Working Together
Initial evaluations involve a thorough exploration of current symptoms while gathering a life history in order to individualize a comprehensive treatment plan. Treatment is solution-focused. As a nurse, I have been trained to use the nursing process to evaluate you, the individual, not just your symptoms. The nursing process stresses the importance of a holistic approach to care through assessment, diagnosis, planning, implementation, and evaluation.
Part of my role is to educate you about specific psychiatric medications which might be beneficial, as well as to discuss potential risks and/or side effects and how to take them safely. Medications can be beneficial in alleviating mental health conditions, but evidence-based research shows they are only one factor in effective treatment.
I strongly advise working with a mental health therapist and prioritizing your holistic health (mind and body) through healthy lifestyle choices. Additionally, alternative and complementary medicines (CAM) such as herbal remedies can treat some mental health conditions just as effectively as prescription medications. These are all options we’ll discuss together.