Biography

As a board certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP-BC), Derek specializes in the treatment of anxiety, depression, ADHD, OCD, bipolar, and insomnia. He uses a combination of medication and psychotherapy to provide speedy remission of symptoms and help patients develop the skills to navigate challenges in their daily lives.

Derek started his nursing career in emergency medicine and intensive care. He switched to  psychiatry after realizing that many critical care patients required emergent care as a result of limited access to mental health treatment or poor management of behavioral health conditions. He went on to attain his master’s degree as a PMHNP and has been independently practicing community psychiatry ever since. His goal is that those in need of behavioral healthcare never have to see the inside of a hospital.

Derek takes time to educate his patients about their diagnosis and treatment options, and together they develop a personalized treatment plan. Patients’ short- and long-term needs are addressed, and they are empowered to reach their full potential in all aspects of life. He establishes a reciprocal, trusting rapport and offers an inviting space of comfort, dignity, encouragement, validation, and absence of bias or shame for patients to develop the confidence to effect change in their lives.