Psychiatry

You can become a patient by filling out this HIPAA-compliant form.

PMHNP stands for Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner. Stephanie also is credentialed as an Advanced Practice Registered Nurse (APRN) and has a Master’s degree in Social Work (MSW).

Stephanie works with patients ages 13+ who experience Autism Spectrum Disorder, ADHD, depressive disorders, anxiety disorders, Bipolar II, and/or trauma-related disorders. She works with children ages 10-13 if they are in psychotherapy. She typically does not work with patients experiencing psychotic disorders, Bipolar I/mania, or opioid use disorder, as these conditions are generally ill-suited for telehealth.

Many medical conditions cause psychiatric symptoms. The best practice is to rule out disease-driven causes for psychiatric conditions before considering psychiatric medication. Documentation of a wellness visit within the last six months is required before your intake with Stephanie.

In advance of your intake, you will complete the release of information forms for your primary care provider, past psychiatric providers, and therapist. We will request your records and review them before your first appointment. Please note that many offices also require a release of information originating from their office.

To develop a meaningful relationship and joint understanding with her patients, Stephanie spends more time than typical in appointments. Initial intake appointments are 90 minutes, and include time spent collecting records, ordering labs, etc. The next appointment is scheduled 1-2 weeks after intake.

Stephanie sees patients quarterly, even if no medication changes are being made. The goal is to monitor progress and to maintain stability. Appointments for established patients typically are 30 minutes long and happen every 2-6 weeks depending on the circumstance. At a minimum, Stephanie sees patients quarterly, even if no medication changes are being made; the goal is to monitor progress and maintain stability.

Family members may be invited to attend a psychiatric appointment in order to provide observations of their family member’s functioning. For minors, Stephanie can meet separately to collaborate with parents.

Parents are required to attend their child’s initial intake appointment. If a parent is unable to attend a subsequent appointment, they may complete a brief questionnaire ahead of time addressing whether prescribed psychiatric medications are taken regularly, whether side effects have been observed, and their general impressions of their teen’s functioning. Parents who notice big changes in their teen should contact our front desk to schedule as soon as possible.