Danielle Bass
I am a Board-Certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP-BC) licensed in Kentucky, dedicated to providing compassionate, evidence-based mental health care across the lifespan. I earned my Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) from Walden University, hold the ANCC Pain Management Nursing Certification (PMGT-BC), and am currently pursuing my Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) degree. I provide comprehensive psychiatric evaluations, medication management, and supportive psychotherapy for adolescents, adults, and older adults experiencing a wide range of mental health concerns, including depression, anxiety, ADHD, bipolar disorder, PTSD, OCD, trauma-related disorders, and other psychiatric conditions. My background in both psychiatry and pain management allows me to recognize the complex relationship between physical and emotional health and develop individualized treatment plans that address the whole person.
In my current position, I often assume a multifaceted role of medical provider, educator, mental health advocate, therapist, crisis counselor, and clinical preceptor.
I believe that the best mental health care is built on trust, collaboration, and open communication. My goal is to create a welcoming, judgment-free environment where patients feel heard, understood, and empowered to take an active role in their treatment. Together, we develop evidence-based treatment plans that promote resilience, improve daily functioning, and support long-term emotional wellness and overall quality of life.
First session
During our first session, we will begin with brief introductions and discuss the concerns and challenges that brought you to treatment. Together, we will develop an individualized treatment plan, establish meaningful goals, and outline next steps for ongoing care. As part of the evaluation, I conduct a comprehensive psychiatric and medical assessment to ensure treatment recommendations are tailored to your unique needs. I believe that informed patients make the best decisions about their care, so I provide thorough education regarding the potential risks, benefits, and alternatives of available treatment options. This collaborative approach is especially important for individuals with complex medical conditions or other special considerations, allowing us to create a safe, effective, and personalized plan of care.
Strengths
My clinical experience has enabled me to develop strong assessment and diagnostic skills while fostering a compassionate, patient-centered approach to care. I strive to build genuine, trusting relationships with patients and their families by creating a supportive, collaborative treatment environment. My practice is guided by evidence-based medicine, clinical expertise, and individualized care, allowing me to develop treatment plans that address each patient's unique needs and goals. In my current role, I serve in multiple capacities as a psychiatric provider, educator, therapist, patient advocate, crisis clinician, and clinical preceptor, providing comprehensive mental health care across a variety of clinical settings.
Ideal clients
My ideal clients are adolescents, adults, and older adults who are seeking compassionate, evidence-based mental health care while navigating complex emotional, psychiatric, or medical challenges. I am particularly well-suited to work with individuals experiencing anxiety, depression, mood disorders, ADHD, trauma-related conditions, PTSD, adjustment disorders, grief, chronic stress, and the psychological effects of chronic medical illnesses. I also have extensive experience caring for individuals with severe and persistent mental illness, including psychotic disorders, personality disorders, substance use disorders, and cognitive disorders such as dementia. Many of the individuals I serve are coping with significant life transitions, chronic pain, disability, traumatic injuries, or the emotional impact of serious medical conditions. Others seek care because they feel overwhelmed by persistent symptoms that interfere with their relationships, work, education, or overall quality of life. I have specialized experience supporting patients through psychiatric crises, suicide prevention, acute psychosis, delirium, addiction and withdrawal, psychotropic medication management, medication-related complications, and mood or behavioral changes associated with traumatic brain injuries and cerebrovascular accidents (CVAs). I am best positioned to serve clients who value a collaborative, patient-centered approach and are motivated to better understand their mental health, develop healthier coping strategies, and improve daily functioning. Whether someone is experiencing a new mental health concern or has struggled with symptoms for many years, I strive to provide a safe, nonjudgmental environment where they feel heard, respected, and empowered. Together, we develop individualized treatment plans that integrate evidence-based psychotherapy, thoughtful medication management when appropriate, lifestyle interventions, and education to help clients achieve lasting emotional wellness and an improved quality of life.
Treatment methods
Supportive
I provide patient-centered, evidence-based psychiatric care to adolescents, adults, and older adults, with an emphasis on compassionate, collaborative, and individualized treatment. My clinical experience has allowed me to develop strong assessment, diagnostic, and medication management skills while building meaningful therapeutic relationships with patients and their families. My treatment approach recognizes that no two individuals are the same. I work collaboratively with each patient to develop a personalized plan of care that integrates current evidence-based guidelines, clinical expertise, and each person's unique goals, values, and life circumstances. I believe that patient education and shared decision-making are essential components of successful treatment, empowering individuals to make informed choices about their mental health. In addition to serving as a psychiatric provider, I frequently serve as an educator, therapist, mental health advocate, crisis counselor, and clinical preceptor. I strive to create a supportive, nonjudgmental environment where patients feel heard, respected, and actively involved in their care. My goal is to help patients achieve lasting improvements in their mental health, functioning, and overall quality of life through comprehensive, compassionate, and evidence-based treatment.
