Book a therapist or psychiatrist in Surprise, AZ covered by United Healthcare

I’m a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner who provides thoughtful, personalized care in a supportive and nonjudgmental space. I take the time to truly understand your concerns, your goals, and what’s most important to you.

My approach is both clinical and holistic—while I offer medication management when appropriate, I also integrate lifestyle, sleep, and evidence-informed strategies to support your overall well-being.

I value a collaborative, high-touch experience where you feel informed, comfortable, and involved in every step of your care. My goal is to help you feel more balanced, clear, and like yourself again—with a plan that is both effective and sustainable.

I am a Board-Certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP) with 18 years of experience in general health and 7 years of mental health. I diagnose and treat mental disorders with a sense of comfort and trust. My practice combines the best of psychiatric services with focus on the best treatment plan for your general well-being.

IMPORTANT: All clients must complete our intake form and sign our policies before their appointment. Please complete these documents at https://intakeq.com/new/6oakjo/lusjbb or contact us at 415-968-6515 (call or text).

I'm accepting new patients in Arizona and California!

As a Board-Certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner, I've dedicated my career to helping individuals find clarity and stability through compassionate, evidence-based medication management. My journey in mental health began with my foundational education at Mount Saint Joseph University, followed by advanced psychiatric training at Purdue Global, where I developed specialized expertise in psychopharmacology—the science of how psychiatric medications work in the brain and body.

I understand that starting or adjusting psychiatric medication can feel overwhelming. Many of my patients come to me after struggling with multiple providers, ineffective treatments, or confusing explanations about their care. I've made it my mission to change that experience. When we work together, you'll never wonder why I'm recommending a particular medication or what to expect from your treatment plan.

My clinical focus includes complex conditions that benefit from careful, individualized medication strategies: ADHD, OCD, personality disorders, PTSD and trauma-related conditions, depression, anxiety disorders, panic disorder, mood disorders, and bipolar disorder. I particularly enjoy working with patients who have treatment-resistant symptoms or multiple diagnoses—situations that require creative problem-solving and a deeper understanding of how medications interact within your unique system.

What sets my approach apart is the time I invest in truly understanding you. I'm here to provide clear guidance and consistent support throughout your journey toward better mental health.

Dr. MacKenzie ia board certified Adult and Child psychiatric NP and trained therapist Graduated Cum Laud from Case Western Reserve University in 2012 practicing in Texas, Oregon and most recently in Arizona since 2013. Prior to this he spent 10+ years as a Psychiatric and Critical Care RN in the community and a prior 10+ years in the US Army; where he learned a lot about anxiety, depression, grief and trauma. "I lived it, and with help I recovered. Then I studied what I myself have gone through to help others".

"If you think about it, there is no actual health without good mental health, and I work to help my clients achieve both."

Using the tools of Psychology as well as Psychiatric medication management (if appropriate), you can feel much better, function much better at home, work, and when you find yourself in those uncomfortable times.

Almost every symptom or unwanted trait can improve and in many cases, resolve completely, but only if you give it a chance.

Please visit my website for additional information: www.vanessampaulson.com