Find a psychiatrist in Valley Stream, NY — covered by insurance

If you are feeling overwhelmed by anxiety, stuck in patterns of trauma, or exhausted by PTSD, healing is within reach. I am a compassionate psychiatrist whose practice is informed by a social-work lens. This means I look at the big picture—how social, environmental, and biological factors impact your mental health. My goal is to guide you from a place of survival to thriving. I provide careful diagnostic assessments and tailored treatment plans that respect your preferences, helping you safely process the past and reclaim control over your future wellbeing.

I am a board-certified adult psychiatrist with more than 22 years of experience providing compassionate, evidence-based psychiatric care in inpatient, outpatient, consultation-liaison, and telepsychiatry settings.

Throughout my career, I have helped adults struggling with depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, panic disorder, trauma-related conditions, somatic symptom disorders, and other complex psychiatric illnesses. I also specialize in the treatment of substance use disorders, including medication-assisted treatment with buprenorphine (Suboxone) for opioid use disorder.

My philosophy is simple: every patient is unique, and treatment should be personalized. I combine comprehensive psychiatric evaluation, medication management, supportive psychotherapy, lifestyle and nutritional counseling, and when appropriate, pharmacogenomic (genetic) testing to help identify medications that may be most effective while minimizing side effects.

I believe mental health is closely connected to physical health. My whole-person approach addresses emotional well-being, sleep, nutrition, exercise, stress management, and healthy lifestyle habits to promote lasting recovery and resilience.

I am passionate about helping clients cultivate greater balance, vitality, and overall well-being in their lives. I have experience working with individuals facing a wide range of mental health concerns, including depression, anxiety, trauma, bipolar disorder, OCD, ADHD, disordered eating, substance use disorders, and insomnia. I earned my degree from Hunter College in New York City, where I developed a strong foundation in evidence-based, client-centered care.

As a board-certified psychiatric nurse practitioner and a proud graduate of D'Youville College, I provide a compassionate, faith-based approach to mental health care. My work stems from my belief that healing is always possible and that hope is a powerful force for change. Whether you're struggling with anxiety, depression, trauma, or life transitions, I offer a safe, welcoming space where we can work together to rediscover your strength and resilience. I believe that setbacks help us grow rather than define who we are. Starting over, sometimes, is the bravest thing we can do.

Hi, I'm Ruthellen, a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner with 28 years of experience supporting people through some of life's most challenging moments. Mental health has always been personal to me — watching my own family navigate those struggles is what called me into this work, and giving back to my community is what keeps me going. Outside of the office, you'll find me cheering on my favorite teams or staying active, because I truly believe movement and joy are part of the whole picture.

Anxiety and depression can make everyday life feel exhausting — and finding the right support shouldn't add to that. I'm a Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner practicing via telehealth across New York State, and I genuinely love what I do. My style is collaborative: I'm not here to hand you a prescription and send you on your way. I want to understand your full picture — your history, your goals, what you've tried before — and build a plan that actually fits your life. Care works best when it feels like a partnership, and that's exactly what I aim for. There's no one-size-fits-all when it comes to mental health, and I'll never treat it that way. If you're ready to take the next step — or even just curious about what that might look like — I'd love to connect.

I am a doctorally prepared, dual board-certified Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP-BC) and Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP-BC) dedicated to providing compassionate, patient-centered, and evidence-based care. I strive to create a supportive and collaborative environment where clients feel heard, respected, and empowered in their mental health journey.

By integrating my medical and psychiatric expertise, I take a holistic approach to care, addressing both physical and emotional well-being to help improve overall health outcomes. My goal is to partner with you to develop a personalized plan that supports your growth, stability, and long-term wellness

I believe we all need to be heard and treated with respect and dignity. Treatment involves us working together to get the best results.