Dr. Lisa Merritt

I am a board-certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner with extensive experience providing compassionate, evidence-based psychiatric care to children, adolescents, and adults. I work with individuals experiencing ADHD, anxiety, depression, mood disorders, PTSD, substance use disorders, and other mental health concerns. I provide comprehensive psychiatric evaluations, medication management, and supportive, skills-based psychotherapy, with treatment tailored to each patient's age, circumstances, symptoms, and goals.

My clinical background includes extensive work in outpatient psychiatry, behavioral health systems, detoxification and dual-diagnosis programs, and community-based mental health organizations. This experience has allowed me to work with individuals across the lifespan and with a wide range of needs, from patients seeking help with anxiety, depression, or ADHD to those managing trauma, substance use, or more complex mental health conditions. I hold a Doctor of Nursing Practice degree with advanced training in psychiatric mental health. In addition to my direct clinical work, I have served as Chief Nurse Executive for a large behavioral health organization, where I oversaw integrated mental health, addiction treatment, and community-care programs. Working at both the patient and organizational levels has given me a broad perspective on mental health care and reinforced the importance of looking beyond a diagnosis to understand the medical, psychological, social, and environmental factors that can affect a person's well-being.

My approach to care is compassionate, collaborative, practical, and solution-focused. I believe the best treatment starts with listening carefully and understanding you as an individual. I want to know not only what symptoms you are experiencing, but how those symptoms are affecting your relationships, work or school, daily functioning, and overall quality of life. I draw from evidence-based approaches including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Motivational Interviewing, solution-focused strategies, and trauma-informed care. When medication is appropriate, I combine thoughtful medication management with education and practical strategies that can help you make progress outside of our appointments. My goal is for you to understand your treatment, participate actively in decisions about your care, and develop tools that support lasting improvement. I also recognize that mental health does not exist in isolation. When helpful, I collaborate with primary care providers, therapists, schools, families, and other members of the treatment team to provide coordinated care. My experience with both mental health and substance use treatment allows me to consider the full range of factors that may be contributing to your symptoms and to develop a treatment plan that addresses your needs as a whole person.

During our first session, I will take the time to understand what has brought you to treatment, the symptoms or challenges you are experiencing, your medical and psychiatric history, previous treatments and medications, and what you hope to accomplish. We will discuss what has and has not worked for you in the past and begin identifying practical solutions that fit your individual situation. Drawing on my clinical experience, I will work with you to create a clear, personalized treatment plan rather than taking a one-size-fits-all approach. If medication is appropriate, we will discuss your options, potential benefits and side effects, and any questions or concerns you may have. My goal is for you to leave our first appointment feeling heard, understood, and empowered, with greater clarity about your treatment and a practical plan for moving forward.