Board certified badge iconBoard certified
geometry-shapes iconBehavioral Issues, Bipolar Disorder, Anxiety, Depression, Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD)
Online in Massachusetts
37 years in practice
Ages served: 18-65+
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Accepted insurance & self-pay

Mary Ellen accepts 29 insurers
Aetna
Blue Cross Blue Shield
Anthem
Cigna | Evernorth
Firefly Health Plan | Cigna PPO Network
Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Massachusetts | BCBS
Blue Cross Blue Shield of Massachusetts | BCBS Medicare Advantage (HMO | PPO)
Blue Cross Blue Shield | Anthem (Blue Card)
Carelon
Carelon | Medicare Advantage
Compsych
Fallon Health | Medicare Advantage
First Health Network
Harvard Pilgrim
Humana Medicare Advantage
JP Farley Corporation
Magellan
Mass General Brigham (Optum)
Medicare Massachusetts
Multi Plan PHCS
Optum Serve
Oscar Health
Quest Behavioral Health
Railroad Medicare
Tricare East | Out of Network Provider
Tufts Health Plan
Tufts Health Plan Medicare Advantage
UMR
United Healthcare | Optum
United Healthcare | Optum Medicare Advantage
Uprise EAP
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.
$375
first session
$300
subsequent sessions
About Provider

About Mary Ellen

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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.

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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.

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Other areas of focus

SpecialitiesBehavioral Issues, Bipolar Disorder, Anxiety, Depression, Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD), Grief, Women’s Issues, Sleep / Insomnia, Life Transition, Trauma / PTSD, Stress / Mental Stress / Work Stress, Anger Management
ApproachesMotivational Interviewing, Any / Eclectic, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)
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Education and training

Years in practice
37 years
Graduating institute
University of Massachusetts at Lowell
Graduating degree
Master of Science in Nursing
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Additional details

Languages spoken by this provider
English
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NPI number1851495006
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State of practiceMA
Practice location

Practice information

Book your first session

Medication/Psychiatry
Mary Ellen is available for Video visits.
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Existing client? and rebook
Mary Ellen Smith's profile image

Mary Ellen Smith

Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (Psychiatry PMHNP)she/her