I am board certified across the life span as a Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner. I have 18 years of nursing experience and have worked in the mental heath field for 14 of those years. My journey has taken me through many different mental health settings; development/behavior support classroom, corrections, juvenile detention, residential, inpatient, crisis stabilization and now outpatient. Throughout my career I remain passionate in working with children, adolescents and young adults. I work with clients to improve personal development and effective coping skills. I am sensitive to the unique needs of clients with trauma and my goal is that these clients lead a positive holistic lifestyle at home, in school, and in their communities. I promote mental health well being through prevention and education to improve quality of life.
The first visit is the longest. Your initial psychiatric evaluation will take 90-120 minutes. However, stay calm it is very informal and we move at the pace that is comfortable for you. I will ask you questions to get to know you and come to understand why you are seeking treatment. There will be a lot of questions for you answer about your background history, family history, life events, current symptoms and concerns, medication details, coping mechanisms and stress management, diet, physical activity, sleep patterns, support system and your goals. It is important for you to gather as much of this essential information as possible prior to your appointment so that you are prepared. Before your psychiatry appointment, write down why you are seeking help. Highlight critical behaviors which cause you concern. This exercise will help you stay on track and lessen the likelihood of you forgetting something. I also request the completion of a Release of Information (ROI) for your primary care provider/pediatrician, therapist, or specialty provider. I am big on collaborative care and the ROI is important for me to receive prior health records and communicate with your team to create the best treatment plan for your health. At the end of your visit you are expected to have your blood drawn prior to us meeting again.
My greatest strength is my altruistic heart. I believe being a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner was always apart of my life path and at first I did not even know. Mental health is a difficult specialty. I will not get through to every client, but the compassion and respect that I give to all my clients, without expecting anything in return, goes a long way.
My ideal client is the client who shows up, doesn't stop trying and is open to focus on their whole person. This includes their physical, mental and spiritual. It is important that we work together to find the balance of what is important to them and what is important for them; no matter their age. I ask that you please have an open mind and heart while we work together and I thank you for trusting me with your energy and your health; because mental health is health.
Motivational Interviewing
I will use motivational interviewing to help you reach your goals.
Psychoeducation
I will provide you with information and support to help you better understand and manage psychological, emotional, or behavioral challenges.