Monique Smith

I’m a board-certified psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner with more than 15 years of licensed nursing experience, most of that in mental health care. My background includes inpatient psychiatry, outpatient care, geriatric mental health, and caring for people through different stages of life, so I’ve seen how mental health concerns can show up in very real, everyday ways.

Over the years, I’ve learned that people don’t always have the words for what they’re experiencing. Sometimes they just know something feels off. Maybe it’s constant worry, low energy, feeling overwhelmed, having trouble sleeping, or simply not feeling like themselves anymore. That’s where I come in.

I help adults understand what may be going on and find practical, effective ways to address it. Medication may be part of the plan when appropriate, but we also look at the bigger picture and talk through the options together. My goal is to make mental health care feel clear, approachable, and personal, not confusing or overwhelming.

My approach is collaborative, honest, and grounded in real life.

I don’t believe in rushing through visits or making decisions without making sure you understand what’s going on. We take time to look at the full picture—your symptoms, your daily life, your stressors, and what you’ve already tried—so that any treatment plan actually makes sense for you.

When it comes to medication, I’m thoughtful and intentional. I don’t prescribe just to prescribe. We talk through options, what to expect, and how it fits into your overall goals. I also pay close attention to how you’re feeling over time, so we can adjust as needed.

I want you to feel comfortable asking questions, sharing concerns, and being part of the process. This is a space where you don’t have to have everything figured out—we work through it together.

The first session is really about understanding you.

We’ll talk through what’s been going on, what brought you in, and how things have been affecting your day-to-day life. I’ll ask questions to get a clear picture of your symptoms, your history, and any patterns that may be contributing to how you’re feeling.

There’s no pressure to explain everything perfectly. You can share what you can, and we’ll go from there.

By the end of the visit, you can expect to have a better understanding of what may be going on and what the next steps could look like. If medication is appropriate, we’ll talk through options together. If not, we’ll still create a plan that feels realistic and supportive.

My goal is for you to leave that first session feeling heard, understood, and a little more clear than when you came in.