Courtney Carmona
Online Therapy
Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner
Los Angeles, California
License 1114762184
https://provider.kiwihealth.com/CA/Woodland-Hills/Courtney-CarmonaAbout Courtney
Hello, I'm Courtney Carmona, a dedicated Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner with over 12 years of experience in healthcare. My nursing journey has taken me through urgent care, pediatric care, and nursing education.
I am passionate about providing quality care and pride myself on strong assessment and patient care skills. I aim to make patients feel heard and involved in their treatment. I believe in clear, effective communication to ensure that patients and their families fully understand their care plans.
Currently, I work at Kaiser Permanente in Los Angeles, where I assess patient conditions, manage treatments, and provide thorough after-care instructions. My background includes advanced degrees in Nursing and a strong foundation in psychology, which helps me connect with patients on a deeper level.
With certification as a Board-Certified Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner, you can trust that you are in safe, knowledgeable hands. My goal is to work collaboratively with you to achieve the best possible health outcomes. Let's work together on your journey to better health.
Office Location
Los Angeles, California 90011
Get DirectionsCosts and Insurance
$90 - 200 per session
Aetna
Blue Cross Blue Shield (BCBS)
Cigna
How does child or adolescent therapy work and how can it help?
In therapy for children and adolescents, I focus on age-appropriate interventions that involve both the child and their family. We might use play therapy, CBT, or talk therapy, depending on the child’s age and needs. The goal is to help young clients understand their emotions, develop coping skills, and build healthier relationships.
How does cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) work and how can it help?
CBT is a structured form of therapy that focuses on identifying and changing unhelpful thoughts and behaviors. It’s highly effective for conditions like anxiety and depression. The goal is to challenge negative thought patterns and replace them with more realistic, helpful ones. It can help clients regain control of their thoughts, behaviors, and emotional responses.
How do you work with clients with anxiety?
With anxiety, I take a comprehensive approach that might include Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), mindfulness techniques, and sometimes medication. We focus on understanding the root causes of your anxiety, recognizing triggers, and building effective coping strategies to reduce its impact on your daily life.
Why did you become a therapist, and what motivates you to continue?
I became a therapist because I’ve always had a deep desire to help people navigate through the challenges life throws at them. Witnessing the resilience of individuals, even in the face of overwhelming adversity, inspired me to pursue a career where I could provide support, healing, and guidance. I’m passionate about being there for people when they need it most and helping them find strength within themselves.
What motivates me to continue is seeing the growth and progress my clients make. It’s incredibly rewarding to be part of someone’s journey, to watch them regain hope, develop new skills, and thrive. Even small breakthroughs remind me why this work is so meaningful. Every person I work with teaches me something new, and that shared process of learning and healing continues to inspire me.
For people that are hesitant to try therapy, what do you wish you could tell them?
For people hesitant to try therapy, I wish they knew that therapy is a safe, non-judgmental space where they can be themselves and explore their challenges at their own pace. There’s often a misconception that therapy is only for people in crisis or that it means something is “wrong” with you, but the truth is that therapy is for anyone seeking personal growth, understanding, and support.
What do therapy sessions with you look like?
Sessions with me are collaborative, supportive, and structured. We’ll begin by assessing how you're doing and discussing any immediate concerns. Then, we’ll move into focused discussions, whether that’s working through a specific challenge, practicing new coping skills, or reviewing progress. I encourage open communication and active participation.
How does mindfulness-based therapy (MBCT) work and how can it help?
Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT) combines mindfulness practices with cognitive therapy. It helps clients stay present and develop a greater awareness of their thoughts and feelings without judgment. This can be particularly helpful in preventing relapse in depression and managing stress, anxiety, and other emotional challenges.
How do you work with clients with bipolar disorder?
I focus on providing a balanced, evidence-based treatment plan that combines medication management with psychotherapy. Stabilizing mood swings is a priority, and I work collaboratively with clients to identify early warning signs and triggers. We also address lifestyle factors like sleep, nutrition, and stress management.
Why is trauma processing important?
Trauma processing is crucial because unresolved trauma can have lasting emotional, psychological, and physical effects on an individual. Without addressing these deeply rooted experiences, trauma can interfere with daily life, relationships, and overall well-being. Processing trauma helps individuals make sense of what happened to them, reduces the intensity of trauma-related symptoms, and fosters healing and growth.
How do you work with clients with trauma and PTSD?
When working with clients who have experienced trauma or have PTSD, my approach is to create a safe and supportive environment where healing can begin. Trauma and PTSD can deeply impact a person’s thoughts, emotions, and behaviors, so treatment is tailored to each individual's unique experience and needs.
How do you work with clients with depression?
When working with clients experiencing depression, my approach is compassionate, collaborative, and tailored to each individual’s needs. Depression can impact every aspect of life, so I focus on understanding the unique challenges my clients face and offering practical, evidence-based solutions that foster both emotional and functional improvement.
How do you work with clients with ADHD?
For clients with ADHD, I typically combine behavioral strategies with medication management when necessary. We focus on creating structure, improving focus, and managing impulsive behaviors. Therapy often involves working on organization skills, emotional regulation, and strategies for improving attention.
How does trauma focused therapy work and how can it help?
Trauma-focused therapy aims to help individuals process and heal from past trauma in a safe and structured environment. Techniques like Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) or Trauma-Focused CBT (TF-CBT) are commonly used. The therapy helps reduce the emotional hold the trauma has on the person, enabling them to live more freely.
How does play therapy work and how can it help?
Play therapy is a therapeutic approach designed to help children express and understand their emotions and experiences through play. Since children often lack the verbal skills to articulate their feelings or challenges, play therapy uses toys, games, and creative activities to allow them to communicate and process their thoughts and emotions in a developmentally appropriate way.
Interested in talking?
(818) 213-1924Office Location
Los Angeles, California 90011
Get DirectionsCosts and Insurance
$90 - 200 per session
Aetna
Blue Cross Blue Shield (BCBS)
Cigna
Specialties
Trauma and PTSD
ADHD
Anxiety
Child or Adolescent Therapy
Schizophrenia and Psychotic Disorders
Approaches
Cognitive Behavioral (CBT)
Emotionally Focused (EFT)
Humanistic
Mindfulness-Based (MBCT)
Motivational Interviewing