Addiction therapists & psychiatrists in Petaluma, CA

Much can happen in life that we never saw coming and/or that never wanted for ourselves. I believe that in spite of this, there is still a greater hope.

As your therapist, I will collaborate with you in your journey to regain and nourish that hope as you seek healing, clarity, and change. Together, we will establish a safe environment to explore the issues that are consuming you, set goals toward change, learn more about yourself and your values, find clarity, and equip you with the tools you need to keep going.

I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker. I am bilingual in English and Spanish. I have worked in the field of social work helping individuals and families of individuals going through chronic illness, grief and loss, trauma, anxiety, depression, caregiving, communication issues, relationship issues, financial stressors, burn-out, and self-care. My experience has been mostly with adults, ages 18 – 80, but I also have some experience working with teenagers (16 and older) and couples.

Hi, and welcome! I am Joy Nnebe, a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner. I am thrilled you’re considering working with me.

I have 8 years of experience in psychiatric/mental health nursing, and I specialize in treating anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder, ADHD, trauma, and more, using approaches like CBT therapy and trauma-informed care. I aim to provide simple, non-judgemental, supportive, and personalized care to help you feel understood and empowered on your mental health journey.

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.

With 28 years of experience as a psychotherapist, I have dedicated my career to helping clients gain a deeper understanding of themselves. Through the process of self-exploration, my clients have been able to navigate significant challenges and ultimately create more fulfilling and manageable lives. I focus on key areas such as relationships, communication, and career, guiding individuals in uncovering their own solutions while also helping them develop and effectively apply new skills. It is incredibly rewarding to witness the transformation that occurs when clients embrace self-discovery and take actionable steps towards positive change. My approach is collaborative, empowering individuals to recognize their strengths and potential as they work towards their goals.

I have worked in the field of social services for over 31 years. I have experience working with adult survivors of child abuse, child neglect, domestic violence, commercial exploitation, and rape. I have experience working with adults dealing with anxiety, depression, divorce, family separation, and caretaker fatigue. I also have experience working with adults dealing with significant life/career changes, and those dealing with crisis situations.

Julie Ann Therese, PMHNP-BC is the Founder & CEO of Alternative Awakenings Psychiatry, a group practice with multiple rotating providers. She provides medication management with therapy integration (no stand-alone therapy). Julie supports adults and women, with a focus on perinatal mental health and the Filipino-American community.

Diagnoses are based on clinical findings; she does not offer evaluations solely to obtain a specific diagnosis (e.g., ADHD).

For immediate response please call/text our office at 530-691-0193 or +18555985659

UPDATED HOURS OF OPERATION AS OF 4/01/2026

Front office hours: Weekdays 8 am to 5 pm.

Providers’ office hours are by APPOINTMENT only:

Monday/Tuesday from 9AM to 7PM

Wednesday 9AM-12PM

Thursday 9AM-5PM

Friday 9AM-12PM.

Weekend hours for CONSULTATIONS ONLY: 12PM-5PM

BOOKING PROCESS:

A deposit is requested to reserve your appointment time. For Headway patients, this deposit is fully refundable. It is not applied as payment for services unless insurance cannot be verified, a claim cannot be submitted due to incomplete or inaccurate insurance information, no valid payment method is available in Headway or Alma, or you are otherwise responsible for the charges.

UPDATES AS OF 3/30/2026

Practice & Availability Disclaimer

Julie is nearing her maternity leave and has 2 providers covering. Julie will remain actively involved in the practice by monitoring, supervising, and approving treatment plans as part of a collaborative clinical team to ensure continuity and quality of care.