Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioners (PMHNP) are licensed and board certified to provide psychiatric care to clients, similarly to a Psychiatrist. Given the mental health crisis afflicting our society, many nurses have returned school to increase their training to encompass mental health in their practice. They are well versed in treating issues such as:

• Depression
• Anxiety, Panic Disorder and OCD
• ADD or ADHD
• Eating Disorders
• Mood Disorders and Bipolar
• Trauma-Related Disorders
• Psychosis
• Chronic Pain
• And other mental health issues

Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioners can assess mental health issues across the lifespan, diagnose, provide education to the client and their family, prescribe medications, and plan and evaluate treatment recommendations. Additionally, they work collaboratively with other providers involved in your care, including your therapist and medical doctors. 

What is unique about the Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioners at Optimal Moments, is their ability to think holistically about the individual. They will take their time and listen to all aspects of your symptoms, thoughts, feelings, and experiences impacting your functioning. If you have chronic pain or chronic illnesses, they will collaborate with your other providers to develop the best course of treatment to address your mental health. They will take into consideration your nutrition, sleep, movement or exercise, as well as your overall health in developing a treatment plan to improve your functioning. 

The PMHNPs are equipped to provide ongoing evaluation and management of medications. They have the ability to prescribe medication, if that is a part of your treatment plan. Each medication is carefully selected based on your symptoms and biological makeup. This may include utilizing genetic testing to better identify medications that may work best for you. Ongoing monitoring of your response to these medications will allow for the PMHNP to make necessary adjustments to minimize side effects. 

Our PHMNPs are frequently studying what is new in the field to grow their skills and be the best clinician they can be for you.