(he/him)
I do not prescribe any benzodiazepines like alprazolam, diazepam, clonazepam, pregabalin (Lyrica), or medications for narcolepsy! My only exception is for fear of flying and you must provide proof of your upcoming flight. Born and raised in Los Angeles to Mexican immigrant parents, I’ve always been driven by the values of hard work and helping others. I’ve spent the last 25 years in the medical field, and that journey has taught me that true health is about the whole person—mind and body. As a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner who is dual board-certified as a Family Nurse Practitioner, I bring a unique, well-rounded perspective to your care. Being bilingual in English and Spanish, I’m proud to bridge communication gaps and ensure my patients feel truly heard and understood in either language. I see patients exclusively online across California and Oregon. I love the virtual model because it lets me meet you right where you are—no stressful commutes or waiting rooms required. It’s all about making quality care easy and accessible. My real passion is the impact we can make on your daily life. My goal isn't just to "treat" a condition; it’s to help you feel like yourself again. I want to help you function as a happy, productive, and social member of your family, your job, and your community. When you’re feeling your best, you can truly thrive, and that’s what makes this work so rewarding.
It’s totally normal to feel a little nervous about a first appointment. I’ve been doing this for 25 years, and I promise my goal is to make you feel comfortable, not like you’re being put on the spot. Our first talk is really just about getting to know you. Here is a simple look at what we’ll chat about: The "Why" and the "Now" I’ll start with some easy questions to hear your story in your own words. I’ll ask things like, "What brings you in today?" and "Why did you decide to reach out right now?" We’ll talk about how things are going at home and work, and how your mental health is affecting your day-to-day life. What You’re Hoping For I want to know what "feeling better" looks like to you. If we talk about medication, I’ll ask what you’re hoping it will help with specifically. This helps us make sure we’re aiming for the same goals. Your Journey So Far We’ll look at what you’ve tried in the past—what helped, what didn’t, and what your experiences were like with other providers. We’ll also chat about your medical history and what’s going on in your life outside of health, like your family and support system. Making a Plan Together The most important part is that we decide on the next steps together. It’s not just me telling you what to do; it’s a team effort. We’ll come up with a plan that might include medication, or it might focus on things like therapy, sleep, and diet. Whatever we choose, we’ll both agree on it before we move forward. I want you to leave our first visit feeling heard and like you have a clear path ahead.
A Foundation of Real-World Experience My path in medicine hasn’t been a shortcut; it’s been a steady climb over 30 years of hands-on work. I started at the very beginning as a Certified Nurse Assistant (CNA) for 2 years and an EMT for another 2. Those early days taught me the value of hard work and how to truly listen to people when they are most vulnerable. From there, I spent 15 years as an Emergency Room RN, handled the fast-paced world of Family Practice and Urgent Care as an family nurse practitioner for 10 years, and have since focused my heart and soul on being a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner. Because I’ve worked in almost every corner of the medical field, I have a deep understanding of how your physical health and your mental health are connected. I carry those decades of experience with me into every virtual session, but I never forget where I started. Heart and Sincerity At the end of the day, I do this work because I truly love it. My motivation is simple: I have a sincere desire to help people. I’m not just checking boxes; I’m looking at you. I want to see you succeed and get back to being that happy, productive, and social person your family and community need. Doing what I love for the right reasons is what keeps me energized. Intellectual Humility One of my greatest strengths is knowing my own limits. I believe in being intellectually humble. While I have a lot of experience, I don’t claim to have every single answer. Honesty first: If I feel that I’m not the best person to help you with a specific challenge, I will tell you that directly. A commitment to your care: I won't just leave you hanging. If I can't help you, I will recommend someone who can. Your well-being is always more important than my ego. I’m just a guy who worked his way up and never lost the desire to help. If you’re looking for someone down-to-earth and genuinely on your team, I think we’ll get along great.
When it comes to your mental health, I believe you deserve more than just a prescription—you deserve a partner who truly sees the whole picture of who you are. With 25 years in the medical field, I’ve learned that the most important thing I can do is listen. I’m here to walk alongside adults navigating the challenges of Depression, Anxiety, ADHD, and PTSD. Whether you’re feeling weighed down by worry, struggling to stay on track at work, or trying to heal from past trauma, I want you to know that you don't have to carry that alone. My goal is to help you get back to feeling like yourself—a happy, productive, and social part of your family and community. How We’ll Work Together I take a very "whole-person" approach to care. While I’m here to help manage your clinical needs, I believe that medication is just one tool in our toolkit. It can be a great helping hand, but I’ve seen the most beautiful, lasting changes happen when we look at the other pieces of the puzzle too. In our sessions, we’ll chat about: Therapy: Understanding the "why" behind what you’re feeling. Lifestyle: Finding small, gentle ways to improve sleep, exercise, and diet that fit your real life. Community: Building the connections that help you feel supported and seen. I’m just a guy from LA who cares deeply about helping people thrive. Whether we speak in English or Spanish, I’m honored to be part of your journey toward feeling better.
Cognitive Behavioral (CBT)
I provide education about how thoughts lead to negative feelings and how to reframe into positive thoughts and feelings.