TrueCare Adds Acupuncture Services to Improve Patient Health Outcomes

Licensed Acupuncturists Dr. Andres Gonzalez and Dr. Barbara Carra join TrueCare to Launch New Treatment Option

SAN MARCOS, Calif. (April 4, 2023) -- TrueCare, a nonprofit community health center serving North San Diego and South Riverside Counties for over 50 years, announced today its new acupuncture services to provide a natural, effective treatment for improving patient health and well-being. ​

Dr. Barbara Carra

Dr. Andres Gonzalez

TrueCare is offering acupuncture to patients with a referral to treat chronic pain conditions, providing them a holistic option for relief without the use of medication. Acupuncture is proven to help with pain management, muscle tension, joint stiffness, and headaches, alongside many other issues.

“At TrueCare, we believe in providing whole-patient health care and that every individual deserves access to the best possible treatments,” TrueCare President and CEO Michelle D. Gonzalez said. “We are excited to offer acupuncture services to our patients for managing health and enhancing the quality of life of all individuals we serve.”

Dr. Andres Gonzalez and Dr. Barbara Carra, licensed doctors of acupuncture, have joined the TrueCare acupuncture team to launch the service.

Dr. Gonzalez is a highly trained practitioner of acupuncture and Chinese medicine with a doctorate in Acupuncture and Chinese Medicine from the Pacific College of Oriental Medicine (PCOM). He holds a master's degree in acupuncture and TuiNa massage from the University of Traditional Chinese Medicine of Guangzhou in the People's Republic of China. With fluency in English, Spanish, and Mandarin, Gonzalez is able to connect with patients from diverse backgrounds and provide tailored care that addresses their unique needs.

"As a doctor, my passion for acupuncture and Eastern medicine drives me to help patients achieve optimal health by providing exceptional patient-centered care,” said Dr. Gonzalez. “At TrueCare, we have the ability to help each patient with a personalized plan that addresses the root cause of health issues without resorting to medications.”

Dr. Carra is an accomplished practitioner of acupuncture and traditional Chinese medicine. She earned her doctorate in Acupuncture and Chinese Medicine and a master’s degree in Traditional Oriental Medicine from the Pacific College of Oriental Medicine (PCOM). She is a member of the National Certification Commission for Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine (NCCAOM) and president of the Italian Cultural Center (ICC) in San Diego. Carra's multicultural background and fluency in Spanish, Italian, and French allow her to provide culturally sensitive care based on a patient’s background and beliefs.

Dr. Carra adds, “Everyone deserves to receive the best treatment option for their specific needs. By stimulating the body’s natural ability to heal and increasing circulation, acupuncture can help many patients suffering from injury, illness, or inflammation.”

TrueCare's acupuncture services are available by referral at these TrueCare locations throughout San Diego County: 

• Encinitas 
• West San Marcos Older Adult Health Center 
• San Marcos 
• Oceanside Specialty Health Center 

TrueCare strives to make its services accessible and affordable while also being culturally responsive and inclusive. Individuals should consult with their primary care provider to learn more about the benefits of acupuncture and to see if a referral is right for them.

Acupuncture is covered by most insurance plans, including Medi-Cal, specific Medicare supplemental plans, and select commercial insurance policies. A referral from a TrueCare provider is required.

To learn more about TrueCare's acupuncture services, visit www.truecare.org or call (760) 566-1510.

About TrueCare
For over 50 years, TrueCare has remained steadfast in its commitment to patients, their families, and its communities. As a nonprofit community health center, TrueCare is dedicated to delivering a superior and compassionate health care experience to nearly 60,000 patients every year, reducing barriers and increasing accessibility to quality care. TrueCare serves its communities in North San Diego and South Riverside Counties through its 20 health centers and WIC offices, providing primary care, pediatric, women’s health, behavioral health, chiropractic, dental, acupuncture and cardiology services to everyone, regardless of their walk of life. In addition, TrueCare offers many other support services such as transportation to clinic appointments, health education outreach, insurance enrollment assistance, food distribution, and nutrition programs. For more information, visit https://truecare.org/ ​