Mary Ann R. Garcia
Taking the first step toward caring for your mental health can feel overwhelming, especially when you are used to being the strong one or taking care of everyone else. My goal is to create a space where you feel comfortable talking openly about what you are experiencing and where your concerns are truly heard. I’m a board-certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner with more than 25 years of experience in nursing, healthcare, and education. I would describe myself as warm, approachable, compassionate, and down-to-earth. I enjoy getting to know the person behind the symptoms rather than focusing only on a diagnosis. Life has also taught me that people can go through difficult seasons, unexpected changes, and challenges that others may not always see. My own experiences with major life transitions, different cultures, career changes, and personal challenges have helped shape the way I care for others, with empathy, patience, and an appreciation that everyone’s journey is different. As both a psychiatric provider and educator, I want you to understand your care. I will explain your symptoms, medications, and treatment options in clear, understandable language, answer your questions, and help you feel empowered to participate in decisions about your treatment. I especially enjoy working with clients who want a genuine partnership with their provider. You do not have to come to me with everything figured out. We will start where you are, talk about what matters most to you, and work together toward feeling better and moving forward.
First session
Your first session is really about getting to know you. There is no pressure to have everything figured out or to know exactly what to say. We’ll talk about what brought you in, what you’ve been experiencing, and how it has been affecting your everyday life. I’ll ask questions about your symptoms, health history, medications, relationships, and current stressors, but our conversation will move at a pace that feels comfortable. You’ll also have plenty of opportunities to ask me questions and share what you hope to get from treatment. By the end of our first session, my goal is for you to feel heard and to have a clearer understanding of what may be contributing to how you’re feeling. Together, we’ll discuss treatment options and create a plan that feels realistic and personalized to you. This is a partnership, and your voice matters throughout the process.
Strengths
I bring warmth, curiosity, and genuine listening to every session. I want you to feel like you are having a real conversation with someone who wants to understand you not just your symptoms or diagnosis. I also believe you should have a voice in your care. I take time to explain treatment options and medications in clear, everyday language so you understand the “why” behind our decisions. I welcome questions and encourage you to tell me what is working, what isn’t, and what matters most to you. My approach is collaborative, practical, and compassionate. I’ll meet you where you are while also encouraging you to recognize your strengths and take meaningful steps forward. My goal is for you to leave each session feeling heard, understood, and more confident about your treatment and the direction we are taking together.
Ideal clients
My ideal client is someone who may be feeling overwhelmed, anxious, emotionally exhausted, stuck, or simply not quite like themselves. You may be managing work, relationships, family responsibilities, or major life changes while quietly struggling on the inside. You don’t need to have everything figured out before we meet. You may not even know exactly what you need yet, and that’s okay. What matters is that you are willing to have an open conversation about what you are experiencing and what you would like to change. I enjoy working with clients who want to better understand themselves and be actively involved in their care. Whether your goal is to feel more emotionally balanced, improve your daily functioning, understand your treatment options, or simply feel like yourself again, we will work together to find an approach that feels realistic, meaningful, and right for you.
Treatment methods
Cognitive Behavioral (CBT)
I use principles of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) to help you recognize how your thoughts, emotions, and behaviors may be connected. Together, we can identify patterns that may be contributing to anxiety, depression, or everyday stress and explore healthier ways of responding. During our sessions, I may use CBT-based strategies to challenge unhelpful thoughts, strengthen coping skills, and help you develop practical tools you can use outside of our visits. When combined with medication management when appropriate, these strategies can support meaningful and lasting progress in your overall mental health.
Location
Virtual sessions
Identifies as
Top specialties
Other specialties
Licensed in
- FloridaLicense APRN11042721