Irene Zen
Mental health is by far one of the most important dimensions in life by which we grade our level of contentment and satisfaction. In my experience as a psych nurse practitioner, ex-fitness instructor, student mentor, and older mother, I acknowledge the journey to achieving mental wellbeing can involve multiple strategies and sources of recovery. I have always exercised diligence in understanding a patient’s needs from both a therapeutic and pharmacological approach. I prioritize a patient’s goals and preferences in formulating a treatment plan. My patients have ranged from children/adolescents to geriatric patients, military personnel to college students, medically challenged (presence of co-morbidities) to culturally complex patients. I am particularly interested in serving those who embrace an integrative approach to psychiatry, which involves strengthening the mind-body connection, mitigating inflammation and nutritional deficiencies, and seeking root causes for active symptoms.
First session
Our first session usually involves garnering important background information, establishing treatment goals, and providing basic medication education. The first session can go smoothly (and relatively quickly) if the patient has taken the time to complete the intake form. For those who are new to psychiatry, more time is devoted to diagnostic evaluations and simplifying medication instructions. For those with complicated psych histories, more time is spent reviewing previous medication trials and carefully deliberating the next step in a treatment course.
Strengths
My patients would consider me easy to speak with candidly, especially regarding sensitive topics. They would also consider me highly attentive, informative, relatable, and extremely committed. I maintain a humanistic demeanor not just to establish rapport, but also to remind you that your provider has been a patient too. All the qualities that I would want my healthcare providers to show me are the very qualities I give to my patients. I PRIORITIZE QUALITY OVER QUANTITY. I believe the personal experiences and opinions that a patient shares significantly influence medication selection and treatment response, so to dismiss those would be counterproductive and presumptive. Lastly, continuity of care from a multidisciplinary approach is central to long-lasting results. Thus, my familiarity with navigating the healthcare system, accessing community resources, and transitioning between levels of care (ie, outpatient, inpatient, intensive outpatient, partial hospitalization, residential, and rehabilitation programs) creates a strong track record of patient satisfaction.
Ideal clients
I am motivated to improve patient's lives, so I would want to serve patients who are motivated to get better, whether in baby steps or leaps and bounds. I also exclusively work with patients who DO NOT require controlled substances (stimulants, benzodiazepines, sedative-hypnotics, etc.) or who would want help getting off of them.
Treatment methods
Collaborative Assessment and Management of Suicidality (CAMS)
Emphasis on crisis assessment and treatments based on patient's insight of “drivers” that contribute to suicidal ideation and self-injurious behaviors. Patient and clinician collaborate on a suicide-focused treatment plan.
Mind-body approach
Emphasis on the connection between mental and physical health, suggesting that psychological factors can influence physical well-being and vice versa. Exploration of psychosomatic symptoms with a focus on recognizing and mitigating health impacts.
Motivational Interviewing
Emphasis on a directive, client-centered counseling style for eliciting behavior change by helping clients to explore and resolve ambivalence. Commonly employed for the treatment of substance use disorders.
Solution-Focused Brief Treatment
Emphasis on brief, goal-oriented, and positive approach to help clients change by constructing solutions rather than focusing on problems or their origins.
Supportive
Emphasis on treatment designed to improve, reinforce, or sustain a patient's physiological well-being or psychological self-esteem and self-reliance.
Location
Virtual sessions
Identifies as
Top specialties
Licensed in
- MassachusettsLicense RN2290392
- VirginiaLicense 0024176896