Trauma and PTSD therapists & psychiatrists in Ojai, CA

Hi, I’m Dr. Lizeth Moreno. I am a first-generation Salvadoran Latina who provides therapy for individuals seeking personal growth, healing, and a deeper understanding of themselves across various stages of life. My work focuses on creating a supportive and collaborative therapeutic environment where clients feel heard, respected, and emotionally safe. I understand that reaching out for support can feel difficult, and I strive to provide a space where you can explore your experiences, develop insight, and work toward meaningful change. My goal is to help clients build greater self-awareness and strengthen coping strategies.

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.

I'm not just your therapist — I'm a mama who has been in the trenches too. After navigating my own postpartum experience and the heartbreak of pregnancy loss, I found my purpose: walking alongside mothers and families during some of life's most tender and transforming moments. Raising my amazing autistic son has also deepened my understanding of what it means to parent with love, resilience, and a whole lot of grace.

I believe healing happens when you feel truly seen — not judged, not rushed, just held. My approach is rooted in authenticity and compassion, creating a space where your full story is welcome. Whether you are struggling with postpartum depression, anxiety, grief, or the emotional weight of a special needs diagnosis, you do not have to carry it alone.

This work is personal to me. And that's exactly why I show up the way I do.

Marquetta McCleod is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist with over 17 years of experience serving children, families, and individuals through a trauma-informed and culturally responsive lens. Her professional journey spans more than 15 years in social services, including extensive work with Child Protective Services (CPS) in both emergency response and ongoing support. She has also provided guidance to diverse populations through county health and social service programs, including CalWORKs recipients, families experiencing homelessness, and individuals with disabilities.

Licensed since 2019, Marquetta brings a compassionate and practical approach to therapy, leadership, and community outreach. As the Founder and Executive Director of MNM Project HOPE, a nonprofit she has successfully led for the past four years, she has built a haven of healing that offers low-to-no-cost mental health services, outreach, and training for emerging clinicians.

Grounded in her values of spirituality, leadership, and reliability, Marquetta is dedicated to empowering underserved communities and nurturing the next generation of culturally competent therapists. Her vision is to make holistic, heart-centered care accessible to all, while inspiring hope, growth, and lasting change in every life she touches.

I look forward to talking with you about what needs to change in order for you to have the life you want & deserve. I believe most of our problems are usually short-term issues.