Lauren Kusi
Lauren Kusi
(she/her)
I am board-certified psychiatric nurse practitioner dedicated to providing holistic mental health care. I believe in treating the whole person, not just the symptoms, and I aim to form strong connections with my patients to create personalized treatment plans. I use evidence -based practices to address a wide range of psychiatric disorders. To stay grounded and informed, I enjoy reading, mindfulness and yoga.
Get to know me
In our first session together, here's what you can expect
During your initial session as a Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, expect a comprehensive assessment focused on understanding your mental health history, current symptoms, and their impact on your life, all within a comfortable and non-judgmental space. This involves a detailed discussion of your presenting concerns, past psychiatric and medical history, family history, social background, and current functioning. Based on this information, we will collaboratively discuss potential diagnoses and treatment options, which may include medication management, supportive strategies, and referrals. If medication is considered, we will thoroughly discuss specific options, benefits, and potential side effects. The session will also cover your treatment goals, expectations for future sessions, and any logistical details, ensuring you are an active and informed participant in developing a personalized care plan. You will have ample opportunity to ask questions throughout the process.
The biggest strengths that I bring into our sessions
As a Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, my strengths lie in providing comprehensive and evidence-based care through skilled assessment and medication management, integrated with supportive therapy principles and a holistic perspective that considers your overall well-being. I prioritize building a strong therapeutic alliance through empathy, active listening, and clear communication, ensuring a collaborative approach where you are actively involved in shared decision-making. My commitment to patient-centered care means tailoring treatment plans to your unique needs and goals, adapting strategies as necessary, and continuously learning to provide you with the highest quality of care.
The clients I'm best positioned to serve
As a Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, I am best positioned to serve adult clients (18+) experiencing a range of mental health conditions, including mood disorders, anxiety disorders, OCD and related disorders, trauma-related disorders, ADHD, and stable presentations of psychotic disorders. My expertise lies in providing comprehensive care that integrates evidence-based medication management with psychoeducation and supportive strategies, emphasizing a holistic and collaborative partnership. I excel at careful medication titration, ongoing monitoring, and tailoring treatment plans to individual needs and complex presentations, ensuring clients are well-informed and actively involved in their care. While equipped to address diverse needs, I prioritize appropriate referrals for highly specialized interventions, focusing on delivering effective, compassionate, and evidence-based care to improve adult mental well-being.
About Lauren Kusi
I identify as
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VirtualMy treatment methods
Supportive
My approach integrates supportive therapy and medication management as complementary tools for holistic mental well-being. Following a thorough assessment, I collaboratively discuss medication options, providing education and closely monitoring the patient's response while making necessary adjustments. Concurrently, supportive therapy offers a validating space to explore emotions, build coping skills, and enhance self-understanding through active listening and empathetic engagement. Insights from therapy inform medication strategies, and symptom relief from medication can enhance therapeutic progress. This tailored and collaborative approach aims to empower individuals, address the complexities of their mental health, and promote lasting recovery.
Mindfulness-Based Therapy
My approach to integrating mindfulness therapy with medication management emphasizes a holistic and patient-centered perspective. Following a comprehensive assessment, medication options are discussed collaboratively, with thorough psychoeducation and ongoing monitoring of the patient's response. Simultaneously, mindfulness therapy equips individuals with present-moment awareness and acceptance skills to manage thoughts, emotions, and physical sensations without judgment. These practices can enhance emotional regulation, reduce reactivity, and foster a greater sense of inner peace, potentially complementing the biochemical effects of medication. Insights gained through mindfulness practice inform medication management by providing a deeper understanding of internal states, while medication can sometimes create a greater capacity for engaging in mindfulness. This integrated approach aims to empower individuals to cultivate both inner resilience and symptom relief, promoting overall well-being and a more balanced life.