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Meet Michaela Tweh, MSN, PMHNP-BC, a compassionate Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner offering expert care and psychiatric medications in Tucson, AZ. Michaela Tweh, MSN, PMHNP-BC Hi, I’m Michaela! I’m a board-certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner who is excited to collaborate with patients in order to provide individualized and non- judgmental mental healthcare. Patient autonomy is my top priority! I have special interests in Perinatal care, ADHD, anxiety, OCD, and neurodivergence. I have been in the nursing field for over seven years, and I love to learn continuously about anything and everything mental health. I was born and raised in beautiful but very grey northern Michigan. The sunshine and warmth of Arizona were calling, leading to the 2,086-mile move for me, my husband, our two girls, and our pets. I am so excited to be here and become a part of this community. Perinatal Care Michaela is passionate about and experienced in the realm of perinatal mental health care. She will ensure that you receive the proper information to make decisions for your pregnancy, postpartum and beyond that will also keep your infant safe. Neurodivergence While Michaela doesn't have experience yet in diagnosing Autism (don't worry, coming soon), she is passionate about working alongside Autistic individuals as well as individuals with ADHD. OCD & Anxiety Michaela maintains a special interest in offering treatment for anxiety disorders and obsessive compulsive disorder. She is happy to work alongside your therapist to make sure you receive the best, validating and anxiety-free care. Q&A What is your favorite movie? I’m more of a TV show person and love Parenthood and This is Us. If I had to choose a movie, I would say anything that makes me laugh and forget about my surroundings like The Goonies or Tommy Boy. Favorite superhero? Elastigirl! She’s a mom who loves her family fiercely while also making time to defend the innocent from villains. I mean, you’ve seen her cool motorcycle, right? Can you tell I have a toddler who watches the Incredibles too often? If you could have a superpower, what superpower would you pick? Shape shifting! How awesome would it be to experience the world from any person, animal, or thing’s point of view? The possibilities are endless. Favorite bands/singer? There is very little music that I don’t like. Every song I hear brings back a memory or forms a new one, and I love that about music. One day I might want to listen to 2000s hip-hop, while the next day I’m in the mood for Brad Paisley or something more relaxed like Noah Kahan. If you had 3 wishes, what would you wish for? 1. Giving every human the trait of empathy. I truly believe most of our world’s problems are caused by a lack of empathy. 2. To travel the world with my family and visit every single country. My husband is from Liberia, so that is the first on my list! 3. Giving every person the opportunity to experience true love and happiness in their life. Tell us a fun fact about yourself: I’m originally from Northern Michigan, but my time as a travel nurse allowed me to live in Texas, Washington State, and New Jersey. I love to travel and explore. I’m new to Arizona, and this sunshine is good for the soul! Tell us about your pets: We have a 9-year-old boxer-pit mix and he is the biggest baby. His favorite things in life are his family, pup cups from Starbucks, and a near empty jar of peanut butter for hours of enjoyment. What are you most passionate about in the mental health field? Patient autonomy and decreasing stigma surrounding mental health. No matter the struggles a person is facing they should have the safe space to be heard, understood without judgement. As a mom who has dealt with postpartum anxiety and intrusive thoughts, I want to be there to support those struggling with perinatal mental health, especially. If a patient is nervous about an evaluation, especially when talking about tough things like trauma or sexual abuse, what would you want them to know? My office is a safe space, free from judgment, and it’s perfectly normal to be apprehensive about sharing everything about your past. Your past does not define you, and it is not your fault. One of my favorite statements surrounding trauma is “It’s not what’s wrong with you, but what has happened to you.” What is your philosophy on using medication to treat mental health? Are medications lifelong? Medications are a good resource, but their need and effectiveness vary from person to person. There are many ways to treat mental illness such as with therapy, exercise, lifestyle changes, etc. Collaboration is key! You let me know what you are comfortable with, and we will create a plan together. Some patients may want to be on medications their whole life because that works for them, while others may use medication only temporarily. The only correct answer is what works best for you. How do you feel about cannabis use? Being from Michigan, where marijuana is legal for medical and recreational use, I have seen the numerous benefits of its use in many patients, but not all. Let’s talk about it!

