What I Provide
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner in Bellingham, WA
Comprehensive Mental Health Services for Whatcom County Serving Children, Teens, Adults & Those with Serious Mental Illness.
As a board-certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP) serving Bellingham, Ferndale, Lynden, Blaine, and all of Whatcom County, Washington, I provide comprehensive mental health services including psychiatric evaluations, medication management, and ongoing psychiatric care for children, adolescents, adults, and individuals with serious mental illness. With specialized training in treating the full spectrum of mental health conditions—from ADHD and anxiety to schizophrenia and bipolar disorder—I offer compassionate, evidence-based psychiatric treatment tailored to each patient's unique needs.
Whether you're seeking treatment for depression, anxiety disorders, ADHD, bipolar disorder, OCD, PTSD, or serious mental illness, my practice provides accessible, high-quality psychiatric services to residents throughout Whatcom County. I currently offer convenient telehealth services for patients across Washington State. If you’re looking for psychiatric pediatric solutions, psychiatric help for adults in and around Bellingham, WA, or help managing psychiatric medications for your child, yourself, or another loved one, you are in the right spot.
My approach combines thorough psychiatric assessment with personalized medication management, collaboration with therapists and other healthcare providers, and a commitment to reducing stigma around mental health conditions. From children struggling with behavioral concerns to adults managing chronic psychiatric conditions, I partner with patients and families in Bellingham and throughout Whatcom County to achieve stability, recovery, and improved quality of life.
Child & Adolescent
Psychiatry Services in Bellingham, Whatcom County, and Washington State
As a board-certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP) serving Bellingham, Ferndale, Lynden, Blaine, and throughout Whatcom County, I provide specialized mental health care for children and teenagers ages 6-17. Early intervention is critical for young people and pediatric clients facing mental health challenges, and I'm committed to providing compassionate, evidence-based psychiatric care and psychiatric medication management that helps children and adolescents thrive.
Serving Whatcom County Families: With youth/pediatric mental health concerns on the rise throughout Washington State and Whatcom County specifically, access to quality child and adolescent psychiatric services in Bellingham has never been more important. I work collaboratively with local schools, pediatricians, therapists, and families across Whatcom County to provide comprehensive medication management and psychiatric evaluations.
Common Conditions I Treat - Children & Teens
Comprehensive evaluation and medication management for children and teens struggling with focus, hyperactivity, and impulse control. I work closely with Whatcom County schools to support academic success.
ADHD (Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder)
Treatment for generalized anxiety, social anxiety, separation anxiety, and panic disorder in young people. Anxiety is one of the most common mental health concerns affecting Bellingham-area youth.
Anxiety Disorders
Trauma & PTSD in Youth
Trauma-informed psychiatric care for children and adolescents who have experienced adverse childhood experiences (ACEs), supporting healing and resilience in young Whatcom County residents.
Depression in Children & Adolescents
Specialized care for pediatric depression, including major depressive disorder and persistent depressive disorder, with evidence-based medication management tailored to young patients.
Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD)
Evidence-based medication management for pediatric OCD, helping children and teens reduce intrusive thoughts and compulsive behaviors that interfere with daily life.
Behavioral Disorders
Assessment and treatment for oppositional defiant disorder (ODD), conduct disorder, and disruptive mood dysregulation disorder affecting children in Whatcom County.
Adolescent Mental Health Crisis Support
According to the Washington State Healthy Youth Survey, approximately 19% of Whatcom County eighth graders have thought about suicide, highlighting the critical need for accessible child and adolescent psychiatric services in our community. I provide urgent psychiatric evaluations for youth in crisis and work collaboratively with local resources including the Youth Crisis Triage Unit in Everson, Compass Health's Child, Youth, and Family Crisis Team, and Whatcom County schools to ensure comprehensive care.
I believe in simple ideas, strong relationships, and lasting impact. What began as a passion project has evolved into something more.
