Avis Hershfield

Hi there, I'm Avis, a dual board-certified Nurse Practitioner in Family Practice (FNP-BC) and Psychiatric–Mental Health (PMHNP-C) with over 38 years of experience, and an authentic passion for building strong, therapeutic relationships with those I serve.

I am the founder of Balance Psychiatry and Mental Health, a Professional Nursing Corporation, where I take a holistic, comprehensive, bio-psycho-social approach to Psychiatric Evaluation and Treatment — focusing on you as a whole person, not just your symptoms or diagnosis.

I specialize in working with women and young women who need help with Women's Issues, Medication Management, Perinatal Mood Disorders, Abortion Grief, Prolonged Grief, Depression, Anxiety, Bipolar Disorders, Substance Use Disorders, Trauma/PTSD, Sexual Abuse, Sex/Human Trafficking, Intimate Partner Violence and Domestic Violence.

I offer care for men and young men who need help with Men's Issues, Medication Management, Mood and Anxiety Disorders, Stress and Coping, Substance Use and Risk-Taking, Relationship and Intimacy Challenges, Identity and Role-Related Issues, and Trauma and Shame.

I welcome all cultures and minorities, all races and religions, POC and the LGBTQIA+ communities. I am down-to-earth, empathic, and I especially enjoy bringing my education, persona, and life/career experiences to the patients I serve.

My practice is both an Art and a Science and that means I will combine my wisdom, creativity, compassion, and healing spirit with the most up to date Evidence-Based Practice (EBP) in psychiatry, psychopharmacology and psychotherapeutic modalities to partner with you to meet your personal and unique psychiatric and mental health goals.

At your Initial Psychiatric Evaluation, you can expect a thorough, compassionate, and collaborative conversation focused on understanding your concerns and your overall well-being. We explore your symptoms, medical and mental health history, lifestyle factors, past treatments, and current stressors so I can gain a full picture of what you’re experiencing. I may ask questions about your mood, sleep, anxiety, concentration, relationships, and daily functioning, but there are no right or wrong answers—just an opportunity for you to share openly at your own pace. Together, we identify your goals for care, discuss potential Diagnoses, and review Evidence-Based Treatment options, which may include therapy, lifestyle strategies, and/or medication. My aim is to ensure you feel heard, supported, and well-informed, and to create a personalized plan that prioritizes your safety, comfort, and long-term resilience.