K. Erica Hunkin
I am a dual board-certified Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner and Family Nurse Practitioner. I earned a Bachelor of Arts in Biological Sciences and a Master of Science in Marine Chemical Ecology from The University of Mississippi.
My passion for understanding the biological basis of behavior led me to pursue a PhD in Behavioral Neuroendocrinology at North Carolina State University.
My passion for understanding the biological basis of behavior led me to pursue a PhD in Behavioral Neuroendocrinology at North Carolina State University. During my doctoral research, I focused on how hormones influence brain function and behavior, a natural extension of my lifelong curiosity about human behavior. I later transitioned into nursing, earning a Master of Science in Nursing from the University of Hawaii at Manoa, and a Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner certificate from Johns Hopkins University. I have provided evidence-based, holistic care for children, adolescents, and adults in multiple settings, including community-based clinics, telehealth, and work with active-duty military personnel, reservists, and veterans.
First session
During our first session, we'll take a comprehensive stroll through your history, touching on major areas that we will want to focus in on later in treatment. I don't like to rush this- I want everyone to be heard and this takes time! We generally won't get through everything in the first session and I typically take a few sessions to ensure we are coming up with the best treatment plan for your needs together. For self pay patients, please be aware that the intake session is $250 while follow-ups are $125.
Strengths
At the heart of my practice is a person-centric approach. I am dedicated to meeting clients where they are and guiding them through their mental health challenges with compassion and accountability. My primary focus is psychotherapy-first, creating individualized treatment plans that promote lasting, positive change. While comfortable and experienced in recommending pharmacotherapy as needed, I am committed to holistic care and empowering clients to achieve mental wellness.
Ideal clients
I believe that healing is a journey—and you don’t have to walk it alone. I work best with clients motivated to change their perspectives and their lives. Grounded in both science and heart, I provide a supportive space where each person is seen, heard, and empowered to thrive. Whether you're navigating anxiety, depression, trauma, or simply seeking greater balance, we'll work together to help you reconnect with your inner strength and move forward with clarity and confidence.
Treatment methods
Acceptance and commitment (ACT)
ACT is one of the evidence-based treatment approaches that I utilize to help clients develop psychological flexibility by learning to accept difficult thoughts and emotions while committing to value-driven actions. Rather than focusing on symptom reduction alone, ACT emphasizes mindfulness, acceptance, and behavioral change aligned with personal values. This makes it highly effective for treating depression, anxiety, and other mental health conditions while ensuring we are personalizing the treatment just for you.
Cognitive Behavioral (CBT)
Utilizing CBT in treatment allows us to help you see connections between thoughts, feelings, and behaviors. Identifying these links empowers you to develop healthier coping strategies and lets us focus on practical skills and present-day challenges. It is highly effective in modifying negative thought patters and behaviors that contribute to emotional distress.
Dialectical Behavior (DBT)
DBT is a therapy modality very focused on helping with intense emotions, emotional dysregulation, and destructive behaviors. It is skills-driven and combines mindfulness, distress tolerance, emotion regulation, and interpersonal effectiveness to help you build a life worth living.
Location
Virtual sessions