Stacey Flores
I am a board-certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner dedicated to helping individuals develop effective strategies to manage and improve their mental health. My approach integrates evidence-based psychiatric care with holistic principles to support comprehensive and individualized treatment outcomes. I have experience treating patients with ADHD, OCD, schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, and major depressive disorder. I value a collaborative, patient-centered approach and deeply respect each individual’s unique journey toward wellness and recovery.
Clients enjoy seeing me because I think "outside the box" and help clients implement creative solutions in their lives.
First session
At your first psychiatric appointment, my priority is to create a safe, supportive space where you feel heard and understood. I will take time to listen carefully to what has been happening in your life, how you’ve been feeling, and what goals you hope to achieve through treatment. This initial visit is comprehensive. I will ask detailed questions about your current symptoms, mental health history, medical history, family history, current medications and past medication trials, substance use, sleep, stressors, and any prior treatments. This helps me understand the full clinical picture so we can develop an accurate diagnosis and a personalized treatment plan. You may also complete questionnaires or screening tools as part of the assessment. In some cases, lab work or additional medical testing may be recommended to rule out underlying medical contributors to symptoms. By the end of the appointment, we will review findings together, discuss treatment options, and collaborate on next steps that align with your goals.
Strengths
What stands out most about my therapeutic approach is the balance I bring between clinical precision and genuine human connection. I create a space where clients feel deeply heard, validated, and respected, while also providing structured, evidence-based care that leads to measurable progress. I take a comprehensive, whole-person approach—carefully assessing biological, psychological, and social factors to understand the full picture rather than just treating symptoms. My method is collaborative and goal-oriented; clients are active participants in their treatment planning, which fosters empowerment and long-term success. Clients often describe my style as compassionate, direct, and practical. I focus not only on symptom relief, but on improving overall functioning, resilience, and quality of life. My goal is to help clients gain insight, develop effective coping strategies, and experience meaningful, sustainable change.
Ideal clients
I work well with adolescents and adults living with serious mental illnesses, including schizophrenia spectrum disorders, bipolar disorder, major depressive disorder with significant impairment, complex trauma, and co-occurring substance use. I also support individuals experiencing persistent symptoms, functional decline, frequent hospitalizations, or difficulty maintaining stability in work, school, or relationships. Many of my clients feel overwhelmed not only by symptoms, but by the impact those symptoms have had on their identity, independence, and daily functioning. Some are navigating stigma, medication concerns, or challenges with adherence. Others are seeking greater structure, clarity, and a long-term plan to improve stability and quality of life. My approach is structured, collaborative, and recovery-oriented. I emphasize consistent therapeutic alliance, thoughtful medication management, psychoeducation, and skill-building to support both symptom reduction and functional improvement. I take a whole-person approach that integrates mental health, physical health, lifestyle factors, and social support systems. I am especially well-suited for clients who benefit from clear communication, steady guidance, and a provider who balances compassion with clinical directness. Whether the goal is stabilization, relapse prevention, improved daily functioning, or long-term recovery, I focus on practical progress and sustainable change.
Treatment methods
Motivational Interviewing
Motivational Interviewing is especially effective when someone is seeking care, identifying need for change and wants to improve their life.
Cognitive Behavioral (CBT)
Clients benefit from CBT when they are focused on growth and symptoms reduction, improving quality of life.
Location
Virtual sessions
In-person sessions877 Cedar St, Santa Cruz, CA 95060, 150-F
Identifies as
Top specialties
Other specialties
Licensed in
- CaliforniaLicense 95027682