Discover the power of community and support with our health groups in Arizona, USA. Join us to connect, learn, and thrive together. Tratamientos grupales, intensivos y residenciales Women's Health Innovations Grupos para mujeres embarazadas/postparto Grupo para construir apego seguro con tu hijo Grupos de apoyo Grupo DBT Grupo de duelo/pérdida perinatal Salud de Charlie Programa ambulatorio intensivo virtual (IOP) que dura entre 9 y 12 semanas, acepta los principales seguros y se centra en adolescentes y adultos jóvenes. Servicios de recuperación de traumas Grupo de recuperación de traumas para mujeres a partir del 14 de junio. Los miércoles por la noche de 6 a 8 p. m. Se aceptan algunos seguros, escala móvil disponible según la necesidad. EMDR/Intensivos de trauma Instituto LK Rebecca Tatum Beckstein conductual Con el corazón abierto Pájaro azul AZ Asesoramiento nacido Fructuoso AZ Grupo de apoyo para mujeres con infertilidad, gratuito y virtual. Se reúne en junio de 2023 y se reanuda en septiembre de 2023. Recuperación de la elección IOP, grupo de hombres/mujeres, arte, meditación, grupo MAT, IOP en telesalud, grupo especial para personas que puedan necesitar un trasplante de órgano. DBT Centro de Terapias Progresivas Equilibrio (mástil de bandera) Transiciones PIO para distintos grupos de edad hasta los 10 años y hasta la edad adulta avanzada. Programas de hospitalización parcial disponibles Centro de Fundamentos de Curación Psiquiatra IO de espectro completo, especializado específicamente en TEPT complejo, trastornos disociativos y otros trastornos relacionados con el trauma. CalmOCD Intensivos para TOC: actualmente hay lista de espera. Ubicado en Scottsdale. Encuentra tu brillo Terapia conductual dialéctica en adolescentes Terapia conductual dialéctica para adultos Grupo de apoyo para TOC Recuperación moderna Online IOP accepting most major commercial insurances. Servicios de Terapia Summit Grupo de yoga informado sobre traumas (flujo de 60 minutos seguido de un grupo de apoyo general de 30 minutos). Centros de tratamiento residencial Caminos de recuperación (Utah) Álamo de Tucson Sierra Tucson Lightfully (California) - adolescente + adulto

Liz Odhner, PMHNP-BC, offers holistic psychiatric care for perinatal and young adult populations, specializing in trauma, ADHD, and creative mental health approaches. Accepting new patients for telehealth services across Arizona. Elizabeth Odhner, MSN, PMHNP-BC, PMHC Elizabeth is a board-certified psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner who has experience working with children, adolescents, young adults, and adults. She is especially passionate about providing care to the perinatal population and young adult populations and middle age population and people at points of transition - okay... she just likes all of them. Elizabeth has nursing experience in the emergency department, telemetry, community mental health clinic, and family practice. She has done international nursing in El Salvador and Guatemala. She is currently primarily working with patients looking for Perinatal/Postpartum, Family Planning or Infertility Evaluations. And yes - she lives in a school bus and has a mobile office set up in her bus and car. And yes..if you want to see her school bus..you can see how rad it is in the photos below and read more in her Q&A about if you should move into a bus too. And yes..she and her family are really freaking cool and we're all kind of jealous of their nomadic life. Breastfeeding If you have any concerns about taking a medication while breastfeeding, Liz is our expert. Perinatal Liz's specialty and passion remains in mental health during family planning, pregnancy, postpartum and for those encountering infertility. Anxiety & Mood Whether you have social anxiety, depression or bipolar.. or a mix of everything, Liz can help you find a medication that works. Q&A What is your favorite movie? Apollo 13 - love Tom Hanks (but I rarely watch movies) Do you really live in a bus: Yep! My husband, toddler and I have lived in a converted school bus (26 feet, 6 window, old wheelchair bus) since May 2021. We have a kitchen, oven, bathroom, etc - everything we would need. It offers us a great balance for