Jennifer Zaccaria
I'm Jennifer Zaccaria, a Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) and board-certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner. I provide personalized virtual mental health care with a focus on thoughtful, evidence-based medication management. I believe mental health care should be about more than identifying symptoms and assigning a diagnosis. Every person has a unique story, life experiences, and circumstances that shape how they feel and navigate the world. Understanding those pieces is an important part of providing meaningful care.
Thoughtful medication management. Personalized care. Because you're more than a diagnosis, and your path forward deserves more than medication alone.
My approach is collaborative, compassionate, and individualized. I take time to understand what you're experiencing, what you've already tried, and what you hope to feel or do differently. Whether you're navigating depression, anxiety, grief, or a significant life transition, my goal is to help you find a treatment approach that feels appropriate for you. I want you to feel comfortable, respected, and genuinely heard. Mental health care isn't one-size-fits-all, and your treatment shouldn't be either.
First session
Your first session is an opportunity for me to get to know you beyond your symptoms or diagnosis. We'll talk about what brought you to seek care, your mental health history, life experiences, current challenges, and what you hope to gain from treatment. I want you to feel comfortable asking questions, sharing your concerns, and being open about what you're experiencing. We'll discuss potential treatment options, including medication management when appropriate, and begin developing a plan that reflects your individual needs and goals. You won't be expected to have everything figured out or know exactly what to say. My priority is that you leave our first meeting feeling heard, understood, and with a clearer idea of the path forward. This is the beginning of a collaborative relationship, not a one-time conversation or a checklist to complete.
Strengths
I bring a thoughtful, collaborative, and whole-person approach to every session. I believe one of my greatest strengths is taking the time to truly understand my patients rather than approaching care as a checklist of symptoms or diagnoses. My focus is on professional, evidence-based medication management that is individualized to each person's needs, history, and goals. I want patients to understand their treatment options, feel comfortable asking questions, and have an active voice in their care. I don't believe in rushing through appointments or making treatment decisions without understanding the bigger picture. I also recognize that medication is not always the entire answer. I value the role of psychotherapy and encourage patients to incorporate therapy into their care whenever appropriate. When helpful, I incorporate supportive and cognitive behavioral approaches into our sessions while maintaining a primary focus on medication management. I strive to create an environment where patients feel comfortable being honest, asking questions, and working through challenges without judgment. My goal isn't simply to help manage symptoms, but to help you feel more like yourself and move toward a life that feels more manageable and fulfilling.
Ideal clients
My ideal clients are individuals who may be feeling overwhelmed, stuck, or simply not like themselves. Perhaps they are navigating anxiety, depression, grief, significant life changes, or challenges that have become difficult to manage on their own. Some may have tried different treatments without finding the right fit, while others may be taking the first step toward getting help. I enjoy working with individuals who are open to understanding themselves better and exploring how medication management, therapy, and meaningful lifestyle changes can work together. I believe the best care happens when we work collaboratively, with an openness to exploring different approaches rather than expecting one solution to work for everyone. You don't need to have all the answers or know exactly what you need when we meet. My goal is to create a space where you feel comfortable being yourself, sharing your experiences, and working toward feeling more like you again.
Treatment methods
Mindfulness-Based Therapy
I incorporate mindfulness strategies to help patients become more aware of their thoughts, emotions, and physical responses without immediately reacting to them. Depending on individual needs, we may discuss grounding techniques, breathing exercises, and ways to manage stress or emotional overwhelm. These practices can complement medication management and support emotional regulation.
Cognitive Behavioral (CBT)
I incorporate cognitive behavioral principles to help patients recognize connections between their thoughts, emotions, and behaviors. When appropriate, we explore unhelpful thinking patterns, identify triggers, and discuss practical strategies for responding to stressful situations. I use these techniques to complement medication management and help patients develop skills they can apply in their everyday lives.
Supportive
I use supportive therapeutic techniques to provide a comfortable, nonjudgmental environment where patients feel heard and understood. Our conversations may explore current stressors, grief, relationships, life transitions, and emotional challenges. I offer guidance, encouragement, and practical coping strategies while helping patients recognize their strengths and work toward their individual goals.
Motivational Interviewing
I use motivational interviewing techniques to help patients explore their goals, identify barriers to change, and build confidence in their ability to make meaningful changes. Rather than telling patients what they should do, I encourage collaboration and help them identify what matters most to them. This approach supports shared decision-making and helps patients feel more involved in their treatment.
Solution-Focused Brief Treatment
I incorporate solution-focused techniques to help patients identify their strengths, recognize progress, and develop practical steps toward their goals. Rather than focusing exclusively on problems, we explore what is working, what changes patients would like to make, and how to build on existing resources to improve daily functioning and overall well-being.
Location
Virtual sessions