About
Erin Baird is the founder of Perinatal Peds Nursing, Inc. and a double board-certified nurse practitioner in pediatrics and psychiatry. She has additional certification in perinatal mental health.
Mission Statement
My name is Erin Baird, and I am double board-certified as a nurse practitioner in pediatrics and psychiatry, with additional certification as a perinatal mental healthcare provider. My experience with the newborn and pediatric population led me to focus on an often-overlooked need, the need to support parents and individuals navigating fertility and pregnancy, alongside pediatric and adolescent populations. Our foundation and ability to care for others stems from our mental health. As a healthcare provider and mother, I want us to live a life that provides a sense of agency and delight. It is possible.
This practice is built on the core value of communication. I believe that compassionate, open, and clear communication is essential to healing. I strive to create meaningful partnerships not only with the patients and families I care for, but also with the extended care team including primary care providers, OB/GYNs, psychologists, therapists, and schools. Thoughtful collaboration helps ensure that care is continuous, consistent, and aligned with each individual's needs.
My goal as your provider is to listen to your story without judgment, build a relationship based on trust and respect, and to offer therapeutic support that is tailored to your needs. This website serves to provide general information, resources, and contact information for those in need of additional support. Support needs vary, and it is okay if you are not sure where to begin. Please browse this website and see if anything resonates with you. If you are interested and wish to seek additional counseling, please contact my office to schedule an appointment.
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I started my nursing career in 2012 after graduating from the University of Pennsylvania School of Nursing. I worked in the Emergency Department at the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia as a registered nurse where I learned to balance the demands of a high-stress, fast-paced work environment without losing sight of empathy. Together, our team stabilized and managed a variety of conditions including mental health emergencies. I am forever grateful for this experience, and I am proud to say this is the foundation of my career.
Wanting to advance my practice, I returned to the University of Pennsylvania School of Nursing for my master's degree and became a board-certified pediatric nurse practitioner in 2016. Shortly after, I moved to Santa Barbara, California and worked in the Emergency Department at Cottage Hospital before starting my first position as a nurse practitioner at Surfside Pediatrics in Ventura. Thanks to this wonderful work environment and patient population, I developed a greater interest and appreciation for working in the outpatient setting. While managing a wide range of acute and chronic conditions, I developed a strong passion for supporting families navigating mental health challenges. Recognizing the complexity and evolving nature of this field, I pursued additional education and training in psychiatry at Washburn University to provide the high-quality care my patients and their families deserve. In 2025 I received my second board-certification as a psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner.
As for my personal life, I am delighted to share that I am a mother. While we all have our own experiences, I believe my transition into motherhood brings a new depth of empathy to my practice. My family includes my husband, our two children, and we are very fortunate to live in beautiful Santa Barbara. While we try our best to take advantage of the weather and spend time outdoors, we equally enjoy our time at home. When I am not working or trying to keep up with my kids, I love swimming and escaping to the mountains for a trail run. Lastly, I would be remiss if I did not mention my appreciation and enjoyment for time away with my husband and friends.
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Erin Baird is a Board-Certified Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP-BC), Board-Certified Pediatric Nurse Practitioner - Acute Care (CPNP-AC), and holds a certification in Perinatal Mental Health (PMH-C).
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Let us be curious—because curiosity is the foundation of learning and growth.
My practice style is unique, evolving alongside the individuals and families I work with. Shaped by my experiences as both a provider and a parent, I believe growth, curiosity, and resilience matter more than mastery. Together, we will navigate challenges, take thoughtful risks, and embrace small failures as stepping stones to resilience.
Parenting and relationships do not follow a one-size-fits-all approach. Progress is not about rigid techniques but about understanding, connection, and adaptability. There is a reason why hundreds of parenting books exist, no one has all the answers and that is okay. The key is to embrace the process, seeing each challenge as an opportunity for growth.
More Than Diagnosis and Medication
At the heart of my practice is a commitment to human connection, trust, and communication. Healing happens through relationships within families, between individuals, and in the provider-patient partnership. My approach is rooted in interpersonal and developmental theories, recognizing that behavior is shaped by relationships, life experiences, and the need for both security and satisfaction. Whether it is a child expressing an unmet need or a parent navigating emotional struggles, behavior tells a story. Your relationship with your child shapes their ability to communicate, feel understood, and build mutual respect. While complete healing is not always possible, together we can minimize suffering and cultivate strength.
