Psychiatrists in La Mesa, CA
Listening Post Mental Health
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, MSN, RN, PMHNP
Verified Verified
La Mesa, CA 91942
The most powerful resources for improving mental health are the ones that you might not know you already possess. Finding those inner resources is sometimes best achieved with the help of a fellow human being who knows how to relate in ways that facilitate self discovery. Relationship is the foundation of psychiatry, and then specific evidence-based medication or psychotherapy approaches can be applied toward particular goals.
The most powerful resources for improving mental health are the ones that you might not know you already possess. Finding those inner resources is sometimes best achieved with the help of a fellow human being who knows how to relate in ways that facilitate self discovery. Relationship is the foundation of psychiatry, and then specific evidence-based medication or psychotherapy approaches can be applied toward particular goals.
Maryam Hakma Lateef
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, MHNP-BC
Verified Verified
La Mesa, CA 91942 (Online Only)
Hi there, Are you struggling with depression, grief, trauma, anxiety, not able to focus or concentrate when you need to? Are you considering psychiatric medication management as part of your treatment along with an integrated, holistic approach? Then welcome to my practice. I specialize in treating these conditions, using a holistic, integrated approach, including bio-energenetics. Each individual is a unique, multidimensional being with expressions of mind, body and spirit. The continuum of health, is maintained through a delicate balance of these divisions within the human energy field.
Hi there, Are you struggling with depression, grief, trauma, anxiety, not able to focus or concentrate when you need to? Are you considering psychiatric medication management as part of your treatment along with an integrated, holistic approach? Then welcome to my practice. I specialize in treating these conditions, using a holistic, integrated approach, including bio-energenetics. Each individual is a unique, multidimensional being with expressions of mind, body and spirit. The continuum of health, is maintained through a delicate balance of these divisions within the human energy field.
Wendy Alva is a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner in California who has been practicing since 2000. She graduated as a Masters Pediatric Nurse Practitioner from the University of San Diego and a Post-Masters Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner from the University of Cincinnati. Wendy values partnering with patients to help find the best options to fit one's individual needs to facilitate healing. She believes in an integrative and holistic approach to care. Wendy has a special interest and training in treating children with autism and other neurodevelopmental disorders.
Wendy Alva is a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner in California who has been practicing since 2000. She graduated as a Masters Pediatric Nurse Practitioner from the University of San Diego and a Post-Masters Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner from the University of Cincinnati. Wendy values partnering with patients to help find the best options to fit one's individual needs to facilitate healing. She believes in an integrative and holistic approach to care. Wendy has a special interest and training in treating children with autism and other neurodevelopmental disorders.
Daniel Chandler
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP
Verified Verified
La Mesa, CA 91942 (Online Only)
My name is Daniel Chandler. I'm a Board-Certified Psychiatric/Mental Health Nurse Practitioner. I specialize in psychotherapy and medication management for those who want to improve their mental health and well-being. My focus is on those suffering from depression, anxiety, and substance use disorders. I am comfortable treating all conditions within my specialty. My therapeutic approach is integrative, trauma-informed, and compassion focused. I use motivational interviewing, with supportive care, to address all of your goals. I want to help you find the right medication regimen at the lowest dose that works for you.
My name is Daniel Chandler. I'm a Board-Certified Psychiatric/Mental Health Nurse Practitioner. I specialize in psychotherapy and medication management for those who want to improve their mental health and well-being. My focus is on those suffering from depression, anxiety, and substance use disorders. I am comfortable treating all conditions within my specialty. My therapeutic approach is integrative, trauma-informed, and compassion focused. I use motivational interviewing, with supportive care, to address all of your goals. I want to help you find the right medication regimen at the lowest dose that works for you.
Dr. Nita Paintal is an adult and geriatric psychiatrist.
Dr. Nita Paintal is an adult and geriatric psychiatrist.