travel and adventure - but also we sleep in the same bed every night and have dinner as a family at the same table every night. Did moving into a bus solve all your life problems? Nope nope nope - life is never like instagram. I still struggle with anxiety, still get lonely at times, still need to go to work I just happen to do all these things in a bus. Do you think everyone should move into a bus? Nope - My husband and I entered into a time of discernment before making this decision and we continue to discern if this is the right decision for us and for our family. I hope others have the space to discern what makes them happy and have the support to make big, scary, and unconventional changes if that is what discernment is calling them too. Also it is important to recognize that as nurses (my husband is also a nurse) we hold a lot of privilege with our jobs, titles, and financial flexibility to make this lifestyle work for us right now. What inspired you to become a nurse: I was inspired to be a nurse after working extensively with people experiencing homelessness, substance use disorder, and severe mental illness. I lived and worked for almost three years at a homeless shelter and outreach center. This was incredibly formative. I learned to live in community, live simply, and formed deep and meaningful friendships with people experiencing homelessness. Do you have any personal experiences regarding mental health you are open to sharing? Without oversharing - events that I would not think to cause trauma did cause trauma and ignoring my problems did not work and recovering from trauma is really hard work. What are you most passionate about in the mental health field? So many ideas come to mind. First, finding creative and non-traditional ways of addressing concerns - I am interested in continuing to learn about functional medicine, forest bathing (known in Japanese as shinrin yoku), and new research on psilocybin therapy. Second, asking the question - how to combat loneliness in society? So many people I talk with express dealing with loneliness and I do not have a great plan to solve this but something I think about frequently. Third, how can trauma be prevented? I think the field as a whole is recognizing the effects of trauma and finding new and better ways to treat trauma - but so little is done to prevent trauma. What is your philosophy on using medication to treat mental health? Medications can be one option as part of a larger treatment plan but not the only option. I want to use a process of shared-decision making to come up with a plan that we are both comfortable with and then to continue to reassess that plan based on your needs. Are medications lifelong? Do you want them to be life long? I want to continue to talk about your needs and wishes and how medications are beneficial or not beneficial to your life. Life is every change and at different points you are likely to have different needs. I don’t think a plan we come up with right now is going to be the same plan 30 years from now. Does a patient who sees you HAVE to be on medication? Medication can be one option but there are lots of other treatment options and I want to explore your needs, values, and wishes and come up with a treatment plan together. If a patient is nervous about an evaluation, especially when talking about tough things like trauma or sexual abuse, what would you want them to know? First - this is your appointment and we can talk about what is most important to you in a way that feels safe for you. Some people find it easiest to stream-of-consciously talk to me while other people like me ask lots of yes or no questions. This is something we can navigate together and you can share as you feel comfortable. What are your thoughts about treating adult ADHD? This is one of my favorite things to treat. ADHD is exhausting. I think often people just adapt and don’t realize how exhausting ADHD is in everyday life. Also ADHD can often present as anxiety or depression and we should spend lots of time exploring the causes of the specific symptoms you are experiencing. Tell us one fun fact about yourself. I have a BA in Philosophy and a BS in Computational Mathematics. I really like math.

