Skip to Content
Therapists answer…

For people that are hesitant to try therapy, what do you wish you could tell them?

Sandra MerinoS

Sandra Merino

Sandra Merino, PMHNP-BC
Online Therapy
For people that are hesitant to try therapy, what do you wish you could tell them?
Seeking therapy is a courageous step toward a healthier, more fulfilling life. It’s a collaborative process where you are heard, supported, and empowered to address challenges in a judgment-free environment. Your mental health matters, and taking the first step can open the door to meaningful growth and healing.
Hello! I’m Sandra U. Merino, a dedicated Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner and Registered Nurse with over 18 years of experience in the nursing field. My passion lies in providing compassionate and effective care for patients dealing with mental health and substance use issues. I’ve had the honor of working in acute and outpatient settings for over fifteen years, ensuring quality care for diverse patients. With a Master's degree in Nursing, I am skilled in updating charts, managing medications, and collaborating with healthcare teams to provide the best patient care. Throughout my career, I’ve received several awards for excellence in service at Valley Presbyterian Hospital and CHA Hollywood Presbyterian Hospital. I’m fluent in Spanish, which allows me to communicate effectively with a broader community. I look forward to offering compassionate care and positively impacting my patients' lives. Feel free to contact me with any questions or to schedule an appointment. Let’s work together on a path to better health and well-being! Specialties Mental Health Conditions Treated Depression Anxiety Bipolar disorders Schizophrenia PTSD ADHD Insomnia Panic attacks Practice Description At Integrative Psychiatric Health, we’re dedicated to nurturing your exploration of self-discovery and personal growth. Our focus is on providing compassionate care and tailored support as you delve into the depths of your potential. With us, you’ll find a trusted ally on your path towards fulfillment and authenticity. Treatment Philosophy Sandy's holistic approach to care emphasizes treating each individual as a unique human being and encouraging active participation in their treatment. She believes in the importance of understanding and reducing the stigma around mental health. She is committed to helping her clients feel empowered on their journey toward better mental well-being. Treatment Approach Person-Focused Emotionally Focused Coaching
Juan MailloJ

Juan Maillo

Licensed Marriage and Family Therapy
Online Therapy
For people that are hesitant to try therapy, what do you wish you could tell them?
To those hesitant to try therapy, I want you to know that therapy is a safe, non-judgmental space where you can explore your thoughts and feelings openly. It's normal to feel uncertain or anxious about starting therapy, but taking that first step can lead to profound personal growth and improved well-being. Therapy offers a unique opportunity to gain insights into your internal struggles and learn new ways to cope with life's challenges. My approach is compassionate and collaborative, focusing on helping you understand and accept all parts of yourself. Remember, seeking help is a sign of strength, not weakness, and I am here to support you every step of the way.
Welcome to a space where your mental well-being is the priority. I'm Juan Maillo, a dedicated bilingual therapist fluent in English, Spanish, and Italian, committed to guiding adults through their mental health and relationship challenges. In my Santa Rosa-based telehealth practice, I offer personalized psychotherapy with the convenience and comfort of connecting from your own home. My approach is rooted in Internal Family Systems (IFS) therapy, a compassionate and empowering method that can transform your life. My journey in mental health care spans over more than a decade that include several specialty clinics. There, I supported individuals grappling with a spectrum of psychological concerns, from depression to anxiety, burn-out, and relationship challenges. With my expertise in several evidence-based therapy modalities, I've helped countless clients navigate their paths to recovery. My therapeutic approach is goal-oriented and based on fostering compassionate self-awareness. Together, we'll collaborate on setting clear goals. I'll offer valuable feedback and guidance tailored to support your unique healing journey. Let's work together to help you achieve the positive changes you seek. Ready to embark on a path to better mental health? Connect with me today!
Ms. Tiffany LawsonM

