ADHD therapists and psychiatrists in Nevada City, CA

You made it, welcome! I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist who came to this work with nearly a decade of crisis intervention experience - the kind of work that teaches you crisis and chaos isn't always an emergency, but often a transformation that needs space to unfold. I earned my degree in Counseling Psychology with an emphasis in Depth Psychology, and I've spent my career specializing in the places where high-stakes work meets human breaking points: occupational trauma, moral injury, burnout, and the complex territory of identity and transition.

I work particularly well with people in helping professions -first responders, military, healthcare workers, teachers, therapists, and LGBTQIA+ folks - anyone who's spent years being the capable one, the reliable one, the one who shows up no matter what. My training includes Brainspotting, ketamine-assisted psychotherapy, Critical Incident Stress Management (CISM), and somatic approaches that work with how trauma actually lives in your body and nervous system, not just in your thoughts.

Here's what matters: I get that asking for help doesn't come naturally when you're supposed to be the strong one. I understand that the hypervigilance that once kept you safe might now be keeping you isolated. And I know that sometimes the hardest part is figuring out who you are when you're not performing competence for everyone else. You don't have to translate your experience into therapy-speak with me, and you definitely don't have to pretend you're more okay than you are.

Great to meet you! Taking the first step toward caring for your mental health can feel overwhelming, so I'm glad you're here. I'm a board-certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP-BC) with over 13 years of experience helping adolescents and adults navigate anxiety, depression, ADHD, bipolar disorder, trauma, and other mental health concerns. My approach is compassionate, collaborative, and personalized, and I strive to create a safe, judgment-free space where you feel heard, supported, and empowered to reach your goals.

Are you struggling to have harmony in your relationships? Does having ease in your life seem like a far-fetched dream? Are you feeling overwhelmed with the state of the world and all you have to do? Welcome, you're in the right place! I have been in your shoes and the first (or twenty) step is always the hardest. As someone who has learned to balance multiple cultures, I know what it can feel like to straddle various parts of your identity. I have first hand experienced feeling overwhelmed, frustrated, angry, and at a complete loss for how to navigate the intensity of my emotions. This has informed my practice and work with clients where I strongly believe that our emotions guide us to understanding ourselves in a new light. Asking for help can be difficult, especially in a culture that values productivity over personality.

I am a board-certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP-BC) dedicated to providing compassionate, patient-centered mental health care to individuals across California. With a background in both nursing and psychiatry, I specialize in diagnosing, treating, and supporting patients with a wide range of mental health conditions, including anxiety, depression, ADHD, bipolar disorder, and more.

I’m a licensed clinical social worker and Army veteran who’s passionate about helping people reconnect with their sense of purpose, strength, and authenticity. My background in depth psychology means I approach therapy with curiosity about both the conscious and unconscious parts of who we are through the stories, dreams, and emotions that shape our inner world. I aim to create a space where healing feels human and not clinical. You don’t have to have the right words; you just have to show up.

Psychotherapy provided to adults seeking support. In treatment,we can create/reach goals to cope successfully while decreasing symptoms of anxiety/depression. Both short-term and long-term assistance available.

You’re capable and use to managing a lot, but lately life feels overwhelming.

I’m Ashley Walay, LICSW, and I work with BIPOC women and LGBTQ+ individuals, professionals, single parents, and military-connected individuals (including spouses, veterans, contractors, and civilian employees) experiencing anxiety, depression, trauma, burnout, chronic stress, and life transitions.

I value clear, direct communication and tailor therapy to your needs, whether you want tools or space to process. Together, we’ll work toward greater clarity, balance, and confidence.