Meet Jed Pambid, the diligent billing specialist at Paperflower Psychiatry in Arizona, USA. Get to know the friendly face behind the financial operations. Conoce a Jed Solicitar cita Jerome Pambid With a robust 7 years of experience in the US Medical Billing field, I have honed my expertise in the intricate processes of claim submissions, managing rejections, addressing denials, and conducting payment postings with precision and efficiency. My career is marked by a steadfast commitment to ensuring the financial health and compliance of healthcare practices, navigating the complex landscape of medical insurance with a detail-oriented and analytical approach. Beyond my professional life, I am an ardent fan of the epic narratives and rich lore of “The Lord of the Rings” trilogy, finding solace and inspiration in the journey through Middle-earth. Similarly, the thrilling escapades of the Winchester brothers in the “Supernatural” TV series captivate my imagination, offering a blend of mystery and adventure that resonates with my own sense of exploration. Embracing the spirit of adventure that these series evoke, I cherish the opportunity to go out of town whenever possible. Whether it’s seeking the tranquility of secluded landscapes or the thrill of new experiences, these journeys are a testament to my love for discovery and the joy of stepping away from the routine to embrace the vastness of our world. Contact: billing@paperflowerpsychiatry.com Insurance Denia Insurance Claims Patient Assistance

Paperflower Psychiatry is a holistic and inclusive psychiatric practice specializing in evaluations and medication for children, adolescents, peripartum and adults in Arizona. Telehealth + offices in Tempe, North PHX + Flagstaff. Self booking is available online. The Neurodivergence Evaluations We offer neurodivergence evaluations that assess for ADHD and Autism by expert nurse practitioners. This can be lifechanging and validating for people who've felt broken their entire lives. These are entirely self pay, unfortunately cannot reimbursed via a superbill and do not count as a qualifying diagnosis for DDD benefits (evaluator can be a psychologist or MD only). These evaluations can be booked by emailing support@paperflowerpsychiatry.com About & Pricing Paperwork FAQs Resources & Education About the Neurodivergence Evaluation These evaluations are performed by nurse practitioners who utilize evidence-based scales, a clinical interview and either one of both of the following: ADOS2 & MIFGAS-2. For those having the full evaluation, we also offer a TOVA or QBtest for ADHD. Current patients may have 1-2 appointments, depending on the complexity and their needs. Both receive a full report at the end of the evaluation process, which should help give you some insight into how to move forward in navigating the rest of your life. We offer these for ages 6 into adulthood. The Price These are SELF-PAY ONLY!! THESE ARE NOT COVERED BY INSURANCE AND CAN NOT BE REIMBURSED VIA SUPERBILL (because insurance companies suck, basically). Current patients: $1,200 (express testing) Not existing patients: $1,800 (comprehensive testing) email support@paperflowerpsychiatry.com to book The Benefits The biggest benefit here is giving yourself an answer. We validate self-diagnosis and are certainly not here to gatekeep. But we can take the time to explore your life, your struggles, your history and your current space to give you a definite clinical answer. If you believe you are autistic and just need someone to validate you and have the proof for yourself, this could be it for you. If you are a parent of a child, perhaps this could help open doors to start OT, PT, Speech, get them supports in school, move them into another school.. and just change your parenting techniques. As the owner of the practice, I am a late-diagnosed autistic woman and I have autistic children. Understanding myself better and understanding them has changed everything for me. Neurodivergence Evaluation Forms Neurodivergence Consent Form RBQ2 Sensory Processing Checklist GQ-ASC Autism Quotient Autism Quotient Child CAT-Q EDA-8 (Child) Sensory Problems Assessment Social Communication Questionnaire (Child) Vanderbilt (teacher) Vanderbilt (parent) Wanting to learn more? We've gotchu covered. We've spent some time putting together resources, educational materials + just some other websites that might be worth checking out for your research. Because..you know, as neurodivergents.. we love deep dives and hyperfocusing on topics :) Educational Content: A Self-Help Guide for Recently Diagnosed Autistic Adults POTS & Neurodivergence ADHD & Anhedonia: when motivation ghosts you. A Guide for ADHD Families on the Road Sources of Fatigue in ASD + ADHD When Diagnosis Hurts More than it Helps The TOVA ADHD Test The QB ADHD Test Sensory Therapy