As both an acute care and psychiatric nurse practitioner with over two decades of experience, I bring a distinctive perspective to mental healthcare that bridges the traditional divide between physical and psychological medicine. My professional journey has equipped me with a comprehensive understanding of how physical and mental health are inextricably linked, enabling me to offer a truly holistic approach to mental healthcare. When evaluating patients, I consider not only their psychological presentation but also their complete physiological status, medication interactions, and systemic health factors that might affect their mental state. This comprehensive methodology often uncovers underlying medical conditions that might otherwise go unnoticed in a traditional psychiatric setting. My integrated approach has proven particularly effective in complex cases where mental and physical health concerns intersect. Whether managing a patient with treatment-resistant depression complicated by chronic pain, or addressing anxiety stemming from a recent medical diagnosis, I draw upon my extensive experience in both fields to develop thorough, personalized treatment plans that acknowledge and address the full spectrum of patient needs. Furthermore, my acute care background enhances my ability to collaborate effectively with other healthcare providers, bridging communication gaps that often exist between medical and psychiatric care teams. This interdisciplinary approach ensures that my patients receive coordinated, comprehensive care that addresses both their mental and physical health needs. As healthcare continues to evolve toward more integrated models of care delivery, my unique combination of specialties positions me to contribute meaningfully to this transformation. I remain committed to advancing holistic, patient-centered care that recognizes and responds to the complex interplay between physical and mental health, ultimately working toward better outcomes for all patients under my care.

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

For my clients the first session together is like laying the foundation for a house - we need to establish a solid base before we can build effectively. The session typically lasts 45-60 minutes, during which we'll work together to create a comprehensive understanding of your experiences and needs. At the beginning of our session, I'll first explain confidentiality and its limits, ensuring you understand your privacy rights. Then we'll begin getting to know each other. Rather than jumping straight into difficulties, we'll start with broader conversations that help establish rapport and make you feel comfortable. This might include discussing your current situation, what brought you to seek help, and what you hope to achieve from our work together. The medical and psychiatric history portion involves understanding any past or current health conditions, medications, previous mental health treatments, and family history of mental health concerns. This information helps create a complete clinical picture and ensures we consider any medical factors that might be relevant to your mental health. For the social history component, we'll explore your life story - your upbringing, education, relationships, and significant life events that have shaped who you are. We'll discuss your family dynamics, both past and present, as family relationships often profoundly influence our mental health and coping patterns. We'll also talk about your work life, as workplace stress, satisfaction, and relationships can significantly impact well-being. Throughout this process, please remember that you're in control of what you share and at what pace. Think of this first session as the beginning of a collaborative journey - you're not just providing information, but we're working together to understand your experiences and develop a path forward.

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

As both a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner and Acute Care Nurse Practitioner, I bring a unique combination of expertise in both mental and physical health. My approach is grounded in deep compassion and empathy for my patients, coupled with genuine curiosity that helps me understand their complete story. These are particularly valuable traits in psychiatry, as they help create a safe and trusting environment for patients to open up about their challenges. The combination of these interpersonal skills with my broad medical and psychiatric knowledge enables me to provide both emotionally attuned and technically competent care. However, my greatest strength as a psychiatric provider is my self-awareness. Being aware of my weaknesses is just as important as recognizing my strengths. I utilize my team of nutritionist, clinical pharmacists, and psychiatrist to build the best practice plan for each patient.

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

The ideal client is one that understands and values comprehensive treatment, including: - Consistent medication adherence and communication about effects - Active participation in medication decisions and adjustments - Willingness to track symptoms and side effects - Regular attendance at follow-up appointments - Openness to discuss both benefits and concerns about medications Clients committed to a multi-modal approach who: - Recognize medications as one component of overall wellness - Integrate medication management with lifestyle modifications - Follow through with lab work and monitoring as needed - Maintain open communication about other supplements or treatments - Are proactive about refills and prescription management 3. Safety-conscious individuals who: - Disclose all current medications and supplements - Report concerning symptoms promptly report findings - Avoid alcohol and substance interactions - Follow prescribed dosing schedules I appreciate clients who are proactive with: - Nutrition and exercise modifications - Willing to engage with the practice of mindfulness - Demonstrate motivation for comprehensive change - Value evidence-based integrative psychiatry

About Heather Dickson, MSN