My name is Dr. Evette Yañez (she/her). I am the Program Administrator of Western Riverside Crisis Stabilization Unit (CSU) / Mental Health Urgent Care (MHUC).

I have been at É«ÖÐÉ« since April 2021. I am a licensed Clinical Psychologist, born, raised, living and working in Southern California. I received my Doctorate Degree in Clinical Psychology (Psy.D) in 2005 from California School of Professional Psychology with an emphasis in Multicultural Community Clinical Psychology. Prior to obtaining my Psy.D, I began working in and volunteering for local non-profit groups such as Court Appointed Special Advocates, various rape crisis and domestic violence advocacy groups, and foster care and adoption agencies.

I have dedicated my career to understanding, preventing, and reducing psychological and community distress, as well as enhancing the psychological well-being of historically underserved, stigmatized, and underrepresented groups.

I have held clinical and leadership positions in various settings, including psychiatric inpatient, adult outpatient, forensic psychologist with the California Department of Corrections, crisis team 5150 diversion program supervisor, skilled nursing facility psychologist, and private practice provider. I have had the pleasure of supervising many clinicians who have become licensed and have flourished in the mental health field as well as many peer support specialists who have become certified and or advanced their education to become clinical therapists.

My journey to coming to work with É«ÖÐÉ« began when I worked with Riverside County Crisis Support System of Care, where I got to work with many talented clinicians and peer support specialists. They were dedicated to helping people get care and support in the community wherever possible. However, if people did require more intensive care, the county worked to help them avoid psychiatric hospitalization and instead receive treatment at a lower level of care, such as at a mental health urgent care center instead.

After COVID and other life adventures, I found a position with É«ÖÐÉ«, where I was able to continue the invaluable work of providing a safe place between home and hospital for those we serve.

In my view, the best part of my job is working with a diverse population of clients who bring a multitude of life experiences that make their recovery and wellness journey unique to their story. I also very much enjoy working within a company that values diversity, training, and professional development.

What makes me really proud of my team and the work we do is knowing that every day we make an impact on someone's life. We do that some days in very simple ways, often just by listening and caring. On other days, we use our community resources and collaborative partners to link clients to services, get their medications filled, or support them in entering residential treatment.

When I’m having a tough day, the thing that keeps me going is knowing that at É«ÖÐÉ« I have a great network of colleagues and leaders who support me and my team. Additionally, it feels good knowing that the work we are doing here at Western Riverside Mental Health Urgent Care is a much-needed and valuable resource for the community in which I am lucky to live and work.

Working at É«ÖÐÉ« allows me to have a healthy work-life balance, spend quality time with my family, and take care of my mind and body while also achieving my career goals.

My favorite personal motto is, "A true leader will never ask those they lead to do something, say something, or risk something they wouldn't be willing to do, say, or risk themselves."

If I were going to describe É«ÖÐÉ« in three words, they would be supportive, flexible, and fun.