As a mother and nurse practitioner, I bring both professional expertise and personal understanding to my work. My role is not to dictate how to parent or live, but to guide, support, and empower you with confidence, self-compassion, and resilience. I strive to create a safe, supportive, and personalized experience.
Comprehensive, Individualized Care
With a background in both pediatrics and psychiatry, I provide a nuanced approach to child development, family dynamics, and mental health. My priorities include:
Personalized interventions – Medication, therapy, and holistic approaches tailored to your needs.
Evidence-based psychotherapy – Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Interpersonal Therapy (IPT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Systemic, Structural and Strategic Family Therapy.
Family involvement – Integrating parental insight into treatment planning.
Beyond clinical care, I also serve as:
Your care coordinator, managing all aspects of treatment.
Your advocate, supporting you in school, work, or other settings.
Your resource connector, helping you access therapy, community support, and additional mental health services.
Objective and Data-Driven Treatment
Psychiatry often relies on subjective information, which is why I prioritize structured assessments, screening tools, and customized treatment forms to:
Ensure accurate diagnosis and track treatment progress over time.
Use objective markers to guide care decisions and determine when treatment modifications are needed.
Improve outcomes with structured follow-ups and measurable improvements.
By completing these assessments before our visits, we can maximize our time together and focus on what truly matters.
Collaborative Care
Mental health treatment thrives on teamwork and transparency. I value strong partnerships with primary care providers, psychologists. therapists, schools, and other specialists, ensuring integrated care through open communication (with your permission). I also prioritize clear, balanced information about medication options, risks, and benefits, empowering you to make informed decisions. For perinatal patients, I practice relational ethics, always considering the well-being of both the birthing parent and baby in clinical decision-making.
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At Perinatal Peds Nursing, Inc., we provide specialized psychiatric care for families or adults who value our approach. Our mission is to offer comprehensive, high-quality mental health care through home, off-site, office, and telehealth visits, ensuring accessible and personalized treatment for those who need it most.
Pediatric Psychiatry (Ages 12 and under)
Children face unique developmental, emotional, and behavioral challenges that require expert care. We specialize in early identification, diagnosis, and treatment of mental health concerns in young children, including:
Attachment and early relational challenges
Sleep and feeding difficulties related to mental health
Behavioral concerns and emotional regulation difficulties
Anxiety and mood disorders (generalized anxiety, depression, OCD)
ADHD and executive functioning difficulties
Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and sensory processing concerns
Adolescent and Young Adult Psychiatry (Ages 13–18+)
This is a critical period for mental health as teenagers and young adults navigate academic, occupational, social, and emotional transitions. We provide compassionate and developmentally appropriate care for:
Anxiety disorders, depression, and mood instability
School-related stress, academic challenges, and peer relationships
Student athletes in need of mental health support
ADHD and executive functioning difficulties
Eating disorders and body image concerns
Gender identity and LGBTQ+ mental health support
Self-harm, suicidal ideation, and emotional dysregulation
Trauma, PTSD, and early childhood adversity
Perinatal and Adult Psychiatry
Mental health during pregnancy, parenthood, and adulthood is vital for personal well-being and for family stability. At Perinatal Peds Nursing, Inc., we provide compassionate, evidence-based psychiatric care for:
Mental health challenges related to the transition into parenthood or at any stage of parenting
Perinatal mood and anxiety disorders (PMADs), including postpartum depression and anxiety
Pregnancy-related OCD, PTSD, and bipolar disorder
Infertility-related mental health concerns and support during fertility treatments
Medication management during pregnancy, lactation, and across the lifespan, with careful risk-benefit analysis
Trauma-informed care for individuals with birth trauma or perinatal loss
Postpartum adjustment and early parenting support
Psychiatric care for NICU parents and families navigating high-risk pregnancies
Adults seeking thoughtful, whole-person psychiatric care that values collaboration, family context, and long-term well-being
Why Choose Perinatal Peds Nursing, Inc.?
Specialized Care: Double board-certified expertise in pediatrics and psychiatry, ensuring developmentally appropriate and evidence-based treatment for children, adolescents, and perinatal patients.
