Buffy Bolin
You may be feeling anxious, emotionally exhausted, unable to focus, or simply unlike yourself. Perhaps your current treatment is no longer helping, you are returning to care after time away, or you are looking for a provider who will listen carefully and explain your options. You do not need to arrive knowing your diagnosis or which medication you need. I am a board-certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner and have worked in nursing since 2010. I provide telehealth psychiatric evaluations, medication management, and supportive care for Tennessee children ages 8 and older, adolescents, and adults. I help patients with a broad range of concerns, including anxiety, depression, ADHD, mood changes, trauma-related symptoms, sleep difficulties, and conditions that may overlap or feel difficult to sort out.
I’m known for being thorough without making the process overwhelming. I prioritize clear communication, realistic expectations, and practical strategies that patients can apply in their daily lives.
My approach is warm, thorough, and straightforward. I take time to understand what you are experiencing, review what has and has not helped, and develop a treatment plan that fits your needs and feels realistic. If you do not see an appointment time that works for you, please message me through Grow. Additional appointment times may be available.
First session
Your first appointment will be structured but conversational. We will discuss what brought you to treatment, your current symptoms, medical and psychiatric history, sleep, daily functioning, previous medications, and the goals you would like treatment to address. We will also review what has helped in the past, what has not helped, and any medication side effects or concerns you have experienced. I will explain my initial impressions and walk you through the available treatment options. When medication is appropriate, we will discuss its potential benefits, risks, alternatives, and what to expect. Sometimes treatment can be started or adjusted during the first appointment. In other situations, obtaining records, completing assessments, or scheduling a follow-up may be the safest next step. All new clients require a comprehensive psychiatric evaluation before medications are prescribed. I do not accept appointments solely for the initiation or continuation of benzodiazepines or other controlled medications. Benzodiazepines may occasionally be used on a short-term basis when clinically appropriate, but I generally do not provide long-term benzodiazepine management. A first appointment does not guarantee that a previously prescribed medication will be continued. For ADHD and other attention-related concerns, I may use structured assessments and additional information to support an accurate diagnosis. Before we finish, I will explain the reasoning behind the plan and make sure you understand the next steps.
Strengths
One of my greatest strengths is my ability to consider the whole picture rather than focusing only on a diagnosis or medication. Having worked in nursing since 2010, my background includes medical care, psychiatric care, nursing education, and the treatment of complex and co-occurring conditions. This experience helps me recognize how physical health, sleep, stress, trauma, medications, and daily circumstances can affect mental health. I am thorough, but I explain information in plain language so the process does not feel intimidating. I listen carefully, take concerns seriously, welcome questions, and explain why I am recommending a particular option. I am also comfortable slowing down when more information is needed instead of rushing into a decision. My goal is for you to feel heard, informed, and actively involved in your care. Together, we will develop a plan that addresses your symptoms while also considering your priorities, concerns, and daily life.
Ideal clients
I work best with children ages 8 and older, adolescents, and adults who want greater clarity about their symptoms and a practical plan for moving forward. Some are seeking psychiatric care for the first time, while others are restarting treatment, reconsidering a previous diagnosis, or wondering whether their current medication is still the right fit. My patients may be experiencing anxiety, mood changes, low motivation, difficulty focusing, sleep problems, trauma-related symptoms, or several concerns that overlap and feel difficult to sort out. You do not need to know your diagnosis or which treatment you need before scheduling. I am especially well-suited for patients—and parents—who value a careful evaluation, straightforward explanations, shared decision-making, and regular follow-up. The best fit is someone who wants to take an active role in treatment and is open to discussing medication, supportive care, and practical strategies when appropriate.
Treatment methods
Motivational Interviewing
When you feel uncertain, discouraged, or stuck, I use motivational interviewing to help you explore what matters most to you without pressure or judgment. We may discuss your concerns about medication, previous experiences with treatment, barriers to making changes, or differences between where you are now and where you would like to be. Rather than telling you what you should do, I help you consider your options and make informed decisions that align with your goals, values, and readiness for change.
Supportive
Supportive therapy is an important part of my medication-management appointments. Our visits provide space to discuss your symptoms, current stressors, treatment concerns, and how you are functioning in daily life. I will listen without judgment, help you recognize existing strengths, offer perspective, and work with you to identify manageable next steps. My goal is for you to leave appointments feeling heard, better informed, and more equipped to manage what you are experiencing.
Cognitive Behavioral (CBT)
I use cognitive-behavioral strategies to help you recognize connections among your thoughts, emotions, symptoms, and behaviors. Together, we may identify unhelpful thought patterns, examine how they affect daily functioning, and develop more balanced and useful responses. Depending on your needs, this may include reframing anxious thoughts, breaking overwhelming tasks into smaller steps, improving routines, or practicing coping strategies between appointments. These practical techniques complement medication management and give you tools you can use in everyday life.
Location
Virtual sessions
Identifies as
Top specialties
Licensed in
- ArizonaLicense 337354
- OregonLicense 10058840
- TennesseeLicense 36920
- WashingtonLicense ARNP.AP.70102970-NP