Amanda Mackanos

I grew up in rural PA working on my grandfather's potato farm, learning equine therapy benefits starting at age eight. I joined the food industry as a waitress and worked throughout my RN undergrad.

I began my nursing career after earning my BSN from IUP in 2015, stepping directly into the fast‐paced world of behavioral health care within emergency room settings. Those early years shaped my clinical foundation and deepened my commitment to supporting individuals who have experienced trauma. I continued to grow, learning medicine, therapeutic communications skills, de-escalation techniques while working inpatient contracts at various facilities across PA, including child and adolescent units, adult and geriatric units, and correctional facility contracts.

Driven to expand efficient care through impact, I completed my MSN as a Psychiatric‐Mental Health Nurse Practitioner in November 2024. I initially provided inpatient hospital care, gaining valuable experiences in a new psychiatric treatment facility. As my career and family needs evolved, I discovered that remote psychiatric care offered the balance and flexibility that best supported both my professional goals and home life balance. My passion for farms, animals, and my large blended and busy family will help my clients see why I enjoy offering them a decade of behavioral health experience. With my advanced PMHNP training, I will deliver compassionate, accessible mental health support in a comfortable virtual setting.

I utilize direct communication style, I only request honesty and never pass judgment. I prefer to learn and fully understand what motivates clients' actions and behaviors prior to jumping right into medication management. I will always offer my suggestions, if I feel strongly about a topic, but I enjoy creating a working relationship with my clients, and I want my patients to maintain their autonomy.

A LOT of personal questions! Authentic and individualized discussion for care planning, and hopefully some humor to lighten the mood.