Avis Hershfield
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, MSN, APRN, PMHNP-C
Verified Verified
La Mesa, CA 91942
Avis is a therapist for San Diego based mental healthcare provider Fusion Care Group. Fusion Care Group is changing the way people think about and receive mental health service and support. We offer a welcoming and accepting environment where you can feel calm and comfortable while in our care. Our relaxed, modern atmosphere and our amazing, highly trained Psychologists, Psychiatrists and therapists are here for you. Our hope is to provide a place to help our clients achieve their life goals, explore life-circumstances, move through difficult life transitions.
Avis is a therapist for San Diego based mental healthcare provider Fusion Care Group. Fusion Care Group is changing the way people think about and receive mental health service and support. We offer a welcoming and accepting environment where you can feel calm and comfortable while in our care. Our relaxed, modern atmosphere and our amazing, highly trained Psychologists, Psychiatrists and therapists are here for you. Our hope is to provide a place to help our clients achieve their life goals, explore life-circumstances, move through difficult life transitions.
Hi there, congratulations on your first step to wellness. You may be here seeking help for anxiety, depression, alcohol disorders, family issues, or other conditions that require therapy and/or medications. Appropriate mental health care is your right and I aim to deliver it utilizing a person-centered care model. Whether this means initiating medications to manage your mental health or initiating therapy, I can assist you in making the best choice for you.
Hi there, congratulations on your first step to wellness. You may be here seeking help for anxiety, depression, alcohol disorders, family issues, or other conditions that require therapy and/or medications. Appropriate mental health care is your right and I aim to deliver it utilizing a person-centered care model. Whether this means initiating medications to manage your mental health or initiating therapy, I can assist you in making the best choice for you.
More Psychiatrists Nearby
Ozioma Enworom
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHMP, FNP
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
San Diego, CA 92101 (Online Only)
Hello and welcome! As a dual certified Psychiatric Mental Health and Family Nurse Practitioner, my approach to care is holistic. I truly believe understanding the connection between the mind, body, and spirit is integral to achieving overall wellness. I enjoy working with individuals across the entire human lifespan and carefully take into consideration every individual’s cultural, social, economic, sexual, and religious values when developing a treatment plan. I look forward to collaborating with you on your journey towards mental health.
Hello and welcome! As a dual certified Psychiatric Mental Health and Family Nurse Practitioner, my approach to care is holistic. I truly believe understanding the connection between the mind, body, and spirit is integral to achieving overall wellness. I enjoy working with individuals across the entire human lifespan and carefully take into consideration every individual’s cultural, social, economic, sexual, and religious values when developing a treatment plan. I look forward to collaborating with you on your journey towards mental health.
Jay Timacdog
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP, BC
Verified Verified
6 Endorsed
San Diego, CA 92105
Are you one of those individuals needing mental health support but worried about the stigma that comes from talking to a therapist or psychiatrist? It's completely normal to feel concerned about the stigma surrounding mental health. But here's the thing: seeking help is a brave and important step towards feeling better. Remember, you're not alone in this journey, and there's no shame in taking care of your mental well-being. Finding a trustworthy provider can be challenging. Rest assured, here at HAWON Services, our patient’s privacy is our outmost priority.
Are you one of those individuals needing mental health support but worried about the stigma that comes from talking to a therapist or psychiatrist? It's completely normal to feel concerned about the stigma surrounding mental health. But here's the thing: seeking help is a brave and important step towards feeling better. Remember, you're not alone in this journey, and there's no shame in taking care of your mental well-being. Finding a trustworthy provider can be challenging. Rest assured, here at HAWON Services, our patient’s privacy is our outmost priority.
Dormico Walker is a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner with a doctorate in nursing who is dedicated to the promotion of improved healthcare outcomes. Symptoms management and patient advocacy encompass this provider's target goals in clinical care. My approach to therapy is a Patient-centered approach to individualized psychiatric care. I have worked with Children ages 5-17 and adults aged 18-59. Medication-assisted treatment such as suboxone, naltrexone, and vivitrol, to adults aged 18 and older. Generalized psych.
