Generally speaking, and before we talk about you, just let me say that I am here to help. It can be intimidating to think about meeting a psychiatrist for the first time, and I understand that. In fact, I know that some people might find me intimidating, particularly after reading my bio, but I really want to be seen as that kind and gracious doctor who wants to help you. My style as a psychiatrist is to inform you and to discuss options while respecting your right to make the decisions that are best for you. I don’t do anything in the way of treatment without your full agreement, and I don’t tell you what to do. Sometimes I will tell a patient that “you are the captain of your ship and I am just the ship’s doctor”. Now I would invite you to read on, looking for how might be able to work together.
I am a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner-Board Certified (PMHNP-BC). While I serve patients of all ages and diagnoses, I specialize in depression, anxiety, ADHD, bipolar disorder and medication management. My background in healthcare spans over 17 years. I worked as a Certified Nursing Assistant for two years in a hospital oncology setting. I became a Registered Nurse (RN) and worked for 13 years in oncology, with three additional years as a research nurse in both oncology and infectious disease. I earned a Master of Science degree in Nursing at Indiana Wesleyan University to obtain my Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner certification in 2022.
With my years working in medicine, I have been involved in a myriad of first-hand experiences, giving me a skillset in both understanding the medical system and recognizing the mental healthcare needs of my patients. I have a passion for increasing mental health awareness and breaking down the stigmas attached to mental health management. I am direct and honest, while also genuine, empathetic and non-judgmental, meeting people where they are in life. My ultimate goal is to build a trusting and honest relationship with my patients, as I thrive on helping them succeed during their journey of self improvement and overall well being, with education and encouragement.
Collaboration is of the utmost importance when creating individualized care plans for my patients. I have open access to the practicing psychiatrist, the therapy department and the office staff, who all work together for the best possible outcomes and increased patient satisfaction. I encourage my patients to be involved in their care every step of the way, as this journey is best accomplished with mutual trust and respect with open communication.
When I am not in the office, I enjoy being in nature, listening to music, singing and spending time with family and friends. I love to travel and experience new things, attend sporting events (especially basketball and baseball games) and cooking is a form of therapy for me! All in all, I want my patients to know I love my job and I strive to make every day the best it can be, not just for myself but for everyone around me. To all who are reading this, please know, you are enough… you are worthy… you are not broken. YOU ARE CAPABLE. I look forward to this journey with you.
Here at Hagan Health, we are committed to providing excellent mental healthcare. We have a specialized team of clinicians who will communicate together to bring about a better and deeper understanding of the patient.