Prenatal and postpartum therapists & psychiatrists in Ventura, CA

Many of the women I work with grew up with high expectations & low emotional support. They learned to prioritize loyalty, achievement, or caregiving over their own needs. Over time, this can create anxiety, burnout, relationship struggles, and a deep sense of disconnection from the self. I specialize in working with women healing from abuse, emotionally unavailable parents & religious & intergenerational trauma. Many of my clients struggle with people-pleasing, guilt, perfectionism, hyper-independence, difficulty setting boundaries, or feelings of responsibility. They often know "why they are the way they are" but still feel stuck.

I help clients break the cycle of self-defeating patterns by exploring the lasting impact of early attachment wounds—especially the often unspoken pain of under-mothering and emotional neglect. My approach is grounded in compassion, curiosity, and the belief that healing begins when we de-stigmatize shame and make space for our unmet needs.

With certification in EMDR and advanced training in Internal Family Systems (IFS), I support clients in working through trauma, grief, and relational challenges. My background also includes working with first responders and professional athletes navigating high-pressure roles and emotional resilience.

Whether you're facing anxiety, grief, or feeling stuck in old patterns, I provide a steady therapeutic presence—offering insight, empathy, and deep respect for your healing process. Together, we work toward greater self-trust, healthier boundaries, and a renewed sense of wholeness.

Hi, I am Annie, a licensed therapist (LMFT) and certified perinatal mental health specialist (PMH-C) based in Santa Barbara. I work with individuals, couples, and families navigating some of life's most demanding seasons — from pregnancy and postpartum to birth trauma, early parenthood, life transitions, and healing from trauma. I completed my clinical training at UCSF's Infant Parent Program and bring specialized expertise in the parent-child relationship and early childhood alongside my broader work with adults. I am also a mom of two, which means I bring both clinical depth and real lived experience to this work.

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 provide compassionate, evidence-based mental health care in a safe, judgment-free space.

I’m a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT) and have worked in mental health since 2019 across both youth and adult settings, supporting individuals with trauma, anxiety, and depression. I’m passionate about creating a space where you can better understand yourself and feel empowered to make meaningful changes. Together, we’ll explore the connection between your thoughts, emotions, and behaviors so you can walk away with more clarity and options. I believe awareness leads to choice, and choice leads to power.

I truly believe that no matter how overwhelmed you feel right now, you are capable of healing. Sometimes, the most important part of the journey is simply having a space where you feel seen, heard, and completely accepted without judgment. Since 2018, I’ve been walking alongside individuals as they navigate the complexities of life, and more recently, I’ve dedicated my practice to supporting parents through the highs and lows of the prenatal and postpartum period. Whether you are struggling with depression, anxiety, OCD, or the weight of past trauma, I am here to help you find your way back to yourself.

I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist supporting individuals as they navigate life’s challenges and work toward meaningful, lasting change. My approach is warm, collaborative, and grounded in evidence-based practices. I strive to create a safe space where individuals feel genuinely heard, understood, and supported.