Dormico Walker is a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner with a doctorate in nursing who is dedicated to the promotion of improved healthcare outcomes. Symptoms management and patient advocacy encompass this provider's target goals in clinical care. My approach to therapy is a Patient-centered approach to individualized psychiatric care. I have worked with Children ages 5-17 and adults aged 18-59. Medication-assisted treatment such as suboxone, naltrexone, and vivitrol, to adults aged 18 and older. Generalized psych.
A real, caring relationship with a doctor that knows you as a person is the most important aspect of care. To facilitate these relationships, my practice is small, responsive and high-touch. A concierge practice means I work for you, not an insurance company, and put personalized care over patient volume. In my practice, you will get a high level of individual attention. In terms of real-world delivery of care, I designed my practice so that it is flexible to your needs and accessible based on your schedule.
A real, caring relationship with a doctor that knows you as a person is the most important aspect of care. To facilitate these relationships, my practice is small, responsive and high-touch. A concierge practice means I work for you, not an insurance company, and put personalized care over patient volume. In my practice, you will get a high level of individual attention. In terms of real-world delivery of care, I designed my practice so that it is flexible to your needs and accessible based on your schedule.
Thanks for visiting! My professional experience encompasses General Psychiatry, Addiction Psychiatry and Family Medicine. I am the founder of Headlands ATS, a leader in addiction psychiatry. Our services are professional, personable, and based on methods proven to help you achieve sustainable recovery from substance use. At Headlands, we understand that the underpinnings of addiction have little to do with morality, character or personal responsibility – and everything to do with an individual trying desperately to cope with their suffering. We want to help you, give us a call.
Thanks for visiting! My professional experience encompasses General Psychiatry, Addiction Psychiatry and Family Medicine. I am the founder of Headlands ATS, a leader in addiction psychiatry. Our services are professional, personable, and based on methods proven to help you achieve sustainable recovery from substance use. At Headlands, we understand that the underpinnings of addiction have little to do with morality, character or personal responsibility – and everything to do with an individual trying desperately to cope with their suffering. We want to help you, give us a call.
Dr. Fernando Kwiatkowski is a board-certified psychiatrist with over 30 years of mental health care experience. Dr. K believes that a multidimensional approach is key to achieving optimal well-being.
Dr. Fernando Kwiatkowski is a board-certified psychiatrist with over 30 years of mental health care experience. Dr. K believes that a multidimensional approach is key to achieving optimal well-being.
Ryan helps patients with anxiety, attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder, and depression. He has a holistic approach to treatment and collaborates with patients to create treatment plans.
Ryan helps patients with anxiety, attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder, and depression. He has a holistic approach to treatment and collaborates with patients to create treatment plans.
I founded www.themomenthealth.com to create a safe space for our clients looking to both heal and grow. By using a bio/psycho/social/spiritual approach, we allow for holistic treatment that is tailored to the individual.
I founded www.themomenthealth.com to create a safe space for our clients looking to both heal and grow. By using a bio/psycho/social/spiritual approach, we allow for holistic treatment that is tailored to the individual.
Sonoran Psychiatric Care offers expert Concierge Psychiatry in the comfort of your home or office. Dr. Carpinello specializes in complex cases and treats all patients, regardless of age or diagnosis. Whether you're in your golden years, seeking care for your child, or frustrated with providers who haven’t delivered results, you have finally found what you’re looking for. Experience the Sonoran difference today. Now serving patients in Arizona and California.
Sonoran Psychiatric Care offers expert Concierge Psychiatry in the comfort of your home or office. Dr. Carpinello specializes in complex cases and treats all patients, regardless of age or diagnosis. Whether you're in your golden years, seeking care for your child, or frustrated with providers who haven’t delivered results, you have finally found what you’re looking for. Experience the Sonoran difference today. Now serving patients in Arizona and California.