Medication Management for Young Patients
Psychiatric medication management for children and adolescents requires specialized knowledge and careful monitoring. As an experienced pediatric psychiatric nurse practitioner in Bellingham, I take a conservative, evidence-based approach to prescribing, always considering the unique developmental needs of young patients. I work closely with parents, guardians, pediatricians, and therapists throughout Whatcom County to ensure coordinated care and optimal outcomes. Treatment includes comprehensive psychiatric evaluations, regular follow-up appointments for medication monitoring, collaboration with schools and therapists, parent education and support, and integration of therapy and lifestyle interventions alongside medication when appropriate.
I believe in simple ideas, strong relationships, and lasting impact. What began as a passion project has evolved into something more.
Adult Psychiatry
Mental Health Services in Bellingham, WA
As a psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner serving adults throughout Bellingham, WA, Whatcom County, and Washington State, I provide comprehensive psychiatric evaluations, medication management, and ongoing mental health care for individuals ages 18 and older. Whether you're seeking treatment for depression, anxiety, ADHD, bipolar disorder, or other mental health conditions, I offer evidence-based, personalized psychiatric care designed to help you achieve stability and improve your quality of life.
Accessible Care in Whatcom County: Mental health care should be accessible to all Whatcom County residents and throughout Washington State. I currently offer telehealth services throughout Washington State, making it easier for adults in Ferndale, Lynden, Blaine, Everson, and rural Whatcom County to access quality psychiatric care.
Common Psychiatric Conditions I Treat - Adults
Depression & Major Depressive Disorder
Evidence-based medication management for adults experiencing depression in Bellingham and Whatcom County. Treatment includes comprehensive evaluation, medication selection and monitoring, and coordination with therapists providing counseling.
Anxiety Disorders
Psychiatric treatment for generalized anxiety disorder (GAD), panic disorder, social anxiety, and specific phobias affecting adults throughout Whatcom County. I provide medication management to reduce symptoms and improve daily functioning.
Adult ADHD
Diagnosis and medication management for attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder in adults. Many Bellingham-area adults discover ADHD later in life and benefit significantly from appropriate treatment.
Specialized medication management for bipolar I and bipolar II disorder, helping adults in Whatcom County achieve mood stability and prevent manic and depressive episodes.
Bipolar Disorder
Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD)
Evidence-based medication management for adults with OCD throughout Bellingham and Whatcom County, helping reduce intrusive thoughts and compulsive behaviors that interfere with daily life.
Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
Trauma-informed psychiatric care for adults living with PTSD and complex trauma. I provide medication management to reduce symptoms including nightmares, hypervigilance, and intrusive thoughts.
Sleep Disorders & Insomnia
Psychiatric evaluation and medication management for chronic insomnia and sleep problems related to mental health conditions affecting adults in Whatcom County.
Adjustment Disorders & Life Transitions
Support for adults in Bellingham navigating difficult life transitions, major stressors, or adjustment disorders that may benefit from short-term psychiatric intervention.
Comprehensive Psychiatric Evaluation in Bellingham
Every new patient receives a thorough psychiatric evaluation to ensure accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment planning. As a psychiatric nurse practitioner in Bellingham, WA, I take time to understand your unique history, symptoms, concerns, and treatment goals. The initial evaluation typically includes a detailed psychiatric history and symptom assessment, review of previous treatments and medications, evaluation of co-occurring medical conditions, mental status examination, collaborative discussion of diagnosis and treatment options, and development of a personalized treatment plan. This comprehensive approach ensures that adults throughout Whatcom County receive individualized care tailored to their specific needs.
Psychiatric medication management is more than just prescribing medication—it's an ongoing collaborative relationship focused on achieving your mental health goals. As your psychiatric nurse practitioner in Whatcom County, I provide regular follow-up appointments to monitor medication effectiveness, carefully adjust dosages and medications as needed, manage side effects, provide education about medications and treatment options, and coordinate with therapists, primary care physicians, and other providers. I believe in shared decision-making and will always discuss the benefits, risks, and alternatives to any recommended treatment.
