I am a board-certified psychiatric nurse practitioner (PMHNP-BC) with 8 years of nursing experience and 3 years of experience in psychiatry. My nursing background is in critical care, and I have experience treating high-acuity in all intensive-care settings. I transitioned into psychiatry and therapy due to my experience with vulnerable mentally ill and substance -addicted populations experiencing acute illness as a result of many years without adequate psychiatric care. I became determined to help improve quality of life, not simply prolong it! And as a nurse I am educated and trained to treat the whole person, not just the disease, using a holistic model of care. I provide medication management and specialize in therapy for anxiety, OCD, and personality disorder.
The first appointment includes a comprehensive psychiatric assessment, full medical and psychiatric history-taking, diagnostic evaluation, and medication management services tailored to your individual needs. My philosophy of care is to optimize medication management to the least amount of medications at the lowest-effective doses needed to achieve best outcomes, without unnecessary side effects. If indicated, we may discuss lowering doses of existing prescriptions or tapering medications to reduce polypharmacy.
As a dedicated mental health provider, I understand that you are an individual with specific needs, not just a diagnosis. I will take the time needed to get to know you and use the necessary resources to provide you with excellent and compassionate mental healthcare.
I specialize and have extensive experience working with adolescents and adults suffering from severe and persistent mental illness (SPMI). My prior work in community mental health provided me with expertise in vulnerable and underserved populations, including people suffering from homelessness, abuse, addiction, and psychosis. My first priority in treatment is safety, with the ultimate goal being to minimize disability in order to promote independence and full wellness.
Other specialties
I identify as
Exposure Response Prevention (ERP)
The gold-standard treatment for OCD and anxiety disorders is exposure training, which promotes tolerance of distress and prolonged reduction in intrusive thoughts.
Motivational Interviewing
I have years of experience in the nursing field, which utilizes motivational interviewing heavily to encourage patient self-care, lifestyle modifications, and self-advocacy.
Cognitive Behavioral (CBT)
CBT is the gold standard for treating OCD and anxiety disorders. I employ techniques in a present-oriented context to challenge harmful self talk and retrain the brain to reduce anxious thoughts.