Book a therapist or psychiatrist in Salinas, CA covered by United Healthcare

I am a Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner with over a decade of experience in psychiatry, providing both therapy and medication management. My background includes working with trauma, anxiety, depression, substance use, and serious mental illness, including psychosis, schizophrenia, schizoaffective, and bipolar disorders. In therapy, I focus on healthcare professionals, law enforcement, and first responders. My work centers on helping people move toward post-traumatic growth—not just surviving.

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 with extensive experience delivering mental health care across various settings, including hospitals, clinics, and crisis services. I hold a Doctor of Nursing Practice degree and have specialized training in psychiatric evaluation, medication management, and crisis intervention. My background includes leadership roles such as Director of Nursing and experience as an expert witness in medical legal cases. I provide comprehensive, compassionate care tailored to each patient's unique needs, with a focus on mental health evaluation, medication management, and support for individuals dealing with psychiatric conditions, including geriatric and substance use populations.

I work with teens, adults, and couples. I believe that true wellness comes from integrating all aspects of ourselves—spiritual, social, emotional, intellectual, physical, and creative. As a California-certified sexual assault counselor, fully trained in EMDR and Brainspotting, I provide trauma-informed care with empathy and expertise. I also specialize in psychedelic therapy preparation and integration, guiding clients through their profound journeys with care and intention.

I completed my Master's in Counseling Psychology at The Wright Institute in Berkeley, CA. I have over 10 years of experience working in the mental health field varying from community youth work, psychiatric inpatient nursing, and counseling. I became licensed as a Marriage & Family Therapist in April 2023, accruing over 4 years of experience providing psychotherapy to clients in the LGBTQ and immigrant communities navigating mood, identity, and relationships.

I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist.I specialize in working with adolescents and adults who are struggling with anxiety disorders, OCD, phobias, and trauma.

You can visit my website for more information: https://www.thiwlodarskilmft.com

I’m a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner who provides thoughtful, personalized care in a supportive and nonjudgmental space. I take the time to truly understand your concerns, your goals, and what’s most important to you.

My approach is both clinical and holistic—while I offer medication management when appropriate, I also integrate lifestyle, sleep, and evidence-informed strategies to support your overall well-being.

I value a collaborative, high-touch experience where you feel informed, comfortable, and involved in every step of your care. My goal is to help you feel more balanced, clear, and like yourself again—with a plan that is both effective and sustainable.

My goal is to help you overcome the challenges you are facing in a safe and comfortable environment to help you improve your quality of life. My passion is helping those with substance use disorders, including alcohol and opioid use disorder, safely detox from the substances and work towards a meaningful and long-lasting recovery. With a decade of experience serving a wide range of patients I am a dual-certified family nurse practitioner and psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner.