I am a board-certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP-BC), trained and experienced in treating psychiatric disorders across all ages and practice environments, including inpatient and outpatient settings. I have garnered extensive experience as a PMHNP, working with patients of all ages, from young children to adolescents and adults. I completed my graduate education at Maryville University of St. Louis, Missouri, where I obtained my Master’s of Nursing with a specialization as a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner. I provide supportive psychotherapy and medication management to individuals of all ages. My specialty areas include substance use disorders, depression, anxiety, ADHD, mood disorders, psychotic disorders and PTSD. I believe in a collaborative approach to treatment and work in tandem with other members of the team to ensure optimal care for my patients.
What can clients expect to take away from sessions with you?
During the first session with me as your psychiatric provider, we will start with an introduction where I'll explain my role, which will serve as a foundation for building a trusting and comfortable relationship. The primary goal of this initial session is to gather comprehensive information about your mental health history and the current concerns you're facing. This will involve discussing your symptoms, their duration, and the impact on your life, as well as gathering information about your medical history, potential genetic predispositions through family history, lifestyle, relationships, and current medications. This session may also include a brief mental status examination, a structured assessment of your cognitive, emotional, and behavioral functioning. One of the key steps in our first meeting will be discussing your treatment goals. Understanding what you hope to achieve through our sessions will guide the development of your personalized treatment plan. Towards the end of the session, we will develop a preliminary treatment plan, possibly involving medication, psychotherapy, or a combination of both. I will explain the rationale for any recommended treatments, potential side effects, and answer any questions you might have. Confidentiality in our sessions is paramount, and I will explain its importance and any exceptions, such as instances where there is a risk of harm to self or others. Finally, we will discuss the next steps, including the frequency of future appointments and any immediate actions you need to take. It's important to remember that this first session is a two-way street - an opportunity for both of us to get to know each other and for you to decide if you feel comfortable working with me as your provider.
Explain to clients what areas you feel are your biggest strengths.
1. Clinical Expertise: As a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner, I have extensive experience in diagnosing, treating, and managing a wide array of psychiatric disorders. 2. Patient-Centered Approach: I prioritize understanding my patients' unique experiences and involving them in the decision-making process, fostering a strong therapeutic alliance. 3. Collaborative Mindset: I strongly believe in teamwork and work effectively with other healthcare professionals to provide comprehensive care to my patients. 4. Communication Skills: I excel at explaining complex medical information clearly and listening actively to my patients. 5. Adaptability: I am capable of adjusting to the dynamic field of mental health, staying updated with the latest research, and adapting treatment plans to patients' changing needs. 6. Compassion and Empathy: I strive to create a supportive environment where patients feel understood and validated, which I believe is fundamental in the healing process.
Describe the client(s) you are best positioned to serve.
Given my comprehensive training and extensive experience as a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner, I am best positioned to serve individuals across all age groups who are struggling with psychiatric disorders. My expertise extends to a wide array of conditions, ranging from substance use disorders, depression, anxiety, ADHD, mood disorders, to psychotic disorders and PTSD. My background in both inpatient and outpatient settings allows me to effectively manage the diverse needs of patients in different stages of their mental health journey, whether they require acute care, long-term management, or transitional support. I have a particular interest and proficiency in working with individuals battling substance use disorders, given the profound impact these conditions can have on the individual and their loved ones. I am also skilled in addressing the unique needs of individuals with mood disorders, understanding the significant role these conditions play in a person's overall wellbeing. I am adept at providing supportive psychotherapy and managing medication for individuals dealing with depression and anxiety, utilizing a personalized approach that takes into account the unique circumstances and experiences of each patient. Moreover, my experience with ADHD, psychotic disorders, and PTSD equips me to serve individuals facing these challenges, providing them with the necessary tools and strategies to manage their symptoms and improve their quality of life. My collaborative approach to treatment ensures that I work in synergy with other healthcare professionals, including therapists, social workers, and primary care providers, to provide holistic, comprehensive care to my patients. This approach is beneficial for all patients, but particularly those with complex or co-occurring disorders. In summary, my skills, experience, and patient-centered approach position me to serve a broad range of clients, with a particular emphasis on those dealing with substance use disorders, mood disorders, depression, anxiety, ADHD, psychotic disorders, and PTSD.
About Shehnaz Hussain
Shehnaz Hussain offers therapy covered by CalViva Health (Medi-Cal), Central California Alliance for Health (Medi-Cal), Community Health Plan of Imperial Valley (Medi-Cal), Gold Coast Health Plan (Medi-Cal), Health Net (Medi-Cal), Health Plan of San Joaquin - Medi-Cal, L.A. Care Health Plan (Medi-Cal), Orange County Mental Health Plan (Medi-Cal), Partnership HealthPlan of California (Medi-Cal) and San Francisco Health Plan (Medi-Cal) in California.
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Supportive
As a psychiatric provider, employing supportive treatment involves actively listening to patients to understand their experiences, while providing psychoeducation about their condition to alleviate fear and uncertainty. It's crucial to teach effective coping mechanisms and stress management techniques, alongside offering encouragement and reassurance about their ability to manage their condition. Collaborating with patients to develop personalized treatment plans and involving them in decision-making processes is key. Referrals to other healthcare professionals may be necessary for additional support. Regular follow-ups are essential to monitor progress and adjust treatments as required. The aim of supportive treatment is to foster a safe, supportive environment that encourages healing and recovery, empowering patients throughout their mental health journey.
Motivational Interviewing
In my practice, I utilize a patient-centric approach known as Motivational Interviewing (MI) to foster behavior change. I express empathy through reflective listening to understand my patient's perspectives and create a safe, trusting environment. I assist patients in identifying discrepancies between their current behaviors and future goals, using this as a catalyst for motivation. When patients resist change, I avoid direct confrontation. Instead, I use such instances as opportunities to delve deeper into their beliefs and understanding. I am a firm believer in supporting self-efficacy, so I consistently encourage patients and reinforce their belief in their ability to instigate and sustain change. I highlight their strengths and past successes to build confidence. By asking open-ended questions, I encourage patients to express their reasons for change, their ideas on how to implement it, and their confidence in their ability to do so. My ultimate goal is to guide patients towards making their own informed decisions and commitments to change.