Danara Nelson
I'm a board-certified Nurse Practitioner with over 14 years of experience working in the field of addiction medicine and mental health. Holding two board certifications, one with American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC) as a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner and one with
I received a Post-Master’s to become a PMHNP at the University of Cincinnati, after realizing my passion for serving mental health disparities.
American Association of Nurse Practitioners (AANP) as a Family Nurse Practitioner. I have over 7 years working as a healthcare provider with concierge addiction programs. Received my Master’s Degree in Nursing at NOVA Southeastern University and Bachelor’s Degree at Florida Atlantic University. I received a Post-Master’s to become a PMHNP at the University of Cincinnati, after realizing my passion for serving mental health disparities. I was born and raised right here in South Florida, where my passion for healthcare grew after working almost a decade in an HIV/AIDS non-profit organization, providing housing and other social services. I hope to exude my work experience, compassion, dedication and empathy in all aspects of your care with eagerness to provide quality medical and psychiatric care to the population we serve.
First session
Your first session is an important step in beginning your mental health care journey. During this visit, my goal is to get to know you — not just your symptoms, but your story, experiences, and what brought us in alignment today. The initial appointment typically lasts about 60 minutes and includes a comprehensive psychiatric evaluation. We’ll talk about your current concerns, past mental health history, medical background, lifestyle, and any medications or treatments you’ve tried before. This helps me form a clear understanding of your overall well-being and identify the best next steps for your care. You’ll have the opportunity to ask questions, share your expectations, and be actively involved in creating your treatment plan. I believe in a collaborative and compassionate approach, where we work as a team to find solutions that fit your needs and lifestyle.
Strengths
As a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner, one of my greatest strengths is my ability to build strong, genuine connections with my patients. I believe that trust and rapport are the foundation of effective treatment. My patients often describe feeling heard, understood, and supported from the very first session. I use motivational interviewing and supportive therapy to help clients uncover their strengths, clarify their goals, and move toward meaningful change at their own pace. My approach is warm, collaborative, and nonjudgmental — creating a space where clients feel comfortable being open and honest about their struggles. Another key strength is my ability to explain complex mental health and medication topics in a clear, relatable way. I take the time to ensure my patients fully understand their diagnosis, treatment options, and how medications work, so they feel confident and informed in their care.
Ideal clients
I specialize in working with adults who are struggling with anxiety, depression, mood disorders, or co-occurring substance use and are ready to take steps toward lasting change. Many of my clients come to me feeling stuck, overwhelmed, or unsure where to begin — but they’re open to finding real solutions and improving their quality of life. My ideal clients are those who are willing to explore new ways of thinking, behaving, and coping, and who value a collaborative approach to care. Together, we’ll look at the patterns that may be holding you back and develop a plan that helps you feel more balanced, focused, and emotionally well. While my primary focus is on medication management complimented by therapy, I also believe in the importance of understanding the whole person — your story, your challenges, and your goals. My approach is supportive, compassionate, and evidence-based, emphasizing education, empowerment, and partnership in your care.
Treatment methods
Motivational Interviewing
I usually begin by creating a safe environment where patients feel empowered to find their own reasons for change, and then work with them to develop a concrete plan. I utilize open ended questions, affirmations, reflective listening and summaries.
Supportive
I create comprehensive, patient-centered care plans that combine medication management, skill-building, and education utilizing empathy, active listening, reassurance, coping strategies and goal oriented guidance.
Location
Virtual sessions
Identifies as
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Serves
Licensed in
- FloridaLicense APRN9316544