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 new parents in addition to the 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 pediatricians, OB/GYNs, 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 I manage an array of acute and chronic conditions, my newfound passion is to support families struggling with their mental health. Acknowledging the complexity and dynamic nature of this field, I pursued further education and training in psychiatry at Washburn University to provide the quality of 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), 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. Whether through home visits, telehealth, or in-office care, 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, 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 individuals across three key life stages: pediatric, adolescent, and perinatal. Our mission is to offer comprehensive, high-quality mental health care through home, 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 Psychiatry (Ages 13–18)
Adolescence is a critical period for mental health as teenagers navigate academic, 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 Parental Mental Health (Preconception, Pregnancy, and Postpartum)
Parental mental health is vital for both parent and child well-being. Perinatal Peds Nursing, Inc. offers care for:
Perinatal mood and anxiety disorders (PMADs), including postpartum depression and anxiety
Pregnancy-related OCD, PTSD, and bipolar disorder
Medication management during pregnancy and lactation, including risk-benefit analysis
Trauma-informed care for individuals with birth trauma or perinatal loss
Postpartum adjustment and early parenting support
Fertility-related mental health care, including support for individuals undergoing fertility treatments
Psychiatric care for NICU parents and families navigating high-risk pregnancies
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 management, and psychoeducation tailored to each patient’s unique needs.
Flexible and Accessible Services: Offering home visits, office visits, and telehealth
Compassionate and Evidence-Based Treatment: Utilizing the latest research and guidelines from NIMH, NAMI, APA, AACAP, 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.
Collaboration
As a psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner (PMHNP), Erin Baird is licensed to assess, diagnose, and treat mental health conditions across the lifespan. She provides medication management, psychotherapy, and personalized treatment plans. Practicing under a collaborative agreement with a physician, she consults as needed to ensure safe, effective care. Erin also works closely with therapists, primary care providers, and specialists to offer comprehensive, team-based mental health support. Learn more about her collaborating physician, Dr. Carlos Barrios here.
Services
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An initial psychiatric evaluation, or psychiatric diagnostic interview, is a formal evaluation with a mental health provider. The goal is to build rapport, gather information, and understand the patient’s mental health concerns to determine if they have any mental health conditions. An initial psychiatric evaluation is 60 minutes and includes discussion of symptoms, a mental status examination, and possible diagnosis with a treatment plan. Treatment plans include pharmacological and/or non-pharmacological interventions. Please note, all new patients require an initial psychiatric evaluation before receiving other services. This appointment is available as either a home, office, or telehealth visit. Home visits are recommended for the initial psychiatric diagnostic interview, but they are not required.
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After the initial psychiatric evaluation, follow-up consultations provide additional time to explore treatment options, discuss concerns, and receive specialized support. These sessions are tailored to the unique needs of pediatric and perinatal patients and their families. These appointments are 60 minutes and available as either a home, office, or telehealth visit. These appointments can be scheduled any time after the initial psychiatric evaluation.
Follow-up consultations can include:
Medication Consultation: This consultation is designed for patients and families seeking additional time to review medication options after the initial psychiatric evaluation. A comprehensive discussion will cover the risks, benefits, and alternatives of medication treatment. This consultation is highly recommended for perinatal patients who may require a more in-depth review of psychiatric treatment considerations.
Perinatal Consultation: For perinatal patients seeking additional support, this consultation provides a dedicated space to discuss mental health concerns during pregnancy and postpartum. Sessions include a risk-benefit analysis of treatment options and tailored strategies for managing perinatal mood and anxiety disorders.
Parental Consultation: This consultation is designed for parents or guardians seeking additional guidance on child development, behavioral concerns, and parenting strategies following the initial psychiatric evaluation. Sessions include general education, personalized recommendations, and practical approaches to support their child’s emotional well-being.
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Standard follow-up appointments are 30 minutes. They are designed to monitor a patient's mental health progress, assess treatment effectiveness, and make necessary adjustments. This appointment is only available as an office or telehealth visit.
A standard follow-up appointment can include:
Symptom Check-In – Review of current symptoms, mood, sleep, appetite, stress levels, and any significant life changes.
Medication Management – Assessment of medication effectiveness, side effects, adherence, and any necessary dosage adjustments or changes.
Therapeutic Interventions – Brief supportive therapy, coping strategies, and reinforcement of treatment goals.
Risk and Safety Assessment – Evaluation of any suicidal ideation, self-harm, or safety concerns, if applicable.
Psychosocial and Environmental Review – Discussion of relationships, work/school performance, family dynamics, and lifestyle factors.
Patient Education and Treatment Planning – Discussion of next steps, recommendations for therapy, lifestyle modifications, or referrals if needed.
Scheduling and Follow-Up Plan – Determination of when the next appointment should be and any additional steps before the next visit.
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Extended follow-up appointments are 60 minutes. They are also designed to monitor a patient's mental health progress, assess treatment effectiveness, and make necessary adjustments, but extra time is allotted for psychotherapy. These appointments are available as either a home, office, or telehealth visit.
Disclaimer: An extended follow-up appointment accommodates those seeking supplemental psychotherapy. While psychotherapy is integrated in all services, it is not solely provided. The frequency of a follow-up appointment varies, so a referral to a therapist will be provided if psychotherapy is recommended weekly or biweekly as a part of your care plan.
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Perinatal Peds Nursing, Inc. proudly offers home visits for comprehensive psychiatric care, including evaluations, consultations, and extended follow-up appointments. This unique service provides a comfortable, private, and flexible option, especially for young children, new parents, or those who feel most at ease in their own space. For more information, please visit Home Visit Services.
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Perinatal Peds Nursing, Inc. is committed to offering high quality services that are unique to a private practice. Please visit our Service and Fee Transparency for additional information regarding select fees and our billing process.
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, or perinatal psychiatric care. For more information please visit Choosing Perinatal Peds Nursing, Inc.
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Our practice specializes in pediatric, adolescent, and perinatal mental health 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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Initial Visit: A follow-up is typically scheduled within 2-4 weeks after your first appointment to assess treatment response.
Ongoing Care: Visits are generally every 4 weeks to monitor progress and make adjustments.
Maintenance Phase: If symptoms are stable, follow-ups may extend to every 3 months.
Individualized Care: Frequency may vary based on clinical needs, symptom severity, or treatment adjustments.
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We do not accept insurance and operate on a fee-for-service, cash-pay model. 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 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 visits outside of the designated areas. Home 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.