(she/her)
Greetings, I am a board‑certified psychiatric nurse practitioner dedicated to providing thoughtful, evidence‑based care for individuals navigating depression, anxiety, mood disorders, cognitive changes, trauma‑related symptoms, and the emotional challenges that arise during major life transitions. My approach is grounded in the belief that people heal best when they feel genuinely heard, respected, and supported. I take time to understand each person’s history, strengths, and goals so we can build a treatment plan that feels clear, manageable, and aligned with what matters most to them. My clinical style is calm, steady, and collaborative. I focus on creating a space where clients can speak openly without fear of judgment, and where complex symptoms can be explored with clarity and compassion. I use a combination of comprehensive assessment, medication management, and ongoing education to help clients understand their options and feel confident in their care. I value transparency and clear communication, and I make sure every client knows what to expect at each step of treatment. Many people come to me after feeling overwhelmed, stuck, or unsure where to turn next. Others are seeking a provider who will take their concerns seriously and offer practical, evidence‑based strategies for improvement. Whether someone is facing long‑standing symptoms or a new challenge, my goal is to help them regain stability, restore a sense of control, and move toward a life that feels more grounded and hopeful.
What to Expect in Your First Session With Me Your first session is a chance for us to slow down, breathe, and get a clear picture of what’s been going on in your life. My goal is to create a space where you feel heard, respected, and understood from the moment we begin. You don’t need to prepare anything or know exactly what to say—just come as you are. A Calm, Welcoming Start We’ll begin with a brief conversation about what brought you in. Many people feel nervous during a first appointment, especially if they’ve never seen a psychiatric provider before or if past experiences left them feeling unheard. I take things at a steady, comfortable pace so you never feel rushed or judged. --- Your first session is designed to help you feel grounded, understood, and supported from the moment we begin. Starting psychiatric care can feel overwhelming, especially if you’ve been carrying symptoms alone for a long time or have had mixed experiences with providers in the past. My goal is to make this initial meeting feel calm, predictable, and collaborative so you can settle in, take a breath, and know you’re in a space where your concerns will be taken seriously and handled with care. During this first visit, we focus on understanding what brings you in, what you’ve been experiencing, and what you hope to change. You don’t need to prepare anything in advance, and there are no “right” or “wrong” answers. This is simply a conversation—one where you can speak openly at your own pace while I listen closely, ask thoughtful questions, and begin forming a clear picture of your symptoms, strengths, and needs. We’ll begin by talking about what led you to seek help at this moment. Some people come in because symptoms have recently intensified; others have been struggling for years and finally feel ready to reach out. You might be dealing with depression, anxiety, mood swings, sleep problems, cognitive changes, trauma-related symptoms, or stress that has become difficult to manage. You may also be unsure exactly what you’re feeling—only that something isn’t right. All of these starting points are welcome. My role is to help you put your experience into words and begin making sense of it. From there, we’ll explore your history in a way that feels respectful and manageable. I’ll ask about past mental health treatment, medications you’ve tried, medical conditions, family history, and any major life events that may be affecting you. This information helps me understand the broader context of your symptoms and identify patterns that may be important for diagnosis and treatment planning. If there are topics you’re not ready to discuss, that’s completely okay. We can move at a pace that feels comfortable for you. A significant part of the first session involves understanding how your symptoms affect your daily life. We’ll talk about your sleep, appetite, energy, concentration, mood patterns, and stressors. I’ll ask about your relationships, work or school responsibilities, and the ways you’ve been coping. These questions aren’t meant to judge or evaluate you—they help me understand the full picture of your functioning so I can offer care that is both clinically sound and personally meaningful. As we talk, I’ll also be assessing your safety and well‑being. This includes asking about thoughts of self‑harm, overwhelming anxiety, or any situations that may put you at risk. These questions are standard in psychiatric care and are asked with compassion and respect. My goal is to ensure you feel safe, supported, and connected to the right level of care. Once we’ve gathered enough information, we’ll begin discussing what your symptoms may represent. I’ll explain my impressions clearly and in everyday language, making sure you understand the reasoning behind any diagnostic considerations. Many clients find this part of the session relieving—it can be validating to finally have