Frequently Asked Questions

The Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP) uses various techniques and tools to gather information during a psychiatric evaluation. This typically includes conducting an interview, utilizing standardized assessment scales, identifying symptoms, assessing the severity and duration of those symptoms, exploring potential underlying causes or contributing factors, and understanding the impact on the individual's daily functioning and overall quality of life. The client's overall mental status is evaluated. Based on the information gathered, the PMHNP will formulate a diagnostic impression or determine if further assessments are needed to establish a diagnosis. The NP will collaborate with the individual to develop an individualized treatment plan, including therapy recommendations, medication management, lifestyle changes, or referrals to other specialists as necessary.

A Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP) is an advanced practice registered nurse (APRN) specializing in mental health care. PMHNPs have completed advanced education and training that allows them to assess, diagnose, and manage mental health disorders in individuals of all ages. They are qualified to provide various psychiatric services, including conducting evaluations, prescribing medication, and offering psychotherapy. PMHNPs work collaboratively with individuals, families, and other healthcare professionals to develop holistic treatment plans that address mental, emotional, and behavioral health concerns. 

Most mental health conditions include:

The client will receive an email with a link to connect prior to the appointment.  Depending on the platform, the link may facilitate a virtual “waiting room.”   If there are connectivity issues, the Nurse Practitioner will call the patient and send the link via text message to expedite the process.  

We currently partner with two different billing platforms to facilitate access to various insurance providers: Grow Therapy and Alma.

Once you click the “Book An Appointment” button, you will be directed to choose the platform to facilitate your booking. 

Our sessions primarily focus on diagnosing and treating mental health conditions.  However, we offer brief psychotherapy modalities and counseling services during each session as needed.  These may include one or a combination of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), cognitive challenging, cognitive reframing, exploration of coping patterns, exploration of relationship patterns, Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT), and problem-solving.

While we offer brief psychotherapy modalities and counseling services during each session as needed, we encourage our clients to have ongoing sessions with a psychotherapist or Mental Health License Counselor as part of treatment and based on the client’s unique situation. 

Although I speak English fluently, Spanish is my native language.

At Inner Discovery, we take your privacy and confidentiality very seriously. We prioritize the protection and confidentiality of your personal information following the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) regulations. We have implemented strict security measures to safeguard your data from unauthorized access, disclosure, or misuse. Rest assured that any information you share with us during sessions or through our website is treated with the utmost confidentiality. We adhere to HIPAA guidelines, which means that your personal and health information will not be disclosed without your explicit consent, except when required by law. Your privacy is of utmost importance to us, and we are committed to maintaining a secure environment to ensure your trust and peace of mind throughout your mental health journey.

I am a board-certified Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP) and Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP). 

 
My nursing background gave me invaluable experience with children and their families in the Pediatric Intensive Care Unit (PICU) and Emergency Room.  As a Family Nurse practitioner, I worked in primary care private practice and at the Joe DiMaggio Children’s Mobile Health Center, delivering care to underserved populations in Broward County.   I also worked for the Florida Atlantic University’s Memory and Wellness Center, and most recently, I have been working in collaboration with AMP Mental Health.

Changes less than 24 hours in advance lead to appointment slots that are difficult to fill. Without ample notice, cancellations prevent others from being able to schedule into that time slot. You may cancel or reschedule your appointment up to 24 hours before the scheduled session time. Upon booking, you will receive a confirmation email with links to reschedule or cancel. If you do not make changes at least 24 hours before your session, you will be subject to a no-show/late cancellation fee.

Preparing for your first appointment can help ensure a productive and meaningful experience. Here are some suggestions on how to prepare:

Remember, your first appointment is an opportunity for your provider to get to know you and for you to establish a therapeutic relationship. Being prepared and open to sharing your experiences will help you maximize this initial session.

Collaboration with other healthcare providers is essential to providing comprehensive and coordinated care. As a psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner, I prioritize effective collaboration to ensure the best outcomes for my clients. Here's how I typically collaborate with other healthcare providers:

Collaborating with other healthcare providers can create a unified and coordinated approach to your care. This collaboration enhances communication, avoids duplication of services, promotes seamless transitions, and ultimately improves overall health outcomes.

In an emergency or crisis, it is crucial to take immediate action to ensure your safety and well-being. Here are some steps to follow:

Remember to prioritize your safety in urgent or life-threatening situations and seek immediate assistance. Contact professionals, emergency services, and your support network to ensure you receive the needed help and support.

The main difference between a psychiatrist and a psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner (PMHNP) is their professional background and scope of practice. Here's an overview of the distinctions:

Education and Training:

Medical Perspective:

It's worth noting that both psychiatrists and PMHNPs play crucial roles in mental health care and can work collaboratively to provide comprehensive treatment. Psychiatrists often work in multidisciplinary teams. PMHNPs may collaborate with psychiatrists or refer individuals to them for specialized care, particularly for complex cases or when additional medical interventions are required.