Cognitive Behavioral (CBT)
I currently work with patients navigating the emotional and psychological challenges associated with chronic medical conditions, acute illness, psychiatric disorders, physical rehabilitation, and other significant life stressors. I frequently incorporate cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) interventions to help patients develop healthy coping strategies, identify and modify unhelpful thought patterns, and improve emotional resilience. My approach focuses on reducing depression, anxiety, stress, and pain that can worsen medical conditions while promoting adaptive behaviors that support both mental and physical well-being. Through evidence-based CBT techniques, I help patients build practical skills that improve daily functioning, enhance quality of life, and support long-term recovery.
Psychoeducation
My approach to treatment begins with a comprehensive psychiatric and medical evaluation to ensure that all aspects of a patient's health are considered before developing a treatment plan. Because many mental health symptoms are influenced by underlying medical conditions, chronic illness, medications, pain, hormonal changes, or neurological disorders, I place a strong emphasis on understanding the complete clinical picture rather than treating symptoms in isolation. I believe that patient education is an essential component of high-quality care. I take time to explain each diagnosis, discuss evidence-based treatment options, and review the potential risks, benefits, side effects, and expected outcomes of medications and therapeutic interventions. This collaborative approach empowers patients to make informed, health-conscious decisions that align with their personal values, medical history, and treatment goals. My clinical experience includes caring for adolescents, adults, and geriatric patients in acute medical, psychiatric, and physical rehabilitation settings, where complex medical and psychiatric conditions frequently coexist. This experience has strengthened my ability to recognize the interaction between physical and mental health while developing individualized treatment plans that prioritize both safety and effectiveness. By combining thorough assessment, evidence-based practice, and shared decision-making, I strive to provide compassionate, patient-centered care that promotes long-term mental wellness and overall health.
Trauma-Informed Care
I have extensive experience working with individuals affected by complex trauma stemming from a wide range of psychosocial stressors, including combat-related PTSD, interpersonal violence, physical and emotional abuse, sudden loss, serious illness or injury, motor vehicle accidents, healthcare-related trauma, discrimination, and other adverse life experiences. I take a trauma-informed approach to care by fostering a safe, supportive, and nonjudgmental therapeutic environment where patients feel heard and respected. My goal is to help patients understand the psychological and physiological effects of trauma, develop healthy coping strategies, improve emotional regulation and stress responses, and process difficult experiences at a pace that feels safe for them. Through evidence-based interventions, psychoeducation, and collaborative treatment planning, I work to empower patients to regain a sense of control, build resilience, and move toward lasting emotional healing and improved quality of life.
Trauma-Informed Care
I provide comprehensive evaluations and individualized treatment for patients experiencing chronic pain and related mental health conditions. My services include pain-focused psychiatric assessment, medication management, psychoeducation, and supportive psychotherapy designed to address the emotional, psychological, and functional impact of persistent pain. I work with patients experiencing a variety of pain conditions, including neuropathic pain, musculoskeletal disorders, fibromyalgia, complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS), headaches and migraines, pain following injury or surgery, and other chronic medical conditions that affect emotional well-being. When appropriate, I offer education and guidance regarding medical cannabis as a potential therapeutic option for qualifying patients. I help individuals understand the potential benefits, limitations, risks, and safe use of medical cannabis while integrating it into a comprehensive, individualized treatment plan when clinically indicated. My approach to pain management extends beyond medication and focuses on improving overall function and quality of life. I incorporate evidence-based therapies such as cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), stress management, mindfulness, behavioral activation, sleep optimization, and healthy lifestyle interventions to help patients develop effective coping strategies and reduce the emotional burden of chronic pain. I collaborate with primary care providers, pain management specialists, physical therapists, and other healthcare professionals to ensure coordinated, patient-centered care that addresses both the physical and psychological aspects of chronic pain.
Location
Virtual sessions
In-person sessions101 N 7th St, Louisville, KY 40202, Suite 201