Kory Juckem, MSN, PMHNP-BC, is a board-certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner seeing adult patients in La Jolla, California. She received her Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Grand Canyon University and her Master of Science in Nursing from the University of South Alabama. Kory has experience in working with adults with mental illness and her expertise includes the assessment, diagnosis, and treatment of mood, anxiety, and thought disorders.
Kory Juckem, MSN, PMHNP-BC, is a board-certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner seeing adult patients in La Jolla, California. She received her Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Grand Canyon University and her Master of Science in Nursing from the University of South Alabama. Kory has experience in working with adults with mental illness and her expertise includes the assessment, diagnosis, and treatment of mood, anxiety, and thought disorders.
Dr. Michael McManus helps children and adolescents with autism, co-occurring disorders, and developmental disabilities.
Dr. Michael McManus helps children and adolescents with autism, co-occurring disorders, and developmental disabilities.
Chika Okechukwu
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP
Verified Verified
San Diego, CA 92101 (Online Only)
Dr. Chika Okechukwu is a Board-Certified Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner and Family Nurse Practitioner with great experience treating clients with medical and mental health disorders. She utilizes a holistic approach to psychiatric care by integrating core values in medical and nursing practice and evidence-based psychiatric treatments. She provides comprehensive psychiatric evaluations, diagnosis, and medication management for children, adolescents, adults, and the elderly.
Dr. Chika Okechukwu is a Board-Certified Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner and Family Nurse Practitioner with great experience treating clients with medical and mental health disorders. She utilizes a holistic approach to psychiatric care by integrating core values in medical and nursing practice and evidence-based psychiatric treatments. She provides comprehensive psychiatric evaluations, diagnosis, and medication management for children, adolescents, adults, and the elderly.
See more therapy options for La Mesa
How does your Psychiatrist compare?
Number of Psychiatrists in La Mesa, CA
< 10
Psychiatrists in La Mesa, CA who prioritize treating:
75% | Medication Management |
63% | Depression |
63% | Anxiety |
50% | ADHD |
50% | Bipolar Disorder |
38% | Trauma and PTSD |
38% | Sleep or Insomnia |
Average years in practice
4 Years
Top 3 insurances accepted
100% | Aetna |
100% | Cigna and Evernorth |
100% | UnitedHealthcare UHC | UBH |
How Psychiatrists in La Mesa, CA see their clients
75% | In Person and Online | |
25% | Online Only |
Gender breakdown
60% | Female | |
40% | Male |
FAQs - About Psychiatrists and Psychiatric Nurses
How can I find a psychiatrist in La Mesa?
The Psychology Today Directory enables users to search specifically for psychiatrists by selecting the provider type from the drop-down menu, and filtering results by city, zip code, or the psychiatrist's name. The search results feature detailed profiles that outline each professional's treatment approach, areas of expertise, credentials, fees, payment options, and accepted insurance. Results include both psychiatrists (MDs) and psychiatric mental health nurse practitioners (PMHNPs), who hold advanced practice nursing degrees. Users can refine their search for a specific type of psychiatric provider using the "Provider Type" filter.
What is the difference between a psychiatrist and a psychologist?
Psychiatrists are medical specialists dedicated to understanding, diagnosing, and treating brain disorders and mental health conditions. As physicians, they are trained to identify the often subtle biological factors underlying mental disorders and to monitor how mental health treatments may impact other physical conditions, such as heart disease. Psychiatrists are licensed to prescribe medication and typically conduct shorter sessions that focus on medication management rather than intensive psychotherapy.
In contrast, psychologists are particularly attuned to the impact of early experiences on development, behavior, emotions, and cognitive processes. They often take a holistic approach to assessing and treating clients, considering aspects of personality and social functioning. Although psychologists cannot prescribe medication, they are frequently skilled in administering psychological tests—such as IQ tests, personality assessments, and behavioral evaluations—to assess an individual's functioning. Psychologists often engage in longer, more psychotherapy-focused sessions compared to psychiatrists.
