Trauma and PTSD Psychiatrists in Hamburg, NY

I am an experienced Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner and use a shared decision making model/ trauma informed care to provide evaluation, treatment and medication management. I have worked in the mental health field as a nurse/ counselor since 1988, and decided I wanted to further my career as an NP so went back to school in 2015 when my children were older. I have worked in many areas in psychiatry and feel that experience has only improved my practice to be more comprehensive and well rounded.

Having grown up in an economically disadvantaged community, I witnessed the toll that mental illness can take on individuals and their families; and having raised three children on my own, I know what it is to struggle. My experiences fueled my passion for mental health care, and I bring this empathy and understanding to every patient interaction. I am deeply committed to helping my patients overcome their challenges and treating each individual with the same care and attention I would give to my own loved ones.

Harmony Bay is a psychiatry and therapy office that provides primary mental health treatment programs for psychiatric conditions such as depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, PTSD, and ADHD. We offer a clean, bright environment with a calming and positive tone. We offer programs and services for both therapy and psychiatry including individual therapy, group therapy, couples therapy, and medication management.

Welcome to my Psychology Today profile! I am a board-certified Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner specializing in medication management in adults ages 18 and older. I work with clients from all different backgrounds including those who have a history of receiving mental health treatment in the past and those who are seeking help for the first time.

When the worry, or the pain, or the fear of our current situation is standing in front of us like a brick wall, what if we could see beyond that present wall? Would seeing what lies beyond the present change how it's affecting us? When triggered by the right stressors, the genes we are born with can lead to anxiety, depression, mood swings, substance abuse, suicidal thoughts, hallucinations. And throughout life, we may experience abuse, neglect, loss, poverty, trauma and situations that make us feel “stuck.”

I've experienced firsthand the weight of anxiety and the grip of depression. But from these struggles, I've emerged with a burning resolve to be a light for others. My aim is to serve as a beacon of hope and understanding, offering compassionate care rooted in honesty and clinical expertise. My approach to treatment is grounded in the belief that healing begins with feeling seen, heard, and understood.

Ideally my patient is as invested in their care as I am. They could have a variety of diagnoses but the thing they have in common is they are willing to give the process time, are open to new ideas, and know there is no magic pill to fix all their problems. My patients want to get to the best version of themselves and are willing to try therapy as well as medications to help them reach that goal. My patient wants an empathetic, listening provider who can guide their care based on the evidence, but tailored to their individual needs.

Telehealth visits available! I have an extensive nursing practice history in almost every inpatient and outpatient area specializing in Primary Care, Women's Health, Diabetes, Mental Health and Chronic Disease management providing a more comprehensive outcome improving both mental and physical health. As a nurse, I utilize a more proactive and wellness based approach to partner with clients in the areas of diagnosis and treatment. Individual sessions can be scheduled for psychiatric/mental health evaluation, management and psychotherapy. Onsite counseling is also available.

My journey into providing mental health services for the community began about 16 years ago while I was employed as a registered nurse at a local hospital. After being assigned to the hospital's inpatient mental health unit, I fell in love with the specialty. I have focused my career on providing mental health services since. I have gained well rounded experience in the field of mental health over the past sixteen years, and have worked in a variety of different settings including the psychiatric emergency room, inpatient hospital, outpatient clinics, and education.

An ideal client would be someone who is open, honest, and willing to ask for help. This person wants to get better and is open to suggestions and treatment options. They are willing to put in the effort to help themselves and work as a team with their provider in order to move toward mental wellness.

Currently NOT taking new patients at the moment. Here to help people who are ready to be active in their treatment and improve their quality of life. PLEASE email me at sarahotwellnp(at)gmail.com for the quickest response. I take blue cross blue shield/highmark, Independent health and Univera. Once I review email I will contact you personally to set up an appointment. Response may take a few days, your patience is appreciated!

My ideal client would understand that the journey to wellness and recovery requires time, effort, and patience. They would be receptive to treatment suggestions which may include psychotherapy, behavioral interventions, and medication options. My patients would take an active role in their care, and engage in open and honest communication with their provider.

We all walk a different path, but human emotion is universal. Sometimes our emotions become overwhelming and we feel buried by them, paralyzed. I know this because I've been down those roads and I've come out the other side. My formal training makes me qualified to provide treatment, but my life experiences make me capable of providing care. As a member of the LGBTQ community, nonjudgement is my top priority. I offer a genuinely safe space for ALL.

While trained broadly in mental health, I have extensive experience helping those with depression, anxiety, and obsessive compulsive disorder. I take great joy in helping my patients overcome their difficulties so that they can obtain the happiness and quality of life they're seeking.

Michelle is passionate about delivering care to individuals suffering from anxiety, substance use, and depression. Client motivation and dedication are key to utilizing the tools provided during our sessions including medication management, implementing lifestyle interventions, and therapy to help develop and implement a successful treatment plan. Relief of the client's suffering in dealing with their mental health issues and striving for an improvement in their quality of life is key to treatment.