Christina Vaughans
Hi, I’m Christina, a board-certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner with over 12 years of healthcare experience. At CJV Hope & Wellness Psychiatric Services, I provide compassionate, judgment-free mental health care with a focus on helping you feel heard—not rushed or reduced to a diagnosis. My approach is warm, down-to-earth, and collaborative, so we can create a treatment plan that fits your needs, goals, and everyday life. ✨ YOUR MENTAL HEALTH JOURNEY IS PERSONAL—AND YOUR CARE SHOULD BE TOO. ✨
I bring a genuine sense of humor into sessions when appropriate, helping to create a comfortable, relatable space where clients can feel at ease being themselves.
I take the time to understand your unique needs, experiences, and goals so we can create a treatment plan that feels realistic, supportive, and truly tailored to your life.
First session
Unfortunately, I do not prescribe controlled medications at this time such as stimulants and benzodiazepines. During our first session, you can expect a welcoming, supportive, and judgment-free environment where you feel comfortable sharing your concerns. We'll discuss your current symptoms, mental health history, life experiences, and treatment goals. As a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner, my role is to understand the whole person, not just the symptoms. Together, we'll explore potential diagnoses, discuss treatment options, and determine whether medication management, supportive therapy, or a referral for ongoing psychotherapy would best meet your needs. FMLA Paperwork Policy To ensure that I have sufficient clinical information to accurately assess and support your request, FMLA paperwork will only be completed after you have attended at least three appointments with me. This allows for an adequate evaluation of your condition, treatment response, and functional limitations. Please note that there is a $100.00 administrative fee for the completion of FMLA paperwork. This fee covers the time required to review your medical record, complete the necessary documentation, and submit the forms. The fee is due prior to completion of the paperwork and is not billable to insurance. If you have any questions regarding this policy or the FMLA process, please contact the office.
Strengths
What stands out about my approach is my ability to balance professionalism with authenticity. I bring a genuine sense of humor into sessions when appropriate, helping to create a comfortable, relatable space where clients can feel at ease being themselves. At the same time, I am deeply understanding and compassionate about the work I do, and I take each client’s experience seriously. I believe in being honest and upfront while still being supportive. I will gently challenge you when needed, offer real feedback, and help you see things from new perspectives—all while making sure you feel respected and heard. My goal is not just to listen, but to help you grow, heal, and make meaningful, lasting changes.
Ideal clients
My ideal client is someone who is ready to feel more like themselves again. You may be dealing with anxiety, depression, ADHD, mood changes, or simply feeling overwhelmed and unsure of where to start. You don’t have to have all the answers—we’ll figure it out together. My goal is to create a comfortable, judgment-free space where you feel heard, supported, and confident in the steps we take toward helping you feel better.
Treatment methods
Cognitive Behavioral (CBT)
I utilize a patient-centered, evidence-based approach that incorporates Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), supportive psychotherapy, motivational interviewing, and psychoeducation into psychiatric care. I help patients identify negative thought patterns, recognize emotional and behavioral triggers, develop healthy coping strategies, and improve emotional regulation. My approach focuses on building self-awareness, strengthening confidence, managing anxiety and depression, and promoting positive behavioral changes.
Supportive
I incorporate supportive psychotherapy into my practice by providing a safe, nonjudgmental environment where patients feel heard, understood, and supported. I utilize active listening, empathy, validation, encouragement, and problem-solving techniques to help patients process emotions, manage stressors, strengthen coping skills, and improve self-esteem. My approach focuses on reinforcing patients' strengths, promoting emotional stability, building resilience, and improving daily functioning. Supportive therapy is integrated into psychiatric medication management appointments to address emotional and behavioral concerns while supporting overall mental well-being.
Motivational Interviewing
I use motivational interviewing in my practice by helping patients explore their own reasons for making changes instead of simply telling them what they need to do. In mental health, patients may feel unsure about starting medication, going to therapy, reducing substance use, or making lifestyle changes. I try to create a nonjudgmental environment where they feel comfortable talking openly about those concerns. I use open-ended questions, active listening, and reflection to better understand what the patient wants and what may be getting in the way. For example, if a patient is hesitant about taking medication, I explore their concerns and previous experiences rather than immediately trying to convince them to take it. We then work together to identify realistic goals that they feel ready to work toward. I have found that this approach helps patients feel more involved in their treatment and can increase their motivation to make positive changes.
Location
Virtual sessions
Identifies as
Top specialties
Other specialties
Serves
Licensed in
- ConnecticutLicense 12.016321
- MinnesotaLicense 11545