Holistic Approach: Integration of psychotherapy, medication and non-medication management, and psychoeducation tailored to each patient’s unique needs.
Flexible and Accessible Services: Offering home, off-site, office, and telehealth visits
Compassionate and Evidence-Based Treatment: Utilizing the latest research and guidelines from NIMH, NAMI, APA, AACAP, PSI, ACOG, and AAP to inform approach.
Parent and Family Involvement: Recognizing the role of family dynamics and support systems in the healing process.
Who We Serve
We welcome patients of all backgrounds, including individuals with complex needs, co-occurring medical conditions, and those seeking mental health support during major life transitions. If you or a loved one need personalized, high-quality psychiatric care, Perinatal Peds Nursing, Inc. is here to support you every step of the way.
Perinatal Peds Nursing, Inc. provides individualized, relationship-based psychiatric care designed to be collaborative and responsive to each patient’s needs. Services are designed to provide clarity, guidance, and ongoing support, with flexible visit formats available. Our services Include:
Psychiatric Services
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A parent/guardian-only session for families who would like professional input before deciding whether to pursue a full psychiatric evaluation for their child or teen. Please visit our Service and Fee Transparency page for more information.
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An initial psychiatric evaluation is an in-depth diagnostic assessment that explores medical, developmental, psychological, and environmental factors to guide personalized treatment planning. Please visit our Service and Fee Transparency page for more information.
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Ongoing visits for established patients focused on monitoring progress, optimizing medication and non-medication treatments (including supplements and lifestyle strategies), supporting daily functioning, and addressing emerging concerns over time. Please visit our Service and Fee Transparency page for more information.
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A parent/guardian-only session for established patients. Dedicated time for education, treatment plan review, and individualized guidance, including medication considerations, non-medication strategies, and practical support for navigating challenges and strengthening the home environment. Please visit our Service and Fee Transparency page for more information.
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For established patients, communication with schools, psychologists, therapists, primary care providers, OB/GYNs and other professionals when appropriate to support cohesive care. Please visit our Service and Fee Transparency page for more information.
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Perinatal Peds Nursing, Inc. proudly offers services that are available in the office, via telehealth, in the home, and in community settings such as schools or workplaces when clinically appropriate. Please visit our Service and Fee Transparency page for more information.
Not Sure Where to Start? If you are unsure which service is right for you or your child, the Pre-Evaluation Parent Consultation or an Initial Psychiatric Evaluation are the most common entry points. Please visit our Service and Fee Transparency page for full details, visit types, fees, and scheduling information.
Collaboration
Erin Baird is a Board-Certified Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP-BC), Certified Pediatric Nurse Practitioner - Acute Care (CPNP-AC), and holds a certification in Perinatal Mental Health (PMH-C) PMHNP who is licensed to assess, diagnose, and treat mental health conditions across the lifespan. She provides medication and non-medication management, psychotherapy, and individualized care plans. Practicing under a collaborative agreement with physician Dr. Carlos Barrios, she consults as needed to ensure safe, effective care. Erin also partners with therapists, psychologists, primary care providers, OB/GYNs, schools, and other specialists to deliver comprehensive, team-based support. Learn more about Dr. Carlos Barrios here.
FAQ
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The perinatal period spans pregnancy through the first year postpartum. Perinatal mental health focuses on emotional and psychological well-being during this time, addressing challenges from hormonal, physical, emotional, and social changes. For more information please visit Perinatal Mental Health Defined.
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If you or your child experience persistent emotional or behavioral challenges that impact daily life, relationships, or well-being, psychiatric care may be beneficial. A comprehensive evaluation can help determine the best course of action.
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Our services are ideal for individuals and families seeking personalized, high-quality psychiatric care. We best serve those comfortable with a cash-pay model and looking for specialized pediatric, adolescent, perinatal, or family psychiatric care. For more information please visit Choosing Perinatal Peds Nursing, Inc.
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Our practice specializes in specialized pediatric, adolescent, perinatal, and family psychiatric care, providing personalized and comprehensive support without insurance limitations. As a fee-for-service cash-pay practice, we focus on quality care, extended visits, and individualized treatment. We offer home visits for added convenience and accessibility, ensuring care is tailored to your needs. Perinatal Peds Nursing, Inc. is also owned and operated by a dual-certified pediatric and psychiatric nurse practitioner, delivering expert and compassionate care at every stage of life.
