Mental Health Services
Here to help when life gets hard
Humans are a complicated combination of mind, body and spirit. These parts are all inter-connected. If you are unwell in one part of your life, it can affect everything else.
Many of us have struggled with our mental health at some point. In fact, 46% of Americans will meet the criteria for a diagnosable mental health condition sometime in their life. Half of those people will develop conditions by the age of 14, according to the National Library of Medicine.
Adventist Health is here to help. We have in person and virtual counseling options throughout our network of clinics. In our Central Valley Network, Clear Lake and Butte County offices, we also offer an extensive list of fully virtual counselors who also use technology to check in on their patients between visits.
Meet our virtual clinical team:
- Edward Aldaz, LCSW
- Nadia Aquino, LCSW
- Stefan Bain, LCSW
- Terisa Berger, LCSW
- Jerylyn Bohlender, LCSW
- Gabriela Bolivar, PhD
- Dr. Nicole Bryant, EdD, LCSW
- Nicole Chovit, LCSW
- Sheryl Dunn, LCSW
- Jose Gutierrez, LCSW
- Edlin Gutierrez, LCSW
- Bonnie Henderson, LCSW
- Ashley Neal, LCSW
- Sara Tousi, LCSW
Edward Aldaz, LCSW
Specialties: Depression, anxiety, stress, Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, eating disorders,
sleep disorders, relationship conflict, grief and bereavement, burnout
Therapies: Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Motivational Interviewing, Mindfulness,
Solution Focused Therapy, Brief Therapy Interventions, Dialectical Behavioral Therapy.
Experience: 6 years
Language: English, Spanish
Why I love being a specialist…
I became a licensed clinical social worker to guide and assist individuals,
families and communities to have more control over their lives.
How we will work together…
My approach is that of a client-centered and holistic approach that fosters
a positive step toward realizing a satisfying life. Through a safe, trusting,
confidential relationship, the process helps you find relief and well-being.
Psychotherapy can provide relief from ongoing, unwelcome feelings such
as: sadness, loneliness, anxiety, depression, confusion, fear or anger.
About me…
I enjoy cycling and supporting just causes through community involvement.
Nadia Aquino, LCSW
Specialties: Depression, anxiety, stress, Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, relationship conflict
Therapies: Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Motivational Interviewing
Experience: 6-10 years
Language: English, Spanish
Why I love being a specialist…
I became a therapist to help carry the pain of those seeking support. For
me, it is an honor and a privilege to witness the growth and resiliency
of the individuals I serve. I am passionate about helping people use their
strengths to create positive and healthy change in their lives.
How we will work together…
I believe the most powerful presence in therapy is the relationship between
the individual and their therapist. My approach prioritizes helping those
I serve feel understood, respected, and empowered. As a therapist, I encourage
my clients to take the session where they want it to go, at the pace that
they feel most comfortable with. I enter into each session with a spirit
of curiosity to center each client as the expert of their life-experience.
About me…
When I take my therapist hat off at the end of the day, I enjoy taking
long walks in the forest, giving my dogs belly rubs, and playing Uno with
friends and family.
Stefan Bain, LCSW
Specialties: Depression, anxiety, stress, Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, insufficient
sleep, relationship conflict, substance abuse, grief, burnout, sex addiction, LGBTQ+
Therapies: Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Motivational Interviewing, Mindfulness,
Solution Focused Therapy, Brief Therapy Interventions, Dialectical Behavioral Therapy
Experience: more than 20 years
Language: English
Why I love being a specialist…
I started in this field, simply, because I wanted to help people navigate
through tough times so they could feel more resilient. I have worked with
clients on a wide range of concerns. My approach combines cognitive-behavioral,
humanistic, psychodynamic and rational-emotive therapy. I utilize evidence-based,
best-practice interventions, and will tailor your treatment plan to meet
your unique needs.
