Sarah Wickenhauser

I am happy to meet you!

I am a dual-certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner and Family Nurse Practitioner with 17 years of experience in healthcare across inpatient and outpatient psychiatry, emergency medicine, trauma, cardiac care, gastroenterology, urgent and primary care. My educational background in exercise science and nursing, along with my master’s degree in nursing, allows me to approach mental health through a truly holistic lens — understanding how physical health, stress, sleep, and life demands all influence emotional well-being. I specialize in anxiety, depression, OCD, bipolar disorder, trauma-related conditions, sleep disorders, and ADHD.

Patients often tell me they feel genuinely heard in our sessions. They describe me as a strong listener, informative, nonjudgmental, and someone who helps them feel calm and hopeful after talking. Creating a safe, welcoming space where you can openly share your thoughts and experiences is very important to me. At the same time, I am solution-focused and motivating. I believe in validating what you’re going through while also helping you identify practical, meaningful steps forward.

My care is collaborative and individualized. I take time to explain diagnoses, review how medications work in the brain and body, and discuss all available options so we can thoughtfully build a treatment plan together. Whether you’re navigating long-standing challenges or a new and overwhelming season of life, my goal is to partner with you in a way that feels supportive, empowering, and grounded in both compassion and clinical expertise.

In your first session with me, you can expect a calm, welcoming, and nonjudgmental environment where you have space to share your story at your own pace. My priority is helping you feel comfortable and heard. We’ll talk about what brought you in, your current symptoms, relevant medical and mental health history, and what you’re hoping will feel different in your life. I’ll ask thoughtful questions to better understand the full picture — including stress, sleep, physical health, and lifestyle — because I believe mental health is deeply connected to the whole person.

You can also expect education. I’ll explain what I’m considering diagnostically, how certain symptoms connect, and review treatment options in a clear and collaborative way. If medication is appropriate, we’ll discuss how it works, potential benefits, and possible side effects so you feel informed and empowered in your decisions.

By the end of the first session, we will typically establish clear, realistic goals — whether that’s reducing anxiety, improving sleep, stabilizing mood, increasing focus, or simply feeling more in control day to day. Together, we’ll create an initial plan and outline next steps so you leave feeling supported, understood, and hopeful about the path forward.