Bipolar disorder therapists & psychiatrists in Santa Cruz, CA

I have a strong track record of working with parents, building relationships and connecting with youth who are reluctant or nervous about therapy. I have a doctorate in Clinical Psychology and Masters in Education and Childhood Development. I've worked as a therapist in Jr. High and High School settings and currently work in private clinic to heal family relationships. I give you the tools to be kinder to yourself and step back into your life refreshed and empowered.

Life isn’t always easy, and you don’t have to navigate it alone. My educational background includes: Bachelor’s in Psychology, Master’s in Performance Psychology, Master’s in Counseling, and Doctorate in Clinical Psychology. I have experience working with a wide range of presenting problems and truly love what I do!

I believe therapy works best when people feel genuinely seen, heard, and understood. I work with individuals facing depression, anxiety, trauma, substance abuse, relationship challenges, and difficult life transitions. With 4 years of experience, I strive to create a supportive and judgment-free space where clients can feel comfortable exploring their thoughts and emotions at their own pace.

I’m a doctoral-prepared, board-certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner who works with clients across the lifespan. I earned my Doctor of Nursing Practice degree from the University of Arizona and have experience caring for individuals in outpatient, intensive outpatient, and higher-acuity mental health settings. My background includes treating anxiety, depression, ADHD, trauma-related concerns, OCD, mood disorders, and substance use. I take a thoughtful, practical, and individualized approach to care, with the goal of helping clients feel understood, safe, supported, and comfortable being honest when feeling emotionally vulnerable.

IMPORTANT: For current availability, visit https://mentalhealthpractitioners.com/ or call or text us anytime at 415-968-6515—we make it super easy! Intake forms are required before your first appointment and will be emailed to you when you book online. You can text us your info or email us at [email protected]. Please be sure to send us a picture of your insurance information and photo ID!

I'm Christina Stelly, DNP, APRN, PMHNP-BC — a board-certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner based in Martinez, CA. With over 15 years of clinical experience across inpatient psychiatry, maternal health, and advanced practice, I am deeply committed to delivering compassionate, evidence-based mental health care to every person I serve.

I specialize in treating schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, PTSD, depression, anxiety, and etc.

My academic background includes a Post-Certificate DNP in Psychiatric Mental Health from the University of Illinois Chicago, a Doctorate of Nurse Practice from Texas Tech University, and a Master of Science in Nursing from Touro University. I also completed an intensive NP residency focused on advanced psychiatric care, crisis stabilization, and forensic psychiatry, which further strengthened my clinical expertise.

Earlier in my career, I specialized in maternal mental health, serving as a Patient Care Director for high-risk obstetric populations and contributing to perinatal mental health policy at the state and national levels. This background gives me a uniquely broad, whole-person perspective on psychiatric care across the lifespan.

My approach is grounded in trauma-informed, individualized care. I take time to fully understand your history, concerns, and goals before collaboratively building a treatment plan tailored to you. I have also served on health policy committees and presented at national nursing conferences, reflecting my commitment to psychiatric care.

I know starting therapy can feel awkward. Sharing your inner world with someone new takes courage — but it can also be the start of genuine growth and healing. My goal is to make that step easier by creating a space that feels safe, warm, and grounded in understanding.

I’m a Licensed Clinical Psychologist in California, educated in Oregon, where my appreciation for nature, reflection, and connection began. I provide therapy for adults in California, helping people navigate anxiety, depression, trauma, relationship challenges, identity transitions, and life stress.

Over the years, I’ve worked in hospitals, rural community clinics, emergency departments, psychiatric hospitals, and outpatient psychotherapy, which has given me a deep respect for resilience and the many ways people adapt and heal.

• I believe therapy is one of the greatest gifts that we can give to ourselves. It is an opportunity to explore and learn about the mysteries of our inner self. When I am working with a client both of us discover a vast new world that waits to unfold. I studied at Pacifica Graduate Institute, a graduate school dedicated to discovering the inner contents of the self and the secrets of the archetypes of our humanity. I believe in working with my clients face to face, together, by sharing a journey in order to learn about the hardships of today while gaining knowledge about past and present experiences. I believe in and encourage my client’s strength and ability to solve their own problems and become the healers of their own wounds. I work as a guide and as a fellow traveler in your journey toward self discovery. With every step we take toward discovery, I work hand in hand with my clients, letting them lead in finding the sources of their suffering and their capability to heal them. Treatment Modalities: Person Centered Therapy, Post Jungian, Family Systems, Trauma Theory, Sex Therapy, and working within the Feminine Principle. I work with LGBTQ community and with all kind of diversity. At Eye Of The Storm counseling I specialize with Adolescents, Adults, Relationships, Individuation, Immigration, Life Changes, Depression, Anxiety, Trauma, Sexual Issues, Personal Growth and Development, Life Style issues, and Court referrals.