Hi! I am a dual-certified psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner and Family Nurse Practitioner. I graduated from Regis College and have one year of experience in the mental health specialty. I am fairly new to mental health but have treated many patients with mental health conditions in my 35 years of patient care. I am also a board-certified family nurse practitioner with seven years of experience and 27 years of nursing experience under my belt. I treat mental health conditions such as depression, anxiety, bipolar, and PTSD in adults, adolescents, and children. I help clients live their best lives throughout their lifespan. I provide evidence-based non-pharmacologic and pharmacologic treatment options for clients struggling with mental health conditions.
What can clients expect to take away from sessions with you?
The first session will be a brief introduction and we will discuss your symptoms and medical/psychiatric history. I may be asking a lot of questions, so please be patient, as this will help me identify a potential diagnosis that will guide our treatment plans. You will be given treatment options and have the opportunity to collaborate with me to ensure we work together on a plan that works best for your individual needs.
Explain to clients what areas you feel are your biggest strengths.
I have many years of experience in the medical field. I use a holistic approach to evaluate and treat clients because I understand there are contributing factors to every client's well-being: cultural, medical, spiritual, psychological, physical, and environmental. I am empathetic by nature, and I believe clients can perceive my genuine regard, this helps to develop a trusting working relationship. I treat my clients the way I would want my family to be treated.
Describe the client(s) you are best positioned to serve.
My ideal client is someone who finds themselves at a crossroads, grappling with feelings of uncertainty, sadness, or stress that interfere with their daily lives. They may be dealing with depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, or PTSD, and they seek relief from these challenges to regain control and balance. My clients want to feel heard and understood in a safe, non-judgmental environment where their unique struggles are acknowledged and respected. Whether they are Spanish-speaking individuals navigating cultural and societal barriers or English-speaking working professionals, young adults, or teenagers overwhelmed by modern pressures, their ultimate goal is to heal, grow, and rediscover joy. They come to my practice with the hope of finding personalized, evidence-based solutions that honor their individuality and guide them toward lasting mental wellness. As a dual board-certified Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP) and Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP), I specialize in treating mental health conditions such as depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, and PTSD. My approach combines evidence-based interventions with a holistic philosophy that nurtures the mind, body, and spirit. I work closely with my clients to create individualized care plans tailored to their unique needs, goals, and cultural backgrounds. Whether it involves psychotherapy, lifestyle changes, or medication management, I provide comprehensive support designed to empower you on your journey to wellness. I am particularly passionate about serving Spanish-speaking individuals, as I deeply understand the unique cultural challenges they may face when seeking mental health care. By offering bilingual services and culturally sensitive care, I aim to break down barriers and provide a safe space where men, women, and youth can feel understood and supported. My goal is to guide you in reclaiming your strength and achieving emotional balance, fostering a healthier, more fulfilling life. For my English-speaking clients, including professionals, young adults, and teenagers, I offer a welcoming environment where you can share your struggles openly and work toward meaningful solutions. Together, we can develop strategies that address the challenges of modern life, helping you rediscover joy, resilience, and purpose. Imagine a life where you feel lighter, more balanced, and confident in facing life’s challenges. Together, we can work toward that vision. My goal is to create a safe and s
About Olga L Perez-Rodriguez
Olga L Perez-Rodriguez offers therapy covered by Central California Alliance for Health (Medi-Cal), Gold Coast Health Plan (Medi-Cal), Health Plan of San Joaquin - Medi-Cal, L.A. Care Health Plan (Medi-Cal), Orange County Mental Health Plan (Medi-Cal), Partnership HealthPlan of California (Medi-Cal) and San Francisco Health Plan (Medi-Cal) in California.
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VirtualMy treatment methods
Cognitive Behavioral (CBT)
Cognitive behavioral therapy is an evidence-based approach to help identify and modify unhelpful thoughts, emotions, and behaviors. The first step is assessment and goal setting. The client's main concerns and specific problems are identified. Then I collaborate with the client to set measurable and achievable goals for therapy (reducing anxiety or improving mood). I then educate my client on the connection of our thoughts to emotions and behaviors. We address distortions such as catastrophizing, and overgeneralization and they affect one's emotions/behaviors. I help the client recognize automatic negative thoughts and core beliefs that contribute to emotional distress. Clients have homework (journaling, or thought-tracking worksheets) to obtain real-time data. Once these unhelpful thoughts are identified, they are challenged with techniques such as Socratic questioning (what evidence supports this thought? What evidence contradicts this thought?) Negative thoughts are then replaced with more balanced, realistic alternatives. The client is encouraged to participate in activities that improve mood and increase life engagement. The client is taught relaxation, problem-solving, and communication skills as needed. Progress is monitored at every follow-up and techniques/goals are adjusted based on the client's response with maintenance and relapse prevention in mind.
Psychoeducation
During the intake process, I perform an extensive evaluation and conclude on potential diagnosis. I have made it my personal goal to incorporate psychoeducation as the first intervention in my treatment plan. Educating the client on the etiology of diagnosis, (e.g., anxiety, depression, bipolar), related symptoms, and common triggers, along with teaching him/her coping mechanisms empowers the client to have an active part in the process. Follow-up appointments are used as continuous evaluation of client needs, and strengths to assist with the client goal setting (e.g., symptom management, stigma reduction, and improving relationships). Objectives are tailored to client: 1) understanding the condition 2) recognizing triggers 3) learning communication strategies. Psychoeducation and interventions such as emotional regulation techniques, healthy lifestyle habits, and relapse prevention strategies will be tailored to the client's cultural background, knowledge level, literacy, and specific concerns.
Person-centered (Rogerian)
I have adopted Carl Rogers' Person-centered therapy as my practice model. I strongly believe in my client's ability to resolve problems when a supportive environment is provided. As the therapist, I commit to nonjudgemental acceptance and respect. I will strive to deeply understand my client's thoughts and emotions from their perspective. Being empathetic and genuine is one of my natural traits and this can help build trust with my clients. Key features of treatment are client-led: the client determines the pace and direction of therapy. The therapist is a facilitator, more than a director. The focus is on the present and the client's current experiences rather than the past. The goal is self-actualization. This is accomplished by assisting clients to tap into their strengths and move toward self-acceptance, growth, and fulfillment.
Culturally Sensitive Therapy
I have been educated on cultural awareness and cultural competence training. I pride myself in recognizing that race, ethnicity, gender, religion, sexual orientation, and socioeconomic status influence the client's life experiences and challenges. As a first-generation Mexican immigrant, I understand firsthand the struggles. I am sensitive to every client's unique background and allow the client to show and teach me their beliefs, practices, and preferences. Therapies models are modified to align with clients' cultural values.