Marie Akers
she/herPsychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP)
Board certified
Autism, ADHD, Sleep / Insomnia, Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD), Self Esteem, Anxiety
All insurance carriers and plans
Self pay costs
Out-of-pocket session costs for clients who don’t have insurance or aren’t covered by their insurance for mental health services.
I'm Dr. Marie Akers, DNP, PMHNP-BC, a psychiatric-mental health nurse practitioner with more than 20 years of advanced practice experience. I'm board certified in psychiatric-mental health and pediatric primary care, with a background in pediatric neurology and university teaching. I provide psychiatric evaluations and medication management for children, teens, and adults facing ADHD, anxiety, depression, mood changes, sleep problems, and stress that gets in the way of school, work, or relationships. Many come to me wanting clear answers, a thoughtful plan, and to feel like themselves again.
I don’t diagnose from a checklist. I look at the full picture, including sleep, stress, learning, and medical history, and use validated measures to track progress instead of guessing. When medication makes sense, I start thoughtfully, explain why, and adjust based on how you’re actually doing. You’ll always understand the reasoning behind your plan.
You don’t need the perfect words or a clear diagnosis to begin. Bring what you’ve noticed, what you’ve tried, and what you hope will change. I’ll listen carefully, tell you honestly what I see, and work with you on a path forward. If you’re ready for care that is thorough, respectful, and personal, I’d be glad to meet you.
"After more than 20 years caring for patients from childhood through adulthood, I’ve learned that symptoms rarely tell the whole story, so I take the time to understand the person and the life behind them."
Why did you decide to become a counselor or psychiatric provider?
I spent nearly two decades in pediatric neurology, and I kept seeing how deeply mental health shaped a child's and family's well-being. Anxiety, attention problems, mood changes, and poor sleep were often what affected daily life most, yet many families waited months for specialty care. I pursued psychiatric certification to help close that gap and offer care that treats the whole person.
What types of clients do you work best with?
I do my best work with people who want to understand what’s really going on, not just get a quick prescription. That includes:
- Adults managing anxiety, depression, burnout, or sleep problems
- Adults who suspect ADHD was missed earlier in life
- College students and young adults handling the pressure of school, work, and independence
- Children and teens, along with parents who want to be part of the plan
- Anyone who has tried treatment before and wants a fresh, thorough look
How do you tailor therapy to meet each client’s unique needs?
No two people share the same history, goals, or concerns, so I never use a one-size-fits-all plan. I consider your developmental stage, medical history, sleep, stress, school or work demands, culture, and your own preferences about treatment. Rating scales help us see how you're doing over time, so adjustments are based on real progress rather than guesswork. When therapy or other services would help, I'll recommend them as part of your care.
What can clients expect in their first session with you and in the early stages of therapy?
The first visit is a comprehensive evaluation. We’ll cover what brought you in, your history, health, sleep, and how symptoms are affecting work, school, relationships, and daily life. For adolescents, I’ll hear from both the young person and the parent. Before we finish, I’ll share my impressions and we’ll talk through options together, whether or not that includes medication. Early follow-ups focus on how you’re responding and what needs fine-tuning.
What's one thing you wish all clients knew about therapy, mental health, or the healing process?
Your honest feedback is one of the most useful tools in your treatment. If a medication makes you feel “off,” if something isn’t helping, or if you’re nervous about a recommendation, tell me. I would much rather adjust a plan than have you quietly stop it. Good care is a partnership, and you’re the expert on your own experience.
What personal experiences or values inform your practice as a therapist/provider?
As a Haitian American and a mother, I value family, education, faith in people's ability to grow, and respect for every person's story. I speak English, Haitian Creole, and French, and I know how much it matters to feel understood, in both language and culture. I also believe people deserve to understand their own care, so I take time to explain my reasoning and answer questions honestly.
- Years in practice
- 21 years
- Graduating institute
- University of Florida
- Graduating degree
- Doctor of Nursing Practice
