How Ana Yela Castillo, LMFT’s Journey Reflects TrueCare's Heart

When Ana Yela Castillo walks into TrueCare’s Ramona Health Center each day, she isn’t just stepping into work; she’s returning home. As a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT), Castillo serves the very community that shaped her, drawing on deep local ties, lived experience, and a lifelong commitment to well-being that began in her teenage years. Her story is one of full-circle purpose. From a youth activist to a trusted therapist at TrueCare, Castillo embodies what it means to be truly rooted in place.

What Inspired You to Become a Therapist at TrueCare?

Ana Yela Castillo, LMFT’s passion for community health began early.

As a high school student, she became involved in grassroots efforts focused on substance abuse and violence prevention. That experience ignited an awareness within her of the challenges her community faced and the role she could play in healing them.

“Being engaged and involved as a youth gave me a clearer understanding of what was happening in my environment,” Castillo said. “It’s an honor to be part of solving and advocating for the health and well-being of my community,” she said.

This formative experience set her on a path not only of academic pursuit, including a dual master’s degree in Marriage and Family Therapy and Clinical Art Therapy, but also of lifelong service to her neighbors.

“I’ve been engaged and involved with my community since I can remember, and I felt from the very beginning that TrueCare’s values and commitment to community were in alignment with my own values. That’s why it’s great working here,” Castillo reflected.

Why Do People Work at TrueCare After Being Patients?

Years later, Castillo returned to Ramona with her own family. As a mother, she first encountered TrueCare from the other side of the exam room as a patient and said that she knew it felt like a good fit even back then.

“I brought my daughter here,” Castillo recalled. “And if you’re going to entrust someone to take care of your child, that’s maybe one of the biggest forms of trust you can surrender – that says a lot about a provider,” she explained.

The respect and care she felt during that visit left a lasting impression. It wasn’t just the quality of care — it was the feeling of being seen and valued. When she decided to reenter the field full-time as a clinician, TrueCare was the natural choice.

“I noticed right away how they took care of us and respected us,” Castillo said. “Everything I learned about TrueCare’s mission aligned with my values. It just made sense. So when I returned to my career full-time as a mental health clinician, the first place I sought out a position was at TrueCare specifically,” she explained.

How Does TrueCare Support Culturally Connected Care?

Today, Castillo offers more than clinical expertise; she offers cultural resonance. Her patients represent a wide range of backgrounds and lived experiences, many of which mirror her own. This shared understanding fosters a unique and powerful connection.

“We have patients with a diversity of lived experiences, many of whom I am able to relate to on a cultural, social, political, and historical level,” Castillo said. “That really allows for me to build a rapport and trust with them, which helps therapy move in the direction the patient wants it to go. It’s all connected – things are really holistic in that way here,” she added.

She recalled a recent session with a patient whose story of migration stretched across generations, from grandmother to mother to herself. Through that conversation, Castillo helped the patient not only confront anxiety but also connect with the legacy of resilience in her family.

“We weren’t just talking about stress,” Castillo said. “We were talking about power, cultural strength, and continuity. She expressed gratitude, and I felt it, too. Being able to connect with patients and have a nuanced understanding of her story is powerful and unique to working here – it’s amazing,” she explained.

What Personal and Professional Growth Can You Find at TrueCare Ramona?

For Castillo, being a therapist in her hometown is not just a job; it’s a responsibility she holds with reverence.

“I feel really fortunate to be in this role because I can see the direct impact I’m having,” Castillo said. “I know I’m in the right place, and it’s a privilege. I get to be someone’s therapist in Ramona, and I don’t take that lightly,” she explained.

That commitment drives her to continue learning. Whether it’s understanding the nuances of personality disorders, the many faces of depression, or the latest insights on trauma, she sees each challenge as an opportunity to grow, for her patients and herself.

“My patients motivate me to learn. Their needs are diverse, and I want to show up fully for each one. That means I can’t stay stagnant. I have to keep expanding my depth,” Castillo said.

She says that she also grows thanks to the TrueCare team, saying that her colleagues, coworkers, directors, supervisors, and the organization as a whole nurture growth.

“If you enjoy learning like I do, then TrueCare is a dream workplace,” said Castillo. “It’s fulfilling to work in a place where you have no option but to learn because, at the end of the day, your personal growth benefits your patients, family, and community. There’s no better motivation than that,” she said.

Related Article: Meet the TrueCare Providers: Kelsey Carrio, MD

What is the Onboarding and Workplace Culture Like at TrueCare?

Castillo credits TrueCare’s culture for giving her the foundation to thrive. Her onboarding experience, which began in Fall 2024, was unlike any she’d had before.

“For the first two or three weeks, I met with different directors, had real conversations about values, and felt welcomed from day one,” Castillo shared. “It was personal, in-depth, and made me feel like I could be myself here. Even that alone showed me that they want to take the time to get to know you, and it was a great chance to learn the mission – the why,” she added.

Castillo compared it to other experiences where the onboarding wasn’t that in-depth or personal. That support continues today. Regular check-ins, accessible supervisors, and a culture of collaboration empower her to ask questions and seek growth – all in service of better patient care.

“I love that I can be myself here, and it also feels normal to ask for help here. That says a lot,” Castillo smiled.

What’s It Like to Live and Work in Ramona as a TrueCare Team Member?

Castillo’s connection to Ramona runs deep. She not only works here — she lives here, raises her family here, and draws energy from the community’s unique rhythm.

“There’s something special about Ramona,” Castillo said. “We love living here, and there is something unique about the land, the people, the way we show up for each other — it’s part of who I am, from the oak trees to the creeks to the mountains. The people are really special, too. Whether it’s the neighbor who has the chicken coop or the neighbor who has horses or the neighbor who has goats or the art galleries and other cultural events, this entire community makes it a special place,” she added.

That rootedness informs everything she does as a therapist. It’s not just about clinical best practices — it’s about cultural awareness, shared history, and deep community insight.

How Does TrueCare Empower You to Make a Meaningful Impact On Your Community?

Ana Yela Castillo’s journey, from youth advocate to TrueCare patient to therapist in her own hometown, is a powerful reflection of what TrueCare stands for: community-based, culturally connected care delivered with compassion and purpose.

“It’s really incredible to see patients move from a place of despair to a place of hope,” said Castillo. “Being able to witness that is just beautiful, and it’s an aspect of working at TrueCare that really keeps my passion burning,” she added.

Her story is a reminder that the most impactful care often begins with connection — with someone who not only understands where you’ve been, but who also lives and works beside you, committed to helping you move forward.

“I get to be part of people’s healing,” Castillo said. “And I get to do it right here, in the place that shaped me. That’s everything,” she added.

Are You Inspired By Ana Yela Castillo’s Journey? Apply to Join Our Team Today!

At TrueCare, stories like Ana Yela Castillo’s aren’t the exception; they’re the heartbeat of who we are. When you join our team, you’re not just stepping into a role. You’re stepping into a purpose-driven community that sees you, supports you, and helps you grow.

Whether you’re returning to serve your hometown or discovering a new place to belong, there’s space here for you to make a real difference for yourself, your patients, and your community. Explore our open positions and start your own TrueCare journey today.

How Ana Yela Castillo, LMFT’s Journey Reflects TrueCare Ramona’s Heart