Jacinta Aernan DNP
I am a board-certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP-BC) and Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) with over 8 years of clinical experience delivering compassionate, evidence-based psychiatric care to individuals navigating some of life's most challenging mental health experiences. I provide compassionate, client-centered psychiatric care via telehealth across California, including assessment, diagnosis, and treatment through evidence-based therapy and medication management. With a clinical focus, I take a collaborative, personalized approach to help you feel heard, supported, empowered and I am committed to delivering high-quality, culturally sensitive mental health care. My practice is rooted in a genuine belief that every person, regardless of their diagnosis, background, or life history, deserves high-quality, individualized psychiatric care delivered with dignity and respect. I am a certified trauma-informed specialist with extensive clinical training in Anxiety, Depression, Bipolar, OCD, Schizophrenia, Anger Management, Self esteem, ADHD, Insomnia, Post-traumatic stress disorder, Mood disorders, PTSD Personality disorders, Phobias, Coping skills and offer medication-assisted treatment (MAT) with supportive counseling for substance use and co-occurring conditions. I diagnose and administer psychotherapeutic treatments and medications to address mental, emotional, and behavioral health disorders, always with the full context of a patient's life at the center of my clinical decision-making. My expertise lies in providing comprehensive mental health services that bring together medication management, psychotherapy, and psychoeducation. a truly integrative model of care. I have particular strength in medication-assisted treatment combined with counseling for chemical dependency and dual-diagnosis presentations. Whether you are taking your very first step toward mental health support or continuing a longer journey, I bring not only clinical knowledge but also genuine warmth, cultural humility, and an unwavering commitment to your well-being. My role is multidimensional: I am your clinician, your educator, your advocate, and your collaborative partner in building a life that feels whole.
I have particular strength in medication-assisted treatment combined with counseling for chemical dependency and dual-diagnosis presentations.
First session
Our first session together will be a comprehensive psychiatric evaluation. I want you to log on knowing exactly what to expect, because preparation helps ease anxiety and allows us to make the most of our time together from the very start. We will begin with a warm introduction. Getting to know you as a full human being , not just a patient with a chief complaint, is fundamental to the kind of care I provide. From there, I will begin gathering important background information, including questions about your mental and physical health history, your family's psychiatric history where relevant, and the specific symptoms, concerns, and challenges that have brought you to seek care at this time. I will ask thoughtful, open-ended questions designed to help me understand not just your diagnosis, but your story. What does your daily life look like? What has been working, and what has not? What are your goals, not just clinically, but for your life as a whole? Building a trusting relationship is everything in psychiatric care, and I am deeply committed to creating a space that is warm, non-judgmental, and genuinely supportive so that we can establish real therapeutic rapport from day one. By the end of our initial session, I will share a clinical impression, my hypothesis about what may be driving your symptoms , and, where appropriate, a working diagnosis. I believe in full transparency: I will explain my thinking clearly and invite your questions and perspective, because you are an equal participant in your own care, not a passive recipient of it. Depending on what emerges in our evaluation, I may recommend baseline laboratory work, an EKG, or request prior medical records to ensure the safety and precision of any prescribing decisions. Medication may be initiated where clinically indicated, and therapeutic recommendations will be offered where appropriate. We will close the session by setting clear expectations for our ongoing work together, discussing appointment frequency, how to reach me between sessions, and the pivotal role you will play in your own treatment process. I will also walk you through important administrative and confidentiality details, including my office policies and my commitment to protecting your privacy in full compliance with HIPAA. I look forward to meeting you and to beginning what I hope will be a meaningful and transformative journey together.
Strengths
As a PMHNP with 8 years of psychiatric clinical experience, the strengths I carry into every session go far beyond my credentials and training, though both are extensive. My knowledge base spans psychopharmacology, evidence-based psychotherapy, and integrative mental health care. But what I hear most often from patients is that what truly sets my practice apart is the way they feel during our sessions: seen, heard, and genuinely cared for. I am a skilled and active listener. I do not simply wait for you to finish speaking so I can prescribe or advise, I listen with the intent to understand, to connect dots, and to find the meaning beneath the words. I am also a highly effective communicator. I translate complex psychiatric information into clear, jargon-free language so that you always leave our sessions understanding your diagnosis, your treatment options, and the rationale behind every clinical decision we make together. I am efficient and direct without ever being cold or dismissive. I respect your time and your intelligence. I will give you honest clinical perspectives, grounded recommendations, and clear next steps, and I will do so with the warmth and patience that this work demands. I am accessible between sessions in a way that many providers are not: you can reach out to my professional work email at any time for non-urgent questions, and I check my messages every day, including weekends. You can expect a response from me within 24 hours, because I know that mental health concerns do not follow a Monday-to-Friday schedule. My greatest clinical strength, however, may be this: I meet every patient exactly where they are, without judgment, without assumptions, and with unconditional positive regard. Whether you have been in psychiatric treatment for decades or are walking through my door for the very first time, you will be received with the same level of care, curiosity, and respect. I have adapted philosophy of vulnerability and courage into the fabric of my practice, because I believe that showing up honestly, for yourself and with a trusted clinician, is one of the most powerful things a person can do.
Ideal clients
I work with adolescents, adults, and older adults, providing comprehensive psychiatric evaluations, medication management, and supportive therapy tailored to each individual's unique needs. My approach is collaborative, holistic, and person-centered, recognizing that effective mental health care is built on trust, compassion, and partnership. I provide evidence-based medication management while creating a supportive therapeutic environment grounded in unconditional positive regard, active listening, and reflective communication. My goal is to build a strong therapeutic alliance where patients feel heard, respected, and empowered throughout their treatment journey. I frequently incorporate Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) interventions, relaxation techniques, mindfulness practices, and Internal Family Systems (IFS)-informed approaches into my work. I also tailor treatment by integrating additional evidence-based interventions based on each patient's goals, strengths, and clinical needs.
Treatment methods
Cognitive Behavioral (CBT)
Psychotherapy provides a supportive, compassionate, and nonjudgmental environment where patients can openly discuss their stressors and emotional concerns. It guides individuals in exploring their thoughts, emotions, and behaviors, helping them identify meaningful connections, gain insight into the underlying causes of their symptoms, and develop effective coping strategies. The goal of therapy is to empower patients with the tools and understanding needed to reduce emotional distress, improve overall well-being, and foster lasting personal growth.
Psychoeducation
My approach to psychotherapy is warm, collaborative, and individualized. I provide a supportive, nonjudgmental environment where patients can openly address their concerns, gain insight, develop healthy coping strategies, and work toward lasting emotional wellness.
Location
Virtual sessions
Identifies as
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Other specialties
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Licensed in
- CaliforniaLicense 95009048