Have you ever had a crush that felt too strong? You couldn’t stop thinking about them; they started affecting your life. That intense feeling might be called limerence. People with ADHD can experience limerence even more strongly. It can make it hard to focus, cause emotional ups and downs, and even lead to unhealthy dependence […]
One of the most overlooked symptoms of ADHD, a neurodivergent disorder, is emotional dysregulation. If you are wondering if you have been feeling like you have been experiencing a constant change in your emotions, then don’t waste a second in reading this blog. It is because we are going to talk about emotional dysregulation in […]
ADHD, or attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder has many different symptoms and traits. One of these can be hypersexuality or hyposexuality (which is to have unsatisfactory sex lives). So, why is that the case and what is the connection that binds hypersexuality and ADHD together? Let’s find out in the world while also specifically discussing ADHD hypersexuality. Defining […]
We all have had instances in life where we worried about meeting new people or being close to them. Like in school, you would get a heavy feeling about meeting the new students when going to a new class or section. But when this type of feeling gets out of hand and is literally affecting […]
Moodiness is a hallmark of the childhood and teenage years. Even children are bound to show some moodiness from time to time. But what if it is long-lasting and persistent in the way it shows its symptoms in children? If that is the case, then your child is probably suffering from Disruptive Mood Dysregulation Disorder […]
A trauma bond is a strong emotional connection that forms between two people, often in unhealthy or abusive relationships. It can be really hard to let go of these relationships, even when we know they’re toxic. This blog post will explore: What trauma bonds are Why they form Signs of withdrawal when breaking free How […]
People with OCD can find it challenging to have healthy relationships because OCD can cause anxious thoughts, compulsive behaviors, and misunderstandings. However, with the proper knowledge and support, people with OCD can build strong and loving relationships. In this blog, we will look at the following: what exactly relationship OCD is, how it impacts relationships, […]
Many people confuse Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) and Bipolar Disorder, which are two of the most common mental health conditions affecting people all over the world. While both can involve feeling sad and having low energy, they are different illnesses. Furthermore, it can become worse when comorbid with other mental health issues such as OCD, […]
We all have done a little bit of people pleasing for one reason or another at some point in our lives. But have you been doing people please a lot more than what is usually considered acceptable? Perhaps, it is something people have been calling people pleasing trauma responses. Well, if you are confused, then […]
When people experience trauma, they often react in one of three ways: fight, flight, or freeze. But there’s another reaction that’s less talked about, called the fawn response. Fawning means trying to please others to avoid getting hurt. People who have experienced trauma, like abuse, may use this response to feel safe. They may feel […]
Richard Samedra, PMHNP-BC, is a Board Certified Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner. He brings over 12 years of experience in the mental health field, working with clients facing a wide range of acute and chronic mental health conditions. His journey began as a Licensed Vocational Nurse and Charge Nurse at Westminster Therapeutic Residential Treatment, where he supported clients dealing with anxiety, depression, schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, and substance use disorders. Richard’s dedication was centered on helping these individuals improve their mental health and transition to a lower level of care, whether that meant returning to their families, a board and care facility, or a sober-living environment.
Motivated by a growing passion for mental health care, Richard pursued his Registered Nurse (RN) education at Saddleback Community College and later transitioned to La Palma Intercommunity Hospital Behavioral Health. In this role, he specialized in geriatric psychiatry, working with older adults experiencing conditions such as Parkinson’s disease, dementia, depression, and anxiety. This experience solidified his commitment to mental health, leading him to work at Bellflower Community Hospital, where he provided care for patients experiencing severe psychiatric crises, including suicidal ideation, manic and depressive episodes, substance use disorders, and exacerbated schizophrenia symptoms.
Inspired by the impactful work of PMHNPs at Bellflower, Richard enrolled in the Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner program at Azusa Pacific University. To broaden his expertise, he worked full-time at College Hospital Costa Mesa while completing his studies. There, he gained comprehensive experience across various units, including adolescent, acute men’s and women’s, stabilization, and detox/med-surg. Now, as a PMHNP, Richard is committed to leveraging his diverse background and knowledge to provide compassionate, comprehensive care to those in need.
Richard currently practices as a Nurse Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner at Orange Coast Psychiatry, where he is supervised by Dr. Montgomery.
Shaheena Gazipura is a board-certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP-BC) with over 9 years of dedicated experience in both inpatient and outpatient mental health care. She earned her Master of Science in Nursing from Western University of Health Sciences in Pomona, California.
Shaheena began her career working on an adult psychiatric inpatient unit before transitioning to the geriatric psychiatric inpatient unit at USC Verdugo Hills Hospital. In addition to her clinical work, Shaheena also serves as a Nursing Clinical Instructor, guiding the next generation of nurses through their mental health rotations at a large community college.
Shaheena is a passionate advocate for mental health, believing that it is a fundamental pillar of overall well-being. She is committed to reducing the stigma surrounding mental illness and strives to provide comprehensive, compassionate care that honors each individual’s unique experiences and challenges. Her goal is to create a supportive, nonjudgmental environment where patients feel empowered to work alongside her in achieving their mental health goals.
Outside of her professional life, Shaheena enjoys exploring new culinary experiences, staying active through exercise, and planning her next travel adventures.
Shaheena currently practices as a Nurse Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner at Orange Coast Psychiatry, where she is supervised by Dr. Barrios.
Clint Nacar, PMHNP-BC is a Board Certified Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner. Mr. Nacar graduated from Charles R. Drew University of Medicine and Science. Currently Mr. Nacar works in an inpatient psychiatry unit at a leading academic medical center in Los Angeles, Renewed Mental Health Group, and Orange Coast Psychiatry
Mr. Nacar brings over 7+ years of experience with the mental health population. He works to help patients take control of their mental health through patient education, psychotherapy and medication management. Mr. Nacar’s areas of focus include: Depression, Anxiety, Adjustment Disorder, Bipolar disorder, Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), and Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). Mr. Nacar treats children ages 6+, adolescents, and adults, offering both in-person services and telehealth at Renewed Mental Health Group.
With the collaboration of each patient, Mr. Nacar strives to develop individualized plans of care addressing each patient’s unique situation and concerns. He also encourages each patient to take charge of their mental health through a holistic approach while also employing the latest evidence based practices in treatment.
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.
Cristian Cuevas, PMHNP-BC, is a highly skilled board-certified psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner with over seven years of experience in inpatient psychiatry and mental health.
A California State University Long Beach graduate, Cristian also earned recognition as a board-certified psychiatric mental health registered nurse. With a wealth of expertise in adult psychiatric care across the lifespan, Cristian has successfully diagnosed and treated a diverse range of mental health disorders.
Additionally, his specialized experience in child and adolescent inpatient populations further enhances his ability to provide comprehensive and compassionate mental health care.
Cristian Cuevas is the Lead Nurse Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner at Orange Coast Psychiatry and is supervised by Dr Barrios.
