OLD TOWNE

Crystal’s interest in mental health first developed in the NICU as she witnessed parents and families struggle with anxiety, depression, grief, loss, hopelessness, trauma, and more. Her goal as a nurse was to ensure families felt supported, understood, and empowered in hopes of easing some of the distress related to the NICU experience. She continually looked for strategies and information on how to better care for patients and families during this time. She pursued specialized training and obtained certification in neonatal intensive care nursing. Furthermore, she served on a Bereavement committee to discover and assist in the development of strategies to better support families who had experienced the loss of a child. Her passion for high-quality care also led her to serve on a committee that focused on enhancing the experience and satisfaction of parents and families in the NICU.

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Later in her career, as Crystal worked with patients in an obstetrics and gynecology practice, she further gained awareness of the mental health struggles faced by many. Crystal’s caring and compassionate demeanor created a space where patients felt safe opening up about any distress that they had often been silently enduring. After frequently hearing these concerns and recognizing the impact they had on a person’s overall health and ability to find joy in life, Crystal sought to learn more about the treatment of mental illness and related concerns. She pursued post-graduate education and training in the field of psychiatric mental health to provide more holistic care and enhance the wellbeing of the clients she serves.

 

Crystal also obtained certification in Perinatal Mental Health treatment through Postpartum Support International. Perinatal mental health involves the promotion and treatment of mood and anxiety disorders during pregnancy and the postpartum period. Combined with her experience in women’s health, Crystal evaluates and provides treatment for mood and psychiatric conditions that may occur during the reproductive years. These include mood changes surrounding the menstrual cycle, depression and anxiety in pregnancy and postpartum, and perimenopause/menopause-related mood concerns. Although she has supplementary knowledge of perinatal mental health and women’s health, Crystal enjoys working with adults of all genders and strives to provide a secure place where anyone can come to get help. Crystal’s goal is to guide clients in enhancing their mental health so that they may flourish in ways they had not thought possible. She views her time with clients as a privilege and honors the role to form a partnership during vulnerable times in their lives. She believes that with effort and proper treatment, balance can be restored, and people can find satisfaction, confidence, and enjoyment in their journey.

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Crystal offers comprehensive assessment and treatment of adults struggling with anxiety, depression, mood symptoms (like feeling irritable), overwhelming emotions, obsessive compulsive disorder, problems with attention and focus, bipolar disorder, mood changes surrounding the menstrual cycle, perimenopause/menopause-related mood concerns, postpartum depression and anxiety, as well as some other mood and anxiety disorders.

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Crystal prides herself in providing compassionate care and creating an environment where people can find understanding, guidance, and solutions for conflicts and concerns in their lives. She takes time to listen, answer questions, and ensure patients are comfortable with all aspects of their care. She works collaboratively with patients to develop a treatment plan, which may include both medication and therapy, to help each person reach a place where they are functioning well and finding greater joy in life. Crystal is welcoming new clients ages 18-64 and looks forward to providing mental health services and getting people on a path to wellness.

 

Training and experience:

Bachelor of Science in Nursing - Jefferson College of Health Sciences

Master of Science in Nursing and Women’s Health Nurse Practitioner preparation - Vanderbilt University

Post-master’s Certificate, Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner – Virginia Commonwealth University

Certification in Perinatal Mental Health – Postpartum Support International

Certification in Neonatal Intensive Care Nursing – National Certification Corporation

 

Associations:

American Psychiatric Nurses Association

Postpartum Support International

Neuroscience Education Institute

American Nurses Association