Hello! I'm a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner with over 20 years of experience in health care. I've worked with individuals with a wide range of mental health issues, including substance abuse, depression, and anxiety. I also work closely with local LGBTQ+ organizations to provide primary and mental health care. I'm double certified as a Family Nurse Practitioner and Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner. My goal is to help my patients achieve relief from their condition and achieve long term stability. While I specialize in medication management for patients with mental health conditions, it's important to help my patients learn to cope with their symptoms. To that end, I provide my patients with extensive education and support on their symptoms and diagnosis. I also am sure to explain the purpose of each medication including any possible side effects. I encourage my patients to ask questions, and remind them that I am a partner in their mental health journey.

What can clients expect to take away from sessions with you?

In our first session together, we'll start with brief introductions, explain a little about my role as a PMHNP, and address any immediate concerns from the patient. I will spend a few minutes reviewing some housekeeping items, such as HIPPA and confidentiality. I will obtain a psychiatric history and some background on family and social history. I will ask about medical history, obtain information about current medications, and what your current concerns are. After obtaining as much information about the patient's history and what the current symptoms are, we will work together to formulate a treatment plan. If you are currently taking medication, we will discuss whether changing it, continuing it, or discontinuing it is the most appropriate. It is important to remember that it is a shared-decision making process with the patient. As a provider, I will provide recommendations and it will be up to the patient to decide. At the conclusion, we will agree on a follow up date/time to evaluate the effectiveness of the treatment. There may be "homework" given to the patient, to help them work on coping skills to manage symptoms. If a patient wishes to have therapy with another provider, I can assist in referring.

Explain to clients what areas you feel are your biggest strengths.

My greatest strength comes from my ability to provide non- judgemental care which creates a safe, accepting environment. This will allow patients to feel understood and supported, which is important in the development of the therapeutic relationship. I strive to provide culturally competent care. I believe that each individual is unique, and my approach to care respects and honors that uniqueness. I am committed to providing care that aligns as much as possible with the patient's values. I strive to listen actively and communicate in a clear, compassionate way, ensuring clients feel heard and understood.

Describe the client(s) you are best positioned to serve.

I enjoy helping individuals that want to be active participants in their mental health treatment and may have avoided seeking mental health help in the past. This includes LGBTQ+ individuals or someone from a minority group who may face unique mental health challenges related to identity, discrimination, and societal pressures. I offer affirming, non-judgmental support and tailored treatment plans that respect their identities and experiences. My goal is to help clients discover their own inner strength and resilience. Whether due to life transitions, chronic stress, or biochemical imbalances, my patients can expect tailored interventions that integrate traditional psychiatric care with holistic strategies such as mindfulness, lifestyle changes, and therapeutic counseling. I wish to offer a non-judgmental, empowering framework to my patients. I wish to be a supportive, open-minded professional who will work collaboratively to help them achieve their fullest potential.

About Teresa Albernas