Ms. Tiffany Lawson

PMHNP-BC, RN
Online Therapy
For people that are hesitant to try therapy, what do you wish you could tell them?
For those who are hesitant about therapy, I’d say that therapy is a safe space where you can be your truest self without fear of judgment. It’s like having someone in your corner who helps you unravel your thoughts and emotions, empowering you to understand them more deeply. Therapy isn’t just for those in crisis—it’s also a valuable tool for personal growth, self-discovery, and resilience building. People often fear that talking about their struggles might make them feel worse, but in reality, confronting these feelings with a compassionate professional can bring relief and perspective. Therapy offers you a toolkit to better manage life’s challenges and ultimately helps you understand and honor your unique story. You don’t need to wait until things feel unbearable to seek support; therapy is here to help you create the life you want, with someone who genuinely cares about your journey.
With over a two decades of experience in nursing and mental health care combined, I specialize in understanding and meeting the unique needs of each individual. My journey began as a Certified Nursing Assistant, I loved caring for others and pursued the following: Licensed Practical Nurse , Associate of Science in Nursing, followed by a Bachelor’s of Science in Nursing and a Master’s in Psychiatric Mental Health from Hunter College. I have worked in various challenging roles, including emergency room case management, utilization review, community nursing ,child and adult psychiatry. I am skilled in listening to my patients, addressing their concerns promptly, and coordinating with a network of resources to ensure they receive the best care possible. My expertise comes from addressing social determinants of health and medical /psychiatric needs to encompass total care. I have personal and professional experience with autism and the multifaceted approach individuals need as they age from behavioral recommendations, medication management, gold standard Applied Behavioral Analysis ( ABA), family needs related to burn out and working with education providers for growth and success.
Ami ColonA

Ami Colon

Therapist
Online Therapy
For people that are hesitant to try therapy, what do you wish you could tell them?
I would tell them that therapy isn't about harming the client, but about giving them a confidential safe space to say whatever they want without being judged. I would also tell them that therapy is a place for guidance and healing.
Life doesn't have to suck all the time. I'm not saying that therapy can make your life the greatest in the world, but it can help you work through the experiences in your life that are hard to cope with. Sometimes it helps to talk to someone who is not close to the problem and who has no idea who we are so that we can say things that we would not usually say to those closest to us so that we are not judged. I'm here to listen to everything you have to say without judgment and then guide you through finding healthy ways to cope with the difficult experiences in your life while you ease into your recovery journey. I offer active listening without judgment, compassion, empathy, and guidance. I am honest in my treatment but gentle. I offer cognitive behavioral therapy, guidance through radical acceptance, as well as decision making, and difficult life changes. I offer bereavement therapy, and couple's therapy as well as guidance for LGBTQIA youth. My passion comes from a personal place that has been a staple in my professional work as I am eager to guide those who want to move forward with their lives while they are experiencing their healing and recovery journey. I can also be found on https://headway.co/providers/3191 which is where I take Oscar, Oxford, United Healthcare, Cigna, and Aetna.
Deirdre RaimeyD

Deirdre Raimey

Deirdre Raimey, DNP, APRN, FNP-BC, PMHNP-BC
Online Therapy
For people that are hesitant to try therapy, what do you wish you could tell them?
I understand that trying therapy can feel intimidating, but therapy is a space where you can be heard, supported, and empowered. It’s an opportunity to address challenges and improve your well-being in a safe, compassionate setting where your needs always come first.
Hello! I'm Dr. Deirdre D. Raimey, and I am dedicated to providing compassionate, high-quality care. With a Doctor of Nursing Practice degree from Case Western Reserve University, my focus is on educating and supporting patients through every stage of their health journey. I hold certifications as both a Family Nurse Practitioner and a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner. I've spent years working in various healthcare settings, including the Cleveland Clinic and Metrohealth Medical Center. My experience ranges from high-risk labor and delivery to reproductive health and mental health support. As a Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner, I've provided specialized care to survivors of assault, ensuring they receive the medical attention and emotional support they need. My goal is always to create a safe and understanding environment for all my patients. I believe in personalized care and work collaboratively with other healthcare professionals to ensure the best outcomes. When you come to see me, you can trust that you'll receive attentive, thorough, and respectful care. Looking forward to helping you on your path to better health! Specialties & Conditions: • Mental Health • Psychiatry • Psychotherapy • Adult Psychiatry • Behavioral Medicine • Abnormal periods • ADHD • Anxiety • Behavioural Therapy • Bipolar disorders • Birth control • Counseling • Depression • Erectile dysfunction • Female Psychiatry • Grief and Loss • Health assessment • HIV/AIDS • Insomnia • Kink Allied • Life Transitions • Medication Management • Menopause • Men's Issues • Mood disorders • Panic attacks • Patient education • Pelvic pain • PTSD • Relationship issues • Sex-Positive • Sexually transmitted diseases • Suicidal Ideation • Trauma • Trauma and PTSD • Urinary tract infections (UTI) • Women's Issues Treatment philosophy: My approach to care starts with understanding your unique challenges and goals. Together, we’ll identify what you want to achieve, whether it’s managing a condition or enhancing well-being. Based on your feedback, I’ll develop a personalized treatment plan tailored to your needs. Using evidence-based methods and compassionate care, I foster a collaborative process where you’re the expert of your life, and I’m here to guide you toward lasting, meaningful change. Treatment approach: • Cognitive Behavioral Therapy(CBT) • Culturally Sensitive • Motivational Interviewing • Psychodynamic Psychotherapy • Family Systems
Gregory (Tommy) LofgrenG

