Sloan, Cristina

Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, Cristina Sloan, chose to bring her expertise to VCC because of all the great things she has heard about the organization. Cristina thinks it is important to align herself with care that leaves patients feeling respected, and not marginalized, and that’s exactly why she is a part of the VCC team.

For Cristina, she believes strongly in that power that each person has in making decisions. She wants to help her patients understand the importance in what each of us decide to do amidst, and with, our circumstances.

Cristina is bilingual in Spanish and is located at our VCC: Vale Terrace office in Vista. She can also provide visits via Telehealth.

In simple terms, “behavioral health” is how a person thinks, feels and acts when faced with life’s situations. Sometimes life can get difficult and our emotions or thoughts can be overwhelming. If you or someone you know is having difficulty behaving in healthy ways with others or themselves, they may benefit from behavioral health services.

Introducing Dr. Jennifer Bell, a dedicated psychiatrist at VCC with over a decade of experience in behavioral health leadership and support. Since 2010, Dr. Bell has specialized in child and adolescent psychiatry and addiction treatment. Beyond her professional commitment, she values family time and finds joy in activities such as swimming, biking, cooking, art, gardening, and exploring state parks. Dr. Bell combines expertise and compassion to provide comprehensive mental health care, emphasizing a holistic approach to well-being.

Dr. Veronica Gutierrez has been dedicated to providing mental health care for nearly 30 years. During her career she has worked with a wide range of ages and circumstances, from young children to adults and families. She also has experience providing therapy to lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgendered clients. Dr. Gutierrez is able to assist patients with therapy for a variety of reasons including mood disorders, behavioral problems, adjustment concerns, sexual orientation, medical concerns, learning challenges, and more. Dr. Gutierrez is able to provide care in both English and Spanish.

If you are interested in receiving behavioral health care with Dr. Gutierrez, please call or text 844-308-5003. We offer both in person and Telehealth visits.

Dr. Patel provides psychiatry services at VCC: The Gary Center, and through our Telehealth, our virtual appointment option.

Dr. Yetz is a practiced psychiatrist with experience working in mindfulness based cognitive behabioral therapy, substance abuse treatment groups, psychodynamic psychoanalytically oriented psychotherapy, fitness for duty evaluations, and more.

Clinician Since

• 2021

Medical Education

• New York Medical College, Valhalla, New York

Certifications

• Psychiatry: American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology
• Addiction Psychiatry: American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology

Licensed Clinical Social Worker Christine Dougherty has been working to support the behavioral health of patients since 2000. She has served numerous populations and worked with all ages throughout her career as a therapist, including years of counseling children to improve social skills, confidence and self-actualization.

She is currently providing school based care in North County, and her many years of experience working with children has prepared her well for this position. Christine works well with patients, parents, teachers, and clinicians to create the most well rounded health experience for each person that she sees. She is very knowledgeable and well versed in her field.

If you are looking for behavioral health care for your child, Christine is a great option. She can help you develop strategies and techniques that work for you. You can rest assured that Christine Dougherty will provide a safe environment for you to express your issues and concerns.

VCC Provider Since

• 2020

Education

• Columbia University Graduate School of Social Work

Licensed Clinical Social Worker Vanessa Cruz came to VCC for the opportunity to provide behavioral health treatment to children and families in need of services within the community.

VCC Provider Since

• 2019

Medical Education

• San Diego State University
• California State University, San Marcos

Certifications

• Licensed Clinical Social Worker
• Pupil Personnel Services Credential in School Social Work (PPSC)
• Professional Assault Crisis Training (PRO-ACT)

Licensed Clinical Social Worker Adriana Mendez came to VCC for the opportunity to provide behavioral health services to adolescents in local schools. She understands that adolescence is an important period for social and emotional development and that by providing early intervention these students will be more likely to have positive outcomes.

Mrs. Mendez would like to empower patients to be independent and self-sufficient. She will help to idenfity strengths and learn how those strengths can help actualize goals. She also provides coping skills that can be utilized when facing different stressors in life.

How do you help your patients “Choose Health”?

I emphasize to patients the importance of both physical and mental health. I remind them how poor physical health can lead to an increased risk of developing mental health problems and how poor mental health can also have a negative impact on physical health. I encourage patients to regularly go to their preventative medical appointments.”

VCC Provider Since

• 2019

Medical Education

• University of Southern California

Certifications

• Licensed Clinical Social Worker

Ms. Godinez is here to help you achieve wellness. She has worked with many populations in different settings, and finds her passion to be in working directly with the community. She will help provide therapeutic services utilizing holistic mental approaches as a Licensed Clinical Social Worker. She is currently serving students in the districts of Orange County.

VCC Provider Since

• 2019

Medical Education

• California State University Long Beach

Licensed Clinical Social Worker Carlene Wilson provides caring, attentive services for patients of all ages. She has experience providing therapy services for families, couples, children, and individuals. She received her Masters Degree in Social Work from the University of Denver, and specializes in marriage and family therapy training.

Ms. Wilson is very knowledgeable, and has a great deal of experience working with different patient needs. She is particularly passionate about working for patients in underserved populations, and wants to give everyone the chance to choose health.

VCC Provider Since

• 2019

Medical Education

• California State University Los Angeles
• University of Denver

Certifications

• Licensed Clinical Social Worker

Greta Meyerhof has nearly 30 years of experience as a therapist for both groups and individuals. VCC is proud to have her as one of their own Licensed Marriage and Family Therapists helping our patients choose health. Ms. Meyerhof has had the experience of working in many different clinical settings, as well as having her own practice. Now working with the community, she is able to help those that really need the help to get and stay on track.

VCC Provider Since

• 2018

Medical Education

• California State University, Northridge

Certifications

• Disaster Services Mental Health Provider, American Red Cross Certified
• Certified Batterer’s Intervention Group Facilitator