Our Treatment Approach
Balance Psychiatric Services provides mental health care to individuals 5 years of age or older and physical health care to individuals 14 or older through HIPAA compliant Zoom. We chose the lotus flower as our logo as the lotus has long been a symbol of resilience and perseverance. It survives and thrives in harsh conditions with unique properties to repel detrimental properties of its environment, regulate its temperature, and use minimal nutrients to flourish. The challenges of the lotus flower's environment does not tarnish it's true nature. Balance Psychiatric Services believes that you are not defined by your illness. We believe in your strength, courage, and resilience to overcome your physical or mental health struggles when provided with the right tools. We strive to provide a personalized approach, connecting you with a provider who sees you as an individual. You are unique. We seek to be mindful of your lived experiences and listen actively so we may provide the support and help you need. Your first appointment will be 60 minutes or longer for you and your provider to learn your needs, desires, and goals before beginning to establish a psychiatric treatment plan. Follow up appointments frequency and length will be determined by you and your provider after your initial psychiatric consultation.
Balance Psychiatric Services is dedicated to being culturally aware, sensitive, and judgment free, however, we are human, imperfect, and capable of error. While you are not responsible for our growth, we encourage all feedback to challenge bias, assumptions, and stagnant thought processes. We are continuously seeking to improve our patient experience. We want Balance Psychiatric Services to be a safe space for all.
Each of our providers are nurse practitioners. While nurse practitioners and physicians may perform similar services, a nurse practitioner is not a physician. Nurse Practitioners' education and background differs significantly from physicians' education and background. Nurse Practitioners are taught in the nursing model of care. The nursing model of care is focused on the individual as a whole rather than on diagnosis and treatment of a disease process. The core principles of the nursing model are:
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Patient-centered care: The patient is at the center of their care, and their needs, preferences, and values are taken into consideration in all aspects of their treatment.
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Holistic care: The patient is viewed as a whole person, with all aspects of their health and well-being considered in their care plan.
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Collaborative care: Healthcare providers work together as a team to provide coordinated care that meets the patient's needs.
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Evidence-based care: Care is based on the best available evidence, and is continually evaluated and modified based on new research and evidence.
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Cultural sensitivity: Care is provided in a culturally sensitive manner that respects the patient's beliefs, values, and practices.
A nurse practitioner begins their career as a registered nurse. This involves 4 years of nursing school to obtain a Bachelor's Degree of Science in Nursing. While in nursing school, nursing students learn by providing care in hospitals or outpatient offices under the supervision of a licensed nurse in addition to traditional classroom experience. Nurses provide direct patient care and administer medication or other treatments as ordered by a provider. Nurses are vigilant to the small changes in patients in order to monitor treatment progress. All of the Nurse Practitioners with Balance Psychiatric Services worked as a registered nurse for several years prior to seeking further education to become a nurse practitioner. A nurse can become a nurse practitioner by obtaining a Master of Science in Nursing, typically a two year program. Nurse practitioners may also obtain a Doctorate of Science in Nursing Practice, typically a three year program. Schooling for nurse practitioners involves traditional classroom learning as well as providing care in hospitals or outpatient offices under the supervision of a licensed nurse practitioner or physician. In addition to obtaining a degree (MSN or DNP), nurse practitioners complete coursework to obtain certification in a desired field of study. Nurse practitioners may become Family Nurse Practitioners "FNPs," Psychiatric Nurse Practitioners "PMHNPs," Pediatric Nurse Practitioners (PNPs), and several others. The nurse practitioners at Balance Psychiatric Services are PMHNPs or FNPs. Some of our nurse practitioners are dual certified PMHNP and FNP, meaning they completed the educational programs and testing for both certifications. Once a degree is obtained, nurse practitioners complete testing to obtain certification through an accredited body such as the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC). After obtaining both a degree and certification, a nurse practitioner can apply for state licensing. In order to maintain state licensing and certification, nurse practitioners must obtain continuing education credits. Balance Psychiatric Services is happy to answer any further questions you may have regarding the education, training, or practice of our nurse practitioners. Learn more About Us.
If you are ready to begin treatment with Balance Psychiatric Services, please complete our new patient form to be contacted.