CLEARLAKE, Calif.—St. Helena Family Health Center-Clearlake is pleased to welcome Dr. Elena Rodriguez, PsyD, to the behavioral health provider team.

Rodriguez is an experienced, bilingual psychologist who is passionate about how therapy can help patients heal.

“I love seeing people get better – to hear from the patient or their family that they’ve made an improvement and are enjoying a more fulfilled, happy life,” she said.

Rodriguez was drawn to the field of psychology as an adolescent growing up in San Antonio, Texas. As a survivor of sexual abuse, she had the desire to help others through their own healing process.

“I encourage survivors of any kind of trauma to get help as soon as possible,” she said. “Once you have the right fit with a psychologist or other therapist, you learn about how to get better. It’s a really nurturing, educational process.”
 
Rodriguez earned her doctorate in clinical psychology with a health emphasis at the California School of Professional Psychology at Alliant International University, Fresno Campus. She is also a graduate of the University of Texas at San Antonio, where she received her master's and bachelor’s degrees.

She joins the St. Helena Family Health Center from the Central Valley where she worked as a clinical psychologist seeing patients from children to older adults. She provides individual and family therapy in both Spanish and English.
 
“Dr. Rodriguez is a perfect fit with the compassionate, experienced behavioral health providers who practice at the St. Helena Family Health Center-Clearlake,” said Brent Dupper, executive director of physician and outpatient services at St. Helena Hospital Clear Lake. “We know that access to mental health services is one of the most significant needs in our community, and we are privileged to provide excellent care from a growing team that includes psychiatrists, psychologists and licensed clinical social workers.”
 
Rodriguez chose to join St. Helena Hospital Clear Lake because of the organization’s mission to serve the whole person – mind, body and spirit.

“I was looking for a faith-based organization because I love incorporating prayer into therapy when appropriate and welcomed by the patient,” she explained.

After working in the Central Valley she also wanted to live in a place with pure, clean air. She is already enjoying the area’s natural beauty, abundant hiking trails and friendly environment.
 
Rodriguez sees patients Monday through Friday at the St. Helena Family Health Center-Clearlake, located at 15230 Lakeshore Drive in Clearlake.

Patients may schedule an appointment by calling 707-995-4545.