I have been a psychiatric nurse practitioner for 19 years. Prior to that, I worked as a Registered Nurse. I have experience working with diverse populations, including persons experiencing homelessness, persons with substance use issues, persons with severe and persistent mental illness, pregnant and postpartum women, women in menopause, people making choices about gender identity, and people with a history of trauma. The focus of my practice is prescribing psychotropic medications to assist clients with symptom management. I incorporate psychotherapeutic techniques regularly in my practice. Via telehealth, I do not prescribe controlled substances. Via telehealth, I treat a limited range of diagnoses.

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

During the first appointment, I will conduct a behavioral health assessment. The information I gather will inform my treatment recommendations. I ask many questions during the first appointment. The questions may feel repetitive and similar to questions you have already answered for another clinician. Please be patient and please let me know if you are uncomfortable answering the questions. I will try to work around the elements creating discomfort for you. I do ask about trauma history. I do not dig into trauma. Be prepared to let me know what you do not feel comfortable answering. I may request to review lab results and I may order labwork during the first appointment and thereafter. I may ask you to sign releases of information allowing me to speak with other clinicians or members of your social network. I may ask you to sign consent forms for treatment that are distinct from any consents you signed for Grow Therapy.

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

I am a very direct communicator. I aim to communicate clearly and as diplomatically as possible. I am knowledgeable about psychotropic medications. I love the minutiae of pharmacology. I believe in creating a treatment plan with a client. Team treatment allows me to coordinate with other clinicians working with you, to ensure our interventions are not redundant and are consistent with you reaching your desired outcomes. I espouse the approach that sometimes a client is better served by the style of treatment or the expertise offered by a colleague of mine.

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

As a psychiatric nurse practitioner, via telehealth, I offer medication management services to help you manage your symptoms. I believe in a team approach and will make every effort to communicate with your team (your therapist, your medical providers, your nutritionist/dietitian). Has your therapist suggested you seek medications to help with your anxiety or depression? Have you experienced symptoms that seem to require medications along with psychotherapy? Have any of your medical providers or has your nutritionist/dietitian discussed referring you to a specialist in psychiatric medications? If so, and if you are interested in discussing psychiatric medication options, please confirm with Grow Therapy that I am in network with your insurance company. I look forward to working with you.

About Victoria Marie DeBarbieri