Willard Anderson
I'm a psychiatric nurse practitioner with 14 years of experience, built on 12 earlier years as a counselor and mental health nurse. I've worked in both inpatient and outpatient settings, so I understand care at every level of need, from routine check-ins to crisis. I have a special focus on children and adolescents (ages 5 and up), including ADHD, ODD, and autism spectrum disorder. I also welcome adults and work with clients of all ages. My areas of focus include: PTSD and trauma-related symptoms ADHD Mood disorders, including depression, bipolar disorder, and dysthymia Anxiety Sleep problems and insomnia Whether you're seeking help for your child or for yourself, you'll be a partner in your care, not just a recipient of it.
First session
Your first session is 60 minutes. It's a chance for me to get to know you and understand the full picture of what you're going through. You can expect warmth, compassion, and a thorough evaluation focused on getting your diagnosis right. Here's how it usually goes: What brings you in. We'll start with what's been happening that led you to schedule this appointment. Your story. I'll ask about your symptoms, past treatments and how they worked, your family history, and important parts of your life. Together, we'll build a timeline that helps us see patterns that may have been missed before. Understanding your diagnosis. I'll explain what I'm seeing in plain language and answer your questions, so you leave understanding what's going on and why. Planning next steps. We'll talk through treatment options together, which may include medication, non-medication approaches, or both. We may not cover every concern in the first visit, and that's okay. We'll continue at follow-up appointments. Before we meet: Please complete your intake paperwork ahead of time. I review it before your appointment, so we can spend our time on your care instead of forms. It may also help to bring a list of your current medications and any you've tried in the past.
Strengths
I believe the best care is a partnership. Rather than simply assigning a diagnosis, I take the time to explain what it means, how I arrived at it, and how it shapes your treatment options. When you understand your condition, you can make informed decisions and take an active role in your own care. Accurate diagnosis is the foundation of effective treatment. Many conditions share overlapping symptoms, so I do a thorough evaluation and look at the full picture. If a past diagnosis never quite felt right, we can take a fresh look together. My experience spans a wide range of settings. I spent 11 years in psychiatric hospitals, including a decade teaching psychoeducational groups. I have also provided care in correctional settings and with the Department of Children and Families. This background has given me deep experience with complex cases and with patients of all ages. I specialize in the medical treatment of ADHD, bipolar disorder and other mood disorders, anxiety disorders, and insomnia, and I treat a broad range of other mental health conditions as well. Medication is often an important part of care, but it's rarely the whole picture. Together, we'll build a plan around your goals that may include medication alongside sleep, daily habits, and coping skills.
Ideal clients
My ideal client is someone who wants to understand what's happening, not just be handed a prescription. You may be curious, a little skeptical, or simply tired of feeling like nothing has worked. Whatever brings you here, you want to be an active partner in your care. You might be someone who: Has tried several medications and still doesn't feel better Has a diagnosis that never quite felt right Feels overwhelmed, can't focus, or has "too much on your plate" Struggles with anxiety, mood changes, sleep problems, or the effects of past trauma Tends to put others first and feels stuck in the same relationship patterns Is a parent looking for thoughtful, careful care for a child or teen You don't need to have it all figured out, and you don't need to have the right words. You just need to be willing to talk openly, ask questions, and take small steps forward. I work with clients of all ages, from children as young as 5 to adults. If you're looking for a provider who will listen, explain things clearly, and treat you as a partner rather than a set of symptoms, we'll likely work well together.
Treatment methods
Psychoeducation
Education is at the heart of how I practice. For years, I led psychoeducational groups on topics like grief, communication, addiction, relationships, and healthy living. Over time, I saw what makes a real difference for people. It helps to know you're not alone, that there are answers to your questions, and that you have options. Most of all, it helps to have hope. I bring that same approach to every appointment. I'll explain your diagnosis in plain language, walk you through how your medications work and what to expect, and share practical tools you can use between visits. When you understand what's happening and why, you can make confident decisions about your care. As many of my patients have told me, "It helps just to feel understood."
Cognitive Behavioral (CBT)
Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) fits naturally with my educational approach. Its core idea is simple: our thoughts, feelings, and actions are connected, and changing one can change the others. Because my appointments are typically 30 minutes, I use a brief, focused form of CBT woven into each visit. I pay special attention to two things: negative beliefs about yourself, and the unspoken "rules" about relationships that many of us learn growing up. Family dynamics, expectations, and old patterns can shape how we see ourselves and how we let others treat us, often without our realizing it. I often hear people say, "I was just trying to be nice," after being taken advantage of again and again. Kindness is a strength, but when it comes from a belief that your needs don't matter, it can keep you stuck. Together, we'll identify these beliefs and rules, look at where they came from, and practice healthier ways of thinking and responding. Medication can ease symptoms, but these insights and skills stay with you and can change your relationships for the better.
Motivational Interviewing
Motivational interviewing (MI) is one of my favorite parts of this work. It's a collaborative, goal-focused approach, similar in spirit to good coaching, that helps you find your own reasons and path for change. I often hear people say, "I can't get anything done," "I can't focus," or "I have too much on my plate." When life feels overwhelming, it's hard to know where to start, and being told what you should do rarely helps. Instead, I'll help you sort out what matters most to you, what's getting in the way, and what small steps feel realistic right now. This approach works for many goals, whether that's managing your time and energy, following through on tasks, improving sleep, setting boundaries, or making healthier choices day to day. When the motivation comes from you, change is more likely to last. My role is to listen, ask the right questions, and help you build confidence in your ability to reach your goals, one step at a time.
Location
Virtual sessions