Gregory (Tommy) Lofgren

MA, LMHC, NCC
Online & In-Person
For people that are hesitant to try therapy, what do you wish you could tell them?
It makes perfect sense to experience hesitance, reluctance, or resistance about attending therapy. I would tell any client who experiences this in their journey that their emotions matter. I want to make space for initial reactions to therapy as well. My job is to create safety and trust, and I know that being able to connect to your therapist is a motivating factor for change.
***ACCEPTING CLIENTS*** In my practice, I have cultivated a passion for clients who are dealing with issues like emotional neglect, abuse, trauma, anxiety, and depression. I create a safe space for clients who have struggled getting “caught in the same cycle over and over again.” You might be someone who has found yourself in a relationship that questions your safety and security. When we grow accustomed to repeating patterns of neglectful or traumatic relationships, it changes the way we view ourselves, our relationships, and the world around us. I value the research behind the most successful model of couple therapy – Emotionally Focused Therapy. By creating a safe space to process difficult emotions, I work with individuals or couples who are looking to navigate emotional struggles that create further disconnect and isolation in their lives. “We can remain a mere speck of dust, resting on the edge of a windowsill, left untouched.” I learned a great deal from stepping outside of the patterns that left me dealing with emotions on my own. Taking that step to pursue counseling can be met with resistance from fear or worry. I assure you, my goal is to walk the journey with you.
Nicholas SeibelN

Nicholas Seibel

LMFT
Online & In-PersonWaitlist for New Clients
For people that are hesitant to try therapy, what do you wish you could tell them?
I wish I could tell them that therapy is so exciting. Finally getting to work through the things we always push back into our minds because society keeps telling us to suck it up. It's just not true... feeling things is ok.
Are you carrying the weight of childhood trauma, addiction, LGBTQ+ struggles, or neurodivergence? Do these challenges make it hard to connect, thrive, or feel at home in yourself? Feeling lost, exhausted, or unseen can be overwhelming. Maybe you’ve spent years trying to meet expectations while barely holding it together. But you don’t have to do this alone. You deserve to be validated and understood. It's extremely hard to make real, lasting change. Together, we can move toward healing, self-acceptance, and a life that finally feels like yours. My approach is direct, practical, and deeply human. I want you to show up as yourself, without the pressure to mask or code-switch. I believe humor can be healing, and I aim to make this space one where you feel both challenged and supported. This process is a partnership, and we’ll work side by side to create real change. Healing happens in connection, with empathy, honesty, and the right support. My goal is to meet you where you are, without judgment or expectations. You don’t have to go through this alone. If any of this resonates with you, I’d love to connect and see if we’re a good fit.
Evan DoninE

Evan Donin

Evan Donin, PMHNP-BC
Online Therapy
For people that are hesitant to try therapy, what do you wish you could tell them?
Therapy is a journey that can provide tools for managing challenges and help improve overall well-being. I understand that starting can be daunting, but I’m here to make that first step as comfortable as possible. My approach is compassionate, patient-centered, and aimed at creating a safe space where you can openly share and work toward solutions that fit your unique needs.
Hello, I’m Evan Donin, a Board-Certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner with Sunshine Mental Wellness Associates Inc. I’m dedicated to offering compassionate, patient-centered care for Adolescents, Adults & Seniors experiencing various mental health challenges. With a focus on complex conditions like anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder, OCD, and autism spectrum issues, I strive to create a safe, welcoming space where you can feel heard and respected. My holistic approach includes evidence-based therapies, medication management, and continuous support to promote long-term wellness and quality of life. Together, we’ll develop a personalized treatment plan to help you regain control of your mental health and well-being. My goal is to empower you to overcome challenges and achieve a balanced, fulfilling life. I look forward to supporting you on your journey toward mental wellness. Treatment philosophy: I believe in a holistic, individualized approach to mental health. My goal is to offer compassionate support from the beginning of your treatment journey to the point where you feel well and empowered. I prioritize building a strong therapeutic relationship through clear, supportive communication, tailoring each care plan to your unique needs. Working with an interdisciplinary team, I am dedicated to providing safe, quality care that promotes long-term wellness.