Abby is a board-certified psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner (PMHNP) specializing in child and adolescent psychiatry (i.e. psychotropic medication management). Abby’s specialized education and ample experience in psychiatric nursing have provided her with the knowledge and expertise to provide children and their families with the education they need to make well-informed decisions about psychotropic medications and mental health treatment. Abby says the best part of her work is witnessing children and adolescents feel better about themselves and succeed in areas where they were previously struggling. Abby loves being able to see children and their families understand one another better.
Abby is a strong believer in a holistic approach. It is essential to consider the whole context of a child’s mental health including their family, community, culture, background, and development. A mental health concern rarely exists in isolation. Because of this, mental health treatment is a “team sport” that must include an interdisciplinary approach and engagement of patients’ families or other caregivers.
Abby recommends almost all of her patients and their families participate in psychotherapy as it is an essential piece of mental health treatment. Research shows treatment outcomes are better when participating in both psychotherapy and psychotropic medication treatment.