In contrast, psychologists are particularly attuned to the impact of early experiences on development, behavior, emotions, and cognitive processes. They often take a holistic approach to assessing and treating clients, considering aspects of personality and social functioning. Although psychologists cannot prescribe medication, they are frequently skilled in administering psychological tests—such as IQ tests, personality assessments, and behavioral evaluations—to assess an individual's functioning. Psychologists often engage in longer, more psychotherapy-focused sessions compared to psychiatrists.
What is a psychiatric nurse practitioner and what is the difference with a psychiatrist?
A psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner (PMHNP), also known as a mental health nurse practitioner or psychiatric nurse practitioner, is an advanced practice registered nurse (APRN) who has completed advanced training in psychiatric care, earning at least a master’s degree in psychiatric nursing. To become Board-Certified (PMHNP-BC), psychiatric nurse practitioners must also pass a national exam that tests their clinical psychiatric knowledge.
Like psychiatrists, PMHNPs are trained to assess, diagnose, and treat mental health conditions. However, PMHNPs and psychiatrists differ in their training experience. While PMHNPs can complete their credentialing requirements (full bachelor's and master's degree training) in as few as 6 years, psychiatrists often spend upwards of 12 years to complete their bachelor's, medical doctorate degree, and residency training requirements. Because of training differences, some states require PMHNPs to be supervised by or enter into a collaborative agreement with a physician in order to prescribe medication.
When deciding to work with a psychiatrist or PMHNP, clients should consider factors such therapeutic fit, cost, and availability. Psychiatrists may have more substantial training in treating more severe psychiatric conditions, as well as in providing more specialized treatment services, such as child psychiatry. However, psychiatrists may be inaccessible to some clients, as their cost and availability may be prohibitive. It can often be easier for clients to find a PMHNP with openings for new clients when compared to psychiatrists, and PMHNPs may also offer lower cost treatment options for clients looking to minimize out-of-pocket costs.
Like psychiatrists, PMHNPs are trained to assess, diagnose, and treat mental health conditions. However, PMHNPs and psychiatrists differ in their training experience. While PMHNPs can complete their credentialing requirements (full bachelor's and master's degree training) in as few as 6 years, psychiatrists often spend upwards of 12 years to complete their bachelor's, medical doctorate degree, and residency training requirements. Because of training differences, some states require PMHNPs to be supervised by or enter into a collaborative agreement with a physician in order to prescribe medication.
When deciding to work with a psychiatrist or PMHNP, clients should consider factors such therapeutic fit, cost, and availability. Psychiatrists may have more substantial training in treating more severe psychiatric conditions, as well as in providing more specialized treatment services, such as child psychiatry. However, psychiatrists may be inaccessible to some clients, as their cost and availability may be prohibitive. It can often be easier for clients to find a PMHNP with openings for new clients when compared to psychiatrists, and PMHNPs may also offer lower cost treatment options for clients looking to minimize out-of-pocket costs.
Can a psychiatrist or a PMHNP prescribe medication?
The Psychology Today directory features two primary types of psychiatric professionals: psychiatrists and psychiatric mental health nurse practitioners (PMHNPs). Both are generally authorized to prescribe psychiatric medications. In 28 states, PMHNPs have full practice authority, allowing them to provide the complete spectrum of psychiatric care, including independent medication prescribing and management. In other states, however, PMHNPs are required to work under the supervision or in collaboration with a physician to prescribe medication. Both psychiatrists and PMHNPs may also offer additional services, such as psychotherapy, counseling, and care coordination, for clients seeking psychiatric care.
Do psychiatrists or PMHNPs offer therapy?
Both psychiatrists and psychiatric mental health nurse practitioners (PMHNPs) are generally trained in a number of treatment modalities, including traditional psychotherapy, cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), dialectical behavioral therapy (DBT), pharmacotherapy, and, occasionally, various somatic therapies. Typically, psychiatrists and PMHNPs make a diagnosis and determine a course of treatment based on chemical or biological factors, using lab tests, brain scans and physical and psychological evaluations.
