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Psychiatry in Encinitas, California Paula Harwood McKenna, Nurse Practitioner

Gender Identity: Female (She/Her)

Ages Served: 18-74

Appointments: In-office and Online

Manages Medications: Yes

Accepts Insurance: Yes - View accepted plans

Paula Harwood McKenna, Nurse Practitioner

Paula Harwood McKenna, MS, PMHNP

Specializes In:

Anxiety
Bipolar Disorder
Depression/feeling down
Intense mood changes
Panic attacks
Self-esteem
Stress management
See all specialties >

Paula Harwood McKenna is a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner in California who started practicing in 2017. She has an RN, a BSN, and a Master’s Degree in Nursing from Cal State San Marcos, a BA in Psychology from UC Irvine, and a BS in Business Administration from SDSU. Paula believes in a treatment philosophy that is collaborative, empathetic, patient centered, and individualized to meet patient clinical needs. In her spare time, Paula enjoys tennis, snow skiing, swimming, hiking, art, music, architecture, and travel.

Types of Care & Ages Served

Areas of Focus

Psychiatry/Medication Management

Treat and prevent mental health disorders using medication and therapy.

  • Anxiety
  • Bipolar Disorder
  • Depression/feeling down
  • Intense mood changes
  • Panic attacks
  • Self-esteem
  • Stress management
  • Anger issues
  • Career & work issues
  • Early adulthood: Independent living or relationships
  • Early adulthood: Starting college or career
  • End-of-life challenges
  • General relationship issues
  • Grief & loss
  • LGBTQ+
  • Marital stress or divorce
  • Obsessive Compulsive Disorder
  • Premarital counseling
  • Sexual trauma
  • Social skills & communication
  • Trauma & PTSD
  • Unhealthy eating habits

Languages

  • English

Education

  • California State University San Marcos

FAQs

Please use our online form to schedule an appointment with Paula Harwood McKenna. You can also call 858-737-7431 to have someone assist you.

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See what our patients are saying about Paula Harwood McKenna

I’ve received such wonderful care from Doctor McKenna that it has truly lifted me out of severe depression. I’ve never met a psychiatrist who does counseling in every session like she does. The convenience of having most of my appointments through video calls is fantastic! Doctor McKenna is an amazing psychiatrist who has created a balanced plan for my emotional and mental wellbeing. Her care means the world to me because it has really improved the quality of my life, allowing my wife and me to enjoy our time with our six grandkids, our two sons, and their wives. I can’t recommend Doctor McKenna enough! Thank you, LifeStance!
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Bruce H.

Bruce H.

Sep 29, 2025
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Paula is a wonderful and thoughtful provider who has incredible experience, knowledge, and empathy. She takes the time to get to know you as an individual and truly "gives her all" in partnership to help you find a solution to often complex issues. She has vast knowledge of up-to-date medications and is very innovative. I recommend her highly and our family has been patients of hers for many years to great success.
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Brian K.

Brian K.

Jun 22, 2025
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Paula is a very good psychiatrist she has given me great tools to help with my mental health. She is very experienced!!! She can definitely make you feel that there is light at the end of the tunnel. And is very compassionate and during your low moments compassion and empathy and kindness is very important. She has been my savior!!! I thank her for that. I appreciate you Paula you in more ways than one. ❤️
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janice h.

janice h.

Jul 24, 2025
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I feel lucky to have found Paula. I’ve had a lot of bad experiences with doctors over the years and I honestly can say I’m so glad to have a doctor like Paula. She’s always on time and takes extra time for me and doesn’t even charge me for it out of the kindness of her heart. I find her very patient and understanding.
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Lindsey M.

Lindsey M.

Mar 25, 2026
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I ABSOLUTELY LOVE PAULA HARWOOD. SHE HAS BEEN MY PSYCHIATRIST FOR YEARS, at least 10 years? I have followed her from office to office. She has been the absolute most supportive, helpful, caring, wonderful and FUNNIEST Healthcare person that I cannot wait to CHAT with each month. XOXO PAULA, you are AWESOME!
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Kristin A.

Kristin A.

Aug 14, 2025
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My appointments with Paula Harwood-McKenna through LifeStance are always positive, enriching experiences. She is an extremely kind and caring provider and she is helping me make real, excellent progress. I highly recommend her. Thank you Paula! ❤️🙏
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Carolyn C.

Carolyn C.

May 03, 2026
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