- (952) 222-7782
- Located in Edina, MN | Serving Minnesota & Iowa
For many people, the idea of starting psychiatric medication brings up complicated feelings. You might feel uncertain, nervous, or even resistant. Maybe you’ve tried medication before and it didn’t work — or it came with side effects nobody warned you about. Maybe you’ve been on medication for years and you’re wondering if it’s time to taper off. Or maybe you’re simply looking for a provider who will actually take the time to explain what they’re prescribing and why.
Whatever brings you here, I want you to know: your concerns are valid, your questions matter, and you will not be pressured into a decision that doesn’t feel right.
As a board-certified psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner (PMHNP-BC) and family nurse practitioner (FNP-C) serving individuals throughout Minnesota and Iowa, I approach medication management with the same values that shape every aspect of my practice: empathy, education, cultural awareness, and whole-person care.
Medication is not always the answer. But for some, it can be a powerful tool on the path to healing — especially when it’s prescribed thoughtfully, monitored closely, and integrated with holistic strategies that support your long-term wellbeing.
I don’t prescribe medication as a first reflex, and I do not prescribe it for every issue. My philosophy is simple: as much as necessary, but as little as possible. Here’s what that looks like in practice.
We consider medication when your symptoms significantly interfere with daily functioning, or when non-medication strategies alone aren’t providing sufficient relief. Depression, anxiety, ADHD, PTSD, sleep disorders, and weight management are among the conditions where medication may play a valuable role.
Before prescribing, I will:
If medication is clinically appropriate, I explain exactly what I’m recommending, how it works, what side effects to watch for, and what you can realistically expect. Your understanding and comfort are non-negotiable before we move forward.
I start with the lowest effective dose and adjust gradually, based on your experience — not a protocol.
Once medication is started, regular follow-ups ensure we’re on the right track. I monitor:
Medication management is not “set it and forget it.” It’s an ongoing conversation. I adjust based on how you’re actually feeling — because your lived experience matters more than any textbook.
For some individuals, there may come a time when medication is no longer necessary — symptoms have stabilized, circumstances have changed, or you’re ready to explore whether you can maintain your wellbeing without it. When that conversation arises, I guide the process with the same care I bring to starting medication.
However, it’s important to understand that deprescribing is not always appropriate. Some conditions — and some individual circumstances — are best managed with ongoing medication, and choosing to remain on a treatment that is working well for you is just as valid a decision as choosing to taper off. There is no universal timeline, and there should not be pressure to stop a treatment that is supporting your stability and quality of life. Together, we determine what makes clinical sense for you.
When deprescribing is appropriate, it is not rushed. We evaluate your readiness, the original clinical reason for prescribing, the nature of your condition, and what non-medication supports need to be in place before any changes are made. I develop individualized tapering plans that account for the specific medication, how long you’ve been taking it, your current stability, and what might emerge during the transition.
Deprescribing is a clinical skill — not simply “stopping.” It requires careful attention to dosage reduction schedules and the distinction between withdrawal symptoms and returning symptoms. Throughout the process, I remain closely available to adjust the plan based on how your body and mind respond.
Once medication is fully tapered — when that is the right path — I help you build wellness strategies and coping tools for sustained wellbeing.
Medication is one tool among many. To provide comprehensive, individualized care, I may recommend:
This integrative model ensures we’re not just managing symptoms — we’re identifying and addressing root causes wherever possible.
Regain control and accomplish what matters most.
Many people come to me feeling hesitant about psychiatric medication. Some worry about dependency. Others have been dismissed or pressured by past providers. Some carry cultural or family beliefs that make medication feel uncomfortable. I honor all of that.
In my care:
As someone who has personally navigated grief, anxiety, and burnout, I understand how important it is to feel safe and supported when making decisions about your mental health. That understanding shapes everything that I do.
