Kelly Johnston-Messenger

Hello, and welcome! I’m Kelly Johnston-Messenger, a board-certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner with over 14 years of nursing experience caring for individuals through trauma, substance use, grief, and critical illness. Those experiences taught me that mental health is deeply connected to every part of our lives and that healing begins when people feel genuinely heard and understood.

As both a clinician and a mom, I understand the challenges of balancing life’s many responsibilities while trying to care for your own mental health. I provide compassionate, evidence-based psychiatric care for those experiencing anxiety, depression, trauma, mood disorders, burnout, and life transitions.

I believe mental wellness is about more than managing symptoms—it’s about helping you regain confidence, build resilience, and create a life that feels balanced and fulfilling. My approach combines thoughtful medication management with education, lifestyle considerations, psychotherapy, and collaborative treatment planning. As a hypnotherapist, I also bring a unique understanding of how subconscious patterns and nervous system health can influence emotional wellbeing.

My goal is to create a welcoming, judgment-free space where you feel supported, respected, and empowered throughout your healing journey.

My approach to care is based on a foundation of evidence-based approaches with functional and holistic integration. I believe the best psychiatric care is collaborative, personalized, and centered around the whole person—not just a diagnosis. Every individual brings unique experiences, strengths, and goals, and I take time to understand your story before developing a treatment plan.

Together, we’ll explore your symptoms, medical history, lifestyle, stressors, and personal goals to determine the most appropriate treatment approach. When medication is indicated, I prioritize thoughtful prescribing and ongoing collaboration to ensure your treatment aligns with your needs and preferences.

I value patient education and believe that understanding why you’re experiencing certain symptoms can be just as empowering as treating them. My goal is to help you develop the knowledge, tools, and confidence to support your long-term mental wellness.

I strive to create a therapeutic relationship built on trust, compassion, and open communication so that you feel comfortable asking questions, sharing concerns, and actively participating in your care.

Your first appointment is an opportunity for us to get to know one another. My goal is to create a comfortable, supportive environment where you feel heard—not rushed.

We’ll spend time discussing your current concerns, symptoms, medical and mental health history, lifestyle, relationships, and any factors that may be impacting your emotional wellbeing. I’ll ask questions to gain a comprehensive understanding of your unique experiences while also making space for you to share what’s most important to you.

By the end of our visit, we’ll work together to develop an individualized treatment plan that may include medication recommendations, lifestyle strategies, therapy referrals if appropriate, and practical next steps tailored to your goals.

My hope is that you leave your first appointment feeling understood, encouraged, and confident that you have a partner invested in your mental health journey.