words for what you’ve been experiencing, and to hear that there are effective, evidence‑based treatments available. If medication is appropriate, we’ll talk through options together. I’ll explain how different medications work, what symptoms they target, and what side effects to be aware of. You’ll have plenty of time to ask questions, express concerns, and share past experiences with medications. I believe strongly in shared decision‑making, which means you are an active participant in choosing your treatment plan. Nothing is ever rushed, and nothing is ever pushed on you. If you prefer to start with non‑medication strategies or need time to think things over, that is always respected. We’ll also discuss lifestyle factors, coping strategies, and supportive therapies that may help you feel better. This might include sleep hygiene, stress management techniques, therapy referrals, or small daily habits that can improve mood and functioning. My goal is to offer a balanced, practical approach that supports your well‑being from multiple angles. Before the session ends, we’ll create a clear plan for next steps. This may include starting a medication, adjusting something you’re already taking, scheduling follow‑up visits, or connecting you with additional resources. I’ll explain what to expect in the coming days and weeks, how to monitor your symptoms, and when to reach out if something feels off. You’ll leave the session knowing exactly what our plan is and how we’ll move forward together. Many clients describe the first session as a turning point—not because everything is solved in one visit, but because they finally feel seen, understood, and supported. You may feel a sense of relief after sharing your story, or you may feel tired from talking about difficult experiences. Both reactions are completely normal. What matters most is that you leave with a sense of direction and the reassurance that you don’t have to navigate this alone.
One of my greatest strengths is my ability to create a calm, grounded, and genuinely welcoming space where people feel safe enough to speak openly about what they’re experiencing. Many clients come to me after feeling dismissed, rushed, or misunderstood in previous encounters. My approach is intentionally different. I listen closely, ask thoughtful questions, and take time to understand the full context of your symptoms—your history, your stressors, your strengths, and the goals you’re working toward. This steady, patient-centered style helps clients feel seen and supported from the very first session. Another strength of my therapeutic approach is the clarity I bring to complex situations. Psychiatric symptoms can feel confusing, overwhelming, or even frightening when you’re trying to make sense of them alone. I break things down in a way that is easy to understand, explaining what I’m noticing, why certain symptoms matter, and how different treatment options work. Clients often tell me that this clarity helps them feel more in control and less intimidated by the process. I believe that when you understand your symptoms and your treatment plan, you’re better equipped to participate actively in your own healing. I also bring a strong foundation of evidence-based practice to every session. My clinical decisions are grounded in current research, established guidelines, and years of experience working with individuals across a wide range of psychiatric and neuropsychiatric conditions. Whether we are addressing depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, trauma-related symptoms, cognitive changes, or behavioral concerns, I focus on interventions that are proven to help. This includes thoughtful medication management, supportive therapy techniques, and practical strategies that can be integrated into daily life. My goal is always to offer care that is both scientifically sound and personally meaningful. A key part of my method is collaboration. I don’t believe in a top‑down approach where the provider dictates the plan and the client simply follows. Instead, I work with you to explore what feels realistic, what aligns with your values, and what you’re ready for. Shared decision‑making is central to my practice. You are the expert on your lived experience; I bring clinical expertise. Together, we build a plan that feels balanced, manageable, and tailored to your needs. Clients often describe this partnership as empowering, especially if they’ve previously felt talked over or pressured into treatments that didn’t feel right for them. Another strength that clients appreciate is my ability to stay steady and supportive even when symptoms are intense or situations are complicated. Psychiatric care often involves navigating uncertainty, setbacks, or moments of crisis. I remain calm, consistent, and solution‑focused, helping you move through difficult periods without judgment or panic. This steadiness helps clients feel anchored, especially when their internal world feels chaotic or unpredictable. I believe that a provider’s emotional tone sets the stage for healing, and I work intentionally to bring stability and reassurance into every interaction. My approach is also deeply holistic. While medication can be an important tool, I never view it as the only one. I pay close attention to sleep, stress, routines, relationships, medical conditions, and environmental factors that may be influencing your symptoms. I