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At Perinatal Peds Nursing, Inc., we understand that mental health care is deeply personal. Our practice follows the nursing model, which emphasizes collaboration, health promotion and prevention, evidence-based practice, holistic care, and patient-centered care. For more information please visit Benefits of a Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner.
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Psychiatric mental health nurse practitioners (PMHNP) are licensed to assess, diagnose, and treat mental health conditions across the lifespan. The scope of practice includes prescribing medications, providing psychotherapy, and developing comprehensive treatment plans tailored to each patient’s needs. Erin Baird currently works under a collaborative agreement with a physician. This means Erin Baird practices autonomously within her scope but consults with a collaborating physician as needed to ensure safe and effective patient care. Additionally, she works closely with therapists, primary care providers, and other specialists to provide comprehensive, team-based mental health care.
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As a psychiatric nurse practitioner, Erin Baird integrates therapeutic techniques into sessions but does not provide standalone therapy. Her approach includes elements of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Interpersonal Therapy (IPT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Systemic, Structural and Strategic Family Therapy to support treatment. For ongoing therapy, she will collaborate with therapists and provide referrals as needed.
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Perinatal Peds Nursing, Inc. does not perform neuropsychological evaluations. These evaluations are conducted by licensed neuropsychologists to assess cognitive functions such as memory, attention, and problem-solving. At Perinatal Peds Nursing, Inc., we conduct psychiatric diagnostic interviews, which focus on mental health symptoms, emotions, and behaviors to diagnose conditions like anxiety, depression, and mood disorders, guiding treatment options. While we diagnose neurodevelopmental disorders such as ADHD, we may refer patients for a neuropsychological evaluation for a more in-depth assessment of autism and learning disorders to support accurate diagnosis and treatment planning.
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Yes, when clinically appropriate, we prescribe controlled substances as part of a safe, comprehensive treatment plan.
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While Erin Baird is board-certified in both pediatrics and psychiatry, her role at Perinatal Peds Nursing, Inc. is to provide psychiatric care. She does not diagnose or treat medical conditions outside the scope of mental health but will collaborate with your primary care provider as needed to ensure comprehensive care.
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Follow-ups are typically scheduled monthly at first to ensure safety, maintain continuity, and monitor early progress. Ongoing visits are generally every 4 weeks, and if symptoms are stable, the maintenance phase may extend to every 3 months.
Please Note: Frequency may vary based on clinical needs, symptom severity, or treatment adjustments. Patients must be seen at least every 3 months to remain active in the practice.
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We do not accept insurance and operate as an out-of-network practice. This means more time with your provider, direct access to care, and treatment decisions based on your needs—not insurance guidelines. A superbill is available upon request. For more information please visit Benefits of a Cash-Pay Model.
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A home visit allows us to provide psychiatric care in the comfort of your own home. This is especially beneficial for perinatal patients, children, and adolescents who may feel more at ease in familiar surroundings. Home visits include initial psychiatric evaluations, follow-up consultations, and follow-up appointments with extended time allotted for psychotherapy. Please visit Home Visit Services for more information.
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Yes, home and offsite visits have an additional fee of $250 for services in Santa Barbara, Montecito, and Goleta. A detailed fee structure is available upon request. Please contact our office if interested in home or offsite visits outside of the designated areas. Home and offsite visits are part of the cash-pay practice, but we can provide you with a superbill upon request. For more information please visit Service and Fee Transparency.
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We ensure discretion with no identifying logos or markings on our vehicle or materials. Conversations remain confidential.
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Yes, we offer flexibility in scheduling to accommodate your needs.
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Before your first visit, we will provide intake forms to complete. It is helpful to have any previous mental health records, a list of current medications, and any concerns or goals you would like to discuss. If your appointment is via telehealth, ensure you have a quiet, private space with a stable internet connection.
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We require at least 24 hours' notice for cancellations or rescheduling. Late cancellations or missed appointments may incur a fee.
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We accept credit cards and debit cards. Patients may also use their Health Savings Account (HSA) or Flexible Spending Account (FSA) for psychiatric services. Payment is due at the time of service.