Psychiatric Care and
Medication Management

Please complete the intake paperwork in the portal before we meet. Write down your main symptoms, when they started, and what you've already tried. If you have a medication list, past psychiatric medication trials, or prior records, bring them or upload them. If you have recent labs or relevant medical records, those can be helpful too.

View in-person first visit guide → | View telehealth first visit guide →

Please wait in the main lobby on the first floor, just past the main doors. I will come get you when it's time for your appointment. I strive to be on time, but occasionally the previous session runs a little long, so please be patient.

View complete first visit guide with photos and directions →

You can cancel or reschedule appointments through the patient portal up to 24 hours in advance. Within 24 hours, appointments cannot be canceled, so you'll need to attend or be charged a $100 no-show fee. If you arrive late, we may need to shorten the visit or reschedule so the next patient is not affected.

Sometimes, yes. If medication is appropriate and we have enough information to do it safely, we can start treatment at the initial evaluation. Other times I may recommend we gather more information first (records, rating scales, input from a therapist or primary care clinician, or labs) before making changes.

Early in treatment, follow-ups are typically more frequent while we fine-tune the plan. Once things are stable, visits usually spread out. For some people, this is one visit per month. For others, it's one visit every three months. We'll decide together based on symptoms, safety, and how the medication is working.

Therapists provide talk therapy as their primary focus. I provide psychiatric evaluation and medication management, though I do incorporate some psychotherapy into treatment. Many people benefit from both: medication to address brain chemistry, and regular therapy to work through patterns, behaviors, and life circumstances. I work collaboratively with therapists, primary care doctors, and other providers. With your permission, I can communicate with your treatment team to make sure everyone is on the same page.

Not everyone needs medication. During your evaluation, we'll look at your symptoms, how long you've been struggling, what you've tried, and how much it's affecting your functioning. The decision is always collaborative. If we decide to try medication, expect some trial and adjustment. We'll discuss potential side effects upfront (most are mild and temporary), and if something doesn't work well, we adjust the dose or try something different. Some people need medication short-term, others long-term. We'll monitor your progress and reassess regularly.

Yes. What you share is protected by HIPAA and professional confidentiality laws. The main exceptions are if you're at imminent risk of harming yourself or others, or if there's suspected abuse of a child or vulnerable adult. Otherwise, I don't share information without your written permission.

Telehealth appointments are live video conversations conducted through your computer, tablet, or phone. You'll receive a link to join your appointment. If you're on a phone, you'll need to download the SimplePractice app first. It's straightforward. Just click the link at your appointment time and you'll be connected. For the best experience, be on a Wi-Fi network and make sure you have a good connection.

Yes. For telehealth visits, you must be physically located in Washington State at the time of the appointment.

Both have benefits. In-person visits allow for a more thorough assessment, especially for initial evaluations, and some people prefer the structure of coming to an office. Telehealth is convenient, eliminates travel time, and works well for follow-up appointments when you're stable on treatment. Many patients do a mix: initial evaluation in person, then telehealth for follow-ups. Controlled medications may require additional steps and occasional in-person visits.

When treating children and adolescents, parents and family are an important part of care. For younger children, parents are typically present for the entire visit. For tweens and teens, I usually meet with them alone for most of the session and bring parents in to discuss the treatment plan and answer questions. In Washington State, minors aged 13 and older have a legal right to privacy in their mental health care, which means what we discuss stays confidential unless there are safety concerns. I work collaboratively with parents while respecting the child's privacy, and with permission, I can also communicate with schools, therapists, or other providers involved in your child's care.

Yes, if you want that. For adults, I only include another person if you consent. For tweens and teens, I usually meet with them alone for most of the visit and include parents for planning and questions.

In-network plans include Premera Blue Cross, Regence Blue Shield, Aetna, Cigna, First Choice Health, United Healthcare, Molina, and Coordinated Care. Self-pay options and out-of-network superbills are also available. Contact your insurance to confirm your specific benefits, copays, and deductibles.

I can verify whether you are in-network with me, but I cannot provide details about your deductibles, copays, or coinsurance. Your insurance company makes the final determination about what they'll pay. You'll need to contact your insurance directly to understand your specific coverage, out-of-pocket costs, and plan details.

Yes, but only when you have no refills remaining on your prescription. If your prescription still has refills, your pharmacy can handle it directly without involving me. Use the patient portal to request a new prescription when all refills have been used. I might need to see you first, though.

Please use the patient portal for non-urgent questions (scheduling, pharmacy coordination, refills when no refills remain, and brief medication questions). Messages are not monitored for emergencies. I respond during business hours as I am able, usually within 1–2 business days. Any clinical matters require an appointment.

Sometimes labs or medical follow-up are part of good psychiatric care. If needed, I can order labs or coordinate with your primary care clinician. With your written permission, I can also coordinate with your therapist or other members of your care team.

Send me a message through the patient portal, and I will make time for you.

I'm an Advanced Registered Nurse Practitioner (ARNP) in Washington State with full prescriptive authority. I'm board-certified as a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP) and certified as a Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP-C). My degrees include a BS in Zoology from Michigan State University, a BSN in Nursing from the University of Michigan, an MSN from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, and a post-master's psychiatric-mental health nurse practitioner degree from Frontier Nursing University.

Call 988 for mental health crisis support, call 911, or go to your nearest emergency room. The office is not equipped to handle emergencies, and urgent concerns require immediate professional intervention.