Hello, My name is Luz Ledesma, PMHNP-BC. I'm a board-certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner with a Master's degree in Psychiatry and over 20 years of experience. I provide comprehensive care to children, adolescents, adults and geriatrics. I am deeply committed to empowering individuals and helping them find practical, solution-oriented paths to mental wellness. I specialize in the management of ADHD, conduct disorders, anxiety, depression and other related disorders. My approach is evidence-based and holistic, addressing well-being's physical, emotional, and social aspects. My therapeutic approach includes talk therapy, mindfulness techniques, brief cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), and medication management. Whether working with children, adolescents, adults, or elderly clients, I am known for my ability to create a safe, non-judgmental space where individuals feel heard and supported, practicing a holistic and open-minded approach to treatment.
What can clients expect to take away from sessions with you?
The first session with me is all about establishing a strong, trustworthy relationship. I aim to create a welcoming, safe, and non-judgmental environment where patients feel comfortable sharing their stories. Patients can expect a welcoming and understanding approach during their initial visit as this will be the beginning of a therapeutic relationship with a patient, where a good rapport will be the goal. I take time to get to know each patient beyond their symptoms. This initial experience involves asking about their background, personal experiences, and what brings them to seek care. I strive to make the first session feel like a conversation rather than a clinical assessment, allowing patients to express themselves openly. After gathering information, I provide feedback on possible diagnoses and treatment options. This first session often includes a discussion about how medication management, CBT, and mindfulness can be integrated to address their specific mental health needs. I explain these approaches clearly and understandably, ensuring patients feel informed and involved in their treatment plan. My approach is always collaborative. I encourage patients to ask questions and voice any concerns they may have. I aim to empower them to take an active role in their mental health journey, ensuring they feel supported and understood.
Explain to clients what areas you feel are your biggest strengths.
As a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP), my strengths lie in providing comprehensive, compassionate care that is deeply rooted in empathy, acceptance, and a commitment to my patients' well-being. I bring a combination of clinical expertise, emotional intelligence, and a positive, solution-oriented mindset to every patient interaction, helping to foster a therapeutic environment where individuals feel supported and empowered.Empathy is the foundation of my practice. I understand that seeking mental health care can be a vulnerable experience, and I strive to create a safe, non-judgmental space where patients feel heard and understood. I approach each patient with genuine compassion, taking the time to listen to their unique experiences and concerns. Acceptance is also a key part of my philosophy—no matter what challenges my patients are facing, I meet them where they are, providing the emotional support they need to navigate their mental health journey without fear of judgment.With over two decades of experience in the healthcare field, I bring a wealth of knowledge to my practice. I stay up to date on the latest advancements in psychiatric care, evidence-based therapies, and medication management. This allows me to provide my patients with the highest level of care, integrating best practices into personalized treatment plans that address both their symptoms and underlying needs. Additionally, being bilingual in English and Spanish allows me to connect with a wider range of patients, breaking down language barriers and ensuring that non-English speakers feel fully supported in their treatment process. I take a goal-oriented approach to mental health care, working with my patients to develop clear, actionable treatment plans that focus on achievable outcomes. Whether through medication management, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), mindfulness, or a combination of therapies, I guide patients toward positive, measurable progress. I believe in creating solutions, not just managing symptoms. My focus is on helping patients build long-term coping skills and emotional resilience that empower them to live more fulfilling, balanced lives.
Describe the client(s) you are best positioned to serve.
As a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP), I am best positioned to serve a diverse range of patients across the lifespan, including children, adolescents, adults, and geriatric individuals. My expertise lies in treating a variety of psychiatric conditions such as depression, anxiety, ADHD, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, and mood disorders. I work with patients from different backgrounds, with unique mental health needs, offering individualized care that addresses both their immediate concerns and long-term well-being.I provide age-appropriate mental health care to children dealing with behavioral issues, anxiety, ADHD, and mood disorders. I take a compassionate and gentle approach, often incorporating play or art into sessions to help young children feel comfortable while expressing their emotions. Adolescence can be a challenging time as young people navigate identity, peer relationships, and increasing academic pressures. I work closely with teenagers struggling with anxiety, depression, self-esteem issues, and emotional regulation, offering them a safe space to explore their thoughts and feelings while learning coping strategies. Whether managing stress, anxiety, depression, or major life transitions, I support adults in balancing their personal and professional lives. My treatment is focused on helping them develop practical skills through Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and mindfulness to manage their mental health in the context of their busy lives. Aging often brings its own set of mental health challenges, from coping with loss and grief to managing chronic health conditions and memory issues. I offer compassionate care to older adults, helping them maintain emotional and psychological well-being as they navigate later life stages.
About Luz R. Ledesma
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VirtualMy treatment methods
Cognitive Behavioral (CBT)
In my practice as a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP), I strive to provide comprehensive and compassionate care to individuals struggling with a variety of psychiatric disorders. As an empathetic provider and advocate for my patients, I take a holistic approach that combines medication management, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), and mindfulness practices. This integrative approach not only targets the biological aspects of mental health conditions but also empowers patients to actively participate in their own healing process, promoting long-term wellness. Reshaping Thought Patterns Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is a cornerstone of my practice. It is a structured, evidence-based form of talk therapy that helps patients identify and challenge distorted thought patterns that contribute to emotional distress and maladaptive behaviors. Through CBT, patients learn to reframe negative thinking and develop healthier coping strategies. For example, a patient with depression might struggle with pervasive thoughts of worthlessness or hopelessness. Using CBT, I work with the patient to identify these automatic negative thoughts and question their validity. Together, we explore alternative, more balanced perspectives that are rooted in reality rather than in the emotional intensity of the moment. Over time, this practice of cognitive restructuring helps patients develop a more positive and resilient mindset. I also integrate behavioral activation into CBT, encouraging patients to engage in activities that bring them joy or a sense of accomplishment, even when their mood is low. By gradually reintroducing positive behaviors, patients often experience improvements in mood and motivation, creating a reinforcing cycle of wellness.
Mindfulness-Based Therapy
Cultivating Present-Moment Awareness In addition to CBT, I incorporate mindfulness techniques into my practice as a way to help patients develop greater self-awareness and emotional regulation. Mindfulness encourages patients to stay present in the moment, observing their thoughts, emotions, and bodily sensations without judgment. This approach helps patients break the cycle of rumination and anxiety that often accompanies psychiatric disorders. For patients with anxiety disorders, mindfulness practices can be especially transformative. By learning to observe anxious thoughts without reacting to them, patients can reduce the power these thoughts hold over their emotions and behaviors. In my practice, I teach mindfulness techniques such as mindful breathing, body scans, and grounding exercises, which patients can use both in-session and in their daily lives to manage stress and anxiety. Mindfulness also complements CBT by helping patients stay grounded as they work through challenging thoughts. When combined, these two approaches help patients gain a greater sense of control over their mental and emotional states, fostering both short-term relief and long-term resilience.