I am Mercedes Ankomah-Vabi, a dedicated and experienced Family Nurse Practitioner and Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner with over 15 years in the healthcare industry, I offer virtual consultations through Hearts and Minds Healthcare Services PLLC, providing compassionate and individualized care to help you thrive in your health.  I hold a Master’s Degree in Family Health Nursing from D’Youville University and an Advanced Certificate in Psychiatric and Mental Health Nursing from Purdue University. Prior to advancing my practice, I earned my Bachelor of Nursing degree from George Mason University in 2010, marking the beginning of my career in nursing.  In my consultations, I take the time to truly listen to my patients, understanding their concerns and explaining their conditions in a clear and empathetic manner. I collaborate with them to develop customized treatment plans, always prioritizing their individual needs and goals. I believe in building lasting relationships with my patients to ensure long-term positive health outcomes. My ultimate aim is not just to help my patients manage their health but to empower them to thrive in it.  Beyond my clinical work, I am deeply committed to supporting and advancing the field of nursing. I serve as the President of the Association of Ghanaian Advanced Practice Nurses Abroad (AGAPNA), an organization I founded in 2019. Under my leadership, AGAPNA has grown to include over 100 Advanced Practice Registered Nurses (APRNs), creating a supportive community for practitioners and fostering professional development.  Outside of my professional endeavors, I enjoy spending quality time with my family. I have a passion for listening to music, reading motivational books, exercising and watching soccer, football and basketball with my loved ones. I also actively participate in my children’s activities, maintaining a healthy balance between my career and family life.
In your first session with me, you can expect a welcoming and supportive environment where we focus on getting to know each other. I believe that building a trusting and collaborative relationship is the foundation of effective care, so I’ll take time to listen to your concerns and understand your health history. During this session, we will discuss your primary health concerns, whether they are related to physical health, mental health, or both. I’ll ask questions to understand your symptoms, challenges, and any goals you may have for treatment. This is also a time for you to ask questions about my approach to care and to discuss any specific needs or preferences you might have regarding treatment. We will also review your medical history, any medications you’re currently taking, and any other relevant information that could help in understanding your health. If you’re seeking care for mental health, I’ll provide a safe space for you to share your experiences, feelings, and any struggles you’re facing. Based on the information we discuss, I will explain how I can support you and outline potential treatment options. Together, we’ll begin to develop a personalized care plan tailored to your unique needs, goals, and circumstances. If you need additional resources or referrals, I will provide those as well. Overall, you can expect the first session to be a collaborative, non-judgmental conversation that helps us establish a foundation for your care. My goal is to ensure you feel heard, supported, and confident in the treatment path we choose together.
What makes me unique is my holistic approach to healthcare and my deep commitment to not only treating my patients but empowering them to take control of their health. With over 15 years of experience in the healthcare field, I’ve developed a comprehensive understanding of both physical and mental health, which allows me to offer well-rounded, compassionate care that’s tailored to each individual. My background is also a key factor in my ability to provide exceptional care. I hold a Master’s Degree in Family Health Nursing and an Advanced Certificate in Psychiatric and Mental Health Nursing. These qualifications, paired with my years of hands-on experience, give me a strong foundation in both physical health and mental well-being. I’ve seen firsthand how the mind and body are interconnected, and I focus on creating treatment plans that address all aspects of a person’s health. Additionally, I believe in building lasting relationships with my patients. I take the time to listen, understand their unique concerns, and collaborate with them to develop personalized care plans. This approach, combined with my focus on education and empowerment, sets me apart from others in the field. I am also proud to serve as the President of AGAPNA, an organization I founded to support Ghanaian advanced practice nurses abroad. This leadership experience has allowed me to foster a community of healthcare professionals committed to advancing the field and improving patient care. Ultimately, what makes me great at what I do is my passion for holistic, patient-centered care, my comprehensive education, and the relationships I build with my patients, all of which come together to help individuals lead healthier, happier lives.
I work best with individuals who are motivated for change and open to a collaborative, evidence-based approach to care. My ideal clients are adults and young adults navigating challenges such as anxiety, depression, ADHD symptoms, mood instability, and stress related to life transitions, work, or relationships. Many of the individuals I support are high-functioning but feel overwhelmed internally struggling with focus, racing thoughts, low motivation, emotional regulation, or burnout. Others may be trying to better understand their mental health, explore medication options, or optimize an existing treatment plan that no longer feels effective. I am especially well-positioned to work with clients who: Want a clear, structured, and goal-oriented treatment plan Are open to medication management as part of their care (when appropriate) Value education about their diagnosis and treatment options Prefer a provider who is direct, supportive, and clinically thorough Are balancing busy schedules and benefit from efficient, telehealth-based care My approach is collaborative and individualized. I meet clients where they are while helping them build practical tools, improve daily functioning, and move toward meaningful, sustainable progress.
Cognitive Behavioral (CBT)
CBT is used in practice with patients with anxiety, depression, stress, ADHD and behavioral issues. We focus on connection between thoughts, feelings, behaviors and aim to change thought patterns and behaviors to improve the patients emotional well being. Home work assignments are given to help practice skills learned in therapy.
Supportive
Supportive therapy is a core component of my psychiatric practice and is frequently integrated into medication-management visits to enhance treatment outcomes. As a dual-board-certified Family Nurse Practitioner and Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner, I utilize supportive therapy across a wide range of clinical presentations, including mood disorders, anxiety disorders, trauma-related conditions, ADHD, substance-use disorders, and serious mental illness. My approach is patient-centered, collaborative, and strengths-based. During supportive therapy, I focus on helping patients improve coping skills, regulate emotions, increase insight, and manage stressors that interfere with daily functioning. Interventions commonly include validation and normalization of emotional experiences, psychoeducation about diagnoses and medications, reinforcement of adaptive behaviors, problem-solving strategies, motivational interviewing techniques, and guidance around sleep hygiene, routines, boundaries, and lifestyle factors that affect mental health. I emphasize establishing a strong therapeutic alliance and a psychologically safe environment where patients feel heard and respected. Sessions are tailored to the individual’s developmental level, cultural background, and treatment goals, and often include brief skills coaching for anxiety management, mood stabilization strategies, relapse-prevention planning, and crisis-safety discussions when clinically indicated. Supportive therapy is frequently delivered alongside pharmacotherapy, and I view the two as complementary. I routinely assess symptom severity, functional status, risk factors, and treatment response, adjusting interventions in real time. When patients require more intensive or specialized psychotherapy, I coordinate referrals to licensed therapists and maintain collaborative communication with other members of the treatment team. Overall, my goal with supportive therapy is to promote stability, resilience, and engagement in care while empowering patients to build practical tools for managing symptoms and improving quality of life.
3 ratings with written reviews
March 23, 2026
She is very easy to talk to. She listens to what you are saying and helps you come to a conclusion.
November 17, 2025
Very nice and friendly doctor… I would highly recommend for anyone who is able to do virtual appointments only.
November 17, 2025
Mercedes is very patient and goal oriented so if something isn’t working she’s willing to change it and help me find another alternative.