Bio I'm a Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner and Department Head of a 7-person team which includes Psychology, Social Work, and Behavioral Health Technicians. We provide acute stabilization and ongoing outpatient mental health treatment for the military community in Iwakuni, Japan.
In addition to direct patient care, I love leading teams, mentoring others, and finding solutions to complex problems.
I have served in the U.S. Navy for 22 years, and almost half of that has been in Japan (Sasebo, Yokosuka, Iwakuni, and soon - Okinawa).
Services I Offer Perhaps it would be easiest to explain what a Psychiatric-Mental Health (PMHNP) does!
Assessment and Diagnosis:
PMHNPs conduct thorough psychiatric evaluations to assess a patient's mental health status.
They diagnose a wide range of mental health conditions, including anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder, and substance abuse disorders.
They may also assess for and manage mental health conditions related to other medical conditions or substance use.
Treatment Planning and Management:
PMHNPs develop individualized treatment plans based on the patient's specific needs and diagnosis.
They prescribe and manage psychiatric medications, adjusting dosages and monitoring for side effects.
They may provide psychotherapy, including individual, group, and family therapy, such as cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT).
They may also integrate other therapeutic modalities into treatment plans, such as lifestyle adjustments or complementary therapies.
Medication Management:
PMHNPs are qualified to prescribe and manage psychiatric medications.
They assess the patient's response to medication, adjust dosages, and monitor for side effects.
They educate patients and their families about the purpose, dosage, and potential side effects of prescribed medications.
Collaboration and Consultation:
PMHNPs often collaborate with other healthcare professionals, such as primary care physicians, psychiatrists, and social workers, to provide comprehensive care.
They may serve as consultants to other healthcare providers, offering their expertise in mental health care.
They may also collaborate with community resources and support systems to help patients access necessary services.
Patient Education:
PMHNPs educate patients and their families about mental health conditions, treatment options, and self-management strategies.
They empower patients to take an active role in their own care and recovery.
They may provide education on medication adherence, lifestyle adjustments, and other strategies for maintaining mental well-being.
Emergency Psychiatric Services:
PMHNPs are trained to provide emergency psychiatric care, including crisis intervention and stabilization.
They may work in emergency rooms, urgent care centers, or crisis stabilization units.
That pretty much sums it up!
