Sharon Atwood

I am Sharon Atwood, a dual board-certified Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner and Adult Nurse Practitioner with over a decade of hands-on clinical experience serving adults and older adults. I hold active, unrestricted licenses in Florida, New York, California, and Idaho, and I provide care through both telehealth and outpatient settings.

My academic journey reflects a deep, enduring passion for mental health and human behavior. I earned my Bachelor of Arts in Psychology magna cum laude from Kean University, followed by a Master of Science in Nursing from Florida Atlantic University and a Post-Master's Certificate in Psychiatric-Mental Health from the University of Miami, both completed summa cum laude. I maintain board certifications through ANCC and AANP and hold active membership in the American Academy of Nurse Practitioners, the American Psychiatric Nurses Association, and the California Association of Nurse Practitioners.

My clinical background spans adult and geriatric primary care, integrated psychiatric services, crisis intervention, and outpatient psychiatric medication management. This diverse experience has prepared me to address a wide range of conditions with both skill and compassion, including depression, anxiety, PTSD, ADHD, bipolar disorder, panic disorder, OCD, schizophrenia, schizoaffective disorder, sleep disturbances, grief, anger management, and complex co-occurring presentations. I welcome individuals with treatment-resistant symptoms and those still searching for the right provider.

I specialize in working with adults aged 18 and older, helping to uncover root causes and develop plans for genuine growth. My approach is collaborative and evidence-based, combining psychiatric medication management with integrative wellness strategies that address sleep, nutrition, exercise, stress, and meaningful connection. I believe that expert care works best alongside healthy lifestyle habits and a sense of humor.

Several core beliefs shape my practice: good care is a true collaboration, clinical precision is crucial, and even the most effective treatment works better with healthy habits and genuine kindness. With more than a decade of experience in adult and geriatric primary care, integrated behavioral health, crisis services, and outpatient medication management, I bring a broad, practical perspective to every person I see.

I treat adults 18 and older in the office and by telehealth. My approach is research-based and focused on you. I aim to identify what is fueling your symptoms and build a practical, personalized plan that adds more calm and stability to daily life. Whether you are living with a long-standing condition or dealing with something new, we will work toward meaningful progress.

I make time to learn about the full picture, including your symptoms, mental health history, medical conditions, family background, everyday routines, and goals. My experience in primary care helps me see how your physical and emotional health influence one another. You are more than a label, and I always keep that in mind.

With medication, I am thoughtful and open. I share my reasoning in simple language and guide you through every option, including how it works, its possible benefits, and side effects to note. Through collaborative decision-making, your preferences and comfort shape each choice, and you will never be given a plan you do not understand or agree to. I monitor your progress carefully, invite candid feedback, and adjust as your needs evolve.

With your permission, I coordinate with your other providers when teamwork improves your care. You can also contact me between appointments with questions, and I will respond promptly. I am driven by helping you find genuine relief, restore balance, and move toward the healthier life you are creating. You deserve a provider who recognizes every part of you, and that is the provider I aim to be.

Our first session is about getting to know you and building a partnership grounded in trust and respect. As a dual board-certified Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner and Adult Nurse Practitioner with over a decade of experience in diverse clinical settings, I’m ready to meet you where you are.

We’ll begin with what brought you here: the concerns weighing on you most and how they affect your work, relationships, sleep, and overall well-being. You can share as much or as little as feels comfortable, free of pressure or judgment.

I work with adults 18 and older on a wide range of concerns, including depression, anxiety, PTSD, ADHD, bipolar disorder, panic disorder, OCD, schizophrenia, schizoaffective disorder, sleep problems, grief, and complex co-occurring conditions. Together, we’ll explore what’s driving your symptoms.

Next, we’ll review your psychiatric history, including past diagnoses, treatments, and medications, noting what worked, what didn’t, and any side effects. A list of your medications is helpful but not required. We’ll also go over your medical history, current prescriptions, family mental health history, and lifestyle factors like diet, exercise, and stress. With my Adult Nurse Practitioner training, I pay close attention to how your physical and mental health interact.

If medication becomes part of your plan, I’ll explain your options in plain language, including how they work, realistic timelines, possible side effects, and how we’ll track your progress. You never have to decide on the spot, and if medication isn’t the right fit, we’ll explore other approaches. Every decision is made as a team, and questions are welcome throughout.

You’ll leave our first appointment with a clearer understanding of what you’re experiencing, a working diagnosis when appropriate, a personalized care plan, clear next steps, and a partner invested in your long-term wellness. You don’t have to face this alone.