Dr. Eric Tubat, PMHNP-BC

Philosophy of Care

Eric Tubat is a Licensed and Board Certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner, who has years of experience providing mental health care to adults seeking help with depression, anxiety, post traumatic stress disorder, bipolar disorder and schizophrenic disorder.  He completed his Master of Science in Nursing at University of Phoenix, Arizona and received his Doctor of Nursing Practice, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner specialization, from Brandman University. 

Eric utilizes a humanistic philosophy of holistic care for both body and mind, and a steadfast commitment to individualized, personalized, comprehensive care. 

Eric seeks to establish a therapeutic and caring relationship with you in order to assist in managing and recovering from mental health problems.

Education

Brandman University
Doctor of Nursing Practice

Specialties

• 18+ Medication Management

Kathleen Smerko, PMHNP

Philosophy of Care

Kathleen Smerko earned her Masters Degree and then a post Masters Nurse Practitioner Certification. Her interest in Mental Health treatment goes back to Nursing school. Kathleen strives to make Mental Health treatment an equal priority in the lives of her clients. Clients who are struggling with issues beyond the reach of therapy alone are her specialty. Combining symptom management and supportive therapy are the means to returning clients to their best selves.

Kathleen uses a bio-psycho-social-sexual-spiritual approach to care. All elements of a person's being are an integral approach to wellness.Nursing has always been holistic in nature and she brings that approach to treatment.

Unmanaged symptoms often get in the way of therapy. Symptoms are the body's way of responding to issues not yet managed. Restoring the chemical balance in the brain can help therapy be more effective.

Education

RutgersUniversity
Masters Degree

Specialties

• 18+ Medication Management

Richelle Ramirez, PMHNP

Philosophy of Care

Richelle Ramirez is a board certified psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner and has been in healthcare practice since 1995. Richelle began her career as a registered nurse in a private psychiatric practice and has maintained her patient focus in mental health care. She accomplished a meaningful professional goal when she obtained her Doctor of Pharmacy degree in 2013. Still, her passion is caring for psychiatric patients. She explained to Forefront: “My clinical philosophy is to provide evidence based treatment in a culturally sensitive manner. I approach problems pragmatically and try my best to help my patient achieve their best outcome.” She enjoys incorporating input from other disciplines when it is possible as it is in the best interest of the patients. Richelle describes her favorite patient population as the “seriously mentally ill, who are the most vulnerable and need care provided in an empathic manner.” Additionally, she enjoys working with geriatric patients: “I am comfortable utilizing my skills and knowledge to encompass their medical comorbidities and how it may impact their mental health presentation.” Richelle is open to input from staff and values communication and a good work ethic. She looks forward to collaborating with Forefront and their clients in demonstrating genuine concern for the patients’ wellbeing.

Education

University of Arizona
Post Master’s Degree, PMHNP

Specialties

• Anxiety
• Depression
• Anger
• Obsessive-Compulsive (OCD)
• Pregnancy
• Prenatal
• Postpartum
• Sleep or Insomnia
• Stress
• Trauma and PTSD