A nurse practitioner (NP) is an advanced practice registered nurse with additional education and training. NPs can assess patients, make diagnoses, order and interpret tests, prescribe medications, and develop treatment plans. They collaborate with physicians and other healthcare professionals to provide comprehensive care.

The main difference between a psychiatrist and a psychiatric nurse practitioner lies in their education and scope of practice. A psychiatrist is a medical doctor specializing in mental health, trained to diagnose and treat mental illnesses through medication management, therapy, and other medical interventions. They complete medical school and residency.

A psychiatric nurse practitioner (PMHNP) is an advanced practice registered nurse with specialized training in psychiatric and mental health care. They can assess, diagnose, and treat mental health disorders, provide therapy, and prescribe medications within their scope of practice.

While both professionals provide mental health care, psychiatrists have a broader medical background, whereas psychiatric nurse practitioners bring nursing expertise and often emphasize a holistic, patient-centered approach.

Integrative psychiatry takes a holistic approach to mental health, considering the interconnectedness of the mind, body, and spirit. It aims to minimize the use of medications when possible, opting for a balanced approach that considers the benefits and potential risks associated with medication use. It combines traditional psychiatric treatments with complementary therapies such as nutrition, exercise, mindfulness, and other mind-body practices. Integrative psychiatry emphasizes the importance of lifestyle modifications including sleep, stress management, and healthy habits. It recognizes the potential benefits of evidence-based complementary approaches like yoga, meditation, acupuncture, and herbal supplements in treatment plans.

Appointments are available in-person or online through a secure, HIPAA-compliant telehealth platform. While in-person evaluations are recommended for your first visit, they are not required.

Please note: Stairs are required to access the main office space. If you have mobility limitations, accommodations can be arranged for a downstairs office visit to ensure accessibility and comfort.

Sacred Mind Psychiatry currently accepts insurance through Aetna, Cigna, and Carelon. We are pending United Healthcare, Blue Cross Blue Shield, and Medicare. You may be eligible for partial reimbursement if you have a PPO plan with out-of-network benefits. I can provide a superbill—a detailed receipt—to submit to your insurance provider for possible reimbursement. We recommend contacting your insurance company before booking an appointment to confirm your out-of-network mental health coverage and reimbursement rates. We also accept cash pay options .

It’s completely normal to have concerns about medication. My approach prioritizes open communication. I take the time to listen to your concerns and ensure we thoroughly discuss the risks, benefits, and potential side effects. We always start with the lowest effective dose to decrease side effects and slowly taper up if indicated. We’re never bound to any decisions. Adjustments can be made as needed to ensure you feel comfortable and supported throughout the process.

I do not prescribe benzodiazepines for chronic or long-term use. Benzodiazepines may be considered only for short-term, time-limited indications. This policy is in place to protect patient safety, ensure evidence-based care, and prevent harm associated with long-term benzodiazepine use. Exceptions to this policy may only be made in rare, carefully documented cases where the benefits clearly outweigh the risks and with close monitoring.

I do not see patients who are seeking benzodiazepines as their primary or sole treatment. My focus is on comprehensive, sustainable care that addresses the root of your symptoms using a combination of medication, integrative strategies, and lifestyle support.

Click the link to contact us to provide more details about yourself. After completing a brief questionnaire, I will reach out to schedule a FREE 15-minute initial consultation to find out more about your needs and see if we are a good fit. I look forward to meeting you!

After scheduling, you will receive an email with a link to complete your intake forms and consents. These forms must be submitted at least 48 hours prior to your appointment.

We review all forms in advance to gain a comprehensive understanding of your background and current needs. If forms are not completed within this timeframe, your appointment may need to be rescheduled to allow for adequate preparation.

To make the most of the initial encounter, gather any relevant medical records, previous treatment information, and a list of current medications you're taking. Additionally, take some time to reflect on your symptoms, concerns, and goals for treatment.

Our providers are here to support you, and having this information ready can help ensure a productive and informative first visit.

I require at least 48 hours’ notice to cancel an appointment. Late cancellations or missed appointments will incur a $150 fee. A credit card must be kept on file before booking any appointments.

Clients have access to the patient portal, where you can send a secure message between appointments. I will respond within 24–72 business hours. I also encourage you to note any questions and bring them to your appointment for discussion.

In the beginning, you may need to meet more frequently, especially during medication adjustments or to monitor potential side effects. Once we establish that you’re feeling more stable, follow-up appointments will be required no less than every three months.