Mental health is an important part of overall well-being. It refers to an individual’s cognition, emotional regulation, social well-being and shapes their feelings, thoughts, and actions. A person with good mental ability can handle stress effectively, maintain social connections, & make accurate decisions. Good mental health supports physical well‑being, while poor mental health can make […]
Panic attacks can be an intensely frightening experience that occurs due to anxiety. The overwhelming anxiety causes physical symptoms like a racing heart, sweating, dizziness, and shortness of breath. However, have you ever been so devastated by episodes of panic that you feel like you might collapse? These attacks are scary & feel like a […]
Billions of people around the world struggle with mental health disorders. Mental health disorders can severely impact the personality of a person, including thoughts, mood, behavior, feelings, perceptions, and relationships. Every individual experiences mental disorders in a different way, as some people experience mild symptoms, while some severe symptoms. It’s completely normal to feel sad, […]
Have you ever been pressured to do things that are harmful to you just because you wanted to fit in? If yes, you might have experienced peer pressure! Approximately 85% of people around the world have experienced peer pressure. It’s an external force that imposes its decisions on you and forces you to follow them. […]
Have you ever confronted someone about their bad behavior, and they end up making you feel guilty or question your own self? If so, you have experienced Darvo. It is a manipulation tactic in which the abuser twists the truth and turns the tables on the victim. This term was originally coined by Jennifer Freyd […]
You are trying to remember your past? But instead of a clear picture, you get a rush of doubts and a knot of anxiety. Did I really do that? Did I forget to check something important? Am I a bad person because of an action I can’t quite recall? What if someone with OCD has […]
It is natural to share a close, trusting bond with your parents. This is a positive and healthy parent-child relationship. A normal and healthy bond with your parents feels close and safe. It should give you comfort, direction, and love without strings attached. But what if that connection becomes too close? What if the lines […]
Have you ever seen a person who reacts totally differently when confronted with an emotional situation? Did you ever feel that? If yes, you are escaping from emotions and set your mind to block that emotional state and convert it into a rational state. You take refuge in facts, data, and logical reasoning, especially when […]
Do you apologize every time, even without making a mistake, or do you feel isolated even living with your loved ones? If yes, it can be a sign of emotional manipulation. Emotional manipulation is a form of psychological abuse; it makes the individuals question their own self-worth. The manipulative person plays with your mind and […]
Do you feel stuck where escape is not possible? Do you question your self-worth? If so, you are not alone in feeling this way! Hopelessness is just a feeling that things will not improve, and you will continue to remain in adversity. But normally, it is precipitated by stressful life events such as poverty, displacement, […]
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.
Vivienne Peng is a board certified Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner with over 10 years of nursing experience working in the mental health field. Fluent in both English and Mandarin Chinese, she brings a culturally responsive, person-centered care that honors each individual’s unique background and walks of life.
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.
