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

Welcome, I'm glad you're here.

I’m Bechael S. Harris, MSN, APRN, PMHNP-BC, a board-certified psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner with over 27 years of nursing experience. I provide care for adults and older adults navigating challenges such as depression, anxiety, dementia, Alzheimer’s disease, and other mental health concerns. My practice blends compassion, evidence-based treatment, and a commitment to helping each person feel heard, valued, and supported.

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.

Hi, I’m Julieta a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist who is passionate about helping individuals navigate life’s challenges with clarity and confidence. I’ve been working in the mental health field since 2016 and bring both clinical experience and real-life perspective into my work. I create a supportive and collaborative space where clients feel heard, respected, and empowered. My approach blends cognitive-behavioral therapy, dialectical behavior skills, and person-centered care to help clients build emotional resilience and healthier relationships. I specialize in working with anxiety, stress, life transitions, and trauma.

Hello, my name is Sherri Crespin, a board-certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner passionate about providing integrated care for complex mental health challenges, including personality disorders, PTSD and trauma, schizophrenia and psychosis disorders, substance use disorders, ADHD, depression, anxiety, panic disorders, mood disorders, and bipolar conditions. My practice recognizes these conditions are interconnected in ways requiring specialized understanding.

I chose these specializations because I understand how trauma influences personality development, how ADHD complicates substance use recovery, how psychotic symptoms emerge during extreme stress, and how these complex interactions require providers who see the complete picture. Whether you're in recovery while managing other conditions, dealing with personality patterns that developed as survival mechanisms, or navigating multiple diagnoses, I bring the expertise needed for comprehensive care.

My approach emphasizes evidence-based treatments and the healing power of being truly understood. I recognize that seeking help for stigmatized conditions like personality disorders or psychosis takes tremendous courage, especially after negative experiences with providers. I create a therapeutic space where you can explore your experiences without judgment or shame.

You can expect a thorough assessment, personalized treatment planning, and consistent support throughout our work together. My goal is to help you build resilience, develop effective coping strategies, and thrive in your daily life.

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. You can text us your info or email us at [email protected]. Please send us a picture of your insurance information and photo ID!

IMPORTANT: All clients must complete our intake form and sign our policies before their appointment. Please complete these documents at https://intakeq.com/new/6oakjo/lusjbb or contact us at 415-968-6515 (call or text).

I'm accepting new patients in Arizona and California!

As a Board-Certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner, I've dedicated my career to helping individuals find clarity and stability through compassionate, evidence-based medication management. My journey in mental health began with my foundational education at Mount Saint Joseph University, followed by advanced psychiatric training at Purdue Global, where I developed specialized expertise in psychopharmacology—the science of how psychiatric medications work in the brain and body.

I understand that starting or adjusting psychiatric medication can feel overwhelming. Many of my patients come to me after struggling with multiple providers, ineffective treatments, or confusing explanations about their care. I've made it my mission to change that experience. When we work together, you'll never wonder why I'm recommending a particular medication or what to expect from your treatment plan.

My clinical focus includes complex conditions that benefit from careful, individualized medication strategies: ADHD, OCD, personality disorders, PTSD and trauma-related conditions, depression, anxiety disorders, panic disorder, mood disorders, and bipolar disorder. I particularly enjoy working with patients who have treatment-resistant symptoms or multiple diagnoses—situations that require creative problem-solving and a deeper understanding of how medications interact within your unique system.

What sets my approach apart is the time I invest in truly understanding you. I'm here to provide clear guidance and consistent support throughout your journey toward better mental health.

My expertise is in child and adolescent anxiety reduction, OCD, autism and ADHD. My goal is to provide education to kids and their parents about anxiety and related and co-occurring conditions. I also frequently treat phobias, separation anxiety, emotion regulation issues, school refusal, learning disabilities, trauma, giftedness and 2e.

I am also experienced in helping adults and children navigate issues related to divorce including coparenting, custody planning, divorce navigation from considering separation (discernment) through divorce mediation/proceedings to post judgment. I also have expertise in helping adults navigate post separation abuse, domestic violence and coercive control.

Clients often describe therapy with me as grounding, validating, and clarifying. I provide a space where you don’t have to perform, explain yourself away, or have everything figured out.

We move at a pace that feels safe while still supporting meaningful and lasting change. My goal is for you to feel more regulated, confident, and emotionally secure—within yourself and in your relationships.

Welcome! I’m Robert Plavajka, a licensed marriage and family therapist dedicated to supporting individuals of all ages—children, adolescents, and adults—who are navigating the complexities of family trauma, anxiety, depression, and the search for purpose in life.

I specialize in working with neurodivergent adults (ADHD, autism), LGBTQIA individuals, and those navigating chronic illness, burnout, and perimenopause or menopause. Many of my clients come to therapy feeling overwhelmed, exhausted, or like nothing they’ve tried has worked.

You might feel like you’re constantly “too much” and “not enough” at the same time, or like simple things take more energy than they should. That’s not a personal failure—it’s a sign that your brain and body need different kinds of support.

With over twelve years of experience, I offer therapy that is warm, affirming, and practical. I help clients reduce overwhelm, build coping tools that actually work, and better understand how their brain and body function.

My goal is to create a space where you feel safe, understood, and supported as you build a life that works for you.

I work with individual adults and certain families who are feeling stuck, overwhelmed, sad, lonely, sensitive, anxious, or defeated. If you're feeling heavy by everything going on, or feeling frantic, or having conflict in your relationships or are just feeling lost in any way, I would love to see if I can help! I also work with family units going through transition or strain, such as conflict between a parent and their adult child, or supporting parents who are experiencing difficult things with their child or teen.

I have a lot of experience helping people through loss, whether it's a breakup, losing a job, or a loved one - including loss of a pet, which is a specialty of mine. I have special interest in supporting other therapists, and also community organizers and activists who are engaged in social justice work. Many of my clients are trans or NB, and others are gay, lesbian, or queer. Poly and kink affirming.

I offer telehealth services to clients in California, Idaho, Washington, or Virginia.

I’m Antionette Sob, a Board-Certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner dedicated to empowering individuals to live fuller, more balanced lives. With over a decade of nursing experience and advanced training in mental health, I aim to provide safe, supportive, and compassionate care. I believe that everyone can heal and grow — sometimes we need the right tools and guidance.

I am a double board-certified family and psychiatric/mental health nurse practitioner. As a Family and Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, I believe that healing begins with understanding. My goal is to create a safe, supportive space where you can share your story without judgment and work toward meaningful, lasting change. I provide individualized, evidence-based care for adults facing depression, anxiety, PTSD, bipolar disorders, ADHD/ADD, and sleep disorders.