How we will work together…
My approach to working with participants is to ensure that our work together
is a true relationship; I am active and engaged; I work with you to identify
those areas of your life that are causing stress, and together we will
build out a treatment plan and session goals to ensure your success.
About me…
I live on a farm, so my interests are related to animals. I also enjoy
traveling and spending time with my children.
Specialties: Depression, anxiety, stress, Post Traumatic Stress Disorder
Therapies: Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Motivational Interviewing, Mindfulness, Solution-Focused Therapy, Brief Therapy Interventions
Experience: 5 years
Language: English
Why I love being a specialist…
I am truly passionate about helping people. I come from a family of Therapists
and Nurses. We were raised to give and assist whenever possible. I started
in this field because I saw first hand what mental health illnesses can
do to a person and a family. Assisting others to truly understand that
mental health can be managed like any other chronic condition and helping
their families to be a support factor is my driving force.
How we will work together…
I believe that meeting a person where they are is most important. I believe
in motivational interviewing and really having the person drive their
own treatment.
About me…
Outside of work I spend my time with my family and my fur babies. I love
the outdoors, boating, fishing, and camping. I love to read, watch Packers
Football, and playing board games.
Jerylyn Bohlender, LCSW
Specialties: Depression, Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, substance abuse, grief
Therapies: Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Motivational Interviewing, Mindfulness,
Solution Focused Therapy, Brief Therapy Interventions, Dialectical Behavioral Therapy
Experience: 6-10 years
Language: English
Why I love being a specialist…
I have always enjoyed talking to people and helping them. I pursued social
work so I could offer therapy in a variety of settings. I expanded my
understanding of the way the brain works with a minor in neuroscience.
Over the years, I have worked with people experiencing homeless, pregnancy
and postpartum depression, as well as with children and youth. My passion
is treating substance use disorder. I believe we all have a deep desire
to be known and understood; and I am blessed to be a safe person for those I serve.
How we will work together…
My approach to working with participants uses a variety of therapeutic
techniques. Different therapeutic options allow for specialized care.
I work with the participant to understand what works for them. I use humor
appropriately to help build rapport and have fun. The focus remains on
the participant and how that person can build on what they already know.
About me…
Outside of work, I enjoy traveling with my husband and being a mother to
my very active children. I also enjoy Bible study, time with friends,
cooking, exercising, walking our German Shephard and reading.
Gabriela Bolivar, PhD
Specialties: Depression, anxiety, stress, insufficient sleep
Therapies: Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Insomnia
(CBT-I), motivational interviewing, mindfulness, brief therapy interventions,
modality specific training (CPT)
Experience: 5 years
Language: English, French, Spanish
Why I love being a specialist…
Mind and body are intricately connected and I enjoy exploring this connection
especially within the areas of health and wellness.I'm a clinician but
you are the expert of YOU! I enjoy helping people identify and live by
their values and develop practical skills and healthy habits to create
positive and sustainable changes in life.
How we will work together…
I like using different therapeutic techniques including mindfulness and
even some humor in session. Sessions are really catered on where you are
and the goals you want to set for yourself.
About me…
My faith, family, and fitness are important to me. I also enjoy reading.
Dr. Nicole Bryant, EdD, LCSW
Specialties: Depression, anxiety, Post Traumatic Stress Syndrome, relationship conflict
Therapies: Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Insomnia
(CBT-I), Mindfulness, Motivational Interviewing, Solution Focused Therapy,
Brief Therapy Interventions, Rapid Trauma Resolution
Experience: 6-10 years
Language: English
Why I love being a specialist…
I started in this field after years of medical training and working in
a hospital. I realized that a lot of my patients had medical issues as
a result of emotional issues. After engaging in conversations with them
on a deeper level, I realized social work was my passion. It allows me
to focus on the whole person in order to properly care for my patients.
I am passionate about ensuring people know how to care for themselves
first. I am passionate about healing trauma and working through barriers
to become our best selves.
