Teresa Sapp

Seeking mental health care is a personal decision, and finding someone you feel comfortable talking to can make all the difference. Whether you're experiencing anxiety, depression, ADHD, mood changes, trauma, or other mental health concerns, you deserve care that recognizes your individual experiences, needs, and strengths.

I'm a board-certified Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner with over 30 years of healthcare experience, including 28 years of service in the U.S. Navy, where I retired as a Lieutenant Commander. My background includes emergency care, community health, and mental health services. Working with people from diverse backgrounds has given me a deeper appreciation for the ways life experiences, relationships, stress, and physical health can influence emotional well-being.

While serving on active duty in the U.S. Navy, I earned my Bachelor of Science in Nursing, with a minor in Psychology, from Old Dominion University. Following my retirement from military service, I continued my education at The University of Alabama, where I earned my Master of Science in Nursing, specializing in Psychiatric-Mental Health.

I provide psychiatric care for adolescents ages 13–17 and adults, including older adults. My clinical experience includes treating depression, anxiety disorders, bipolar disorder, PTSD, ADHD, OCD, sleep-wake disorders, and behavioral concerns associated with autism spectrum disorder and intellectual disabilities.

Throughout my career, I've learned that trust, compassion, and genuine human connection are essential to meaningful care. I understand that reaching out for support isn't always easy, and I strive to create an environment where you feel comfortable being yourself, asking questions, and sharing your concerns openly.

Meaningful mental health care extends beyond managing symptoms or prescribing medication. My approach focuses on understanding you as a whole person, recognizing your strengths, and working collaboratively to develop a treatment plan that reflects your individual needs, experiences, and goals.

I incorporate evidence-based therapeutic approaches when clinically appropriate, including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Motivational Interviewing, Behavioral Activation, Strength-Based Therapy, and Parent Management Training (PMT). These approaches can help us explore how thoughts, emotions, and behaviors influence one another, identify patterns contributing to distress, and develop practical strategies for navigating challenges. We may also focus on strengthening motivation, identifying personal values, and establishing achievable goals. When working with adolescents, I encourage their participation in treatment decisions while involving parents or caregivers appropriately and respecting their developing independence and privacy.

Our time together should feel like a meaningful conversation rather than a checklist. I'll listen attentively, ask thoughtful questions, and encourage you to participate openly in your care. Together, we'll explore what's working, what feels challenging, and what changes may help you move forward.

When medication is appropriate, I'll explain your treatment options, including potential benefits and risks, so you can make informed decisions. I also consider how sleep, stress, daily routines, and lifestyle habits may influence your emotional well-being.

Throughout the process, I encourage self-compassion and realistic expectations. Progress isn't always linear, and setbacks don't diminish your strength or capacity for growth. My goal is to help you develop greater confidence, understanding, and practical skills to support your mental health.

Your first appointment is an opportunity for us to get to know one another and begin understanding what brought you to seek care. You don't need to have everything figured out or know exactly how to describe what you're experiencing. We'll take the time to explore your concerns together.

We begin with a comprehensive 60-minute clinical intake. During this appointment, we'll discuss your current symptoms, medical and psychiatric history, previous treatments, medications, daily functioning, and personal goals. I'll ask questions to better understand your experiences and encourage you to share what matters most to you. For adolescent patients, parents or caregivers will participate as appropriate, while allowing space for the adolescent's own perspective.

Following your intake, we'll schedule a separate 60-minute psychiatric evaluation, typically within one to two weeks, depending on appointment availability. This allows time to review your history, consider any additional information or laboratory testing that may be clinically indicated, and prepare for a thoughtful discussion about your care.

During the evaluation, we'll review relevant findings, discuss potential diagnoses, explore treatment options, and collaboratively develop an individualized plan. Recommendations may include medication management, therapeutic interventions, lifestyle modifications, or referrals for additional services when appropriate.

My priority is to make the process clear, comfortable, and collaborative. You'll have opportunities to ask questions, express concerns, and understand the reasoning behind treatment recommendations. By the end of our initial appointments, I hope you'll have a clearer understanding of your mental health needs and feel confident about the next steps in your care.