Hi! I'm Julie. Do you feel so much despair that it clouds the good things in your life? Are you an intelligent student or employee, but you feel like you can't accomplish what you need to? Do you worry about everything, or are you so shy that the thought of going out with a group makes you feel sick? I could list hundreds of examples, but you don't want to read them! The important thing for you to know is that you are not alone, and there is help available. There is nothing that I would rather hear you say than "I feel so much better than when we started." I have 16 years of nursing experience, starting as a Registered Nurse at the VA Hospital in Tampa, Florida, and then as a nurse practitioner in Internal Medicine, inpatient and outpatient Palliative Care, and outpatient Psychiatry/Mental Health. This is my 11th year in practice as an NP, and I am dual-certified in Family Medicine and Psychiatry, but psychiatry is my passion. I treat most psychiatric diagnoses, but my specialties are depression and ADHD - probably because I struggle with those two myself - so when I say, "I understand how that feels," I mean it. I share my history because I think it is important for my patients to know that no matter how bad things seem, you can overcome them and regain control of your relationships, education, career, or whatever aspect of your life you feel is spiraling downward. I also want you to know AND feel that it really is okay to NOT be okay - as long as you are trying to change it.

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

At your first visit, we will review your intake forms and relevant history and discuss medication choices. I explain your choices, you decide which you want to try, and I prescribe it. If you only need a new prescriber, you are happy with your current treatment plan, and it is effectively treating your symptoms, be assured that I won't change anything or "take your medications away." That seems to be a common concern, especially from patients who are on controlled substances and those who have finally found a medication or combination of medications that works after many unsuccessful trials. Unless your current plan is completely inappropriate or dangerous to you, my philosophy is "If it ain't broke, don't fix it!"

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

I believe that my biggest strength is my ability to connect with patients. I am frequently told by patients that I am "the first provider that ever listened" and that I am easy to talk to. I don't feel sorry for my patients, but I do feel empathy for what they are going through, and have often been there myself.

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

Any, but I really love helping veterans. I also enjoy a challenge. If you have been unsuccessful with finding an effective treatment, I will think outside the box and and do my best to come up with something that works for you.

About Julie Martinez