Dr. Sharlene Willock

Sharlene Willock, PMHNP-BC, is a board-certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner dedicated to providing compassionate, evidence-based mental health care across the lifespan. With a strong foundation in both nursing and psychiatric care, Sharlene specializes in the assessment, diagnosis, and treatment of a wide range of mental health conditions including anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder, PTSD, and schizophrenia.

She brings a holistic approach to care, integrating medication management with supportive psychotherapy and patient education to empower individuals on their path to wellness. She uses a patient-centered care approach and strives to create a safe, nonjudgmental space for everyone.

Sharlene earned her Doctorate of Nursing with a specialization in psychiatric mental health nursing from Arizona State University, and holds active licensure and certification through the ANCC. With experience in outpatient, inpatient, and telepsychiatry settings, she is passionate about reducing stigma, improving access to mental health services, and promoting long-term recovery.

I provide a safe, comfortable and nonjudgemental space where the patient feels seen and heard. Psychiatric care is not just about asking the right questions, it's about creating an environment where the patient wants to share. I gather their history, what motivated them to seek mental health care. We build the story and I develop a working diagnosis, with the understanding that diagnoses can evolve as you gather more information. I then tailor your treatment plan, medication management if indicated, psychotherapy referrals, social supports and safety planning.

Before we start I give clients a sense of what they can expect from our session. The goal of that initial session is to focus on understanding what's going on for them mentally, and emotionally in their everyday life. My role is to listen without judgment, help you to make sense of what's happening and give you the tools to address these concerns.

The main take aways:

A clearer understanding of what might be contributing to how they are feeling

Initial recommendations-these can be lifestyle changes, therapy options or medications.

A plan for next steps