Options for your Child A Sensory Guide for Parenting Understanding Sensory Issues Utilizing ChatGPT for ADHD Making Therapy Accessible for Neurodivergent Kids Hacks to Improve Focus & Flow Parenting Tips for Children with ADHD 7 Things That Have Helped Autistic People Why Classic Therapies Often Do not Work for Autistic Kids Managing Hormonal Depression as an Autistic Person Autism & Identity Navigation Mapping the Autistic Survival Spectrum Autism or OCD: A Guide for Parents How to be a Better Friend to an Autistic Person NEUROAFFIRMING THERAPY: Guide for Parents Understanding the Brain/Body Connection in Neurodivergence Resources: Community Resources Compiled by Neurodiverse Counseling The Dysautonomia Project EDS Specialists Recommended Books Unmasking Autism Sincerely Your Autistic Child Neurotribes Anchor 3 FAQs Why are these evaluations so expensive? Realistically, the training materials, the training courses, the overhead of the support staff, the scheduling software, the time to do the appointment, score the scales and write the report is a ton. In order to fairly pay our clinician for their time while still maintaining the overhead.. this is the lowest calculated cost I could do. I hope as we do more, we can ideally lower the price. Why can't they be used for DDD? Because the state of Arizona sucks and doesn't recognize nurse practitioners as competent to evaluate, tbh. We only allow our most highly trained and expert NPs to do these evaluations. But ya know, the state is stupid. Can you do this for me if I live in another state? No, we aren't licensed to evaluate anyone outside of Arizona at this time :( Are there discounts if we pay up front or sliding scale options? This is something you can discuss by emailing support@paperflowerpsychiatry.com What if I don't want my diagnosis on my chart? That's okay! If I want to become a patient at Paperflower after my ASD eval, do I need to do another medication evaluation? Unfortunately, yes. But if you have insurance, we take insurance for all med appointments.

onathan Frank, PMHNP-BC, provides compassionate psychiatric care specializing in adult ADHD, mood disorders, and LGBTQ+ mental health. Offering patient-centered therapy and medication management for adults in Phoenix, AZ. Now accepting new patients. Dr. Bre Chamoff, DNP, PMHNP-BC, CPRP Bre (like the cheese) Chamoff (She/Her) is triple board certified in pediatric primary care, pediatric critical care, and psychiatric mental health. She has been a nurse practitioner for nearly a decade working in various pediatric settings. She is passionate about care for kids, adolescents, and young adults. Her prescribing philosophy is meds are not first line, unless they absolutely need to be. The team effort between provider and patient is to get that spark back, let your beams shine bright, and use all options to get there. She commonly says her “drug of choice” is human connection, and this certainly bodes well for fostering a team approach with her patients to make a plan that suits them. Bre has worked in pediatric GI specializing in illnesses such as irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) and functional constipation and how those are experienced both physically and emotionally. She has a particular interest in brain-gut connections and the impact on mental health and behavior. She was also one of the first 2 nurse practitioners who started the pediatric trauma program at Queens Medical Center in Hawaii. She has since spent much of her time working inpatient at Flagstaff Medical Center on general pediatrics and in the pediatric ICU. She has a blunt and comical (mostly when appropriate) approach, because life is hard and no one gets out alive. Bre currently resides in Flagstaff, AZ. In her free time, you can find Bre Snowboarding , traveling to live music to any number of bands including Tool, Gojira, Daughter, Carina Round, Rainbow Kitten Surprise, System of a Down, Elton John, Bon Iver, Puscifer, Primus or Tim McGraw (to name an eclectic few), reading books galore, or begging her friends to play board games with her. She has a ’73 VW bus named Clementine (who sometimes starts and sometimes does not start, but Clementine’s charm is not dependent on her reliability, or the lack thereof) and a 6 yo Bengal named Ananda, who runs the show entirely. As you’ll note in Bre’s Q&A she is verbose and rarely lacking the words she needs to overly express her interests and ideas with many caveats and sidebars. She offers both an apology and congratulations for this. Pediatric Mental Health Bre is an expert in pediatric mental health encompassing ADHD, autism, sensory procesing, mood, anxiety, and trauma. Medical With a background in acute pediatric care, Bre is an excellent resource for kids with co-existing medical conditions or gastrointestinal problems. Adolescent