LGBT therapists in Lake Forest, CA

I have a warm demeanor and am also able to challenge your beliefs or behaviors that are not serving you based on your needs and wants in life. I have been working in the mental health field for over 9 years and have worked in different levels of care such as inpatient psychiatric, outpatient clinics and individual therapy.

I’ve worked as a therapist for the past ten years, helping people untangle their stories and find compassion for the messy, imperfect parts of being human. My own experiences as a client deeply shaped my approach. I bring empathy, warmth, and a genuine understanding of how vulnerable therapy can feel. I work with clients of all ages, from tweens to adults, to build insight, resilience, and self-acceptance. My style is collaborative and grounded in authenticity, humor, and humanity. Above all, I aim to create a space where you can feel understood, supported, and free to explore what healing might look like for you.

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 and will be emailed to you when you book online. You can text us your info or email us at [email protected]. Please be sure to send us a picture of your insurance information and photo ID!

I'm Christina Stelly, DNP, APRN, PMHNP-BC — a board-certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner based in Martinez, CA. With over 15 years of clinical experience across inpatient psychiatry, maternal health, and advanced practice, I am deeply committed to delivering compassionate, evidence-based mental health care to every person I serve.

I specialize in treating schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, PTSD, depression, anxiety, and etc.

My academic background includes a Post-Certificate DNP in Psychiatric Mental Health from the University of Illinois Chicago, a Doctorate of Nurse Practice from Texas Tech University, and a Master of Science in Nursing from Touro University. I also completed an intensive NP residency focused on advanced psychiatric care, crisis stabilization, and forensic psychiatry, which further strengthened my clinical expertise.

Earlier in my career, I specialized in maternal mental health, serving as a Patient Care Director for high-risk obstetric populations and contributing to perinatal mental health policy at the state and national levels. This background gives me a uniquely broad, whole-person perspective on psychiatric care across the lifespan.

My approach is grounded in trauma-informed, individualized care. I take time to fully understand your history, concerns, and goals before collaboratively building a treatment plan tailored to you. I have also served on health policy committees and presented at national nursing conferences, reflecting my commitment to psychiatric care.

I’m Kali, and I have been licensed as a Marriage and Family Therapist in California since 2007. I want to help you have the relationships you want with yourself and with others. I have an MA in Applied Behavioral Science, with a concentration in Systems Counseling. What this means for you, practically speaking, is that as I work with you, I am also thinking about all of the other people, family and friends, co-workers and acquaintances, who are a part of and influential in your life, and you in theirs. I’m also thinking about the relationship you have with yourself, and how all of the parts of you, past, present and future interplay with each other and the world around you. Which is a long-winded way of saying I want to help you have the relationship you want with yourself and with others. I want you to find happiness, joy and health. I'd like to help you identify and meet your goals, and I am a warm, supportive presence whether or not you have any idea as to what your goals might be.

I am a therapist with a Masters in Social Work from California State University, Sacramento.

I have worked with children, teens, families and adults for over 10 years. I specialize in trauma-focused care, while I have also helped with many life challenges and mental health needs.

I help people deal with life when it feels like a roller coaster, where there are ups & downs, sudden twists & turns and constant turbulence. I can help you cope with the ride, give you reassurance and help build a bridge to help you access what you need. I will eventually challenge you to steer the ride without me to ensure you can live your life independently.