Lud Denose Harris

I am an ANCC board-certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner with more than 25 years of nursing experience. I provide psychiatric evaluations and medication management for adolescents ages 12 and older and adults experiencing anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder, trauma-related symptoms, and sleep concerns. My practice focuses on medication management rather than weekly standalone psychotherapy.

Patients can expect a warm, direct, and collaborative approach. I listen carefully, explain options in plain language, and develop practical, evidence-based treatment plans. When medication is appropriate, we review expected benefits, risks, side effects, interactions, and any needed laboratory monitoring. Brief supportive therapy, motivational interviewing, education, and lifestyle strategies may be incorporated during medication-management visits.

Care is available through secure telehealth across Georgia and in person in Ringgold by arrangement. When appropriate, I coordinate with other healthcare professionals and consider medical conditions, current medications, and laboratory findings that may affect mental health.

Whether you are seeking care for the first time or returning after a break, my goal is to help you feel heard, understand your options, and move forward with a clear plan.

My approach is warm, direct, and collaborative. I take time to understand how symptoms affect your daily life, what has already been tried, and what meaningful improvement would look like for you. I consider sleep, stress, medical conditions, current medications, substance use, and lifestyle factors rather than viewing symptoms in isolation.

I prescribe thoughtfully and conservatively. When medication is appropriate, I explain the options in plain language and review potential benefits, risks, side effects, interactions, and monitoring needs. We make decisions together and adjust the plan based on your response. Brief supportive therapy, motivational interviewing, education, and practical lifestyle strategies may be incorporated into medication-management visits.

My goal is for each visit to feel focused and personal, and for you to leave understanding both the treatment plan and the reasoning behind it.

Your initial evaluation is up to 60 minutes and is structured as a thoughtful conversation. We will review your current concerns, symptoms, medical and psychiatric history, medications and allergies, previous treatment responses, sleep, substance use, stressors, and safety. I will also ask how your symptoms affect daily functioning and what you hope to improve.

Before the visit ends, I will explain my clinical impressions and we will develop a practical plan together. Recommendations may include medication, education, lifestyle strategies, laboratory testing, coordination with other healthcare professionals, and/or a therapy referral. Medication is prescribed only when clinically appropriate; some decisions may require records, laboratory results, collateral information, or additional assessment.

You should leave understanding the next steps, potential benefits and risks, and how we will monitor your progress. Questions are welcome throughout the visit.