Suzanne Phipps

Hello. Welcome. I'm glad you are here.

I am a board-certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP) and Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP) with over two decades of nursing and healthcare experience caring for individuals across the lifespan. My educational journey reflects my commitment to lifelong learning and excellence in patient care. I earned my Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN), Master of Science in Nursing (MSN), and Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) from the University of Illinois Chicago (UIC), as well as a Doctor of Education (EdD) from Olivet Nazarene University.

My nursing career began in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU), where I cared for some of the most medically fragile patients and their families. As a FNP, I have provided care in retail health, pediatric, and primary care settings, gaining valuable experience treating a wide range of acute and chronic health conditions while emphasizing prevention, wellness, and patient education.

In addition to clinical practice, I am passionate about developing the next generation of nurses and healthcare providers. I have served as a Program Director and Nursing Professor for a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) program, led healthcare and academic teams, and taught undergraduate and graduate nursing students in both classroom and clinical settings. These experiences have strengthened my commitment to evidence-based practice, leadership, patient advocacy, and compassionate mental healthcare.

Seeking help takes courage, and I believe healing begins when people feel safe, respected, and open to talking about the things they may have been carrying alone discussing both their strengths and struggles, knowing they will be met with compassion rather than judgment. As a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP) and Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP), I focus on the whole person, not just a diagnosis or a list of symptoms.

Life is not always easy. We all experience challenges, setbacks, and difficult seasons. We have good days and bad days because we are human. No one is perfect, and seeking support is not a sign of weakness. My goal is to create an environment where you feel heard, respected, understood, and safe.

I strive to build genuine connections with my patients and provide a judgment-free space where you can speak openly about your thoughts, feelings, concerns, and experiences. Whether you are struggling with anxiety, depression, ADHD, stress, burnout, life transitions, relationship concerns, or simply feeling stuck, I will meet you where you are and work alongside you toward meaningful change.

I believe you are more than your symptoms. Together, we will identify your strengths, explore obstacles, and develop a personalized treatment plan that aligns with your goals and values. You have already made it this far, and that speaks to your resilience. With support, self-awareness, and the right tools, growth and healing are possible.

My mission is to help you build confidence, improve your mental wellness, and create the life you want to live.

Prior to your initial visit, I will ask you to complete several intake forms and evidence-based screening questionnaires. These assessments provide valuable information about your symptoms, medical and mental health history, current stressors, lifestyle factors, and treatment goals.

I review this information carefully before our appointment because these will help me develop a more complete understanding of your experiences and concerns. These forms often identify patterns, symptoms, and contributing factors that may not be immediately apparent during a conversation alone. By gathering this information upfront, we can spend more time focusing on the issues that matter most to you during our appointments.

The information you provide plays an important role in both diagnosis and treatment planning. This information will help me evaluate symptom severity, identify potential underlying conditions, recognize co-occurring concerns, and better understand how symptoms impact your daily life, relationships, work, and overall well-being. These assessments also establish a baseline that allows us to track progress over time, monitor improvements, and make treatment adjustments as needed.

My goal is not simply to treat symptoms, but to understand the whole person, identify the root causes of concerns whenever possible, and develop a plan that supports lasting improvement. The more open and honest you are in completing these forms, the better equipped I will be to provide personalized, effective care during our appointments together.