Saima Hanif

Hello, I'm a board-certified Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP-BC) through the ANCC, and I'm currently completing my Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP), expected in 2027. My work spans outpatient and telepsychiatry settings, where I care for children, adolescents, adults, and older adults across the lifespan.

I provide evidence-based, patient-centered care rooted in a trauma-informed and culturally responsive approach. My clinical work includes comprehensive psychiatric evaluations, DSM-5-TR diagnosis, and thoughtful medication management. I treat a wide range of concerns, including depression, anxiety, PTSD, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia spectrum disorders, ADHD, insomnia, and substance use disorders. I also offer medication-assisted treatment (MAT), TMS, and Spravato (esketamine) therapy, and I am experienced in suicide risk assessment, motivational interviewing, crisis intervention, and safety planning.

I believe treatment should be a true collaboration. Together, we will build an individualized plan that may integrate psychopharmacology, psychotherapy, and behavioral strategies, always centered on your unique goals and values. I work closely with therapists, primary care providers, families, schools, and community resources to support your whole-person health and wellbeing.

My education includes a Post-Master's Certificate in PMHNP and ongoing DNP studies at California State University, Los Angeles, along with a Master of Science in Nursing. I completed more than 560 hours of supervised psychiatric clinical training. I am fluent in English, Urdu, and Punjabi, and I speak intermediate Hindi.

I know that reaching out takes courage, and I am truly honored to be part of your journey. Whether you are facing a new challenge or seeking ongoing, compassionate support, I am here to listen, understand, and walk alongside you toward healing and lasting growth.

My care is collaborative and caring, rooted in the belief that you deserve to be seen as a complete person, not a collection of symptoms. As an ANCC board-certified Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP-BC), I combine research-based practice with a trauma-informed, culturally responsive lens. I provide a warm, judgment-free space where you can feel genuinely listened to, respected, and valued exactly as you are.

Our work starts with your story. I make time to conduct a thorough psychiatric evaluation and get to know your history, strengths, values, and goals. Then we create a plan that suits your life and moves at your speed. I treat depression, anxiety, PTSD, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia spectrum disorders, ADHD, insomnia, and substance use disorders using medication management and behavioral strategies designed around you, since what works for one person may not work for another. I see clients across the lifespan, from young children to older adults, adjusting my approach to fit each stage of life.

Treatment is a genuine partnership, and shared decision-making keeps you informed and in charge. I share my thinking in simple terms, encourage every question you have, and update the plan as your needs evolve. When it fits your goals, I offer medication-assisted treatment (MAT) with close monitoring, education, and continued support. MAT is an effective, research-supported part of recovery, and I provide it without judgment.

If safety concerns come up, I offer careful risk assessment, collaborative safety planning, and consistent guidance, so you know what steps to take and whom to reach out to in difficult moments.

Healing seldom happens alone. With your permission, I work with primary care providers, other clinicians, family members, schools, and community resources to support your overall wellness. Most of all, I hope you leave each appointment feeling understood, supported, and confident about the road ahead.

Our first appointment offers a warm, welcoming space where your concerns are met with care and your perspective matters. We’ll begin with what’s been happening lately, including the thoughts, feelings, or symptoms that led you to reach out. I’d like to understand when these difficulties started, what tends to ease or worsen them, and how they affect your daily life and close relationships.

Next, we’ll review your history: your medical background, your family’s mental health history, past treatment, and medications you take now or have taken before. A list of medications is helpful but not required. I’ll ask about the people who support you, how you usually handle stress, and what has or hasn’t worked. You set the pace, and you never need to share more than feels right.

If medication may help, we’ll discuss it openly. I’ll walk you through your options, how each one works, what the research shows, potential side effects, and how long it may take to notice a difference. I’m transparent about benefits and risks, so your decisions reflect your values and comfort level. You never have to decide on the spot, and if medication isn’t the best path, we’ll explore other approaches together.

Your culture and life experiences shape your well-being, and I approach them with respect and a genuine desire to understand you. Whatever your identity or story, you’re welcome here.

Beyond the evaluation, our first visit is about building connection and trust. We’ll talk about what you most want to change and create a treatment plan around your needs, goals, and preferences. Your questions are welcome throughout. Before we finish, we’ll review that plan, confirm next steps, and schedule your follow-up. You’ll leave with a clearer sense of direction and the beginning of a real partnership. Whether this is your first time seeking care or you’ve been in treatment before, I’ll meet you where you are. From here onward, you don’t have to face this alone.