Avis Hershfield
Hi there, I'm Avis, a dual board-certified Nurse Practitioner in Family Practice (FNP-BC) and Psychiatric–Mental Health (PMHNP-C) with over 38 years of experience, and an authentic passion for building strong, therapeutic relationships with those I serve. I am the founder of Balance Psychiatry and Mental Health, a Professional Nursing Corporation, where I take a holistic, comprehensive, bio-psycho-social approach to Psychiatric Evaluation and Treatment — focusing on you as a whole person, not just your symptoms or diagnosis.
I welcome all cultures and minorities, all races and religions, POC and the LGBTQIA+ communities.
I specialize in working with women and young women who need help with Women's Issues, Medication Management, Perinatal Mood Disorders, Abortion Grief, Prolonged Grief, Depression, Anxiety, Bipolar Disorders, Substance Use Disorders, Trauma/PTSD, Sexual Abuse, Sex/Human Trafficking, Intimate Partner Violence and Domestic Violence. I offer care for men and young men who need help with Men's Issues, Medication Management, Mood and Anxiety Disorders, Stress and Coping, Substance Use and Risk-Taking, Relationship and Intimacy Challenges, Identity and Role-Related Issues, and Trauma and Shame.
First session
At your Initial Psychiatric Evaluation, you can expect a thorough, compassionate, and collaborative conversation focused on understanding your concerns and your overall well-being. We explore your symptoms, medical and mental health history, lifestyle factors, past treatments, and current stressors so I can gain a full picture of what you’re experiencing. I may ask questions about your mood, sleep, anxiety, concentration, relationships, and daily functioning, but there are no right or wrong answers—just an opportunity for you to share openly at your own pace. Together, we identify your goals for care, discuss potential Diagnoses, and review Evidence-Based Treatment options, which may include therapy, lifestyle strategies, and/or medication. My aim is to ensure you feel heard, supported, and well-informed, and to create a personalized plan that prioritizes your safety, comfort, and long-term resilience.
Strengths
I welcome all cultures and minorities, all races and religions, POC and the LGBTQIA+ communities. I am down-to-earth, empathic, and I especially enjoy bringing my education, persona, and life/career experiences to the patients I serve. My practice is both an Art and a Science and that means I will combine my wisdom, creativity, compassion, and healing spirit with the most up to date Evidence-Based Practice (EBP) in psychiatry, psychopharmacology and psychotherapeutic modalities to partner with you to meet your personal and unique psychiatric and mental health goals.
Ideal clients
I am best positioned to serve high-functioning and motivated women and men who feel overwhelmed by their thoughts, emotions, and/or behaviors, and those carrying the lasting effects of trauma or difficult relationships. Many of the individuals I work with are discovering that true balance begins when they nurture their own well-being with the same dedication they give to their families, relationships, and careers. They are ready to heal, establish healthy boundaries, and reconnect with their voice, purpose, and authentic self in a space that is both safe and supportive. At Balance Psychiatry and Mental Health, a Professional Nursing Corporation, my goal is to provide compassionate, holistic care that empowers lasting growth, resilience, and genuine well-being.
Treatment methods
Cognitive Behavioral (CBT)
I use CBT to guide my patients to find ways to change their current thought patterns, feelings and behaviors that are negatively impacting their life. I weave CBT in all visits with my patients to foster resilience and positive change in their life.
Existential
I use concepts from Existential Therapy to guide my patients to grow in self awareness, create meaning and purpose in their life, and understand that suffering itself has meaning from which we can learn.
Humanistic
I use Humanistic Therapy with my patients because it offers me a holistic approach to our therapeutic relationship. Using a Humanistic Therapy lens allows me to focus on my patient's human potential , self-discovery, creativity, freedom, strengths, spirituality, values, personal responsibility, freedom of choice, and self-mastery.
Psychoeducation
I provide clear, supportive Psychoeducation to help you understand your diagnosis and what may be contributing to your symptoms. Together, we review evidence-based treatment options, including both therapy approaches and medication when appropriate, so you feel informed and empowered in your care. I explain psychotherapeutic techniques—such as cognitive-behavioral strategies, mindfulness skills, and insight-oriented work—and how they can help you regulate emotions, reduce distress, and improve daily functioning. If medication is part of your plan, I walk you through how psychotropic medications work, what benefits to expect, and how we monitor for side effects through ongoing medication management. Throughout the process, I prioritize collaboration, ensuring you feel heard, supported, and actively involved in shaping a treatment plan that aligns with your goal to regain balance.
Location
Virtual sessions
Identifies as
Top specialties
Other specialties
Serves
Licensed in
- CaliforniaLicense 95007424