Sheela Palma
Psychiatric care that meets you where you are. Hi, I'm Sheela, a board-certified Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner. I bring 20 years of nursing experience supporting diverse populations of postpartum women, including those with High-Risk conditions. As a PMHNP, I have experience caring for adult patients receiving care in PHP, IOP, and outpatient settings.
I bring 20 years of nursing experience supporting diverse populations of postpartum women, including those with High-Risk conditions.
Medication management provider for mood and anxiety disorders, trauma, perinatal mental health, and more — from a nurse practitioner with both clinical training and real-world experience.
First session
We will begin with a 60-minute comprehensive initial evaluation to explore your needs. Follow-up sessions for medication management are 30 minutes, and psychotherapy is 45 mins. These are tailored to your goals and held via secure telehealth.
Strengths
My approach is open and nonjudgmental, creating a safe and welcoming space. My treatment is highly grounded in evidence-based practice, while my clinical philosophy centers on genuine connection and active listening. Together, we will take the time to understand your unique life story, goals, and personal strengths. I'm licensed as an APRN/PMHNP in Ohio, Massachusetts, and Washington State. I also hold National Certification in Maternal & Newborn Nursing and am a Certified Breastfeeding Counselor. I see clients exclusively through secure telehealth.
Ideal clients
As a Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP), an ideal client is not defined by having mild symptoms, a specific diagnosis, or a simple medical history. Rather, an ideal client is defined by their "attitude toward treatment, openness to partnership, and readiness for growth." Because psychiatric care relies heavily on a collaborative therapeutic alliance, an ideal client is someone who views the PMHNP as a partner in their journey toward holistic wellness. Clients who have a "Mindset/Attitude. Collaborative & open to shared decision-making. They understand that psychiatric care, whether involving medication management, psychotherapy, or lifestyle interventions, is a two-way street. They actively participate in discussing treatment options rather than expecting a quick "magic pill." Clients with Self-Awareness & Insights. They possess (or are working to cultivate) insight into their symptoms, triggers, and patterns. They notice how their feelings and behaviors affect their daily life and relationships. Clients who are Ready for Change and motivated to make meaningful adjustments. While change can feel terrifying or uncomfortable, they are willing to step outside their comfort zone to experience healing. Honest clients & Transparent- They feel safe being honest about symptom severity, substance use, medication adherence, side effects, or doubts about treatment. Honesty allows for safe and precise care adjustments. Lastly, my ideal clients are those who are engaged, curious about their own mind, and committed to working alongside their provider to foster long-term mental wellness.
Treatment methods
Integrative
Integrating integrative mental health concepts into psychiatric-mental health practice allows the provider to bridge conventional psychiatry (psychopharmacology and evidence-based psychotherapy) with evidence-based complementary, lifestyle, and mind-body interventions. Integrative practice seamlessly incorporates non-pharmacological tools alongside or before conventional medication when appropriate: Domain: Practical Interventions. Nutritional Psychiatry: Educating on anti-inflammatory dietary patterns (e.g., Mediterranean-style), microbiome-gut-brain axis support, and targeted nutraceuticals (e.g., Omega-3 fatty acids, Magnesium, L-theanine, S-adenosylmethionine [SAMe], Methylfolate) based on clinical evidence.Sleep & Circadian Medicine: Implementing Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Insomnia (CBT-I) principles, light therapy, and sleep hygiene protocols before or alongside sleep medications. Physical Activity & Movement: Prescribing movement tailored to patient capacity (aerobic exercise, resistance training, yoga, tai chi) for mood elevation and anxiety reduction.Stress Reduction & Rest: Recommending biofeedback, guided imagery, progressive muscle relaxation, or forest bathing/nature exposure to lower baseline cortisol levels.
Location
Virtual sessions
Identifies as
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Licensed in
- MassachusettsLicense RN10038781
- OhioLicense APRN.CNP.0034449
- WashingtonLicense ARNP.AP.70155756-NP