Addiction therapists & psychiatrists in Oceanside, CA

Most of us aren't born knowing how to navigate relationships, understand our emotions, or process trauma. Many things influence how we react and behave, but that doesn't mean we can't grow. My goal is to help you build confidence through discovering your self-worth and practicing self-compassion. My priority is creating a safe, judgment-free environment where you feel comfortable. I show up as my authentic self to build trust with you. I'm an empathetic listener and communicate in a calm, gentle, respectful way. My job isn't to tell you what to do, but to help you process and explore topics to build self-awareness and confidence.

Hello, I'm Gerrald Angeles, a psychiatric nurse practitioner. I provide psychiatric medication management for adults throughout California. I’m here to help you feel heard, understood, and supported in your mental health care. Whether you’re dealing with anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder, or navigating mental health challenges alongside chronic conditions, I’m here to help you find balance and feel your best.

Hello!

My name is Aldemar. I have 30 years of experience in the field of mental health, in various capacities. I have a degree in Psychology from Sonoma State University and a Master's degree from Sacramento State University. I specialize in trauma work, Anxiety, Couples therapy, and substance use issues.

I am glad you are here. I commend you for having taken the difficult step to ask for support! I do know that it can feel overwhelming to start therapy, yet here you are; congratulations!

I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) with over 17 years of experience providing behavioral health services, including substance use treatment, trauma-informed care, crisis intervention, and co-occurring mental health treatment. I work with adolescents, adults, families, and older adults navigating addiction, anxiety, depression, trauma, grief, and major life transitions.

Throughout my career, I have worked with individuals from a wide range of backgrounds, cultures, identities, and lived experiences. I have extensive experience serving American Indian and Alaska Native communities and integrate culturally responsive, strengths-based, and holistic approaches into treatment. I am committed to providing inclusive, affirming, and respectful care and welcome clients of all backgrounds, identities, and life experiences.

My professional background includes work in residential treatment, psychiatric and behavioral health settings, crisis services, substance use programs, schools, tribal health programs, and community mental health. I have also supervised clinicians and social work students and contributed to program development focused on recovery, resilience, and culturally grounded healing.

I am an African American woman with over 32 years of experience providing social service and therapeutic support to marginalized families who have experienced trauma — from Criminal Justice involvement, Adult and Child Protection systems, to housing insecurity, intimate partner violence and substance use challenges. I also have a deep passion for working with pregnant and postpartum individuals navigating pregnancy loss, perinatal mood disorders, leading to postpartum depression and anxiety. It is also important for me to hold space for Fathers who are navigating raising children as single fathers.

My therapeutic approach creates a safe, compassionate space where we partner together to challenge unhealthy beliefs, reduce shame and guilt, and address traumatic experiences at whatever pace feels right for you.

While my work is primarily centered with the BIPOC community — African American women specifically — it is my goal that no individual ever feel alone when dealing with depression, anxiety, or trauma. Through active listening and gentle, honest dialogue, I partner with individuals to uncover what is keeping them stuck and walk through those hard places together — building trust, fostering resilience, and creating a real sense of freedom for themselves and their families.

I work with individuals, couples, and families seeking meaningful change in their lives. I view psychotherapy as a collaborative process that is supportive, empathetic and nonjudgmental. My role is to provide practical tools, insight, empowerment, and encouragement as you build emotional resilience, resolve internal and interpersonal conflicts, and move toward greater well-being.

I’m a Licensed Clinical Social Worker based in Berkeley, CA, and I’ve worked in mental health care since 2012. My background includes community-based work, trauma-informed care, and leadership in training and clinical development. I earned my MSW from NYU and specialize in treating anxiety, self-esteem challenges, and life transitions. I enjoy working with adults navigating changes - career shifts, identity questions, or simply trying to feel more at home in themselves. Clients often say they feel safe, understood, and more at ease after we talk. I believe therapy works best with a good sense of humor - even in hard sessions, there’s room for relief and laughter.

As an Asian American growing up overseas, I bring cultural considerations and my multicultural experiences into the therapy process.

I'm Matt Darst, a Licensed Clinical Social Worker trained at the University of Southern California, with advanced training in military and veteran clinical social work. I work with adults who are motivated to change but feel stuck — navigating trauma, addiction, mood disorders, OCD, grief, or the kind of cumulative pressure that quietly builds until something gives.

My clients tend to be high-functioning people who look fine from the outside but are carrying more than they let on. That includes professionals managing stress and burnout, veterans and first responders, and anyone who's ready to do honest, purposeful work — regardless of background or title.

I bring a direct, warm style grounded in kind accountability. I'm not here to tell you what you want to hear. I'm here to help you move.