Esther Onono-Yarrington
I am a board-certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP-BC) with over 25 years of nursing experience. I provide compassionate, evidence-based psychiatric care to individuals navigating ADHD, anxiety, depression, mood disorders, trauma-related concerns, and other mental health challenges. My approach is collaborative, thoughtful, and individualized. I believe that every person deserves to feel heard, understood, and respected throughout their mental health journey. I take time to understand your experiences, symptoms, and goals so that we can develop a treatment plan that fits your unique needs.
As a psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner with over two decades of nursing experience, I bring clinical judgment, compassion, and a thoughtful, individualized approach to psychiatric care and medication management.
My goal is to create a welcoming, nonjudgmental environment where you feel comfortable asking questions, exploring treatment options, and actively participating in your care. Together, we will work toward meaningful improvements in your emotional well-being and daily functioning.
First session
Your first appointment is an opportunity for us to understand what brings you to care and begin developing a plan that addresses your concerns. We will complete a comprehensive psychiatric evaluation, reviewing your current symptoms, mental health history, medical background, previous treatments, medications, and how your symptoms affect your daily life. I will also take time to understand your goals, answer questions, and discuss potential treatment options. Together, we will explore whether medication management, therapeutic interventions, or additional assessments may be appropriate. My hope is that you leave your first session feeling heard, respected, and more informed about your mental health, with a clearer understanding of the next steps in your care.
Strengths
One of my greatest strengths is my ability to listen attentively while also asking thoughtful questions that help uncover the underlying factors contributing to a person's symptoms. I bring more than two decades of nursing experience, clinical judgment, empathy, and a practical, solution-focused approach to each appointment. I believe in balancing compassion with honest conversations about treatment, progress, and realistic expectations. My approach combines psychiatric assessment, medication management when appropriate, psychoeducation, and supportive, evidence-based therapeutic interventions. I value shared decision-making and want my patients to understand not only what we are doing in treatment, but why. I strive to create a space where patients feel supported, respected, and empowered to make meaningful changes in their lives.
Ideal clients
My ideal client is someone who wants to better understand their mental health and take meaningful steps toward improving their quality of life. I work with adolescents and adults experiencing ADHD, anxiety, depression, mood disorders, trauma-related symptoms, and challenges with emotional regulation. You may be struggling with concentration, persistent worry, low motivation, overwhelming emotions, or difficulty managing everyday responsibilities. Perhaps you have tried treatment before without finding the right approach, or you are seeking psychiatric care for the first time. You do not need to have everything figured out before seeking help. I welcome individuals who are looking for a compassionate, collaborative approach to psychiatric care, whether that involves medication management, therapeutic interventions, lifestyle modifications, or a combination of treatments. My goal is to help you feel understood, become more confident in managing your symptoms, and develop a treatment plan that supports your individual needs, strengths, and long-term well-being.
Origin story
Throughout my nursing career, I have witnessed how deeply mental health affects every aspect of a person's life, including relationships, physical health, confidence, and the ability to pursue personal goals. These experiences inspired me to specialize in psychiatric mental health care. I wanted to help individuals not only manage their symptoms but also better understand themselves and regain a sense of stability and possibility. Becoming a psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner allows me to combine my clinical experience with my passion for listening, educating, and helping people make informed decisions about their treatment.
Ongoing work together
Our ongoing work will focus on helping you achieve meaningful, sustainable improvements in your mental health and everyday functioning. During follow-up appointments, we will review your symptoms, evaluate your response to treatment, discuss medication effectiveness and potential side effects, and make adjustments when clinically appropriate. We will also explore coping strategies, stress management, emotional regulation, and practical ways to address challenges in your daily life. Progress looks different for everyone. For some, it may mean fewer anxiety symptoms, improved concentration, better sleep, or greater emotional stability. For others, it may involve feeling more confident, strengthening relationships, or managing responsibilities with less distress. I believe treatment should be collaborative and adaptable. We will regularly revisit your goals, celebrate improvements, address setbacks, and adjust your treatment plan as your needs evolve. My goal is not simply to reduce symptoms, but to help you build the skills, understanding, and stability needed to support your long-term well-being.
Medication approach
My approach to psychiatric medication management is individualized, collaborative, and grounded in evidence-based practice. I believe medication decisions should begin with a comprehensive understanding of each patient's symptoms, medical history, personal experiences, treatment goals, and preferences. I take time to explain why a particular medication may be considered, discuss potential benefits, risks, side effects, and alternatives, and involve patients in making informed decisions about their care. I believe in thoughtful prescribing, starting conservatively when clinically appropriate, monitoring treatment response carefully, and making adjustments based on individual needs. Medication is one component of mental health care. I also incorporate psychoeducation, cognitive behavioral strategies, and practical lifestyle interventions to support a comprehensive treatment approach. My priority is to create a supportive environment where patients feel heard, informed, and comfortable asking questions. I value open communication, patient autonomy, and ongoing collaboration throughout treatment.
Treatment methods
Cognitive Behavioral (CBT)
I incorporate Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) techniques alongside psychiatric medication management to help patients understand the connection between their thoughts, emotions, and behaviors. During our sessions, we identify unhelpful thinking patterns, challenge negative beliefs, and develop practical coping strategies for anxiety, depression, ADHD, and other mental health concerns. Depending on each patient's needs, I may introduce techniques such as cognitive reframing, behavioral activation, problem-solving, emotional regulation, and structured exercises to practice between appointments. My approach combines evidence-based medication management with practical therapeutic tools, helping patients improve daily functioning, build resilience, and develop skills they can use beyond our appointments.
Location
Virtual sessions
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Licensed in
- ArizonaLicense 339118
- PennsylvaniaLicense SP034872