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Therapists answer…

Why did you become a therapist, and what motivates you to continue?

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Sarah O’Brien

Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner
Online & In-Person
Hello! I'm Sarah Christine Allen O’Brien, a dedicated healthcare professional committed to offering compassionate and comprehensive care. With advanced credentials in nursing, I am proud to hold both a Master of Science in Nursing and a Certificate in Psychiatric Mental Health Nursing. Currently, I am furthering my education as a Doctor of Nursing Practice student at Walden University. My journey in healthcare spans over two decades, grounded in hands-on experience in various clinical settings, including critical care and cardiac care. Beyond patient care, I have a passion for teaching, having served as an Assistant Professor at Ohio University's School of Nursing since 2016. I love nurturing the next generation of nurses, creating an environment of learning and growth. I hold certifications like BLS Instructor from the American Heart Association, which is valid until 2026, ensuring that I stay at the forefront of life-saving techniques. As part of my professional experience, I had the privilege to work in the Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner Practicum at Hopewell Health Centers, where I embraced the challenge of mental health care. My goal is to provide patient-centered care, supporting mental and physical well-being with empathy and expertise. I look forward to partnering with you on your health journey, ensuring we achieve your wellness goals together. Treatment philosophy Treatment Philosophy I believe in a compassionate, patient-centered approach to healthcare. Every patient is unique, deserving of individualized care that honors their needs and values. My focus is on mental health, utilizing my expertise as a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner to foster a safe environment for open dialogue. I engage with patients as partners in their journey, emphasizing collaboration and understanding. With over a decade of experience in intensive care, I aim to apply my skills in critical assessment to enhance mental wellness. My goal is to empower patients, helping them navigate challenges through evidence-based practices and a supportive atmosphere, fostering growth and recovery together.
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Ashley Morello

I am a Specialist in Weight Management and Primary Care.
Online Therapy
Hello! I'm a dedicated Nurse Practitioner with a passion for providing comprehensive care to patients with a range of health conditions. With years of experience in primary care, I've honed my skills in evaluating, diagnosing, and managing complex health issues, always with a focus on personalized treatment plans. My journey in healthcare has led me to embrace telemedicine, using platforms like Spruce to ensure continuous patient care, especially during challenging times like the COVID-19 pandemic. I believe in leveraging technology for efficient communication and charting through systems like Elation, ensuring that your medical information is accurate and secure. As an Adjunct Faculty Site Supervisor at Grand Canyon University until January 2023, I've guided nursing students on their path to excellence, emphasizing the importance of a strong patient-provider relationship. My commitment to mental health is evident from my time at Cerebral, where I conducted Telehealth sessions and prescribed treatments for conditions such as ADHD and anxiety disorders. My experience extends from primary care to pain management, weight management, diabetes education, and to specialized care in transplant units at Loma Linda University Medical Center, where I collaborated with teams on post-surgical management for transplant recipients. I'm proud to have worked alongside Dr. Jeff Toll since August 2021 as a Nurse Practitioner in Primary Care/Family Medicine. Together, we strive for excellence in patient care coordination and communication. Your well-being is my top priority. Let's work together towards your health goals with care plans tailored just for you. *Specialties •Weight Loss •Pain Management •Diabetology •Internal Medicine •Nursing •Physical Medicine & •Rehabilitation •Urgent Care *Conditions treated •Weight loss •Chronic back pain •Neck pain •Joint pain •Nerve pain •Headaches •Post-surgical pain •Cancer pain •Arthritis pain •Fibromyalgia •Complex regional pain syndrome •High blood sugar •Unexplained weight loss •Slow wound healing •Fatigue •Tingling in hands/feet •Hypertension •Diabetes management •Diabetes •Medication administration •Injections •Health assessment •Postoperative care •Patient education •Muscle pain •Spinal cord injury •Chronic pain •Mobility issues •Sore throat •UTIs •Ear infections •Asthma •Allergies •Rashes •Life style change •Obesity •Overweight *Treatment philosophy I work with you to determine your goals and treatment comfortability. We will make a plan that you are happy with and re-evaluate as needed. You are the driver of your healthcare and I am here to guide you. *Treatment approach •Culturally Sensitive •Emotionally Focused •Person-Focused
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Erin Palmer

Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner
Online Therapy
Welcome! I'm Erin L. Palmer, a dedicated and compassionate Nurse Practitioner with dual board certifications in Family Practice and Psychiatric Mental Health. With a heart for healing and a commitment to lifelong learning, I thrive in diverse healthcare settings and embrace the challenges that come with them. My journey in healthcare began with a solid foundation from Hampton University, where I earned my Bachelor of Science in Nursing. I further honed my expertise at Catholic University of America, achieving my Master of Science in Nursing as a Family Nurse Practitioner. To deepen my understanding of mental health, I pursued and completed a Post-Masters Certification in Psychiatry and Mental Health at Liberty University. In my current roles, I serve the community by providing thorough assessments, accurate diagnoses, and thoughtful medication management both in-person and through telehealth. My approach is grounded in evidence-based practice, ensuring that every treatment plan is tailored to the individual needs of my patients. I've had the privilege of working in various settings including outpatient psychiatric care, family health clinics, wellness centers, pediatric practices, and even emergency medicine at a Level I Pediatric Trauma Center. This experience has equipped me to care for patients across all stages of life with an array of health concerns. I hold active licenses as an FNP-BC and PMHNP-BC in Maryland, Virginia, and the District of Columbia. Additionally, my commitment to providing exceptional patient care is reflected in my certifications in Trauma therapy, CBT, and DBT. My goal is simple: to provide you with personalized care that promotes your physical, mental, spiritual, and emotional well-being. Thank you for considering me as your partner on your journey to mental health and well being.
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Makeba Matthews

Makeba Matthews, PMHNP-BC
Online & In-Person
I am Makeba Matthews, a board-certified Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner dedicated to providing compassionate care. With a focus on mental health and wellness, I specialize in assessing mental health needs, managing crises, and developing personalized treatment plans. Working closely with other healthcare professionals, I ensure that my patients receive comprehensive and individualized care. I am passionate about promoting mental health awareness and improving access to essential services. Throughout my career, I've gained expertise in medication management, patient education, and leading healthcare teams. I also teach and mentor nursing students, sharing hands-on clinical experience and ensuring the best practices in patient care. From being a staff nurse to a psychiatric practitioner, I am committed to delivering high-quality care. Beyond my professional roles, I lead a non-profit organization called ScrubLife4Ever, aimed at supporting healthcare workers and enhancing community wellness. Whether through initiatives like "Breakfast and Blanket" or "Hygiene on the Go," my goal is to make a positive impact. I'm excited to connect and share my journey and services to help those in need. Treatment philosophy: I believe in compassionate, patient-centered care that empowers individuals to achieve mental wellness. I engage closely with my patients, actively listening to their concerns and tailoring treatment plans to their unique needs. Collaboration is key—I work with a team of professionals to ensure comprehensive support for every patient. I focus on education, helping patients understand their options and the importance of medication management. With a trauma-informed approach, I treat everyone with respect and dignity, fostering a safe space for healing. My goal is to improve access to mental health services and promote awareness, so each patient feels seen, heard, and supported in their journey to recovery.
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Aisha De Freitas

Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner
Online Therapy
I am Aisha De Freitas, a dedicated Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner with nine years of experience in the Behavioral Health field. My passion lies in supporting individuals facing serious mental illness, mood disorders, and substance use disorders. I hold a Doctorate in Nursing Practice and a Master's degree from Florida Atlantic University. In my practice, I offer compassionate care through psychiatric evaluations, medication management, and brief psychotherapy. Whether working in-person or via tele-psychiatry, my focus is always on improving my patient's quality of life. I am skilled in managing moods, providing mental health education, and creating effective treatment plans. Throughout my career, I've been committed to being an attentive listener, reliable supporter, and effective communicator. With a knack for problem-solving and adaptability, I ensure that each patient receives personalized and respectful care. Always striving to empower those I serve, I take pride in nurturing a healthier and happier community. Treatment philosophy At the heart of my practice is a commitment to improving the lives of my patients. I believe in a collaborative approach, where the patient’s voice is heard and valued. With 9 years in Behavioral Health, I focus on treating serious mental illnesses, mood disorders, and substance use disorders. I provide thorough psychiatric evaluations and compassionate care tailored to each individual. I aim to empower my patients through education and support. My experience in various treatment settings allows me to create adaptable, effective treatment plans. Together, we will navigate the journey toward recovery, prioritizing your well-being every step of the way. Treatment approach • Pharmacological Therapy Management • Psychiatric Evaluations and Assessments • Substance Use Disorder Treatment • Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) • Interdisciplinary Collaboration • Brief Psychotherapy Techniques • Mental Health Education Programs • Behavioral Problem Monitoring • Telepsychiatry Services
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Samaneh Fanaeian

