Tarina McNeil
I’m a board-certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner and a graduate of Nova Southeastern University, with more than 35 years of nursing experience, including nearly two decades in behavioral health.
Beyond the diagnosis is a person. Beyond the symptoms is a story. Your mental health journey deserves compassionate, individualized care.
I was drawn to mental health because I’ve always wanted to understand the person behind the symptoms—their experiences, relationships, challenges, and circumstances that have shaped their lives. My background spans outpatient, inpatient, crisis, geriatric, forensic, and telepsychiatric care, and I enjoy working with children, adolescents, adults, and older adults experiencing depression, anxiety, trauma-related conditions, ADHD, mood disorders, thought disorders, and major life transitions. What I value most about this work is helping people feel heard and understood while we work together to develop thoughtful, individualized treatment that supports meaningful, sustainable improvement.
First session
Your first session is an opportunity for me to understand what brings you to care, your symptoms, health and treatment history, current concerns, and what you hope to achieve. You can expect a welcoming, nonjudgmental environment where you have time to share your experiences and ask questions. Together, we’ll identify your priorities and discuss treatment options, including the potential benefits and risks of medication when appropriate. My goal is for you to leave the first session feeling heard, informed, and clear about the next steps in your care.
Strengths
I bring more than 35 years of nursing experience, extensive psychiatric expertise, and a compassionate, nonjudgmental approach to every session. My background in outpatient, inpatient, crisis, and geriatric mental health care has strengthened my ability to recognize complex clinical concerns while understanding the unique circumstances that shape each person's experiences. One of my greatest strengths is my ability to listen beyond the symptoms, creating a space where individuals feel genuinely heard, respected, and comfortable discussing their concerns. I combine evidence-based treatment, thoughtful clinical assessment, and collaborative decision-making to develop individualized care plans. I value honesty, open communication, and empowering clients to take an active role in their mental health journey. Above all, I believe in meeting people where they are, without judgment, while helping them move toward meaningful and sustainable change.
Ideal clients
My ideal client is someone who may be struggling with anxiety, depression, ADHD, mood changes, trauma, or the emotional challenges that accompany life's transitions. They may feel overwhelmed, misunderstood, or unsure where to begin, but they are seeking a path to greater emotional stability and a better quality of life. I welcome individuals at all stages of their mental health journey, including those seeking help for the first time or those who have struggled to find effective treatment. My ideal client values being heard, respected, and involved in decisions about their care. They do not need to have all the answers or even know exactly what they need. Together, we can explore their concerns, identify realistic goals, and develop an individualized treatment plan that supports lasting progress.
Origin story
My journey into mental health care was inspired by a deep understanding that emotional well-being is just as important as physical health. Throughout my more than 35 years in nursing, I have witnessed how life's challenges, trauma, and major transitions can affect individuals and families in profound ways. These experiences strengthened my passion for psychiatric care and my commitment to helping people feel heard, understood, and supported. I became a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner because I wanted to do more than treat symptoms. I wanted to understand the person behind them. What I find most rewarding is helping individuals rediscover hope, build resilience, and recognize that their current circumstances do not have to define their future. I believe meaningful progress begins with compassion, trust, and meeting people where they are.
Ongoing work together
Our work together will be a collaborative process built on trust, open communication, and mutual respect. We will begin with a comprehensive psychiatric evaluation to better understand your concerns, personal history, current challenges, and treatment goals. From there, we will develop an individualized care plan that may include medication management, education, and practical strategies to support your emotional well-being. During follow-up appointments, we will discuss your progress, evaluate how you are responding to treatment, address any concerns or side effects, and adjust as needed. I believe treatment should evolve as your needs change, and your input will always be an important part of that process. My goal is not simply to manage symptoms, but to help you achieve greater stability, confidence, and an improved quality of life. You can expect a supportive, nonjudgmental environment where we take your concerns seriously and measure your progress by what matters most to you.
Medication approach
I believe medication can be an important component of mental health treatment, but it should never be a one-size-fits-all approach. My philosophy is to treat the whole person, not simply a diagnosis or collection of symptoms. Before recommending medication, I take time to understand your psychiatric and medical history, current concerns, previous treatment experiences, and personal preferences. When medication is appropriate, we will discuss available options, potential benefits, risks, and side effects so you can make informed decisions about your care. I believe in prescribing thoughtfully, using the lowest effective dose when clinically appropriate, and regularly reassessing the need for continued treatment. Medication management is a collaborative process. I respect your concerns, encourage questions, and recognize that medication is only one part of comprehensive mental health care. My goal is to ensure your treatment plan reflects your individual needs, values, and preferences.
Treatment methods
Motivational Interviewing
I use motivational interviewing to help clients explore their concerns, identify goals, and build confidence to make meaningful changes. Rather than telling you what you should do, I take time to understand what matters most to you, including any uncertainty you may have about treatment or medication. Through open conversations, thoughtful questions, and active listening, we work together to identify barriers, recognize your strengths, and develop realistic steps toward improving your mental health. My approach is supportive and nonjudgmental, so you can make informed decisions at your own pace while staying actively involved in your care.
Location
Virtual sessions