I believe in simple ideas, strong relationships, and lasting impact. What began as a passion project has evolved into something more.
Medication Management for Adults
While medication can be an important tool in treating mental health conditions, I believe in a holistic approach to psychiatric care. For adults in Bellingham and throughout Whatcom County, I integrate medication management with recommendations for therapy, lifestyle modifications, nutrition and exercise, stress management techniques, and sleep hygiene. This comprehensive approach recognizes that mental health is influenced by biological, psychological, and social factors, and the most effective treatment addresses all these dimensions.
Integrative Approach to Mental Health Care
LGBTQ+ Affirming Mental Health Care
I provide affirming psychiatric care for LGBTQ+ adults throughout Bellingham and Whatcom County. Mental health disparities affect LGBTQ+ individuals at higher rates, and accessing knowledgeable, affirming care is essential. I have experience working with transgender and gender-diverse adults, supporting those navigating gender identity concerns, and treating mental health conditions common in LGBTQ+ populations including anxiety, depression, and trauma-related disorders.
Serious Mental Illness
Treatment in Bellingham & Whatcom CountyMental Health Services in Bellingham, WA
As a board-certified psychiatric nurse practitioner specializing in serious mental illness, I provide expert medication management and psychiatric care for individuals throughout Bellingham and Whatcom County living with complex, chronic mental health conditions. Serious mental illness (SMI) includes conditions that significantly interfere with daily functioning and require ongoing psychiatric treatment, including schizophrenia, schizoaffective disorder, treatment-resistant depression, and severe bipolar disorder. I am committed to providing compassionate, evidence-based care that promotes stability, recovery, and quality of life for individuals with serious psychiatric conditions.
Washington State-Certified SMI Provider: I am a Washington State-certified mental health provider qualified to treat individuals with serious mental illness in Whatcom County. This specialized training and certification ensures that residents of Bellingham and surrounding areas have access to qualified psychiatric care for complex mental health conditions.
Serious Mental Illnesses Treated
Schizophrenia Spectrum Disorders
Comprehensive psychiatric medication management for schizophrenia, including treatment of positive symptoms (hallucinations, delusions), negative symptoms (social withdrawal, lack of motivation), and cognitive symptoms affecting Whatcom County residents.
Schizoaffective Disorder
Specialized treatment for schizoaffective disorder, addressing both psychotic symptoms and mood episodes (depression or mania) with carefully coordinated medication management.
Severe Bipolar Disorder
Expert medication management for individuals with bipolar I disorder experiencing severe manic episodes, mixed episodes, or bipolar depression with psychotic features. Treatment focuses on mood stabilization and preventing hospitalization.
Specialized care for adults in Bellingham and Whatcom County with major depressive disorder that has not responded to standard treatments. I offer advanced medication strategies and collaborative care approaches.
Treatment-Resistant Depression
Psychotic Disorders
Treatment for various psychotic disorders, including brief psychotic disorder, delusional disorder, and psychosis associated with other mental health conditions affecting Whatcom County residents.
Severe Anxiety with Functional Impairment
Psychiatric care for anxiety disorders that cause severe impairment in daily functioning, including severe panic disorder, agoraphobia, and anxiety with psychotic features.
Treatment for severe obsessive-compulsive disorder significantly interfering with daily life, including treatment-resistant OCD requiring specialized medication strategies.
Severe OCD
Dual Diagnosis: Mental Illness & Substance Use
Integrated treatment for individuals in Whatcom County with co-occurring serious mental illness and substance use disorders, coordinating psychiatric care with addiction treatment services.
Medication Management for Complex Psychiatric Conditions
Managing serious mental illness requires specialized expertise in psychiatric medications. As a psychiatric nurse practitioner in Bellingham with advanced training in treating SMI, I provide comprehensive medication management, including antipsychotic medications (both first-generation and second-generation/atypical antipsychotics), mood stabilizers for bipolar disorder and mood dysregulation, antidepressants for depression and anxiety, anti-anxiety medications when appropriate, and long-acting injectable medications (LAI) for improved medication adherence. I carefully monitor for medication side effects and work collaboratively with patients to find the most effective medication regimen with the fewest side effects.
