A nurse practitioner (NP) is an advanced practice registered nurse (APRN) who has attained advanced graduate-level education and training, qualifying them to provide a broad range of healthcare services. This includes performing physical exams, diagnosing illnesses, prescribing medications, and educating patients on health management. Nurse practitioners emphasize preventive care and collaborate with physicians and other healthcare professionals to deliver comprehensive, patient-centered care. They are recognized for their holistic care approach and dedication to patient education, serving in a wide array of healthcare settings.

Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioners (PMHNPs) hold advanced degrees and are trained in comprehensive evaluations, diagnosis of illnesses, medication management, and psychotherapy, much like psychiatrists. They specialize in mental health care, providing holistic nursing care alongside medication management. Psychiatrists, who are medical doctors, complete medical school and psychiatric residency, offering a wide range of medical treatments. The primary difference lies in their educational pathways and scopes of practice, with PMHNPs integrating nursing care and psychiatry. We often refer out or collaborate with psychiatrists for certain cases.

Yes. Research shows that virtual therapy and psychiatry are just as effective as in-person care for many mental health concerns. Our secure video platform ensures privacy, flexibility, and a strong therapeutic connection—no matter where you are.

Yes, I offer medication management and/or comprehensive or brief-psychotherapy within sessions. Nurse practitioners are licensed to perform psychotherapy and prescribe medication, working independently or under the supervision of a physician.

I am not currently managing clients who require continuation of controlled substances like stimulants or benzodiazepines. This may change in the future.

I may take clients who desire to taper off of controlled substances. 

Yes, if psychiatric medication is not the path you choose, psychotherapy, also known as talk therapy, is useful in understanding the root of mental health disorders and helps with lasting, long-term healing.

I offer 45- and 60-minute therapy sessions, using modalities such as motivational interviewing, brief supportive therapy, person-centered therapy, trauma-informed therapy, psychoeducation, and cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT). I provide psychoeducation and use active listening.

All services are offered 100% online for patients residing in Illinois, Minnesota, Arizona, Colorado, Nevada, and Florida. You must be located in this jurisdiction for your sessions. It is illegal for a provider to services a patient via telehealth that is not located in a jurisdiction they are licensed.

Yes! We offer flexible scheduling, including evening and limited weekend availability, to accommodate your lifestyle and time zone.

Yes!

We accept patients ages 12 to 70.

I am board certified as a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner trained in treating mental health conditions across the lifespan. I have a specific interest and expertise in many conditions including ADHD, anxiety, depression, bipolar disorders, perinatal mood and anxiety disorders, reproductive mood disorders, OCD, personality disorders, sleep disorders, adjustment disorders, and PTSD/trauma. I do work with male patients and provide a welcoming environment for anyone who needs care.

We currently accept some insurance plans insurance in Illinois and Minnesota. If you're located in either of those states, reach out to confirm if we accept your specific plan.

In Florida, Arizona, Colorado, and Nevada, we are private pay only. Many clients in these states are able to get partial reimbursement through their out-of-network benefits.

If you are out-of-network, I can provide you with a receipt/superbill to submit to your insurance for reimbursement.

I require a credit card on file at least 48 hours prior to your initial appointment, otherwise the initial appointment will be cancelled.

For private-pay, all payments are collected the day prior to the appointment with the credit card on file.

We have a limited number of sliding scale fee slots open, please reach out to discuss more.

Most of our patients are able to use their FSA/HSA dollars for our services.

Vital signs are crucial for medication management in psychiatry because they provide essential physiological information such as heart rate, blood pressure, and respiratory rate. Monitoring these signs helps assess the medication's impact on the body, detect potential side effects, and ensure the overall safety and well-being of the patient undergoing psychiatric treatment.

Please make sure you purchase the necessary equipment to complete submission of your vital signs for your session. You will need:

• Blood Pressure Cuff / Heart Rate Monitor

• Scale

Changes to the appointment (cancellations or rescheduling) requires a 24-hour advanced notice, otherwise clients will be charged the full rate of the appointment.

To avoid a charge, Monday appointments must be cancelled or rescheduled at least 48 hours prior on the Thursday preceding.

Missed appointments will be billed at the usual rate with your credit card on file.

If you are more than 15 minutes late to an initial appointment or 10 minutes late to a follow-up appointment, it will be considered a missed appointment.

Skylight Ascend Wellness provides virtual mental health care across:

• Illinois and Minnesota – Private pay and Insurance accepted

• COMING SOON…… in Florida, Arizona, Colorado, and Nevada

Our practice is 100% telehealth—so no matter where you are in these states, compassionate, culturally grounded care is just a click away.

To begin your path to healing, CLICK HERE or EMAIL US.

Thank you, I look forward to connecting soon!