Frequently Asked Questions

A psychiatric-mental health nurse practitioner (PMHNP) is an advanced practice registered nurse who specializes in mental health. PMHNPs can independently diagnose mental health conditions, prescribe and manage psychiatric medications, and provide supportive therapy the same scope of practice as a psychiatrist for most outpatient needs.

I hold a Doctorate in Nursing Practice (DNP) from the University of Washington and am board-certified as a PMHNP-BC. Before working in outpatient psychiatry as an ARNP, I was a registered nurse (RN) on the inpatient psychiatry units at Harborview Medical Center and Seattle Children's Hospital.

My primary focus is OCD (obsessive-compulsive disorder), anxiety disorders, and chronic insomnia. I also treat other conditions if present, including ADHD, depression, bipolar disorder, and PTSD as part of a comprehensive treatment approach to care.

It depends on what you're coming in for:

For insomnia: I offer CBT-i (Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Insomnia) on its own. If you are currently taking prescription or over-the-counter sleep aids, I can assist with tapering if this is your goal.

For OCD and anxiety: I provide medication management combined with supportive therapy informed by my training in ACT and ERP. For these conditions, therapy is integrated with medication management and is not offered as a therapy-only service.

Both. I offer HIPAA-compliant video appointments for patients anywhere in Washington State, and have limited in-person availability at my Bellingham, WA office. Patients must be physically located in Washington during all telehealth sessions.

Anxiety is a broad experience of worry, fear, or dread that can occur in many forms such as generalized anxiety, social anxiety, panic disorder, and more. OCD is a specific condition characterized by a cycle of obsessions (intrusive, unwanted thoughts) and compulsions (behaviors or rituals performed to reduce the distress those thoughts cause).

Both OCD and anxiety disorders often respond well to an integrated approach that includes medication and psychotherapy.

We start with a 75-minute initial evaluation to understand your history, current symptoms, and goals. From there, we discuss treatment options.

My approach to treatment is centered around your values and goals.

Yes! I often work collaboratively alongside therapists. I handle medication management and supportive therapy; your therapist works with you (usually) weekly and assigns homework between sessions.

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Insomnia (CBT-i) is the first-line, evidence-based treatment for chronic insomnia, recommended by both the American Psychological Society and the American Academy of Sleep Medicine. It's a structured program, typically 8–12 sessions, that targets the behaviors and thought patterns keeping you awake.

Techniques include sleep restriction (building sleep drive and consolidating sleep), stimulus control (re-associating your bed with sleep), and cognitive restructuring (addressing the anxiety-inducing beliefs about sleep that make the problem worse). Unlike medication, CBT-i treats the underlying issues driving insomnia. Results are durable and don't require ongoing medication use.

Most likely yes. CBT-i is appropriate for most people, including those managing co-occurring anxiety, depression, ADHD, or other psychiatric conditions. There's strong research supporting its effectiveness. Currently taking sleep medication is not a barrier; I can also support deprescribing when that's a goal.

The main exception is people with seizure disorders. CBT-i also requires careful consideration for those with bipolar disorder. I'm happy to discuss this further during a consultation call.

No. I offer CBT-i as a standalone therapy service that typically lasts 8-10 sessions.

CBT-i is a time-limited program, typically 8–10 sessions. Sessions range from 30–60 minutes depending on where you are in the program. Most people see meaningful improvement within the first 3-4 sessions.

Initial evaluations are 75 minutes. Follow-up visits are typically 30 minutes but can be shorter or longer depending on your needs. CBT-i sessions range from 30–60 minutes depending on where you are in the program.

I have a 24-hour cancellation policy. The first missed visit or late cancellation in a calendar year is $50. Subsequent missed visits or late cancellations are $150.

I'm in-network with Premera, Regence, Lifewise, Aetna, Cigna, and most Blue Cross Blue Shield (BCBS) plans. Coverage and copay amounts vary by plan I recommend confirming your benefits with your insurer before your first appointment. My NPI is 1053959551 if your insurer needs it to verify in-network status.

Superbills are available for private pay patients who wish to submit for out-of-network reimbursement.

Use the scheduling page to send a message requesting a brief 10–15 minute consultation call. It's low-pressure just a conversation to talk through what you're experiencing and whether my practice is a good fit. No commitment required. If it feels right, we'll schedule a 75-minute initial evaluation from there.

Please reach out through the scheduling page to confirm current availability. I aim to respond within a few business days.

My office is at 1155 N State St in Bellingham, WA (limited in-person availability). The majority of my appointments are via HIPAA-compliant telehealth video, available to patients located anywhere in Washington State. I do not see patients outside of Washington.