Find a psychiatrist in California — covered by insurance

I am Sharon Atwood, a dual board-certified Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner and Adult Nurse Practitioner with over a decade of hands-on clinical experience serving adults and older adults. I hold active, unrestricted licenses in Florida, New York, California, and Idaho, and I provide care through both telehealth and outpatient settings.

My academic journey reflects a deep, enduring passion for mental health and human behavior. I earned my Bachelor of Arts in Psychology magna cum laude from Kean University, followed by a Master of Science in Nursing from Florida Atlantic University and a Post-Master's Certificate in Psychiatric-Mental Health from the University of Miami, both completed summa cum laude. I maintain board certifications through ANCC and AANP and hold active membership in the American Academy of Nurse Practitioners, the American Psychiatric Nurses Association, and the California Association of Nurse Practitioners.

My clinical background spans adult and geriatric primary care, integrated psychiatric services, crisis intervention, and outpatient psychiatric medication management. This diverse experience has prepared me to address a wide range of conditions with both skill and compassion, including depression, anxiety, PTSD, ADHD, bipolar disorder, panic disorder, OCD, schizophrenia, schizoaffective disorder, sleep disturbances, grief, anger management, and complex co-occurring presentations. I welcome individuals with treatment-resistant symptoms and those still searching for the right provider.

I specialize in working with adults aged 18 and older, helping to uncover root causes and develop plans for genuine growth. My approach is collaborative and evidence-based, combining psychiatric medication management with integrative wellness strategies that address sleep, nutrition, exercise, stress, and meaningful connection. I believe that expert care works best alongside healthy lifestyle habits and a sense of humor.

I am board certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner providing telehealth services throughout California. I believe mental health care should feel supportive, respectful, and tailored to your unique needs.

My role is to work alongside you to understand your experiences and develop a treatment plan that truly fits your life

I'm Shara Ally, DNP, PMHNP-BC I provide evidence-based medication management for adults (18+) via telehealth. As an author and TEDx speaker, I translate complex research into clear, practical care plans that help my patients feel informed and supported.

I specialize in mood and anxiety disorders, trauma-related conditions (PTSD), adult ADHD, OCD, bipolar spectrum disorders, and women's mental health across the reproductive lifespan—including perinatal and postpartum mood disorders, PMDD, and menopausal transitions. My practice is medication-focused and highly collaborative, with education, skills coaching, and supportive check-ins integrated into every visit. I coordinate closely with therapists, primary care providers, OB-GYNs, and other clinicians to ensure cohesive, connected treatment.

When you work with me, you can expect a comprehensive evaluation reviewing your history, symptoms, prior treatments, and goals. I practice thoughtful prescribing with transparent discussion of options, benefits, and side effects so that every decision is truly shared. I use measurement-based care—structured symptom tracking—to guide adjustments and reduce trial-and-error. My whole-person approach integrates sleep, nutrition, movement, and stress management when relevant, with streamlined access through secure telehealth and clear after-visit summaries.

My style is warm, direct, and person-centered, grounded in shared decision-making. My care is trauma-informed, culturally responsive, and rooted in current clinical evidence. Beyond my clinical practice, I serve as a nurse educator and academic mentor, shaping future psychiatric clinicians through evidence-based teaching. An international fellowship in India further enriched my global perspective through research and teaching in hospital and university settings.

For up-to-date availability, please visit us or call/text us at 415-968-6515.

Welcome!

I'm a board-certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner who believes mental health is just as important as physical health. I know that seeking help can feel intimidating, and I want to commend you for taking this first step.

I specialize in working with adults ages 18 to 65 who are dealing with ADHD, anxiety, and depression. My approach is warm, collaborative, and grounded in evidence-based care. I offer psychiatric evaluations, medication management, and ongoing support through secure telehealth appointments, making it easier to access care that fits your lifestyle.