Christy Cotner, DNP
Many adults come to me after feeling dismissed, overmedicated, or unsure of their diagnosis. I'm a board-certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP-BC) and Family Nurse Practitioner with over 25 years in healthcare, and my work focuses on getting the diagnosis right and building a clear, sustainable treatment plan. My background spans both psychiatry and primary care, so I look at the full picture not just symptoms, but medical contributors, stress patterns, and life context that often get missed in a 15-minute visit. I specialize in depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, complex mood disorders, adult ADHD, medication management, and second opinions when treatment has stalled or doesn't feel like it's working.
My background in both psychiatry and primary care allows me to look at the full picture, not just symptoms, but medical contributors, stress patterns, and life context.
If you've felt unheard, or like your current treatment plan isn't quite right, I'd like to help you find clarity and a path forward.
First session
Our first visit is a comprehensive evaluation. We'll go through your history together prior medications, what's helped, what hasn't, and anything that may have been missed along the way. You'll leave with a clear diagnostic impression and a structured plan, so you understand not just what we're doing, but why. I don't make unnecessary medication changes. We move thoughtfully and intentionally, building a plan that actually fits you.
Strengths
Careful assessment and diagnostic clarity are at the core of how I practice. I value precision patients consistently tell me they feel more confident once they understand what's actually happening and why a specific treatment plan was chosen. I avoid reflexive prescribing. My focus is on building lasting stability, not chasing symptoms.
Ideal clients
I work best with adults who want a structured, collaborative approach to managing anxiety, depression, ADHD, bipolar disorder, or complex mood symptoms.
Treatment methods
Supportive
Careful assessment and diagnostic clarity are at the core of how I practice. I value precision — patients consistently tell me they feel more confident once they understand what's actually happening and why a specific treatment plan was chosen. I avoid reflexive prescribing. My focus is on building lasting stability, not chasing symptoms. Alongside medication management, I incorporate supportive therapy — helping you feel heard, reinforcing what's already working, and providing practical guidance as we move through treatment together.
Location
Virtual sessions
Identifies as
Top specialties
Other specialties
Serves
Licensed in
- CaliforniaLicense 95001004
- OregonLicense 10000166