Addiction therapists & psychiatrists in Nevada City, CA

I am a PMHNP, dedicated to working collaboratively with all clients with medication or therapy to navigate challenges and achieve success.

Education

• Norwich University, Post Grad PMHNP, Graduated 2024
• Chamberlain University, MSN-FNP, Graduated 2019
• Western Governors University, BSN Graduated 2014
• San Jacinto College RN, Grad 2009
• University of Texas, Information Systems, Graduated 2001

Specialties and Expertise

Expertise

• ADHD
• Anger Management
• Anxiety
• Behavioral Issues
• Bipolar Disorder
• Chronic Impulsivity
• Coping Skills
• Depression
• Dissociative Disorders (DID)
• Dual Diagnosis
• Grief
• Impulse Control Disorders
• Life Transitions
• Medication Management
• Mood Disorders
• Obsessive-Compulsive (OCD)
• Personality Disorders
• Psychosis
• Relationship Issues
• Self Esteem
• Self-Harming
• Sleep or Insomnia
• Substance Use
• Suicidal Ideation
• Trauma and PTSD

Treatment Approach

Types of Therapy

• Cognitive Behavioral (CBT)
• Compassion Focused
• Dialectical Behavior (DBT)
• Emotionally Focused
• Integrative
• Intervention
• Mindfulness-Based (MBCT)
• Motivational Interviewing
• Person-Centered
• Positive Psychology
• Strength-Based
• Trauma Focused

As a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, I specialize in anxiety, depression, addiction, and OCD. I work with adults, children, and couples. I utilize a client-centered approach with my clients, focusing in on my clients’ strengths to help them achieve success. I like to tailor my interventions and strategies around each client’s needs. Providing therapy is not just a job for me, it is my passion.

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.

Whatever brought you here, you don’t have to figure it out alone. With over 12 years of experience supporting individuals and families, I’ve seen how much can shift when someone finally feels truly heard. Whether you’re working through something specific or simply feel ready for change, I’d be honored to walk alongside you and your loved ones on the path forward.

I enjoy working with individuals in the recovery community, first responders, and those who have experienced traumatic childhoods. I don't just talk the talk, I walk the walk.

I'm Lina, and I'm passionate about empowering individuals on their journey to healing and growth. With a diverse background in hospital social work, outpatient mental health services, and inpatient psychiatric care, I have gained invaluable experience and insights that enable me to support a wide range of clients facing emotional and mental health challenges.

I was born and raised in the Chicagoland area. My undergraduate B.A and graduate M.A. training took place at Wheaton College. Following graduate school in the midwest, I moved to the west coast, where I attended the California School of Professional Psychology. Here, I earned a M.A in applied psychology and Psy. D. in clinical psychology with a dual emphasis in forensics and family therapy. My research consisted of working with high risk sexual offenders. Following my time on the west coast, I worked as a Staff Psychologist and Assistant Professor at a local university. In my free time, I train in combat arts and play guitar (try at least ;-).

I am a board certified, doctoral prepared PMHNP. I completed my post graduate at National University in Adult, Child and Adolescent Psychiatry. I earned my DNP from Azusa Pacific University and graduated from CSUSB MSN program. I have been a faculty at CSUSB since 2014. Extensively trained and a certified Trauma-Informed specialist. I diagnose and treat mental disorders including medication-assisted treatment along with counseling for chemical dependency and substance use disorders.

I am currently accepting new clients. Life can feel loud, confusing, or just plain heavy, and you do not have to sort through it alone. I work with children, teens, and adults navigating anxiety, depression, ADHD, autism, mood changes, personality-related struggles, and big emotions. Whether you are looking for support for your child or for yourself, our work can help you feel more understood, more steady, and better equipped for everyday life.

With 47 years of experience and a deep commitment to my clients' well-being, I'm dedicated to providing a supportive and effective therapeutic experience. I graduated from Chapman University with departmental honors in both Sociology and Social Work, and I hold a graduate degree in Marriage, Family, and Child Therapy. My core strengths as a therapist are sincere empathy and deep listening, which I believe are the most powerful tools for fostering growth and healing. I am dedicated to continuous learning and am trained in a variety of therapeutic approaches, allowing me to tailor my methods to each client's unique needs.

Melinda Fay is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist with a specialty in Art Therapy. I received my MA in Psychology from Phillips Graduate Institute in 2002 and I have been licensed since 2008.