Mental Health Teenagers can be hard to connect with -- but they will appreciate Bre's humor and energy and may (well, hopefully) look forward to visits with her. Dr. Chamoff, in Flagstaff, is an exceptionally competent psychiatrist who has greatly aided me in managing my mental health condition. From the initial consultation, she conducted a thorough and thoughtful examination of my case. Dr. Chamoff provided clear explanations about the complexities of my situation, considering all possible contextual factors that could be impacting my well-being. She worked with me to develop a tailored plan of action that perfectly aligns with my needs and expectations. Throughout the process, her compassion and encouragement have been invaluable. We have been seeing Dr. Bre virtually for over a year now, and she has been absolutely amazing. I'm always recommending her for other parents struggling with their kiddos and trying to get their kids help. She has been so wonderful for my daughter! Through every up and down, she listens and asks the questions needed. Walks you through a plan and is there if the plan falls through. She's amazing! I see Bre (like the cheese) and I can always count on frank, kind and productive advice and medication recommendations. She cuts through the fluff, and really hones in on the issue, making mental health improvement the goal. My experience had been amazing. Bre is very knowledgeable and really listens and applies her expertise to determine the correct diagnosis and medication treatment. My son is doing amazing and she has made a tremendous positive change in my family. I would recommend her to anyone struggling on how to go about adhd, autistic or any sensory issue diagnosis and treatment for children. The best part is she recommends and prescribes other alternatives instead of placing kids directly on stimulants. Pediatric Mental Health Bre is an expert in pediatric mental health encompassing ADHD, autism, sensory procesing, mood, anxiety, and trauma. Medical With a background in acute pediatric care, Bre is an excellent resource for kids with co-existing medical conditions or gastrointestinal problems. Adolescent Mental Health Teenagers can be hard to connect with -- but they will appreciate Bre's humor and energy and may (well, hopefully) look forward to visits with her. Q&A Collapsible text is great for longer section titles adsfdsnd descriptions. It gives people access to all the info they need, while keeping your layout clean. Link your text to anything, or set your text box to expand on click. Write your text here... 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Meet Dr. Azuka Okafo, CNM, PMHNP-BC, DNP, a compassionate Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner offering telehealth expert care and psychiatric medications. Dr. Azuka Okafo, CNM, PMHNP-BC, DNP I am double boarded as a nurse midwife and a psychiatric nurse practitioner. I have been a practicing nurse midwife for over two decades and decided to add formal psychiatric training to support my passion for holistic women’s healthcare. I have worked in diverse settings including a private practice in suburban Connecticut, urban health in Baltimore, Maryland, and most recently at a tribal hospital in rural Arizona. My training and interests extend beyond reproductive psychiatry and include SMI and pediatric mental health. I grew up in Africa and have a deep appreciation for cultural influences on health. I am also acutely aware of the impact of mental health on overall well-being. My work on the reservation highlighted the need for a bridge between reproductive and mental health care. I earned Postpartum Support International’s Perinatal Mental Health Certification in 2024 while enrolled in my PMNHP training program. My prescribing philosophy is that medications are one of many options available to support clients. Every person’s needs are unique, and I firmly believe in collaborating with clients to create holistic treatment plans. Being a full-scope nurse midwife did not provide me with much free time, but I enjoy catching up with good friends over tea or a meal, taking walks, reading, working out, watching sparring hummingbirds, and meeting neighborhood dogs. I’d say my vibe is energetic, curious, humorous, compassionate, and collaborative — with a dash of sarcasm and low tolerance for nonsense. I take my work seriously but never myself. Perinatal Care Azuka has spent the last chapter of her career on the Rez delivering babies. As a certified nurse midwife, she has a strong understanding of the intersection of complex pregnancies and mental health. Hormones While many psychiatric providers claim they understand the impact of hormones on mental health, Azuka *truly* understands and has the clinical experience to back it. Adolescents She's really good with