Accepted insurance & self-pay
About Mary Ellen
Mary Ellen Smith is a Board-certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP-BC) with 37 years of experience in nursing and a wealth of experience in almost all areas of mental health. Mary Ellen manages and treats a wide range of mental health concerns including depression, anxiety disorders, attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and bipolar illness. She has worked as a nurse clinician for 19 years at a major teaching hospital in Boston. Mary Ellen has extensive experience in both medical and psychiatric nursing, working in hospitals, outpatient clinics, and in the community. Her work includes working with severe and chronically mentally ill individuals as a prescribing nurse in a clinic setting, as well as 20 years as a psychotherapist. Mary Ellen operated a sole proprietor counseling practice providing holistic mind/body therapies, nutritional and psychopharmacological treatments, as well trauma-informed psychotherapy.
Mary Ellen completed her Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) at the University of Massachusetts-Lowell in the Mind/Body Mental Health Nurse Practitioner program. She is a seasoned clinician with very strong clinical skills, and has extensive nursing experience in both medical and psychiatric nursing. Mary Ellen has a natural ability to build rapport with patients and families. In addition to medication management she incorporates cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), holistic nutrition, and mind/body techniques into treatment. Mary Ellen has training in family work, adult, and geriatric psychiatry. She has advanced certifications in traumatic stress, attachment work, drugfree mind body techniques, and holistic nutrition. As a PMNP, Mary Ellen's role includes assessment, education, patient advocacy, therapy, and medication management.
Life can be challenging and we can all use support through difficult times. Mary Ellen is confident that she will be able to help you gain new insights and positive coping techniques that allow you to navigate in your life journey. If you are ready to get started, schedule an appointment with her today.
Get to know Mary Ellen
Why did you decide to become a psychiatric provider?
Because my favorite part of nursing was talking with people. I also believe mental health is the most important aspect of health
What types of clients do you work with best?
I believe I work well with all types of people.
What type of clients are you most excited to work with?
I like working with people who are motivated to maintain their wellbeing.
What’s one thing you wish all clients knew?
How much nutrition and lifestyle changes can improve overall health.
Why did you choose to practice at Thriveworks?
I enjoy doing telehealth. I like the convenience of it for both myself and the patients. I love that people can get high quality mental health services that are easily accessible to patients
What inspires you?
To see dramatic improvements in outcomes for patients suffering from mental health disorders with effective treatments.
What can clients expect in their first session with you?
Accurate assessment and diagnosis. A compassionate, kind and caring approach that incorporates a holistic and targeted treatment to ensure swift symptom relief, and treatment strategies to help patients effectively navigate in their health journey.
What do you want to accomplish with an individual in their first session?
Support a therapeutic alliance and implement treatment options that restore people to optimal mental health.
What should clients know about you before scheduling a first counseling session?
That I come with a wealth of experience in mental health, and have had great success with patients with a variety of psychiatric disorders.
What do you do for fun in your time off?
I enjoy cooking, dancing, and traveling.
What’s one thing about you that defines you (non-professional)?
I am a caring, kind, and compassionate person.
Other areas of focus
Education and training
- Years in practice
- 37 years
- Graduating institute
- University of Massachusetts at Lowell
- Graduating degree
- Master of Science in Nursing
