Board certified
Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD), Seniors & Geriatric, Trauma / PTSD, Depression, Anxiety, Eating Disorder, ADHD
Accepted insurance & self-pay
About Melinda
My path to becoming a psychiatric nurse practitioner was different than most. I completed my bachelor's degree and floundered, not finding a career that felt right before returning to school to become a nurse, then nurse practitioner. Throughout school, I was the go-to person when others needed someone to listen, so mental health and psychiatry felt like the obvious choice. I have worked in a variety of settings, from the corrections to mental health crisis centers. I began working as a psychiatric NP in 2013, with extensive experience in serious mental illness, addiction, depression, anxiety, and substance use within my own family.
As a nurse practitioner I incorporate my insight from all my various life experiences and work settings to create an individualized plan that addresses the patient as a whole person, not just their mental health medication. My goal is to help someone feel better and have a better quality of life.
Each of my patients is an individual to me, with their own life, stressors, and challenges—but also their own skills and strengths. I want to focus on the positives and moving forward in reaching healing and recovery, not just in mental health but also life in general.
"No one lives in a box, and I look at the entire person which means how physical health and environment impacts and interplays with mental health."
Get to know Melinda
Why did you decide to become a counselor or psychiatric provider?
I was always the got to listener for friends and family. Mental health was always important to me and when I decided to return to nursing school it seemed like the only fit for me.
What types of clients do you work best with?
Those who want help to better themselves.
What's one thing you wish all clients knew about therapy, mental health, or the healing process?
It is a process, which means there are ups and downs, good days and bad. But the idea of recovery (reduction of symptoms to the point they aren't effecting a person day to day) is realistic. Small goals work best because they are and feel more manageable.
What can clients expect in their first session with you and in the early stages of therapy?
The first evaluation will consist of a lot of information gathering, both current symptoms and history. I never want people to get overwhelmed, and there is a LOT we go over and it can be mentally exhausting, but it should never be overwhelming. I want to make it a process that is helpful and sometimes this means slowing the process down a bit.
What personal experiences or values inform your practice as a therapist/provider?
I have several family members who deal with mental health issues and substance use so was exposed to these at a young age. Throughout my life I have also had several friends who have dealt with a variety of mental health conditions.
How do you tailor therapy to meet each client’s unique needs?
I focus on what the person wants, not my own agenda. That doesn't mean I won't provide feedback or opinions, which sometimes will differ from my patient. I always take safety into consideration first, and this can also impact the final decision for treatment.
Does Melinda prescribe medications effective for the treatment of ADHD?
Yes - when clinically appropriate, Melinda may prescribe both non-stimulant and stimulant medication for the treatment of ADHD.
Other areas of focus
Education and training
- Years in practice
- 16 years
- Graduating institute
- The Ohio State University
- Graduating degree
- Masters of Science in Nursing
- Graduating institute
- The Ohio State University
- Graduating degree
- Bachelor of Arts in English
Additional details
Practice information
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