Sarah Malatesta

I am a Board-Certified Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP-BC) with a Master of Science in Nursing from the University of Maryland and a Post-Master’s Certificate in Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner studies from Maryville University.

I have experience working across inpatient, outpatient, addiction treatment, and pediatric neuropsychiatry/rehabilitation settings. This background allows me to support patients with a wide range of mental health needs in different stages of care.

I work with adolescents and adults experiencing anxiety, depression, ADHD, PTSD, mood disorders, substance use concerns, and life transitions. I also support individuals with more complex or ongoing mental health conditions, whether they are new to treatment or continuing care.

My approach is collaborative, patient-centered, and evidence-based. I integrate medication management with supportive therapy, using tools from Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and motivational interviewing to help clients build insight, coping skills, and sustainable progress.

I take a holistic view of mental health, considering not only symptoms but also lifestyle, stressors, and overall functioning. I aim to create a safe, nonjudgmental space where clients feel heard, respected, and actively involved in their care decisions.

In your first session, we complete a comprehensive psychiatric evaluation to understand your symptoms, history, and treatment goals. I take time to listen closely and provide education so you can better understand what you’re experiencing and what treatment options may help.

Together, we develop an individualized treatment plan that may include medication, therapy strategies, or both. Follow-up visits focus on monitoring progress, making medication adjustments if needed, and building practical coping tools to support long-term stability and improvement.