help you identify small, practical changes that can support your mental health, and I integrate supportive therapy techniques to help you build insight and coping skills. This holistic perspective allows us to address the root of your symptoms rather than just the surface-level distress. Another strength is my commitment to transparency. I explain what I’m thinking, why I’m recommending something, and what you can expect moving forward. There are no surprises, no hidden agendas, and no rushed decisions. This openness builds trust and helps clients feel confident in the process. It also encourages honest communication—if something isn’t working, if a side effect is bothering you, or if your goals shift, you can tell me without hesitation. I value that honesty because it helps us adjust your plan in a way that keeps you moving toward meaningful improvement. Clients also benefit from my ability to synthesize complex information quickly and accurately. Psychiatric care often involves multiple diagnoses, overlapping symptoms, medical comorbidities, and a long history of treatments. I’m skilled at sorting through that complexity, identifying patterns, and determining what is most clinically relevant. This helps us avoid unnecessary trial‑and‑error and move more efficiently toward strategies that are likely to help. Another defining strength is the compassion I bring to every session. I understand that seeking psychiatric care can feel vulnerable, and I treat that vulnerability with respect. I don’t judge your symptoms, your coping strategies, or your past. I meet you exactly where you are, with empathy and a genuine desire to help you feel better. Clients often tell me they feel comfortable being honest with me in ways they haven’t been able to be with other providers. That honesty becomes a powerful tool for healing. Finally, one of the most meaningful strengths I bring is my commitment to long‑term, sustainable progress. I’m not interested in quick fixes that fade after a few weeks. I want you to feel stronger, more stable, and more capable over time. I help you build insight, develop coping skills, and understand your symptoms in a way that supports lasting change. My goal is for you to feel more grounded, more hopeful, and more in control of your life—not just during our sessions, but in the moments that matter most to you.
I work with individuals ages 15 and older who are feeling overwhelmed, stuck, or simply ready for something to change. My ideal clients are people who have been carrying a lot—emotionally, mentally, or physically—and want a provider who will listen closely, explain things clearly, and work with them at a steady, comfortable pace. Many come to me feeling anxious, depressed, exhausted, or unsure how to move forward. Others are navigating major life transitions, chronic stress, grief, trauma‑related symptoms, or the emotional impact of caregiving and health challenges. I am especially well‑suited for clients who appreciate a calm, grounded presence and a collaborative approach to treatment. My clients tend to value honesty, clarity, and a provider who takes time to understand the full picture rather than rushing to a quick fix. They want to understand their symptoms, explore realistic options, and feel empowered in their own care. Some of the people I serve have tried treatment before but didn’t feel heard or supported. Others are seeking psychiatric care for the first time and want someone who will guide them through the process with patience and respect. Many are juggling work, family responsibilities, or complex medical needs and need help sorting through what’s most important. I also work well with individuals experiencing cognitive changes, memory concerns, or early neuropsychiatric symptoms. These clients—and their families—often need clear communication, thoughtful evaluation, and a provider who can help them navigate uncertainty with steadiness and compassion. My ideal clients are not defined by a diagnosis but by their desire for meaningful, sustainable change. They want to feel more grounded, more hopeful, and more in control of their lives. I’m here to offer a supportive partnership that helps them get there.
Acceptance and commitment (ACT)
ACT encourages individuals to stop avoiding or suppressing difficult emotions and instead acknowledge them as natural responses to life’s challenges. The therapy incorporates six core processes to foster psychological flexibility.
17 ratings with written reviews
March 16, 2026
I have never felt heard or seen by a medical provider before. Susan listened to me and provided me comfort and empathy when I discussed how I had been feeling. She even went as far as to make another appointment with me to give her time to do adequate research on my personal struggles to determine what might be the best fit for me. I started off terrified at the idea of talking to someone who wants to prescribe medication but now all I feel is immense hope that things could get better.
February 22, 2026
For me, Susan understands my quagmires. She is throughly experienced in life which is exactly what is right for me. I would recommend her to anyone who has lived life not just a walking book. Thank you.
October 31, 2025
Susan is great and like her approach and the feed back she gives is great .really easy to speak with which makes you feel more comfortable to open up about what's going on in your life