How we will work together…
My approach when working with participants is to keep things low-key. The
worst thing is an overly clinical therapist! I do my best to get on your
level and to converse in the way you'd like to converse. I listen and
then inform you of blind spots as needed. It helps clients remain comfortable
yet always have that "aha" moment.
About me…
I love to read, workout, travel, sing, eat, etc.
Nicole Chovit, LCSW
Specialties: Depression, anxiety, stress
Therapies: Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Mindfulness, Solution Focused Therapy,
Brief Therapy Interventions
Experience: 0-5 years
Language: English
Why I love being a specialist…
I started in the field wanting to be someone people can find support and
strength in during difficult times in their life. I'm passionate about
helping people discover and feel confident in their own strengths.
How we will work together…
In my practice, I focus on each of my participants as a whole. It’s
rare that issues are singular occurrences in our lives, and because of
that I approach each problem and subsequent goal by looking at the entirety
of what makes up a person. I provide a client-centered and strengths-based
therapeutic approach, which I feel compliments my nurturing personality.
I have experience working with many different issues and backgrounds.
My main goal is to help individuals feel supported, safe and to build
confidence to live their life as they want.
About me…
I love being in the kitchen testing out new recipes whether I'm cooking
or baking. I try to live an active lifestyle, but also make sure I take
time to enjoy my favorite TV shows and books.
Sheryl Dunn, LCSW
Specialties: Depression, anxiety, stress, Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, grief and
bereavement
Therapies: Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Motivational Interviewing, Mindfulness,
Solution Focused Therapy
Experience: 5 years
Language: English
Why I love being a specialist…
Appreciating and prioritizing 'you' can be a complex feeling. The complexity
can be due to self-driven guilt or gaslighting from trusted persons in
your circle. I am here to partner with you on the journey to resiliency.
My passion for therapy is fueled by my empathetic and authentic regard
for others. When engaging in session, you and I will identify the thoughts
that can adversely impact your feelings and, ultimately, your actions
and behaviors. I will support you in navigating the decisions to redirect
your life into a space of restoration.
How we will work together…
I will be a trusted resource with whom you can collaborate openly. I will
empower you to illustrate your ideal self by setting relevant and obtainable
goals. My approach is to build a partnership for progress led by you!
Consider me your "behavioral trainer" as I will be providing
evidenced-based interventions and objective support to cheerlead you towards
your best self.
About me…
Nature walks, making new discoveries and spending quality time with family.
Edlin Gutierrez, LCSW
Specialties: Depression, anxiety, stress, burnout, Post Traumatic Stress Disorder,
relationship conflict
Therapies: Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Insomnia
(CBT-I), Mindfulness, TF-CBT
Experience: 6-10 years
Language: English, Spanish
Why I love being a specialist…
I joined this field because of my passion in helping others. There is often
such a stigma regarding mental health issues and aim to provide a nonjudgmental
and understanding space to the participants I work with. I consider it
such an honor to be a witness to a participant’s growth.
How we will work together…
My approach to therapy is a blend of perspectives, depending on where the
client is. I utilize person-centered, trauma-informed, cognitive behavioral,
mindfulness, holistic, and psychodynamic perspectives in my sessions.
About me…
I enjoy yoga, photography, hiking, and walking on the beach.
Jose Gutierrez, LCSW
Specialties: Depression, anxiety, stress, Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, substance
abuse, grief and bereavement
Therapies: Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Motivational Interviewing, Mindfulness,
Solution-Focused Therapy
Experience: 5 years
Language: English, Spanish
Why I love being a specialist…
I embarked on this career because I have always centered my life around
supporting others through difficult times in their lives. I am passionate
about working with young adults, people who have been formerly incarcerated,
gang-involved folks and the immigrant community. I take a holistic approach
and focus therapy around the goals and interests people will bring into
treatment.
