I am a licensed psychiatric-mental health nurse practitioner (PMHNP-BC) with over 20 years of experience in healthcare settings. To further enhance my clinical practice and increase my impact in the mental health field, I completed my Doctor of Psychology (PsyD) at California Southern University. Throughout my career, I have worked closely with my community to improve health and quality of life by providing better mental health services. I specialize in supporting individuals facing mental health challenges and am passionate about empowering diverse communities, particularly those from marginalized backgrounds. I advocate for improved access to mental health services and promote research focused on wellness and holistic care.
Clients can expect to meet a caring and compassionate provider during their sessions. This initial meeting will focus on building rapport, true and creating a safe space for open communication. It's an opportunity for clients to share their concerns and goals, and they'll receive support tailored to their individual needs. Overall, the first session is about establishing trust and laying the groundwork for a collaborative journey moving forward.
My greatest strength as a provider is my ability to listen and to be non-judgmental and unbiased.
In the realm of mental health, I am best positioned to serve individuals experiencing challenges related to depression, anxiety, or trauma. This includes adults who may be navigating the complexities of everyday life while feeling overwhelmed by their emotions or past experiences. Clients who suffer from depression often seek support to find motivation, manage feelings of sadness or hopelessness, and develop coping strategies. Similarly, those with anxiety might be looking for help in addressing their fears, managing panic attacks, or learning techniques to reduce stress. Additionally, individuals who have experienced trauma can benefit from a therapeutic setting where they can process their experiences in a safe and supportive environment. This may involve working through symptoms of PTSD, anxiety, or depression that stem from their trauma. Overall, my focus is on creating a compassionate and understanding space where clients can explore their feelings, develop resilience, and work toward healing and personal growth.
Other specialties
I identify as
Cognitive Behavioral (CBT)
Cognitive Behavior Therapy (CBT) focuses on understanding the connection between your thoughts, emotions, and behaviors. In our sessions, we will identify any negative thought patterns that may be contributing to your feelings of distress. Together, we will work on challenging these thoughts and replacing them with more positive and realistic ones. By doing so, you'll develop healthier coping strategies and behaviors that can help improve your overall well-being.
Trauma-Focused CBT
Trauma-focused CBT (Cognitive Behavioral Therapy) has been a significant part of my treatment method for several years thought working in trauma ED. I have found it particularly effective for clients dealing with the aftermath of traumatic experiences, including children and adults. In my experience, trauma-focused CBT helps clients process their trauma in a structured and supportive way. I typically begin by building a strong therapeutic alliance, ensuring clients feel safe and understood. This is crucial, as trauma can often leave individuals feeling vulnerable and isolated. The treatment process usually includes psychoeducation about trauma and its effects, helping clients to understand their symptoms and reactions. I integrate cognitive restructuring techniques to challenge and reframe negative thoughts associated with the trauma. Additionally, we work on developing coping strategies to manage distressing emotions and triggers. One of the key components of trauma-focused CBT that I utilize is exposure therapy, which involves gradually and safely confronting trauma-related memories and situations. This helps clients to process their experiences without being overwhelmed. Throughout this process, I emphasize the importance of self-care and grounding techniques, which clients can use outside of our sessions. Overall, trauma-focused CBT has proven to be a versatile and effective method in my practice, allowing clients to work through their trauma and move towards healing and resilience. The structured approach provides both the therapist and the client with a clear framework, facilitating a more focused therapeutic journey.
Psychoeducation
My experience with it began when I realized that many of my clients were struggling not just with their symptoms, but also with a lack of understanding about their conditions. By providing them with educational resources and information about mental health, I've seen significant improvements in their engagement and motivation levels. I typically incorporate psychoeducation into my sessions by first assessing the knowledge base of my clients regarding their mental health issues. For instance, if a client is dealing with anxiety, I provide them with information about the nature of anxiety, its physiological responses, and effective coping strategies. This not only empowers them but also helps demystify their experiences, reducing feelings of isolation or confusion. Furthermore, I use psychoeducation to facilitate discussions around treatment options, helping clients make informed choices about their care. This collaborative approach fosters a sense of ownership and responsibility over their progress, making it a cornerstone of my practice. Overall, integrating psychoeducation has improved therapeutic outcomes and fostered strong therapeutic alliances with my clients.
Integrative
In my practice, I have had extensive experience utilizing integrative treatment methods, which combine conventional approaches with complementary therapies. One key method I often use is mindfulness-based stress reduction (MBSR). Through MBSR, I've observed significant benefits for patients dealing with chronic pain, anxiety, and stress-related conditions. I incorporate mindfulness techniques into my sessions, guiding patients through meditation, breathing exercises, and body awareness activities. This not only helps them manage their symptoms but also empowers them to take an active role in their healing process. Additionally, I integrate nutritional counseling, encouraging a balanced diet that supports overall well-being. I work with patients to create personalized plans, focusing on whole foods that can enhance their health and complement any medical treatments they may be undergoing. Overall, my approach is holistic, addressing not just the physical symptoms but also the emotional and psychological aspects of health. This comprehensive method fosters a collaborative relationship with my patients, helping them achieve better outcomes and improved quality of life.
Supportive
This approach has proven effective for many of my patients, particularly those dealing with [specific conditions or challenges relevant to the treatment method]. I begin by thoroughly assessing each patient's individual needs and circumstances. After gathering necessary background information, I work collaboratively with them to develop a customized treatment plan that incorporates this method. Throughout the process, I emphasize the importance of patient education, ensuring that they understand how the treatment works and what to expect. I have found that incorporating this method not only helps in addressing the immediate issues but also promotes long-term well-being. Regular follow-ups allow me to modify the approach as needed based on the patient's progress and feedback. Overall, the integration of this treatment into my practice has enhanced the outcomes for many of my patients.
13 ratings with written reviews
March 22, 2026
Very personable and kind. Easy to trust. Focusses on the solution.
March 12, 2026
Within minutes of meeting Diana I felt comfortable. She is very warm, funny and authentic. I genuinely felt like we had a constructive dialogue and she was receptive to what I had to say and vice versa. Overall a great fit for me so far!
March 10, 2026
She shows a lot of compassion for helping people in need with their mental health. I’ve went through a lot of psychiatric doctors & she is by far the best one & she actually wants to make everything better for me mentally. It’s hard to find a psychiatrist like her