I am Espelito C. Torregoza, Jr., MSN, RN, PMHNP-BC, a board-certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner and a physician trained in the Philippines. My journey to psychiatric care began when I immigrated to the United States and started working as a private caregiver. From there, I had the opportunity to care for patients across different hospital units and eventually spent time working in psychiatry.

It was through these experiences that I recognized a need close to my heart: compassionate psychiatric care that understands the culture, values, and family dynamics of Filipino and Filipino-American families. I saw how cultural beliefs, immigration, acculturation, and the importance of family can shape the way people understand and seek help for their mental health. This inspired me to pursue advanced training as a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner so I could provide care that is not only clinically sound, but also culturally sensitive and deeply respectful of each person’s story.

Today, my goal is to create a safe and welcoming space where individuals and families feel heard, understood, and free from judgment. Through personalized psychiatric evaluation, diagnosis, and medication management, I strive to walk alongside my patients with compassion, respect, and genuine care.

Your culture is part of your story. Your story matters. And your mental health deserves to be understood.