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Therapists answer…

Why did you become a therapist, and what motivates you to continue?

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Jeffrey Spike

Licensed Educational Psychologist
Online & In-Person
For over 15 years, I dedicated myself to being a clinical and educational psychologist, forging deep connections with countless students and their families. This passion and dedication were recognized when I received the "Outstanding Psychologist of the Year" award from the Los Angeles Association of School Psychologists. With such a rich history in the field, transitioning into private practice was the next logical step. Over the past three years, I've donned multiple hats: a Licensed Educational Psychologist, a Certified Clinical Tele-mental Health Services Provider, and a Certified Clinical ADHD Provider. My zeal for telehealth is undeniable. This digital medium lets me reach out to countless individuals across California, breaking geographical barriers. It's an absolute boon for those grappling with anxiety or depression, allowing them to find solace without stepping out. What makes my approach stand out? It's the unique strategies and hacks I've cultivated. They're not just effective; they're quick and easy. A mere 5-10 minutes of daily practice with these techniques promises significant improvement. Whether it's enhancing focus, bettering sleep habits, or just generally uplifting one's outlook on life, the benefits are manifold. But there's a challenge I must address. The title "Educational Psychologist" sometimes leads to misconceptions. Despite this label, I possess clinical certifications that equip me to offer services equivalent to many clinical psychologists. In fact, my extensive training and hands-on experience often surpass many traditional licenses out there. It's disheartening when the expertise gets overshadowed by a mere title. I prioritize affordable, inclusive mental health support. Sliding scale fees for all and free 15-min consultations for students. Don't let a title define the quality of care you receive. Let's pave a healthier, happier path together.
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Jessica Chichester

Jessica Chichester, PMHNP-BC, FNP-C
Online Therapy
I'm a Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner committed to holistic care, treating anxiety, depression, ADHD, PTSD, and more for overall wellness. Hello! I’m Jessica Chichester, a Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner dedicated to helping individuals navigate their unique mental health journeys. With a comprehensive background in mental health and family practice, I specialize in treating conditions such as depression, anxiety, ADHD, PTSD, bipolar disorder, insomnia, and life transitions. I take pride in offering holistic, personalized care that goes beyond symptom management. My approach combines evidence-based medication management with brief supportive therapy to address emotional well-being. I also incorporate lifestyle counseling on nutrition, sleep, exercise, and stress management, recognizing that mental health is deeply interconnected with physical health and daily habits. At the core of my practice is a commitment to collaboration and empowerment. I believe in partnering with my clients to create a treatment plan that aligns with their personal goals, ensuring they feel heard, supported, and actively involved in their care. My goal is to foster a welcoming and supportive environment where clients feel confident in taking steps toward improved mental health and overall well-being. Whether you're navigating life transitions or managing chronic conditions, I look forward to supporting you in achieving a healthier and more balanced life. Treatment philosophy: My treatment philosophy centers on providing compassionate, individualized care that respects each client’s unique needs and experiences. I combine evidence-based medication management with supportive therapy and lifestyle counseling to promote mental, emotional, and physical well-being. Collaboration is key—I empower clients to take an active role in their care, fostering a sense of ownership and confidence. Together, we’ll create a personalized path to wellness, ensuring accessible and comprehensive mental health support.
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Karen Mitchell

Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner
Online Therapy
I provide expert psychiatric evaluations, medication management, and psychosocial counseling for children, adults, and their families. I am deeply committed to helping individuals with mental illness and their families reach their full potential in the most peaceful, low-stress manner possible. As the mother of an adult who has struggled with mental illness since childhood, I understand firsthand the challenges that come with managing these conditions. My experience includes providing psychiatric care in Level 1 Trauma emergency settings, community mental health clinics, and private practice. This background allows me to deliver high-quality, compassionate, and affordable care. Most appointments can be scheduled within a week of reaching out, and, given current concerns related to COVID-19, I also offer telepsychiatry visits. I work with children and adolescents to address behavioral and emotional issues that impact family life and school performance. For adults, I assist with mood disorders, thought disorders, and cognitive impairments. Medication management is a key part of the treatment process, alongside effective therapy and reducing environmental stressors. I understand the stress and anxiety that come with finding and accessing high-quality psychiatric care. That’s why I prioritize timely appointments, usually within a week of contact, to ensure you or your loved ones receive the support you need as quickly as possible. *Specialties •Mental Health •Adult Psychiatry •Child Psychiatry *Conditions treated •Depression •Bipolar disorders •Schizophrenia •PTSD •Mood disorders •Trauma •Panic attacks •Personality Disorders •Autism •Behavioral issues •Sleep problems •Anxiety disorders •Asperger's Syndrome •Bisexual •Emotional Disturbance •Family Conflict •Grief •Intellectual Disability •Lesbian •LGBTQ+ •Medication Management •Obsessive-Compulsive (OCD) •Oppositional Defiance (ODD) •Parenting •Peer Relationships •Pregnancy, Prenatal, Postpartum •School Issues •Insomnia •Stress •Suicidal Ideation •Thinking Disorders •Transgender •Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) *Practice description I am a doctorally prepared Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner who provides telepsychiatric services for children and adults. I have worked in emergency psychiatric services at a Level 1 Trauma hospital as well as community health centers. I have also worked in inpatient psychiatric care & work diligently with my clients to prevent hospitalizations whenever possible. I have worked with clients who struggle with chronic serious mental illnesses including Schizophrenia, Schizoaffective Disorder, & Bipolar I & II Disorders. I work in partnership with my clients and their family members to choose the most acceptable & effective treatment options. *Treatment philosophy As a mental health provider as well as the mother of an adult who has struggled with mental illness since childhood, I seek to serve my clients as their compassionate advocate and knowledgeable resource. I believe in respecting the dignity and autonomy of my clients while working in partnership with them. I seek to offer the latest evidence-based treatment options in the most cost-effective manner possible. *Treatment approach •Cognitive Behavioral Therapy(CBT) •Culturally Sensitive •Eclectic •Humanistic •Coaching •Mindfulness-Based(MBCT) •Trauma-Focused •Family Systems •Interpersonal •Motivational Interviewing •Positive Psychology •Rational Emotive Behavior (REBT) •Strength-Based