How we will work together…
My approach begins with obtaining a narrative of the issue. Then I focus
on practical interventions that the client can use on a daily basis to
mitigate their symptoms. I encourage and challenge clients to be open,
honest, and follow through with practicing coping skills that can improve
their behaviors and perspective on life.
About me…
I like to hike, bike, run, play basketball, workout at the gym, play guitar
and sing in my band, and watch comedy movies.
Bonnie Henderson, LCSW
Specialties: depression, anxiety, stress, Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, insufficient
sleep, relationship conflict, grief and bereavement, burnout
Therapies: Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Motivational Interviewing, Mindfulness,
Solution Focused Therapy, Brief Therapy Interventions
Experience: 11-15 years
Language: English
Why I love being a specialist…
I started in the mental health field because my family was involved in
child welfare services and I wanted to learn how to help. I am passionate
about learning because the process is ongoing and helps us help ourselves.
It keeps us from becoming stagnant and closed-minded.
How we will work together…
I like to meet my participants where they are in the literal sense. When
clients are in a private location in the comfort of their home, that is
their safe space where a lot of good work can be done during the therapy
session. I begin by asking questions about my client's backstory because
we all have one and most times it has a lot to do with why we are in therapy.
I am a good listener and validate my clients by encouraging them to set
an intention for the session.
About me…
Dogs, photography, yoga, hiking, gardening and dogs (LOL!)
Miriam Jameson, LCSW
Specialties: Depression, anxiety, stress, burnout
Therapies: Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Mindfulness, Mental Health Consultation
Experience: 0-5 years
Language: English
Why I love being a specialist…
Supporting others and watching their self-empowered transformation is incredibly
inspiring to me. I love that as a clinical social worker, there is a social
justice and systems lens that contributes to evidence-based treatment
and intervention.
How we will work together…
As a clinician, I commit to providing foundational support to assist the
participant as they navigate their healing process. Because I have years
of experience with mindfulness, meditation, and related healing components,
this helps to inform my clinical work to impact the nervous system in
whatever ways work best for the client.
About me…
I love spending time in daily meditation, spending time with my family,
training in the gym, and learning new information about areas of interest.
Ashley Neal, LCSW
Specialties: Depression, anxiety, stress
Therapies: Mindfulness, Solution Focused Therapy
Experience: 5 years
Language: English
Why I love being a specialist…
It's always been my passion to work with clients on a deeper level, to
get to the root of what's going on in their minds as they process all
that life brings. I've worked in social work for almost 7 years and I
picked the field because I wanted to help families be restored. Now I
want to focus on helping individuals address the things happening in their
life that are causing them stress, anxiety, depression and help them get
through it all.
How we will work together…
I listen to the client and hear what their needs are. I come up with solutions
with the client that are feasible and possible to perform in order to
see changes in mood while also processing where these behaviors, thoughts
and/or feelings stemmed from.
About me…
I enjoy going to the gym regularly, reading a good book with a glass of
wine, re-watching my favorite shows and brunch with friends.
Sara Tousi, LCSW
Specialties: Depression, anxiety, Post Traumatic Stress Syndrome, relationship conflict,
substance abuse, grief and bereavement
Therapies: Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Insomnia
(CBT-I), Motivational Interviewing, Solution Focused Therapy, Brief Therapy
Interventions, Rapid Trauma Resolution, Dialectical Behavioral Therapy
Experience: 12 years
Language: English, Farsi
Why I love being a specialist…
My interest in this helping others deal with their hardships and traumas
began at a very young age due to my own background filled with traumas
and hardships. My experiences in life have molded me into a compassionate
individual with a keen interest in helping others. My goal is to be there
for others and support them through their hardships and challenges and
help them reach their goals in life.
How we will work together…
My approach is to listen to participants, show them compassion and understanding
and support and guide them through adversities in their lives.
About me…
I indulge myself by reading books, painting and drawing, hiking, traveling,
spending time with my family, friends, and dog.