Licensed to practice in 2 states and accepts 43 insurances. Specializes in Bipolar Disorder, Depression, Older Adults and 10 more.
(she/her)
Clients say this provider is
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.
I focus on creating a calm, welcoming space where people feel comfortable speaking openly about what they’re going through. Many clients come to me after feeling rushed or unheard elsewhere, so I take time to listen carefully, ask thoughtful questions, and understand the full picture of your symptoms, history, stressors, and goals. I explain things in a straightforward way, helping you make sense of what you’re experiencing and feel more confident in your treatment plan. My work is grounded in evidence‑based practice and years of experience with a wide range of psychiatric and neuropsychiatric conditions. Whether we’re addressing depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, trauma‑related symptoms, cognitive changes, or behavioral concerns, I focus on interventions that are proven to help, including thoughtful medication management and practical strategies you can use in daily life. Collaboration is central to my approach. I don’t believe in a top‑down style where the provider dictates the plan. Instead, we work together to find options that feel realistic, align with your values, and support your goals. I stay steady and supportive even when symptoms are intense or situations are complicated, offering a calm, solution‑focused presence. I also take a holistic view of care, considering sleep, stress, routines, relationships, medical conditions, and environmental factors that may be affecting your mental health. Transparency is another key part of how I practice. I explain what I’m noticing, why I’m recommending something, and what you can expect moving forward. Clients often tell me this clarity helps them feel more in control and better able to participate in their own healing. I’m skilled at sorting through complex histories, overlapping symptoms, and multiple diagnoses, helping us move efficiently toward strategies that truly support your well‑being.
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.
Cash - $100 per session
Aetna
Aetna - Allied Benefits
Aetna - ASR Health Benefits
Aetna - Lucent Health
Aetna - Luminare
Aetna - Medicare
Aetna - Moda
Aetna - WebTPA
Aetna – HealthEZ
All Savers
Amerihealth Administrators
Amerihealth NJ Medicare Advantage
Anthem
Arlo
AvMed
Blue Cross Blue Shield
Centivo
Cigna
Cigna - HealthEZ
Evernorth
Golden Rule
GTEB
Harvard Pilgrim/UnitedHealthcare
HealthPartners
Humana - Medicare
Humana Dual (Medicare & Medicaid)
Independence Administrators
Independence Blue Cross
Optum
OptumHealth Complex Medical Conditions
Oscar
Oxford
Surest (formerly Bind)
Tufts Health/Cigna
UMR - Advocate Aurora Health
United Medical Resources
UnitedHealthcare Complete Care (C-SNP)
UnitedHealthcare Dual (Medicare & Medicaid)
UnitedHealthcare Life Insurance
UnitedHealthcare Shared Services
UnitedHealthcare StudentResources
UnitedHealthcare/Optum
UnitedHealthcare/Optum - Medicare
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.
30 ratings with written reviews
August 26, 2026
She was direct and to the point without being dismissive. I trusted her advice and knowledge from the start and felt comfortable sharing with her my struggles. Thank you!!
August 6, 2026
Susan is always solution oriented and is open to listening to what is going on with me both personally and professionally each time we meet. She is open to finding the best viable solution to my prescription balances too. I’m very thankful and blessed that I have found her and will continue to have her as my therapist long term ahead. I highly recommend her!
July 20, 2026
She did great at answering questions, helping me be informed and making me feel heard!