Dr. Laura Banks Starks

I’m Dr.Star.

I am happily married, a proud parent, and lead a balanced life full of purpose. My calling is in psychiatric care, and I’m passionate about serving others. My prayer is always to make a difference, offering not just my expertise but a genuine commitment to your mental wellness.

As a Doctorally-prepared Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner (DNP), I am proud to provide compassionate, inclusive, and non-judgmental care to individuals aged 6 and up. I specialize in treating a wide range of mental health concerns, such as anxiety, depression, trauma, ADHD, and mood disorders. With a strong foundation in nursing and advanced psychiatric training, I offer comprehensive care designed to support each client in their journey toward healing and wellness.

I believe in meeting my clients exactly where they are—whether you're navigating a difficult moment or looking to achieve long-term emotional growth. My approach is client-centered, compassionate, and rooted in evidence-based treatments such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), psychopharmacology, and mindfulness-based practices. Together, we will work to build resilience, manage symptoms, and foster positive change in your life.

My Style

I pride myself on creating a safe, empathetic, and non-judgmental space where you can feel comfortable and supported. My style is collaborative, and I view our relationship as a partnership where your input is key to your care. I aim to create an environment where you feel truly heard, understood, and respected—no matter where you are on your mental health journey.

What Clients Can Expect to Take Away from Our Sessions

When you work with me, you can expect to leave each session feeling empowered, supported, and equipped with practical tools for managing life’s challenges. My goal is to help you not only navigate difficult moments but also grow and thrive in the long term. Here’s what you can expect to take away from our sessions:

1. Personalized Strategies for Managing Symptoms I will work with you to develop specific, individualized coping strategies that fit your life and circumstances. Whether you’re dealing with anxiety, depression, trauma, or other challenges, we’ll find techniques that help you manage symptoms effectively.
2. Increased Self-Awareness and Emotional Regulation Over time, you will gain a deeper understanding of your emotions, thought patterns, and behaviors. This self-awareness is key to managing stress, building emotional resilience, and improving relationships.
3. Practical Tools for Everyday Life Our sessions will equip you with practical, evidence-based tools that you can apply to everyday situations—whether it’s managing anxiety before a big presentation, improving communication in relationships, or practicing mindfulness to improve mental clarity.
4. A Safe and Non-judgmental Space to Express Yourself You will have the space to express yourself openly, without fear of judgment. This therapeutic relationship is built on trust, allowing you to explore your thoughts and feelings in a supportive and compassionate environment.
5. A Clear Path Toward Your Mental Health Goals Throughout our work together, we will set goals and take actionable steps to achieve them. Whether it's improving your mental health, reducing symptoms, or gaining greater life satisfaction, you’ll always have clarity on the next steps in your journey.