Julie Danback

I am a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP) with more than two decades of experience in emergency medicine, nursing, education, and behavioral health. My passion for caring for veterans, first responders, and their families has been shaped by both my professional experience and my life as the wife of a United States Marine Corps veteran and career firefighter.

My journey in healthcare began in 2003 as a youth member of Emergency Medical Services. I went on to serve as both a volunteer and paid EMT and eventually became Sergeant of the Montclair Ambulance Unit, where I developed a Community Response and Education Program focused on outreach, wellness, and resilience.

I earned my BS in Criminal Justice with a minor in Juvenile Corrections and Forensics, followed by my BSN from Caldwell College, MSN in Nursing Education from the University of Phoenix, and PMHNP degree from Purdue University. Throughout my nursing career, I have worked in emergency departments, Level I Shock Trauma Centers, corrections, flight nursing, case management, mobile intensive care, and during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Education has remained an important part of my career. I have taught nursing students in psychiatric nursing, pediatrics, obstetrics, epidemiology, and critical care and have presented nationally on PTSD prevention and resilience among first responders.

Today, I serve as a PMHNP and Director of Family Wellness and Resilience for Heroes Anchor. I specialize in compassionate, trauma-informed care for veterans, first responders, and their families, while also working with individuals experiencing anxiety, depression, trauma, burnout, relationship challenges, emotional dysregulation, and major life transitions.

My goal is to create a space where you feel understood as a whole person—not simply as a diagnosis.

I believe effective mental health care begins with seeing the whole person. While medication can be an important part of treatment, mental health is influenced by much more than biology. Our relationships, environment, experiences, trauma, stress, physical health, and daily lives all shape how we think, feel, and function.

My approach is compassionate, collaborative, evidence-based, and trauma-informed. I work with each client to understand not only what they are experiencing, but also why they may be experiencing it and what factors are contributing to it. Together, we develop a treatment plan that fits the individual rather than forcing the individual to fit a diagnosis.

I believe clients should be active participants in their care. I take time to educate, answer questions, explore treatment options, and make decisions together. When appropriate, treatment may include medication management, education, behavioral strategies, lifestyle considerations, and coordination with therapy or other healthcare providers.

Most importantly, I want my clients to feel safe being honest. There is no judgment in my office. My role is to listen, help you make sense of what you are experiencing, and walk alongside you as you work toward healing, resilience, and a better quality of life.

Your first session is an opportunity for me to get to know you—not just your symptoms or diagnosis.

We will talk about what brought you to treatment, what you have been experiencing, your mental and physical health history, previous treatments and medications, your current stressors, relationships, environment, and the goals you have for yourself. For veterans and first responders, I also recognize that work and service experiences can play an important role in mental health, and we will discuss those experiences at a pace that feels comfortable for you.

I will take time to explain my clinical impressions and answer your questions. We will discuss treatment options, including whether medication may be appropriate, and develop a plan together based on your individual needs, preferences, and goals.

You do not need to have everything figured out before you come in. You do not need to know exactly what is wrong or what treatment you need. You simply need to be willing to start the conversation.

My goal is for you to leave your first appointment feeling heard, understood, and with a clearer path forward.