Bipolar Disorder Psychiatrists in Idaho

Rather than focus primarily on illness or problems, my approach is to first evaluate patients comprehensively, then utilize what's learned from this to treat and empower them to make and then practice choices that lead to improved health and well-being, using an integrative model that recognizes that mental, physical, social, and spiritual health are one.

I am American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology certified and a fellow of the American Psychiatric Association. A skilled psychopharmacologist and psychotherapist, I have over 30 years' experience successfully helping people overcome a diverse range of emotional, psychiatric, and addiction challenges.

I was born in Sioux Falls, South Dakota, and am a graduate of Augustana College. I obtained my MD at the USD School of Medicine. My residency was at the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences (UAMS) in Little Rock, where I was trained in both psychotherapy and biological management of psychiatric challenges. Following residency training, I continued to work with UAMS and the State of Arkansas in research and program development, focusing on implementing and then teaching novel strengths-focused care for people with severe mental illness for the first 12 years of my career. Later, I moved with my wife and three children to Coeur d'Alene, Idaho, and have since been in clinical practice and leadership roles in inpatient, outpatient, and telehealth psychiatric care settings.

I believe that each person's "best self" is unique and that mental health care should meet individuals where they are. I emphasize a collaborative, client-centered approach, always keeping the individual's goals at the heart of care. I am dedicated to helping clients identify and overcome the symptoms and stressors that interfere with their well-being, and I work to dismantle limiting beliefs or labels that may have been placed on them. By taking the time to understand each person's challenges and aspirations, I help clients find sustainable, holistic paths to wellness. My care is grounded in empathy, respect, and a deep commitment to supporting each person's journey toward a fulfilling and balanced life. Since shifting my focus to psychiatric mental health in 2022, I have helped individuals improve their quality of life through medication management for mood disorders, PTSD, anxiety, ADHD, and other mental health conditions.

I grew up in a rural community, where I learned the value of helping others achieve their best selves to support overall community health and well-being. I earned my undergraduate degree in biology from the University of Nebraska and completed my nursing education at Creighton University. I went on to earn a Master of Science in Nursing, specializing as a Family Nurse Practitioner and in Community Health, from Creighton University, and later completed a nursing practice degree at the University of Colorado with a focus on population and community health. I also hold a post-graduate certification in psychiatric mental health from Washburn University. I practiced family medicine for 18 years before transitioning to psychiatric mental health in 2022, and my background in both physical and mental health gives me a holistic perspective on care.

I continue to live in a rural community with my family and remain committed to helping people become their best selves.

I take a team-based, individualized approach to care. I believe in the importance of education, open communication, and empowering patients in their treatment journey. I emphasize a holistic perspective, incorporating medication management, therapy, and lifestyle modifications. I prioritize a trauma-informed approach, recognizing the significant role trauma plays in mental health, and I integrate mindfulness techniques, motivational interviewing, and lifestyle changes to support overall well-being. I am passionate about mental health advocacy, particularly within the LGBTQ+ community. By fostering a collaborative and supportive environment, I help patients build resilience and achieve their mental health goals.

I am a board-certified psychiatric-mental health nurse practitioner (PMHNP-BC) with a strong background in treating patients across the mental health spectrum. I earned my Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Illinois State University and began my career in a women's residential facility specializing in mood disorders, eating disorders, and PTSD. I then transitioned to inpatient adolescent psychiatry, where I became a charge nurse and obtained my Psychiatric-Mental Health Nursing Certification (PMH-BC) from the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC). Inspired by my passion for mental health, I pursued my master's degree at the University of St. Francis to become a PMHNP. I have extensive experience treating patients at all levels of care, including inpatient, PHP/IOP, and outpatient settings. I later transitioned to telehealth, providing medication management to college students.

I am dedicated to providing a safe and nonjudgmental environment where patients can expect to be heard, emotionally validated, and supported. I ensure that patients are well-informed, empowering them to be active participants in managing their care. By fostering a strong therapeutic relationship, I support my patients in achieving long-term mental wellness and resilience. I provide comprehensive mental health care to individuals across the lifespan, helping them navigate their mental health challenges with a holistic, compassionate approach. My approach to patient care is grounded in empathy, respect, and evidence-based practices, and I am committed to fostering a supportive, collaborative environment where patients feel empowered to achieve their mental health goals.

My clinical practice involves conducting thorough assessments and gathering relevant information from patients about their medical, psychiatric, and social history. Through open and empathetic communication, I ensure a deep understanding of their symptoms, challenges, and goals. Based on the assessment, I work closely with my patients to develop an individualized treatment plan and lifestyle recommendations. I offer education on mental health conditions, coping strategies, and self-care techniques, and I provide referrals to therapists and other support services, helping patients develop the skills they need to thrive. I also believe in providing psychoeducation to patients, families, and caregivers. I am skilled in assessing and treating a variety of mental health disorders including, but not limited to, anxiety, major depression, PTSD, ADHD, OCD, and other mood disorders across the life span, and I am trained in psychiatric diagnosis, medication management, and supportive therapy.

I am a dual certified Family Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner with over 12 years of experience in healthcare. I completed my Masters of Science in Nursing (MSN) with a concentration in Family Nurse Practitioner at Chamberlain University and a Post Master's in Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner at Valdosta State University. Over the past 7 years, I have gained valuable experience in a number of settings, including outpatient, inpatient, and residential facilities, community mental health clinics, and private practice.

I believe in client-centered care, where clients get a say in their treatment in order to help make them feel their best. I truly believe that therapy is a crucial part of successfully treating any mental health diagnosis, in combination with medication management when warranted. I enjoy treating a variety of mental health diagnoses including depression, anxiety, obsessive compulsive disorder, mood disorders such as bipolar disorder, and various psychotic disorders. I also like to add mindfulness and cognitive behavioral therapy techniques to my medication management appointments to help individuals receive effective, quality care.

I am a board certified psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner (PMHNP) and have been practicing since 2018, with experience working with individuals of all ages. Prior to becoming a PMHNP, I worked as a registered nurse in critical care and psychiatry. As a PMHNP, I have experience working on inpatient adult and geriatric psychiatric units, as well as providing psychiatric evaluations and consultations to individuals on medical units and emergency rooms at hospitals. I am very experienced working in outpatient settings managing various psychiatric diagnoses, and have also helped manage individuals in long term care facilities and assisted living facilities. I graduated with my Master's of Science in Nursing from Kent State University and am board certified as a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner through the American Nurse Credentialing Center.

When I am not providing direct patient care, I will on occasion help with instructing future nurses at Kent State University.