Stress and anxiety are probably one of the most common things affecting modern men and women. However, while everybody gets occasional worry or nervousness, some people are much more prone to severe forms of anxiety that can interfere with their regular functioning. Out of all anxiety-related disorders, some of the most widespread include Generalized Anxiety […]
There are a lot of overlapping symptoms in the two most common mental disorders that affect people: Bipolar and ADHD. The overlapping of symptoms of these two disorders often makes diagnosis difficult to ascertain. So, what to do when it comes to the problem of ADHD vs bipolar disorder? We will be able to find […]
Neurodevelopmental disorders, including ADHD and gender dysphoria, have become a point of controversy in both medical and social fields. ADHD is a learning disorder characterized by symptoms of inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity that hampers a person’s emotional and social life. Gender dysphoria, in contrast, is the discomfort felt by people who are trapped in the […]
The unpredictability of life can even hit a child. However, the most common mental health illness experienced by such kids is depression. Depression can severely affect the mood of a child and make them act in certain negative ways. To learn more about the details of major depressive disorder in children. Continue reading this blog. […]
Is Social Anxiety Disorder A Disability? Every person once in their life has experienced anxiety. But, if an individual faces this anxiety feeling continuously then it is a cause of concern. The first thought that comes to a person struggling with an anxiety disorder is whether social anxiety disorder is a disability or not and […]
What is Psychosis? It is basically a break from reality as a person’s thoughts and perceptions are essentially disrupted through symptoms like delusions and hallucinations. Symptoms of Psychosis These can be grouped into confusion, delusions, hallucinations, and unpredictable feelings, and behavior. Causes of Psychosis It is known to be caused by illnesses or conditions such […]
Eating disorders can make your life difficult and can lead to extreme demotivation. However, many people wonder something along the topic: Are eating disorders genetic? The answer to this query is discussed in this article. To learn more, continue reading this blog. Understanding Eating Disorders: Eating disorders are physical and mental health deteriorating disorders. This […]
The Flight and Fear Response As an evolutionary advantage in humans for their survival as a species, a flight and fear response exists. How The Developing Brain Is Affected By Trauma When a child experiences a traumatic event, the brain will change the way it works for its continued sustenance. The brain will create new […]
Every person deserves to live a happy life. However, some of us experience different types of trauma, specifically relational trauma. However, trauma comes in several different forms and not every person experiences the same traumatic memories. Trauma is always categorized based on its nature and its impact. In this blog post, you will learn several […]
Some people in this world get traumatized and later develop PTSD at an older age. This severely disrupts the overall functioning of the affected people. The following article is probably the best guide for what trauma is, how childhood trauma in adults can ruin an adult’s life, and what are the effective ways to cope […]
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.