I am a Board Certified Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, providing compassionate care to individuals with mental health and behavioral issues.
Online Therapy
I have been in the mental health field for over five years with experience working with both adolescents and adults. I received my Masters of Science in Psychiatry from Walden University. I strive to use a collaborative and holistic approach to address biological, psychological, and social factors that impact a client’s health. I utilizes mindfulness and cognitive behavioral therapy to meet the needs of every client in their own unique way. In addition, I am a member of the American Association of Nurse Practitioners and the American Psychiatric Nurses Association. I believe that one of the most crucial factors in becoming an effective Advanced Practice Nurse is promoting hope to individuals and families with mental illnesses, to instill self-responsibility and empowerment, and in helping individuals living with mental illness seek a meaningful role in life. With this, I hope to help clients meet their goals and live the life they value and desire. I offer services in both English and Farsi. I am skilled in various aspects of mental health care including crisis intervention, behavioral modification, and patient education. My goal is to be a trusted partner in my patients' mental health journey, helping them achieve optimal mental health and a better quality of life. *Specialties •Mental Health *Conditions treated •Depression •Anxiety •Bipolar disorders •ADHD •Eating disorders •PTSD •Pregnancy, Prenatal, Postpartum •Stress •Women's Issues *Practice description Telehealth practice with flexible hours designed to meet each individual's needs. My goal is to provide individualized and holistic care for my patients by helping them understand their mental health conditions and what avenues of treatment options are available to them. My hope is to help clients meet improve their quality of life and live the life they value and desire. We will discuss a variety of treatment options that can be tailored to your needs and lifestyle, including medication management, talk therapy, and other alternatives. *Treatment philosophy My care includes offering a safe and therapeutic space for patients. My goal is to provide individualized and holistic care for my patients by helping them understand their mental health conditions and what avenues of treatment options are available to them. My hope is to help clients meet improve their quality of life and live the life they value and desire. *Treatment approach •Cognitive Behavioral Therapy(CBT) •Humanistic •Person-Focused •Emotionally Focused •Coaching •Culturally Sensitive
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Anna Shudzeka

I am a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner with 10 years healthcare experience.
Online & In-Person
Hello and thanks for stopping by my profile! Since 2013, I've been dedicated to caring for patients with a mix of kindness and expertise. My medical adventure kicked off at Mercy Medical Center in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, where I mastered the art of tailoring care to meet everyone's individual health needs. I took my passion for top-notch care to Unitypoint Health Finley, navigating the dynamic setting of a Level 3 trauma teaching hospital with skill and precision. There, I learned that swift and personal care is key in a busy healthcare environment. At Bakersfield Heart Hospital, I focused on the rhythm of the heart, providing specialized care to those facing cardiac challenges. My journey also led me to Unitypoint Allen Waterloo Iowa and Bellevue Hospital New York, where I broadened my skills in medical-surgical and telemetry nursing with a strong emphasis on putting patients first. As a board-certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP-BC), your mental health is my priority. I offer a blend of therapy options, medications when necessary, and lifestyle tweaks to support your overall wellness. Rest assured, our sessions are rooted in respect, confidentiality, and ethical standards. Mental health care is my forte as a PMHNP-BC, catering to clients of all ages. From detailed evaluations to managing medications and offering psychotherapy, I'm here to guide you through your treatment journey. Together with other healthcare pros, we'll look at all aspects of your life to boost your well-being. You're not alone in facing mental health hurdles. As a PMHNP-BC, I get the complexities involved and am here to help you through them. Let's team up for compassionate, tailored care that draws on proven strategies and whole-person health approaches. Ready for positive change? I'm by your side every step of the way. *Specialties •Mental Health *Conditions treated •Depression •Anxiety •Bipolar disorders •Schizophrenia •PTSD •ADHD •Eating disorders •Addiction •Insomnia •Mood disorders •Trauma •Panic attacks As a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP-BC), my treatment philosophy centers on delivering holistic and compassionate care to individuals facing mental health challenges. Grounded in evidence-based practices, I prioritize understanding each person's unique biological, psychological, social, and environmental factors. Through collaborative partnerships with patients, families, and other healthcare providers, I create personalized treatment plans that respect individual values and goals, fostering autonomy and empowerment. Integrating psychopharmacology with therapy and continuously engaging in lifelong learning and self-reflection, I strive to provide comprehensive and effective care, supporting patients in their journey towards improved well-being. *Treatment approach •Cognitive Behavioral Therapy(CBT) •Trauma-Focused •Person-Focused •Culturally Sensitive •Coaching