I am a psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner treating patients across the lifespan. I received my Doctorate from UCSF with a focus on identifying treatment modalities and best practices when caring for clients with extensive trauma histories. I have six years of experience treating adolescent patients with chronic mental health conditions and trauma backgrounds. I prefer to involve the entire family in my treatment plan as a strong family/home foundation is the best indicator for long term success. I have experience treating adolescents and adults with co occurring substance use disorders. I am also experienced in helping clients complete safe titrations from benzodiazepines, recreational substances, and other medications/maladaptive habits they may be interested in discontinuing. For my adolescent clients, I work closely with schools in order to create 504 and IEP plans that include personally tailored accommodations to promote the best environments for academic success. I also work with adults receiving Ketamine Assisted Therapy. I provide medication management for clients interested in KAT who already have a licensed therapist trained in KAT. I am committed to providing accessible and safe KAT services for adults looking to explore their personal trauma histories and gain freedom from trauma induced mental health conditions.

What can clients expect to take away from sessions with you?

During our first session, you can expect to spend an hour together with emphasis on relationship building. I want to hear about your background, your impression of what you may be going through, what has worked for you in the past and how you would like your treatment plan to fit your lifestyle. I believe the provider and patient need to work together as a team to create the best individualized treatment plan.

Explain to clients what areas you feel are your biggest strengths.

I am a compassionate provider that prioritizes my individual relationship with each patient. I understand that our personal trauma histories determine how we experience the world, how we react to situations, and how we respond to different treatments. I place trauma informed care at the forefront and work closely with each patient to create individualized treatment plans. I am also readily available to my clients and invested in their outcomes.

Describe the client(s) you are best positioned to serve.

I treat client across the lifespan. I have six years of experience treating adolescents aged 6-18 with chronic mental health conditions, trauma conditions, generational trauma histories, as well as adolescents navigating the foster care system. I have six years experience treating adults with chronic mental health conditions and co occurring substance use disorders. I also provide medication management services for clients receiving Ketamine Assisted Therapy.

About Dr. Rachel Kigano, DNP