Vadim Sarkisyan
Hi there — taking the first step toward support isn’t always easy, and my goal is to make that step feel lighter. As a dedicated Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner, I provide a safe, compassionate space where you can share openly and feel understood. I work with individuals navigating challenges such as anxiety, depression, mood changes, or difficulty focusing and staying motivated. Together, we’ll explore what’s been weighing on you and create a personalized plan that fits your unique needs. My approach is collaborative, practical, and grounded in empathy—focused on helping you build balance and confidence in your life. I specialize in treating anxiety, depression, ADHD, and mood disorders through an integrative, evidence-based approach. By combining medication management, therapy, and lifestyle strategies, I aim to help you strengthen coping skills, improve focus, and achieve lasting emotional wellness.
This experience sharpened my clinical judgment and taught me how to listen carefully, identify key concerns efficiently, and make thoughtful, patient-centered decisions even in fast-paced environments.
Taking the first step toward healing can feel overwhelming, but you don’t have to do it alone. Together, we can navigate life’s challenges at a pace that feels right for you. My goal is to help you feel understood, supported, and empowered to create meaningful change. When you’re ready, I’m here to help you begin that journey toward feeling better.
First session
During our first session, I focus on understanding your full picture—your symptoms, personal history, daily habits, and what you hope to achieve through treatment. This initial appointment includes a comprehensive diagnostic evaluation, where we discuss your mental health background, medical history, and lifestyle factors that may be contributing to how you feel. My goal is to understand not just the symptoms, but the person behind them. From there, we’ll collaborate on a personalized treatment plan that may include evidence-based medication management, therapy, or both. I like to approach treatment as an ongoing partnership—checking in regularly about your progress, side effects, and goals, and adjusting your plan as needed to ensure you’re supported every step of the way. In follow-up sessions, I combine clinical assessment with supportive talk therapy. Sessions are conversational and collaborative—you can expect to discuss what’s working, what feels challenging, and strategies to improve your mood, focus, and overall well-being. I also help clients build coping tools, healthier routines, and mindset shifts that support lasting change. I believe effective care is about more than prescribing medication—it’s about helping you understand your mind, feel empowered in your decisions, and create a path toward stability and growth. Whether we’re addressing depression, anxiety, ADHD, or mood-related challenges, I strive to make each session feel safe, personalized, and meaningful.
Strengths
One of my greatest strengths is my ability to truly listen to my patients and create a space where they feel heard, understood, and respected. My background as a nurse, clinical instructor, and experience working in a psychiatric emergency setting at Olive View–UCLA Medical Center has strengthened my ability to quickly build rapport, assess patients in high-acuity situations, and remain calm and focused under pressure. Working in the psychiatric emergency room exposed me to a wide range of complex presentations, including acute anxiety, mood disorders, psychosis, and crisis situations. This experience sharpened my clinical judgment and taught me how to listen carefully, identify key concerns efficiently, and make thoughtful, patient-centered decisions even in fast-paced environments. I carry these skills into my current practice by taking the time to understand not only my patients’ symptoms, but also their experiences, stressors, and goals. My background in teaching has further enhanced my ability to communicate clearly and provide meaningful psychoeducation, helping patients feel more informed and engaged in their care. This combination of strong listening skills, acute care experience, and a foundation in education allows me to provide care that is both compassionate and clinically effective, while fostering trust, improving adherence, and supporting better outcomes.
Ideal clients
I am best positioned to work with adults seeking a balanced approach to mental health treatment that includes both medication management and supportive, skills-based interventions. I commonly work with individuals experiencing anxiety, depression, ADHD, and stress related to life transitions, relationships, and occupational demands. Many of my patients present with concerns around focus, emotional regulation, sleep, and overall functioning, and are looking for thoughtful medication optimization alongside practical strategies to improve daily life. My approach is collaborative and patient-centered, with an emphasis on education, shared decision-making, and careful medication management. I work well with patients who want to better understand how their symptoms and medications interact, and who are open to making gradual, sustainable changes. In addition to pharmacologic treatment, I incorporate brief supportive therapy, CBT-informed techniques, and psychoeducation to enhance outcomes.
Treatment methods
Cognitive Behavioral (CBT)
I have experience utilizing Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) as a core component of my clinical practice, particularly in the treatment of anxiety disorders, depression, ADHD-related challenges, and insomnia. My approach to CBT is practical, structured, and tailored to each patient’s individual needs and level of insight.
Psychoeducation
I incorporate psychoeducation as a fundamental part of treatment by helping patients understand their diagnosis, symptoms, and the underlying mechanisms contributing to their condition. I explain how thoughts, emotions, behaviors, and biological factors interact, which helps normalize their experiences and reduce stigma. Additionally, I provide education on medications, coping strategies, and lifestyle factors to empower patients to actively participate in their care and make informed decisions about their treatment.
Motivational Interviewing
I utilize motivational interviewing to help patients explore ambivalence and strengthen their intrinsic motivation for change. I use open-ended questions, reflective listening, and affirmation to support patients in identifying their own goals and values, while guiding them toward healthier behaviors. This approach allows patients to feel heard and empowered, increasing engagement and readiness for change.
Location
Virtual sessions