treatment. I work with adolescents and adults experiencing anxiety, depression, trauma-related conditions, and mood disorders. I take a collaborative and supportive approach and work closely with clients to develop personalized treatment plans focused on improving emotional well-being.

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.

My goal with therapy is to provide a safe and open space to process and prioritize a growth mindset. I tailor my therapeutic approach to best match the needs of the client and truly believe in promoting acceptance. Some modalities I have experience with and may incorporate into therapy are Acceptance Compassion Therapy, Motivational Interviewing, Solution Focused, Client-Centered, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Here-and-now Counseling, Trauma-Informed, and Holistic. I have a passion for working with individuals who are looking to unpack complex emotions and experiences that have shaped their understanding of the world.

I’m someone who truly listens and strives to meet each person exactly where they are. My style is adaptive, reflective, and flexible. I bring authenticity, compassion, and a good sense of humor into my work because I believe that laughter and honesty can be just as healing as insight. I was inspired to become a therapist by my own desire for the kind of support I would have wanted, and I aim to offer that same understanding and care to my clients. People often describe me as warm, genuine, and empowering. I am someone who helps them feel deeply heard and supported while encouraging growth in meaningful ways.

I am a licensed clinician specializing in trauma recovery. I work with adolescents and adults who are experiencing emotional and difficult experiences. My goal is to provide a supportive space where clients can begin to heal.

As a Nurse Practitioner, I believe healthcare should be a partnership, not a prescription. My approach combines advanced clinical skills with a deep commitment to patient advocacy, ensuring every individual has the tools and confidence to take charge of their health. I specialize in creating personalized treatment plans that honor the whole person — mind, body, and spirit. Whether I’m diagnosing, prescribing, or simply listening, my mission is to make every patient feel seen, heard, and cared for. I strive to turn sessions into moments of trust, learning, and hope."

I am board certified in Family Practice as well as Psychiatry and have been in practice for 25 year. I work with mental health issues such as depression, anxiety, sleep disorders, bipolar disorder, as well as address physical symptoms or issues that may affect mental health. I hold a Doctorate degree in education and Master Degrees in Advance Practice Nursing and education.

Dr. Aw primary interest is the intersection between mental and physical health. Dr. Aw’s philosophy, one does not exist outside of the other. Furthermore, Depression and anxiety in patients who are also suffering from medical issues feels significantly worse, and it is his goal to get patients on the road to recovery.