While psychotherapy may be used in the first session to aid in diagnosis, it is not typically utilized in subsequent visits. In fact, after the introductory session, most psychiatry sessions may only be 15-20 minutes in length and are largely focused on medication management; this is frequently the case for both psychiatrists and PMHNPs. However, medication providers who do not offer psychotherapy usually work collaboratively with psychologists and other mental health clinicians who do offer these services, and they can refer clients seeking more traditional psychotherapy services to their care.
While psychotherapy may be used in the first session to aid in diagnosis, it is not typically utilized in subsequent visits. In fact, after the introductory session, most psychiatry sessions may only be 15-20 minutes in length and are largely focused on medication management; this is frequently the case for both psychiatrists and PMHNPs. However, medication providers who do not offer psychotherapy usually work collaboratively with psychologists and other mental health clinicians who do offer these services, and they can refer clients seeking more traditional psychotherapy services to their care.
How do I know if I need a psychiatrist, a PMHNP, or a therapist?
It is not always easy to know which type of mental health practitioner to choose. Many people are unaware of the root of their mental or behavioral problem and may be unaware of the differences in support provided by various mental health professionals. One way many people learn which type of care is best for them is by seeing their primary care provider (PCP) first. Depending on the nature and severity of the symptoms, the PCP may review their medical history and provide guidance or a referral to the appropriate type of provider.
A referral to a psychiatrist or PMHNP is most often made when a client is in need of psychiatric medication management or assessment. These professionals are specifically trained to prescribe psychiatric medications, when necessary, for a client; however, they generally do not provide supportive psychotherapy on an ongoing basis. A therapist or psychologist, in contrast, can provide supportive psychotherapy but is unable to prescribe medications. Because of their unique roles, some clients see both a medication prescriber (either a psychiatrist or PMHNP) and a therapist at the same time to address their psychiatric concerns holistically. Many psychiatrists and psychologists are very open to referring clients to other professionals if unable to meet the client's needs or if they think the client could use additional support from a different type of professional.
A referral to a psychiatrist or PMHNP is most often made when a client is in need of psychiatric medication management or assessment. These professionals are specifically trained to prescribe psychiatric medications, when necessary, for a client; however, they generally do not provide supportive psychotherapy on an ongoing basis. A therapist or psychologist, in contrast, can provide supportive psychotherapy but is unable to prescribe medications. Because of their unique roles, some clients see both a medication prescriber (either a psychiatrist or PMHNP) and a therapist at the same time to address their psychiatric concerns holistically. Many psychiatrists and psychologists are very open to referring clients to other professionals if unable to meet the client's needs or if they think the client could use additional support from a different type of professional.
Do I need a referral to see a psychiatrist or a PMHNP?
A referral to a psychiatrist or psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner (PMHNP) is often not required. However, consulting your primary care physician (PCP) first can be beneficial and may streamline the process of getting the care you need. Your PCP can help determine whether psychiatric care is necessary or if another type of mental health support might be more appropriate. Additionally, some insurance plans require a PCP referral to cover part or all of the costs associated with seeing a specialist. Obtaining a referral can also expedite the appointment process, particularly in areas with provider shortages or for clients seeking specialists in fields like child psychiatry.
Is everyone in the Psychology Today Therapy Directory a licensed professional?
Yes, all professionals listed in the Psychology Today Therapy Directory are licensed to provide mental health services in the state(s) where they practice. The directory includes a variety of providers such as psychiatrists, psychiatric mental health nurse practitioners (PMHNPs), physician assistants, psychologists, social workers, and counselors. Each provider must hold a valid license issued by their state regulatory body to be listed. In addition, Psychology Today offers a verification process for certain providers, signified by a 'Verified' symbol next to their profile. This badge indicates that the provider’s primary credential or license has been independently verified by Psychology Today.