Nancy Pugmire

When someone you love is struggling with mental health or substance use, it can take over your entire life. You may feel anxious, constantly on edge, and unsure what to do next. You might be asking yourself: Am I helping, or making things worse? When do I step in? How do I set limits without pushing them away? If this sounds familiar, you’re not alone—and you don’t have to figure it out by yourself.

I specialize in working with family members of individuals in crisis. While many providers focus on the person struggling, I focus on you—the parent, partner, or loved one trying to hold everything together. With over 10 years of experience in dual diagnosis treatment and clinical leadership, I help families understand what’s happening, respond more effectively, and create clear, realistic boundaries.

I often work with mothers and partners who feel overwhelmed, fearful, and deeply responsible for their loved one’s well-being, as well as fathers and spouses who may feel frustrated or unsure how serious the situation is. In our work together, we focus on reducing anxiety, improving communication, and helping you take grounded, intentional action instead of reacting from fear or urgency.

My approach is practical, supportive, and direct. You’ll gain tools to manage crisis situations, clarity around when to seek higher levels of care, and guidance on how to take care of yourself in the process. You don’t have to wait for things to get worse to get support—therapy can help you feel more steady, clear, and equipped right now.