teenagers, and can definitely have a fun, silly vibe. If you needed a person who was going to bring some spirit into appointments, Azuka's here for it. Q&A What is your favorite music? I don’t have a favorite type per se, because I grew up in a family where we listened to various genres (classical, jazz, folk, reggae, rock, zouk, R&B, Latin, soul, and funk, etc.) I do have a deep appreciation for classical/Spanish guitar music. Favorite superhero? Batman. He became a superhero as a response to his childhood trauma; I appreciate the complexity of his character. If you could have a superpower, what superpower would you pick? I think that it would be cool to control the weather. I’m looking at you, Storm. Tell me about your pets. I lost my beloved German Shepard/Chihuahua mix in 2024. That dog was the quirkiest animal that I didn’t know I needed in my life. I considered myself to be her therapy human, as frequent walks, pets, dietary changes, and love helped her blossom from an anxious dog into a social pup. I became her medication manager in her twilight years when she required two different medications to ease her escalating anxiety. Fun fact about you: I once caught a baby in my soccer uniform—without the cleats. What are some experiences that make you unique? I have been a midwife on both ends of life; at 14 I held my father’s hand as he left this world. What are ways beyond medication that can improve your mental health? Medication is simply a piece of the whole puzzle and often work better when combined with therapy. I am a firm believer that social support, diet, exercise, and sleep are critical to maintaining one’s mental health. I have been sleep deprived for decades…the need for sleep is real! Are medications lifelong? Does a patient who sees you HAVE to be on medication? No, someone who sees me does not have to be on medication. There are some instances, however, where a person may need to be on medication long term because of that individual’s unique circumstances. If a patient is nervous about an evaluation, especially when talking about tough things like trauma or sexual abuse, what would you want them to know? I would want them to know that their safety is my main concern and the evaluation an information-gathering session so that I can understand their story. We will only talk about the hard things if they are comfortable doing so. Do you have any personal mental health experiences you can share with us? I worked at a hospital on a reservation during the COVID-19 pandemic. We were isolated and scared; the sound of multiple helicopters used to transport critically ill patients was deeply disturbing. I still brought love and levity to patients birthing amidst the chaos while concealing my own anxiety. We were isolated from our friends and families by fear and local curfews. My self-care suffered and led to a devastating injury and burnout. But I’m also a Black woman so…

Meet Andres, a board-certified psychiatric nurse practitioner at Paperflower Psychiatry. Andy offers holistic, compassionate care and specializes in religious and cultural trauma. Accepting new virtual patients in Arizona. Andres Kohler, MSN, PMHNPBC Hi! My name is Andres, but you can call me Andy if you’d like. I’m a psychiatric nurse practitioner with a wealth of experience across various settings, including inpatient hospitals, addiction medicine, child and adolescent psychiatry, adult psychiatry, crisis units, and geriatric psychiatry. My deepest passions lie in addressing religious and cultural trauma, advocating for LGBTQ+ issues, and supporting individuals with complex conditions like bipolar disorder and schizophrenia. I chose to become a psychiatric nurse practitioner out of frustration with the lack of inclusive, compassionate care often provided by healthcare professionals. Life has taken me on an exciting journey—from my roots in California to Massachusetts, Maine, and now possibly setting my sights on Arizona! I’m also fluent in both English and Spanish. When I’m not working, I love unwinding with a good book, playing with my three dogs, and relaxing in my hot tub. I’m also a huge fan of lavender and tea—small comforts that keep me grounded. Above all, I’m dedicated to creating a safe and inclusive space for my clients, where they can feel seen, heard, and supported in their mental health journey. LGTBQIA+ Mental Health As a member of the LGBTQ community, Andy is passionate about providing quality care -- especially at this time in history. Religious Trauma Andy understands the severity of how religious trauma can cause guilt, depression and other symptoms over the lifespan. Read more in his Q&A. Bipolar Disorder Andy has a strong ability to evaluate for and treat bipolar disorder -- even the cases where it feels like you've tried everything and it's just not working. Q&A What is