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.
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 care for established patients focused on monitoring progress, optimizing medication and non-medication treatments, and supporting daily functioning. Follow-up care may include patient visits, parent/guardian consultations, treatment plan review, education, and guidance through new challenges and transitions. Please visit our Service and Fee Transparency page for more information.
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Perinatal Peds Nursing, Inc. offers appointments in the office, via telehealth, and in home or 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 the right fit, the Pre-Evaluation Parent Consultation or Initial Psychiatric Evaluation are the most common starting points. Please visit the Service and Fee Transparency page for full details about visit options, fees, and scheduling.
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.
Frequently Asked Questions
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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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Perinatal Peds Nursing, Inc. supports individuals and families seeking personalized, relationship-based psychiatric care. This practice may be a good fit for those looking for a collaborative approach, including children, teens, adults, parents, and individuals navigating pregnancy, postpartum, parenting, or other life transitions.
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Perinatal Peds Nursing, Inc. combines pediatric and psychiatric expertise to provide personalized, relationship-based care across different stages of life. With a background in child development, family-centered care, and mental health, the practice offers a comprehensive approach that considers each individual’s needs, environment, and support system. As an out-of-network practice, appointments allow time for thorough evaluation, collaboration, education, and individualized treatment planning, with flexible visit options available when clinically appropriate.
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Psychiatric nurse practitioners provide comprehensive mental health care through a patient-centered approach that considers the whole person. Perinatal Peds Nursing, Inc. combines evidence-based psychiatric treatment with a nursing foundation focused on collaboration, education, prevention, and individualized care.
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Psychiatric mental health nurse practitioners (PMHNPs) are licensed providers who assess, diagnose, and treat mental health conditions across the lifespan. Care may include psychiatric evaluations, medication management, psychotherapy-informed interventions, and individualized treatment planning. Erin Baird practices within her scope as a psychiatric nurse practitioner under a physician collaboration agreement and consults when appropriate to support safe, comprehensive care. She also works closely with therapists, primary care providers, schools, and other professionals to provide coordinated support when needed.
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Perinatal Peds Nursing, Inc. does not provide neuropsychological testing. Neuropsychological evaluations are completed by specialized providers and include comprehensive testing of areas such as cognition, learning, memory, attention, and processing. Our practice provides psychiatric evaluations focused on understanding mental health symptoms, development, emotions, behavior, and daily functioning to guide diagnosis and treatment planning. We evaluate and treat conditions including ADHD, anxiety, depression, and other mental health concerns. When additional testing is recommended, such as for autism or learning differences, referrals for further evaluation may be discussed.
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While appointments include therapeutic support, education, and skill-building, Perinatal Peds Nursing, Inc. does not provide ongoing standalone therapy. Care may incorporate evidence-based therapeutic approaches, including cognitive behavioral, interpersonal, acceptance-based, and family systems strategies, as part of psychiatric treatment. When more frequent or specialized therapy is recommended, collaboration with therapists and referrals for additional support may be provided.
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Yes, when clinically appropriate, controlled substances may be prescribed as part of a comprehensive treatment plan. All medication recommendations are based on a thorough evaluation, ongoing monitoring, and individualized treatment goals.
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While Erin Baird is board-certified in both pediatrics and psychiatry, Perinatal Peds Nursing, Inc. specializes in psychiatric care. Her pediatric background provides a strong foundation in child development, family-centered care, and collaboration with medical providers when needed. Medical concerns outside of mental health are managed by your primary care provider or appropriate specialist.
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Follow-up frequency depends on individual needs, treatment goals, and progress. Visits are typically scheduled monthly at the beginning of treatment to monitor response, make adjustments, and maintain continuity of care. Once symptoms are stable, appointments may be spaced out, with visits required at least every 3 months to remain active in the practice.
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Perinatal Peds Nursing, Inc. is an out-of-network practice and does not bill insurance directly. This model allows for longer appointments, individualized care, and treatment decisions guided by clinical needs rather than insurance requirements. Superbills are available upon request and may be submitted to insurance for possible out-of-network reimbursement.
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Perinatal Peds Nursing, Inc. accepts credit cards, debit cards, and eligible Health Savings Account (HSA) or Flexible Spending Account (FSA) payments. Payment is due at the time of service.
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Yes. Home and offsite visits include an additional fee and are available in Santa Barbara, Montecito, and Goleta when clinically appropriate. Additional locations may be considered on a case-by-case basis. For current fees and additional details, please visit the Service and Fee Transparency.