

Seeking mental health support in Springfield? Access 287 licensed providers through Headway across neighborhoods including the Near North End, South End, and surrounding areas. Many providers offer free consultations and sessions can be covered by insurance with copays as low as $0 for eligible patients.
My path to becoming a psychiatric nurse practitioner wasn't just a career choice; it was a personal mission. After watching a loved one navigate the complexities of mental health, I realized how much the right support—or the lack of it—can change the trajectory of a life. Because of this, I’m not just focused on symptoms; I’m focused on you.
I specialize in anxiety, depression, and neurocognitive disorders, providing telehealth care throughout Illinois. I take great pride in my ability to break down complex clinical terms into understandable language, ensuring you never feel left in the dark about your own brain. When I'm not in the "office," I’m usually staying active, cooking, or listening to an educational podcast to stay sharp on the latest in wellness.
With a nursing career spanning since 2008, I have dedicated over 15 years to understanding the complexities of patient care. After earning my Master’s Degree in 2021, I transitioned into advanced psychiatric practice in 2022. Having served in both fast-paced inpatient units and collaborative outpatient clinics, I offer a well-rounded perspective on mental health. My background allows me to blend clinical expertise with a deeply rooted compassion for the human experience.
Hi, I’m Gretchen, a board-certified Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP, ANCC) with a Master of Science in Nursing from Lewis University. I work with individuals, teens, and families navigating anxiety, depression, trauma/PTSD, ADHD, and substance use concerns, providing care in both English and Spanish. I bring experience from emergency departments, inpatient units, outpatient clinics, and private practice, and I strive to create a safe, judgment-free space where clients feel heard, respected, and supported. I value collaboration and flexibility, tailoring each session to your needs so you can feel empowered to make meaningful changes.
I believe quality mental health care starts with feeling heard and respected. I take a collaborative, patient-centered approach and work to understand the whole person, not just symptoms. My goal is to provide a supportive, nonjudgmental space while offering thoughtful, evidence-based psychiatric care tailored to each individual’s needs.
I am a board-certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP-BC) with over a decade of experience in mental health care, supporting individuals across inpatient and outpatient settings. Through my work, I have cared for clients with a wide range of needs, including chronic and severe mental health conditions, and I understand how overwhelming it can feel to navigate symptoms while trying to maintain daily life.
My care philosophy is centered on partnership. Treatment is not about taking over your care, but about working with you to explore your symptoms, goals, and values. Together, we develop a treatment plan that feels respectful, personalized, and empowering. If you have concerns or hesitations about medication, we will discuss all available options openly and thoughtfully, moving at a pace that feels right for you.
I work with individuals experiencing depression, anxiety, trauma, ADHD, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, OCD, and other mood and thought-related conditions. During the initial session, we focus on understanding your concerns, reviewing your history, and identifying practical steps toward improvement. Care may include psychiatric evaluation, medication management when appropriate, brief psychotherapy, education, and ongoing support.
I believe mental health care should feel supportive, clear, and collaborative—not rushed or overwhelming.
You do not have to face these challenges alone. My role is to help you reduce symptoms, strengthen coping skills, and regain balance so you can function at your best and move forward with confidence and stability.
Healing the mind starts with being truly heard. I’m Dr. Joetta Little, DNP, APRN, PMHNP-BC, a board-certified Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner who helps adults navigate a wide range of mental health challenges—from anxiety, depression, and trauma to mood, thought, and personality disorders. My approach combines evidence-based treatment with empathy and collaboration, creating a safe space where every story matters. Whether you’re seeking stability, clarity, or peace, we’ll work together to uncover what wellness looks like for you.✨ Your healing starts here—with care that sees the whole person, not just the diagnosis.
I am a dual board-certified psychiatric and geriatric nurse practitioner with over 25 years of healthcare experience, providing compassionate, evidence-based mental health care to young adults, adults, and older adults. I specialize in treating depression, anxiety, insomnia, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia spectrum disorders, and behavioral or psychological symptoms associated with dementia and complex medical conditions.
My experience spans hospital care, rehabilitation, hospice, and long-term care settings, giving me a deep understanding of the connection between physical and mental health. I am especially comfortable supporting individuals with multiple medical concerns or those navigating life transitions related to aging, illness, or stress.
I’m dedicated to providing compassionate, evidence-based mental health care for individuals of all backgrounds. My goal is to create a safe space where you feel supported, understood, and empowered to take control of your mental well-being. I value collaboration, transparency, and genuine connection in the healing process.











Headway makes it easy to find support for your mental health — from finding the right provider, to understanding costs, to scheduling with ease.
Finding the right psychiatrist in Springfield starts with understanding what kind of mental health care you need. Psychiatrists and psychiatric nurse practitioners can diagnose mental health conditions, prescribe medication, and manage medication plans. Therapists provide talk therapy and support through clinical approaches such as cognitive behavioral therapy, dialectical behavior therapy, and other methods. If you are looking for care related to anxiety, depression, ADHD, bipolar disorder, OCD, or medication management, review each psychiatrist’s listed specialties and training to see whether their experience matches your needs.
Springfield has fewer local psychiatry options than a large metro area, so virtual appointments can expand the number of psychiatrists available to you while still letting you choose in-person care when it fits. Medication management appointments are often shorter and less frequent than therapy sessions, and some psychiatrists also provide therapy. Some people work with both a therapist and a prescriber. As you compare Springfield IL psychiatrists, look at appointment availability, whether they offer a free phone consultation, and how they describe their communication style in their bio.
Psychiatric care in Springfield can be a significant expense without insurance. Using in-network insurance is one of the most reliable ways to reduce session costs and understand what you may pay before you book. Headway helps you find psychiatrists who are accepting new patients, verify whether they take your plan, and see an estimated cost upfront. You can browse psychiatrists in Springfield, review detailed profiles, and book directly when you are ready.
If you're already taking psychiatric medication and considering switching providers, talk to your current prescriber before changing or stopping any medication — most psychiatric medications shouldn't be stopped abruptly. Anyone experiencing thoughts of self-harm or in acute crisis should call 988 or go to the nearest emergency department rather than wait for an outpatient appointment.
Use left and right arrow keys to switch tabs. Press Shift+Tab to return to the tab list from links in the selected tab.