Why see a PMHNP? 

While everyone has "off" days, mood disorders involve biological shifts that affect your sleep, appetite, and energy. We look at the whole picture, combining therapy techniques with medication management when necessary, to help stabilize your "baseline" so you can feel like yourself again. 

Will medication change my personality?

The goal of medication is to remove the "heavy blanket" of symptoms, not to change who you are. Most patients find that once their symptoms are managed, they actually feel more like their true selves.

How do we know which medication or therapy is right for me?

Mental health isn't one size fits all. During the initial evaluation, we will look at your symptom history, family history, and lifestyle. In some cases, I may use pharmacogenetic testing (a cheek swab) to see how your body uniquely metabolizes certain medications, which helps us avoid a trial and error approach.

Can I still do therapy while taking medication?

Absolutely. In fact, research shows that for many psychiatric disorders, the combination of medication and psychotherapy is more effective than either one alone. Medication can "stabilize the floor" so that you have the mental energy to do the deep work in therapy.

What can I expect at my first appointment?

Walking into a psychiatric appointment can feel intimidating, but my goal is to make our first meeting feel like a conversation, not an interrogation. Here is how we will spend our first 60 minutes together:

We’ll start by discussing what brought you where you are today. Beyond just your symptoms, I want to hear about your daily life—your work, your relationships, and your goals. We will review your medical history, any current medications or supplements, and lifestyle factors like sleep, nutrition, and stress levels. I willl not just hand you a prescription, and send you on your way. We will discuss a range of options, which may include medication management, therapeutic techniques and lifestyle adjustments.

By the end of the session, we will have a more clear and actionable plan. The goal is that you will leave our session knowing exactly what the next steps are, reliable ways to reach me for support, and when we will meet again to check your progress. 

This is a judgment-free zone. The more I know about your history (including substance use or past trauma), the more safely and effectively I can treat you. Questions are welcome. I encourage you to come prepared with questions and concerns so we don't miss anything important to you. 

Any other question? Don't hesitate to email me a questions.