Michele Castro
Feeling anxious, overwhelmed, emotionally exhausted, or simply not like yourself lately? You don’t have to navigate it alone. I provide personalized telehealth mental health care for preteens, teens, and adults ages 10 and older, offering both medication management and therapeutic support for anxiety, depression, ADHD, stress, trauma, sleep concerns, and other mental health needs. I’m Michele Castro, a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner with 16 years of healthcare experience. I believe mental health care should feel personal, collaborative, and never rushed. I take the time to listen to your concerns, understand the bigger picture, and develop a treatment plan that fits your individual needs and goals. Whether you’re considering medication, looking for therapeutic support, or interested in a combination of both, we’ll work together to find an approach that feels comfortable and realistic for you. My goal is to provide a supportive, judgment-free space where you feel heard, understood, and actively involved in your care.
First session
Our first session is designed to help me understand the full picture of your health so we can build a treatment plan that truly fits your needs. We'll talk about your current concerns, your medical and mental health history, any previous treatment you've received, and what you're hoping to accomplish through care. As a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner, I begin with a comprehensive psychiatric assessment rather than focusing only on therapy. This allows me to evaluate both your mental and physical health and determine whether therapy, medication management, or a combination of both may be the most effective approach. My goal is to make this conversation feel comfortable, collaborative, and supportive. You'll have plenty of time to ask questions, share what's important to you, and participate in every decision about your care.
Strengths
I bring a warm, genuine approach that combines clinical expertise with a personal understanding of the challenges that can accompany mental health struggles. Because of both my professional experience and lived experiences, I know how important it is to feel heard, respected, and supported. Our sessions are collaborative and engaging. I listen carefully, offer honest and thoughtful feedback, and help you recognize patterns that may be keeping you stuck. When appropriate, I'll gently challenge you while also encouraging your strengths and celebrating your progress. My goal is to provide care that feels personal, practical, and compassionate so you leave each session with greater insight, confidence, and hope for meaningful change.
Ideal clients
I work with preteens, teens, and adults experiencing anxiety, depression, stress, life changes, or simply feeling overwhelmed. With younger clients, I communicate in a way that feels comfortable, relatable, and easy to understand while creating a space where they feel heard. My approach is personalized and may include therapy, traditional mental health medications, and, when appropriate, discussion of natural herbal options for clients interested in a more holistic approach.
Treatment methods
Cognitive Behavioral (CBT)
I use Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) to help clients understand how their thoughts, emotions, and behaviors influence one another. Together, we identify unhelpful thinking patterns, develop practical coping strategies, and build healthier ways of responding to life’s challenges. My approach is collaborative, supportive, and personalized. I don’t believe in a one-size-fits-all approach, so I adapt CBT techniques to each person’s unique experiences, goals, and strengths. Whether you’re struggling with anxiety, depression, stress, trauma, or life transitions, my goal is to help you gain insight, develop lasting skills, and feel more confident in managing your mental health.
Faith-based therapy
When requested by the client, I incorporate faith-based principles into therapy in a way that respects each person’s beliefs, values, and spiritual journey. My approach integrates evidence-based mental health care with spiritual support, helping clients explore how their faith can be a source of strength, hope, healing, and resilience. Faith-based therapy is always optional and tailored to the client’s preferences, creating a safe, nonjudgmental space where emotional, mental, and spiritual well-being can be addressed together.
Grief Therapy
Grief is a deeply personal experience, and there is no right or wrong way to navigate it. I provide a compassionate, supportive space where clients can process the loss of a loved one, relationship, life transition, or other significant change at their own pace. My approach combines evidence-based therapeutic techniques with practical coping strategies to help clients understand their emotions, build resilience, and gradually adjust to life after loss. Together, we work toward finding meaning, healing, and hope while honoring the unique journey of grief.
Supportive
Supportive therapy focuses on providing encouragement, guidance, and practical strategies to help clients navigate life’s challenges. My approach emphasizes building a trusting therapeutic relationship where clients feel heard, understood, and supported without judgment. Together, we explore current stressors, strengthen healthy coping skills, improve resilience, and work toward meaningful goals. Whether you’re facing anxiety, depression, relationship concerns, life transitions, or everyday stress, supportive therapy helps you gain confidence, develop emotional balance, and feel empowered to move forward.
Psychoeducation
I believe that understanding your mental health is an important part of healing. Through psychoeducation, I help clients learn about their symptoms, diagnoses, treatment options, medications, and coping strategies in a way that is easy to understand and empowering. My goal is to provide the knowledge and tools you need to make informed decisions about your care, recognize patterns, and build confidence in managing your mental health both during and between sessions.
Location
Virtual sessions
Identifies as
Top specialties
Other specialties
Licensed in
- VirginiaLicense 0024192890