How We Help
The National Institute of Mental Health reports that conditions affecting a person’s mental well-being, such as depression or anxiety, can increase their risk of chronic health conditions such as cardiovascular disease and diabetes.
The prevalence of mental illnesses and disorders in the U.S. are more common than one might think. A Mental Health Crisis report from 2024 found that:
23% of American adults experienced a mental illness in the past year.
20% of American youth had at least one episode of depression in 2024.
5% of adults and 13% of youth had suicidal thoughts.
Of the American adults with substance use disorders 77% did not receive treatment.
The U.S. health care system struggles to meet the needs of an advancing mental health crisis. Demand for mental health services grows annually, overwhelming available mental health professionals. Access to comprehensive mental health services is essential for the delivery of impartial, high-quality mental health care.
Americans continue to find it difficult to access mental health and substance use care for several reasons including provider shortages, lack of health insurance coverage, and high out-of-pocket costs.
Beacon aims to provide better access to care, we accept Medicare, Medicaid, and private insurance.
What is a PMHNP
Psychiatric mental health nurse practitioners (PMHNP) are advanced practice registered nurses (APRN) who provide mental health care services to individuals.
A PMHNP has a background in nursing and has completed a rigorous Masters or Doctorate level degree from a University. In order to practice, the PMHNP must pass board examination, to be accredited by a nationally recognized board and licensed by the State in which they practice.
PMHNPs are equipped to work with a broad spectrum of mental health conditions. Services provided by a PMHNP include assessment and diagnosis of mental health conditions and psychiatric disorders, treatment including medication management, and supportive therapy.
PMHNP’s focus on patient-centered care, understanding everyone’s situation is unique. A psychiatric nurse practitioner approaches their patients with empathy, considering their overall wellbeing, emotional state, and environmental factors.
The realm of psychiatric mental health is a complex field that deals with a spectrum of mental health concerns - such as depression, anxiety disorders, substance abuse, schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, and more.
PMHNPs offer both acute and long-term care. This care includes constructing individualized plans of treatment including prescribing medications, providing brief supportive therapy, and implementing behavioral interventions.
At Beacon Psychiatry we strive to to continuously improve the services we provide through continuing education and staying informed of the latest evidence based research.
Care We Offer
We offer psychiatric care, through telemedicine, specializing in the management of depression, anxiety, bipolar disorders, schizophrenia, and more.
Depression - a common mental health condition characterized by a persistent low mood, loss of interest or pleasure in activities, and changes in behavior and thinking. It can also involve feelings of worthlessness, guilt, fatigue, and difficulty concentrating.
Depression is a complex disorder that can be caused by a combination of factors, including:
Biological factors: Genetics, brain chemistry imbalances, and medical conditions
Psychological factors: Stressful life events, trauma, and coping mechanisms
Social factors: Social isolation, lack of support, and cultural expectations
Depression can vary in severity from mild to severe and can have a significant impact on a person's daily life, relationships, and overall well-being.
Anxiety - is a common human emotion characterized by feelings of unease, worry, fear, and apprehension. It can be a normal response to stressful situations, but when it becomes excessive or persistent, it can interfere with daily life and indicate an anxiety disorder.
Bipolar disorders - are mental health conditions characterized by significant and persistent mood swings between periods of mania (elevated mood, increased energy, and impulsivity) and depression (low mood, decreased energy, and hopelessness). These mood episodes can vary in intensity and duration, and may have a significant impact on a person's life, relationships, and functioning.
Schizophrenia - is a chronic mental illness characterized by significant disruptions in thought processes, perceptions, emotions, and behavior. It is typically diagnosed in late adolescence or early adulthood and is characterized by a combination of symptoms, including:
Positive symptoms: Hallucinations (e.g., hearing voices), delusions (false beliefs), disorganized speech, and bizarre or inappropriate behavior.
Negative symptoms: Reduced emotional expression, flattened affect, lack of motivation, and social withdrawal.
Cognitive symptoms: Difficulty with attention, concentration, memory, and problem-solving.
And more- we also address issues with substance abuse, attention/focus, sleep.
What to expect
Initial evaluation - Initial evaluations/assessment are scheduled for 90 min. During this time we will discuss current thoughts, behaviors, feelings, challenges, as well as review information from your past. The initial evaluation gives the PMHNP and the patient a chance to become acquainted and begin building trust. We will design and begin an initial treatment plan.
Ongoing appointments- Appointments generally last about 30 min. During this time we will review the effectiveness of the current treatment plan, address bothersome symptoms, discuss overall wellness, make adjustments to the treatment plan as agreed upon.
