I started my career in medicine working in pharmaceutical research. I loved the patient visit aspect of research. I decided I needed to finish my degrees. I joined the North Dakota Army National Guard for tuition assistance. Prior to completing school, I deployed to Jalalabad, Afghanistan for twelve months. I am grateful for the experiences I had that led me to this path. Upon my return home I finished my Bachelor's of University Studies degree from North Dakota State University in 2008. I earned my Master of Science Physician Assistant Studies from Philadelphia University in 2011.
I started my PA career working in a psychiatric emergency room in Philadelphia. This path led to positions at; inpatient mental health hospitals, detoxes, rehabs, until ultimately working in outpatient psychiatry for the past five years. I have had the privilege to practice in underserved areas and work with clinics around Raleigh that have amazing resources. The common thread in all the areas that I have worked in, is trauma. When we recognize the role trauma plays in our lives we can start to heal.
My background has led me to focus on a collaborative practice with patients. I believe medications are necessary, but are only part of treatment. My goal is the least amount of medication, for the shortest duration with the most benefits. I believe, allowing patients the time to discuss different medication options, lifestyle modifications and additional therapies that will comprise their treatment plan will lead to better outcomes. I want to normalize conversations around mental health. I have strong experience working with depression, anxiety, PTSD, bipolar disorders, schizophrenia, substance use disorders, and remain committed to care for veterans.
I am originally from Minnesota. I lived in Philadelphia and other areas around Pennsylvania for ten years. We moved to North Carolina in 2017 to raise our boys and call Holly Springs our home. I want to provide service in the community that my family loves.
AGES SEEN: 14 years and older
Please register your free LUMINELLO patient portal first by doing this:
1) Click the CONSULTATION REQUEST tab (upper right corner on this page).
2) Carefully read the statement and proceed if you are not in an emergency situation. If you are in an emergency, please leave this website now, call 911 or go immediately to your nearest Emergency Room.
3) Complete the brief registration form, click NEXT.
4) Create your own LUMINELLO patient portal. Log into it and click the SCHEDULE tab.
FEES:
Payment of fees is expected in full when scheduling services and before you arrive for an appointment unless otherwise agreed upon.
INITIAL DIAGNOSTIC ASSESSMENT – $ 150
ONGOING TREATMENT/FOLLOW UP APPOINTMENT – $ 75
***NOTICE*** Upon completion of credentialing self pay rates will increase Initial DA - $250 Follow-up - $125
ABOUT INSURANCE:
I am in network with Aetna, Optum (UHC), Tricare, Cigna and VACCN. For all other insurance I am considered an out-of-network provider.
Working independently from insurance allows you to choose exactly how your treatment should be structured. It also provides you with more privacy protection. If you do have health insurance with out-of-network coverage, my online services provide you with detailed bills for all appointments. You can then send them to your health insurance provider for reimbursement. Although this can vary widely, the compensation is commonly at 50% to 80% of the local psychiatrist fees.
