Shawlawn Freeman-Hicks

I’m Dr. Shawlawn Freeman-Hicks, a board-certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner with a background in nursing, behavioral health, and psychiatric care. I hold a Bachelor of Science in Nursing, a Master of Science in Nursing with a focus on psychiatric mental health, and a Doctor of Psychology in Behavioral Health Leadership.

My approach is compassionate, collaborative, and focused on understanding the whole person—not just a diagnosis. I work with adults experiencing concerns such as depression, anxiety, mood disorders, ADHD, trauma-related symptoms, sleep difficulties, and other behavioral health conditions. I also have experience working with individuals managing complex psychiatric and life circumstances.

I believe effective treatment should be individualized and grounded in both evidence-based practice and the client’s goals, values, and preferences. When medication is appropriate, I work collaboratively with clients to identify treatment options, discuss benefits and potential side effects, and monitor progress over time.

My goal is to create a supportive, judgment-free environment where clients feel heard, respected, and actively involved in their care. I view mental health treatment as a partnership and strive to help each person move toward greater stability, confidence, and overall well-being.

My approach to care is collaborative, individualized, and focused on the whole person. I believe that effective psychiatric care begins with listening and understanding what a client is experiencing, how those concerns affect daily life, and what the client hopes to achieve through treatment.

I take time to understand each client’s symptoms, history, goals, lifestyle, and individual circumstances before developing a treatment plan. When medication is indicated, I provide education about treatment options, benefits, potential side effects, and alternatives so that clients can make informed decisions about their care.

I use an evidence-based approach while also considering factors such as sleep, stress, nutrition, daily routines, relationships, and other lifestyle factors that can influence mental well-being. I believe psychiatric treatment should be more than simply managing symptoms—it should support meaningful improvement in quality of life.

My style is warm, respectful, nonjudgmental, and straightforward. I want clients to feel comfortable asking questions, expressing concerns, and being honest about what is and is not working. Treatment is a partnership, and I work with each client to develop a plan that feels realistic, sustainable, and aligned with their goals.

Your first session is an opportunity for us to get to know each other and begin understanding what brings you to care. I’ll ask about your current concerns, symptoms, mental health history, medications, medical history, daily functioning, and goals for treatment. We’ll also discuss what you have tried in the past and what has or has not been helpful.

I strive to create a comfortable, supportive, and judgment-free environment where you can be open and honest. You do not need to have everything figured out before your appointment. We can work together to identify your most important concerns and determine where to begin.

By the end of the first session, we will work toward developing an individualized treatment plan based on your needs and goals. If medication is appropriate, we’ll discuss potential options, including benefits, risks, and alternatives, and determine the next steps together.

My goal is for you to leave your first appointment feeling heard, understood, and with a clearer sense of direction for your mental health care.