What is a Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner?

What is a psychiatric nurse practitioner?

A psychiatric nurse practitioner is a registered nurse with advanced academic and clinical experience, which enables them to perform physical and psychological assessments, makes diagnoses, conduct therapy, and prescribe medications for individuals with a psychiatric disorder.

The treatments provided to help individuals take care of their emotional, psychological, and social well-being. Just like physical health, mental health affects how we think, feel, and behave in daily life. The goal of mental health care is to help people feel better, manage challenges, and live fulfilling, balanced lives. 

At Lavender Retreat, a psychiatric nurse practitioner role combines advanced nursing practice with psychiatric expertise, ensuring accessible, compassionate, and evidence-based mental health care. 

Services include:

Comprehensive Mental Health Assessments – Understanding your needs thorough, caring evaluation of emotional, psychological, and behavioral health, including medical history, risk factors, and social context.

• Diagnosis and Treatment – Identifying mental health conditions such as depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, PTSD, and more.

• Medication Management – Prescribing, monitoring, and adjusting psychiatric medications to support symptom relief and stability.

• Psychotherapy and Counseling – Using evidence-based approaches to help patients develop coping skills.

• Patient and Family Education – Teaching individuals and families about conditions, treatment options, coping strategies, and long-term wellness.

• Care Coordination – Collaborating with physicians, psychologists, social workers, and community resources to provide holistic, patient-centered care.

• Preventive Care and Health Promotion – Supporting resilience, stress management, and lifestyle changes to maintain mental well-being.

Will these appointments be covered by Insurance

We are in-network with Blue Cross/Blue Shield, Aetna, and United. we can help check your insurance coverage.

Each plan is unique and may require a co-pay or a deductible amount to be reached prior to eligibility. The private rates and the insurance rate may differ. We bill directly to the insurance company.

How to request an appointment: Please email us dcinfo@lavender-retreat.com for your insurance information or call us at 202.450.2329

How to request a brief free consultation by maryswoyer@gmail.com to request a free appointment only.

You must provide a minimum of one day (24 hours) notice if you wish to cancel a scheduled appointment or you will be charged a $100 late cancellation fee. Missed appointments/no-shows will be charged $150.

How do I get my medication refilled?

Prescriptions will be written with enough medication to last until your next appointment. Urgent refill requests may take 24-48 hours to process. 

The rates below are our private pay rates

During this 80-minute visit, your psychiatric provider will get to know you, how you are feeling, and your current stressors. We will clarify your treatment goals and develop a plan that may include medication, therapy, or a combination of both.

$375

50-55 minute supportive therapy session to discuss how you are feeling and manage your medications, if necessary.

$250

30-minute supportive therapy session to discuss how you are feeling and manage your medications, if necessary.

$200

Initial Evaluation

A brief phone conversation will help us decide if an initial psychiatric evaluation is appropriate. During the 90 minute initial evaluation, we will review your current symptoms, past mental- and physical-health histories, current medications, and goals for treatment. Together, we will devise a plan that may involve medication, therapy, or a combination of both. 

Medication Management

Mental health medications can significantly improve symptoms and help promote recovery. I use medications judiciously, opting for the least amount of medications necessary to help relieve symptoms. Appointments for medication management are scheduled for 30 or 55 minute sessions and are used to monitor your response. After starting a new medication or during times of dose adjustment, we will meet more frequently (every two to four weeks). Once stable or in remission, follow-up appointments will occur at a minimum of every 12 weeks. 

Psychotherapy

Therapy, or therapy in combination with medication, is effective for reducing symptoms of mental illness, enhancing interpersonal functioning, and promoting well-being. My style is active, collaborative and compassionate. Psychotherapy sessions are scheduled for 55 minutes on a weekly basis.

Telehealth

All visits are held using a HIPAA secure Zoom platform (no services are offered in person at this time). You will receive a Zoom link the day of your visit. Services are provided for individuals who reside in the states that I hold a license: DC, MD, and VA.

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