I am a dual board-certified Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP) and Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP) with over 19 years of nursing experience. Throughout the years of my practice, I have seen an increasing need for quality mental health care. My passion for neuroscience, integrative and conventional medicine, decreasing the stigma related to mental health, as well as treating the whole patient for optimal wellness is what inspired me to pursue my career in psychiatry. I provide a comprehensive approach that is patient-centered and nonjudgemental. I strive to develop a meaningful rapport with my patients, creating a sacred space for them to share what’s on their mind, listening to any concerns, and developing a customizable treatment plan. My goal is to focus on you as a whole person, not only the illness or disease affecting you. I utilize integrative (looks at the whole person, root causes, nutrition, health) and conventional (focuses on anatomy, physiology, pathophysiology, medication, psychotherapy) treatment modalities to achieve your optimal health and wellbeing. It is my mission to guide you through your journey in life by treating your symptoms, educating you, and giving you the tools and skills necessary to heal and improve your daily functioning.
The first 1 to 3 sessions will be focused on obtaining a thorough evaluation of your symptoms and history. The information obtained from these assessments will guide me in formulating an accurate diagnosis, identifying treatment goals, as well as a patient specific treatment plan. You will be encouraged to be actively involved in your process of healing. Successful treatment is greater when you and I work together to create a regimen that is achievable and tailored to your specific needs.
I believe my diverse nursing experience contributes to a vast knowledge base. Being dual certified allows me to explore the cause of your psychiatric symptoms in greater detail. My years of experience have given me exceptional assessment skills. I enjoy working with patients in finding the root cause of their symptoms and presenting problem. My love of learning contributes to up to date evidence-based treatment and positive patient outcomes.
I am trained and qualified to assess, diagnose, and treat psychiatric conditions in patients of all ages across the lifespan. I have experience working in various inpatient and outpatient healthcare settings with diverse patient populations such as critical care, labor and delivery, post anesthesia care, pediatrics, psychiatry, women’s health, sexual and reproductive medicine, men’s health, education, and aesthetics. I have 18 years of experience in women's health and enjoy serving patients experiencing perinatal and postpartum mood and anxiety disorders. Additionally, I desire to assist healthcare workers and first responders experiencing mental health concerns.
Christian counseling is for Chrisitan believers. This method of therapy integrates one's relationship with God, faith, prayer, meditation, and reflection of scripture with psychology principles and evidence-based counseling techniques to address mental health issues.
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) uses various techniques to identify and restructure negative thinking, cognitive distortions, and associated behaviors causing distress and functional impairment.
Compassion focused therapy teaches patient's that struggle with shame and self-criticism skills to develop understanding, sympathy, sensitivity, and self-compassion.
DBT is a type of CBT in which patients are taught skills to manage intense emotions, cope with challenging situations and improve their relationships.
Grief counseling is used to help patients work through the various stages of emotions that may occur after a loss.