Long-Acting Injectable Antipsychotic Medications
For individuals with schizophrenia, schizoaffective disorder, or bipolar disorder who struggle with medication adherence, long-acting injectable (LAI) antipsychotics can be life-changing. These medications are administered once every few weeks or monthly, eliminating the need for daily pills and improving treatment outcomes. I have extensive experience prescribing and monitoring LAI medications, including Abilify Maintena, Aristada, Invega Sustenna, Risperdal Consta, and Zyprexa Relprevv. For Whatcom County residents with serious mental illness, LAI medications can reduce hospitalizations and improve stability.
Crisis Prevention & Relapse Prevention
A key component of treating serious mental illness is preventing psychiatric crises and hospitalizations. Working together, we develop a comprehensive relapse prevention plan that includes recognition of early warning signs, strategies to prevent full relapse, emergency contact information and crisis resources, coordination with support systems, and regular monitoring and medication adjustments. I work closely with Compass Health, VOA Care Crisis Line, Whatcom County Behavioral Health services, and local hospitals to ensure coordinated crisis care when needed.
Collaborative Care Approach
Treating serious mental illness requires a team approach. As your psychiatric nurse practitioner in Bellingham, I collaborate extensively with other providers and support systems including therapists and counselors, case managers, primary care physicians, family members and caregivers (with patient consent), supported housing programs, vocational rehabilitation services, and peer support specialists. This collaborative model ensures that individuals with serious mental illness in Whatcom County receive comprehensive, coordinated care addressing all aspects of recovery and wellbeing.
Supported Recovery & Rehabilitation
Recovery from serious mental illness is possible. While SMI is typically chronic and requires ongoing treatment, many individuals achieve significant improvement in symptoms, functioning, and quality of life with appropriate psychiatric medication management and support services. I am committed to supporting recovery-oriented care that focuses on each person's strengths, goals, and potential. Treatment aims to reduce psychiatric symptoms, improve daily functioning, support employment and education goals, enhance social relationships and community integration, and promote independent living skills when appropriate.
Reducing Stigma Around Serious Mental Illness
Approximately 1 in 5 adults in Whatcom County experience mental health conditions each year, and conditions like schizophrenia, schizoaffective disorder, and severe bipolar disorder affect thousands of Washington State residents. Despite their prevalence, these conditions are often stigmatized. I am committed to providing dignified, respectful care that recognizes that individuals with serious mental illness deserve the same compassion, understanding, and high-quality treatment as anyone with a serious medical condition. Mental illness is not a character flaw—it's a medical condition that responds to appropriate treatment.
Access to SMI Services in Whatcom County
Accessing psychiatric care for serious mental illness in Bellingham and Whatcom County can be challenging due to provider shortages and insurance barriers. I accept Apple Health (Medicaid) and most major insurance plans to ensure accessible care. I also coordinate closely with Whatcom County Behavioral Health & Recovery services, which provides additional support services for individuals with serious mental illness including case management, supported housing, and vocational services. Telehealth appointments are available for stable patients throughout Whatcom County, though initial evaluations and complex medication changes may require in-person visits.
Emergency Resources: If you or a loved one is experiencing a psychiatric crisis, call 988 (Suicide & Crisis Lifeline) or the VOA Care Crisis Line at 1-800-584-3578. For life-threatening emergencies, call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room. Compass Health operates Mobile Crisis Outreach Teams (MCOT) serving Whatcom County—call their Access Department for crisis support.
Family Support & Education
Serious mental illness affects not only the individual but also their family members and loved ones. With patient consent, I involve family members in treatment planning and provide education about psychiatric conditions, medications, and how to support recovery. I can connect families in Whatcom County to local resources including NAMI Whatcom (National Alliance on Mental Illness), family support groups, and educational programs that help loved ones understand and support individuals living with serious mental illness.
