Services FAQ’s

A Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP) is a licensed advanced practice nurse with specialized training in mental health care, therapy, and psychopharmacology. Becoming a PMHNP requires a Bachelor's degree, followed by a Master's or Doctoral degree in nursing.

PMHNPs are licensed to diagnose mental health conditions, prescribe medications, and provide psychotherapy. While we often work in similar roles to psychiatrists, our training and approach are distinct. PMHNPs are grounded in the values of the nursing profession. Rather than following the traditional medical model of symptom-based treatment, PMHNPs are trained to approach mental health with a holistic focus on collaboration, therapeutic communication, and compassionate, person-centered care.

You may be a good fit if you:

• Feel stuck in cycles of overthinking, self-criticism, perfectionism, or chronic people-pleasing.

• Struggle with ADHD, insomnia, anxiety, depression, or challenges related to women’s mental health.

• Identify as Asian American, a child of immigrants, or someone navigating cultural identity, and want a clinician who understands these nuanced experiences.

• Value a collaborative and engaged relationship with a provider who takes the time to understand your strengths and struggles in the full context of your life.

• Are looking for comprehensive integrated care, including both psychiatric medication management and psychotherapy.

• Want meaningful, personalized care, not just surface-level, one-size-fits all advice.

• Initial appointments are conducted in person.

• Follow-up sessions may be conducted in person or virtually, depending on your needs.

  • In-person follow-ups are strongly recommended for children, as they may have difficulty staying engaged during virtual sessions.

• Clients receiving controlled substances (such as stimulants, certain sleep aids, or anti-anxiety medications) are required to attend regular in-person visits as part of safe and responsible treatment.

Psychotherapy and combined med management & psychotherapy is not currently offered to children below the age of 13.

However, medication management is offered to children below the age of 13.

Yes, psychiatric mediation management is available to children, adolescents, and adults.

Alicia frequently diagnoses and treats ADHD and can provide documentation to support ADA accommodations for school or work, when clinically appropriate. Requesting an ADHD evaluation does not guarantee a diagnosis of ADHD. Alicia’s goal is to understand the full picture of your challenges and help you find the most effective treatment options for you, regardless of the diagnosis.

Please note: Alicia does not provide neuropsychological testing—a specialized cognitive assessment that must be performed by a licensed psychologist. Although research supports a comprehensive clinical evaluation for ADHD as the gold-standard for ADHD diagnosis, some schools or agencies may still require neuropsychological testing for ADHD accommodations. Check with your institution in advance to understand what documentation they require.

Alicia provides evidence-based care tailored to your unique health profile and needs. This may include treatment with controlled substances such as stimulants, benzodiazepines, and certain sleep medications if clinically appropriate.

Specifically, stimulants are considered a first-line treatment for ADHD and Alicia is comfortable and experienced in prescribing them if they are determined to be safe and clinically appropriate for you.

Benzodiazepines are only prescribed for time-limited use, in situations that warrant them. Alicia will help you identify treatments that are supported for longer-term treatment of anxiety/panic symptoms/sleep impairment. Alicia can also help you slowly and safely taper off benzodiazepines.

Please note: treatment with controlled substances is subject to specific federal, state, and insurance regulations. This may include requirements for in-person visits at certain intervals and limits on how much medication can be prescribed at one time.

Alicia enjoys working with people of all genders, including men, and has experience supporting men with a wide range of mental health concerns.

Requests for documentation (such as school or work accommodations, FMLA, short-term disability, or letters for Emotional Support Animals) are:

• Considered on a case-by-case basis.

• Require an established and ongoing treatment relationship: Alicia must have sufficient clinical knowledge of your condition through continued care in order to ethically and professionally complete such forms.

• Must be addressed during scheduled appointments, not outside of appointments.

This practice does not currently provide treatment for substance use disorders as a primary diagnosis as these conditions often require a higher level of care, specialized addiction services, and specific training and malpractice coverage in addiction treatment. This includes situations where the main reason for seeking care is:

• Alcohol or drug addiction

• Opioid dependence requiring Suboxone or MAT (medication-assisted treatment)

• Recurrent relapses, detox needs, or active substance misuse

• Court-mandated substance use treatment or monitoring

However, you may still be a good fit if:

• You are looking to cut down on alcohol, cannabis, or nicotine use in the context of broader mental health goals (e.g., anxiety, depression, ADHD).

• Substance use is occasional or mild, and not the primary reason for seeking treatment.

• You are motivated and able to engage in therapy and medication management without needing addiction-specific interventions.

If you’re unsure, Alicia is happy to help you figure out whether this practice is the right fit.

Alicia strives to provide thoughtful, collaborative, and ethical care to all clients. However, this practice may not be the right fit for everyone. You may benefit from a different setting if:

• You are seeking emergency or crisis services. This practice is not equipped to provide walk-in services, 24/7 crisis care, or intensive case management.

• You need intensive support between sessions or require more than once-weekly appointments.

• You are seeking treatment for substance use as a primary condition (e.g., addiction, relapse prevention, medication-assisted treatment).

• You have multiple complex or acute medical conditions that require close medical monitoring or coordination with a multidisciplinary team for your safety.

• You are looking solely for a letter or documentation (e.g., for disability, accommodations, or Emotional Support Animals) without an interest in ongoing treatment.