Mitchell Coutu

Hi, I'm Mitch — a psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner with a Doctor of Nursing Practice from Vanderbilt University. San Diego has been home since 2020, when the Navy first brought me here.

My background includes pediatrics at Children’s Hospital in St. Paul, inpatient psychiatry in Nashville and San Diego, crisis stabilization, and outpatient mental health care. I’ve worked with veterans, college students, LGBTQ+ individuals, people experiencing homelessness, and patients navigating anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder, ADHD, trauma, substance use, and severe mental illness.

I primarily provide psychiatric evaluation and medication management while integrating supportive therapy, psychoeducation, and practical coping strategies into visits. My approach is collaborative, direct, and grounded in helping people improve day-to-day functioning and quality of life.

I look forward to getting to know you.

I take a practical, individualized approach to mental health care. While medication can be an important part of treatment, I also emphasize sleep, exercise, structure, relationships, and sustainable coping skills alongside clinical care.

My style is approachable and collaborative while still being honest and direct when needed. I believe patients should understand why a diagnosis or treatment is being considered rather than feeling talked at or rushed through an appointment.

I often incorporate supportive therapy, CBT-informed techniques, motivational interviewing, and psychoeducation into visits, but I also recognize when someone may benefit from working with a dedicated weekly therapist in addition to medication management.

The first session is focused on understanding the full picture of what’s been going on. We’ll review symptoms, past treatment, medications, lifestyle factors, stressors, and goals for care while building a treatment plan together.

I also prioritize patient education and transparency. I’ll explain my clinical thinking, discuss possible diagnoses when appropriate, and review treatment options so you can make informed decisions about your care.

***Controlled substances are prescribed only when clinically appropriate and after a thorough evaluation. My goal is thoughtful, evidence-based treatment. If you have specific requests for certain medications, we can discuss them openly, but treatment recommendations will ultimately be based on clinical judgment, safety, and overall long-term benefit.