Executive functions are described as a set of important mental skills. These skills enable us to manage daily life and work effectively. Our brain’s frontal lobe is responsible for managing these skills and empowers us to manage our time well, focus our attention, plan, and organize tasks. Additionally, it helps to control actions and respond […]
Fear and thoughts are natural human experiences. Man can find an escape from them. Fears serve as a protective mechanism that alerts us to dangers and prepares us for a fight-or-flight response. However, our brains can’t differentiate between real threats and imagined ones. When you experience anxiety about a situation that presents no actual risks […]
Depression is a complex mental health condition that can impact a person’s life and hinder their daily working or activity. This is like despair or inactivity, or not doing anything that gives one pleasure. This means that feeling sad or losing interest in life is not a unique experience for those affected. It can affect […]
There are many conditions that co-occur with ADHD. People with complexities of neurodevelopmental conditions can be challenging for individuals and their families. However, are dyslexia and ADHD related? These are two conditions, Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) and dyslexia, that frequently occur together. These two present unique challenges and require psychological support. Attention, Activity, and Impulsivity Problems […]
In the broad world of human existence, there is a woven thread of individual experiences with collective consciousness. This is the philosophical understanding of the human psyche. It determines personality and resonates with one person to another. People recognize it. However, they carry the distinguished characteristics. To categorize them, Carl Jung gifted us with a […]
The avoidant attachment style is one of the four categories of adult attachment styles in psychology. It doesn’t lie in the category of disorder or disease. It is a copy mechanism that is developed in early childhood. To deeply understand what is an avoidant attachment style? You need to dive deep to understand emotional distance. […]
What is scrupulosity? Let’s figure out a subtype of obsessive-compulsive disorder. It is explained as a person continuously worrying about religious or moral values. They lived in constant fear as they had done something wrong. For instance, they might have offended GOD. They might have lost their ethical values, even if that’s untrue. This scrupulous […]
Dennis Ly is a Board-Certified Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner dedicated to delivering compassionate, evidence-based, and holistic care. With eight years of nursing experience in emergency medicine, Dennis gained extensive experience working with patients in acute crisis, including those with psychiatric and behavioral health needs. These experiences fostered his passion for mental health and shaped his ability to remain calm, empathetic, and collaborative when supporting patients during their most vulnerable moments.
He earned his Master of Science in Nursing from Capella University and completed his Post-Master’s PMHNP certificate at National University, where he received advanced training in psychiatric assessment, psychopharmacology, and therapeutic interventions for children, adults, and geriatric patients. His clinical focus includes the treatment of anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, and ADHD.
In addition to medication management, Dennis integrates therapeutic modalities such as cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), motivational interviewing, and patient-centered therapy into his practice, tailoring care to each individual’s goals and values. He approaches treatment with a holistic and collaborative philosophy, meeting patients where they are and empowering them to build resilience through personalized care.
Outside of work, Dennis enjoys exercising, eating sushi and Korean BBQ, and traveling.
Outside of work, Vivienne enjoys traveling, discovering new restaurants, watching movies and visiting museums. She genuinely enjoys meeting new people and feels inspired everyday by the strength and resilience of those she serves.
Clint is one of our most experienced Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioners at Orange Coast Psychiatry and is 103NP Licensed in the State of California.
Nicole Leonce is a Board-Certified Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner with over five years of experience in psychiatry and a strong medical background. She earned her Doctor of Nursing Practice degree from the University of San Francisco and is a proud member of the Sigma Theta Tau International Honor Society of Nursing. Nicole has a special emphasis in Trauma-Informed Care and is deeply committed to providing compassionate, patient-centered, and culturally responsive treatment.
Her clinical expertise includes the diagnosis and management of depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, trauma-related conditions, ADHD, OCD, substance use disorders, and mood disturbances. She also provides care for individuals navigating grief, life transitions, and relationship stressors. Nicole integrates evidence-based approaches such as psychodynamic therapy, motivational interviewing, and solution-focused techniques, along with medication management, to help her clients achieve balance and emotional well-being.
Nicole believes that every patient’s story deserves to be heard and validated. She strives to create a safe and supportive environment where individuals feel empowered to explore their challenges and reach their full potential.
Outside of her practice, Nicole enjoys reading, traveling, exploring museums, cooking, and dining with friends and family. She also loves spending time with her miniature poodle, Nico.