your favorite music: My taste in music is all over the place. I love folk/alternative rock, R&B, blues, jazz, country, EDM, reggae, and even cumbias/reggaeton. Some of my favorite artists are Alicia Keys, Maná, Fleetwood Mac, Local Natives, The 1975, Goth Babe, and The Weeknd. Basically, I’ve got a playlist for every mood. Favorite superhero? That’s easy—my mom! She’s the most loving, supportive, and selfless person I know. She immigrated from Mexico in her early 20s, not knowing English, with just a few coins in her pocket and a sweater on her back. Despite all the challenges she faced, including severe respiratory issues and anxiety/depression, she always made sure my brother and I had a home-cooked meal on the table and felt so loved. She taught me to never judge a book by its cover and to always share a smile. I’m beyond proud to be her son and would choose her as my mom in every lifetime. But, okay, I’ll admit—Superman is pretty cool too! If you could have a superpower, what superpower would you pick? Telekinesis, hands down! I mean, think about it—you could lift yourself and others to fly anywhere. No more chores either; you could clean the house just by thinking about it! Plus, you could control the elements if you really wanted to go all-out. It’s the ultimate power. Tell us about your pets: Of course! I have three amazing dogs: • Molly: She’s a 7.5-year-old white Labrador Retriever and the sweetest, most gentle soul you’ll ever meet. Molly is always wagging her tail with a toy in her mouth and is perpetually hungry. She originally belonged to my husband, but after seven years, she’s 100% my dog too. Her nicknames are Mammas and Moo Moo. • Levi: Levi is a 6.5-year-old red Shiba Inu, and honestly, he’s more like a cat than a dog. He’s super smart (sometimes too smart) and loves nothing more than napping. If I lie down, he’s instantly snuggling and snoozing right beside me. Levi was a birthday gift from my husband because I’d always dreamed of having a Shiba. His nicknames are Shiba Shiba, Inu, and Shibs. • Olive: Olive is a 2-year-old red Goldendoodle and the biggest cuddle monster you’ll ever meet. She’s like my shadow—always following me around and needing to be close. Every morning, she jumps onto the bed and lays on my chest before I even get up. She’s obsessed with ice and carrots and was the runt of her litter (and the only red one!). Her nicknames are Beanie, Bean, and Oliebean. If you had 3 wishes, what would you wish for? A world with no pain, suffering, hunger, fear, or hate. Everyone deserves to feel understood and validated. We could all use more love, empathy, and smiles. 2 For all animals to feel loved, safe, and free. 3 To be able to communicate across all languages, cultures, and even species—imagine how much we’d learn from each other! Fun fact about you: I LOVE dogs—like, seriously love them! When I was a kid, I wanted to be a veterinarian just so I could play with dogs all day. My family used to breed Rottweilers, and I’d often go “missing” only to be found cuddling in the whelping pens. Even now, I can’t resist running up to a dog I see and giving them all the pets and hugs. Recently, my friends threw me a surprise birthday party, and the theme was Shiba Inus (my favorite breed). It was honestly the best day ever! What are ways beyond medication that can improve your mental health? Making time for daily self-care is huge! Yoga, massage, aromatherapy, and mindfulness meditation are my go-to recommendations. Getting outside and soaking up some nature is also underrated—it’s one of the best free medicines out there. And sleep! Good sleep is non-negotiable. If you’re not sleeping well, people are more likely to feel anxious, fatigued, and depressed, with poor concentration, paranoia, or even hallucinations. If a patient comes to me feeling off, I always ask about their sleep first. You've mentioned being passionate about working with those with religious or cultural trauma -- can you tell us about that? Growing up as a gay, first-generation Mexican-American in a deeply religious environment was really tough. I’ve experienced firsthand how damaging religious and cultural trauma can be to someone’s mental health. Because of those experiences, I feel so passionate about helping others who’ve been through similar struggles. Everyone deserves to feel loved and accepted—no matter where they come from or what they’ve been through. Are medications lifelong? Does a patient who sees you HAVE to be on medication? Mental health treatment looks different for everyone. I’m a big believer in therapy, but if you want medication, I’ll support you. If you don’t, that’s okay too. I’ll always give my professional opinion and recommendations, but at the end of the day, it’s your choice. Medications can be lifelong for some people, but not for others. If you decide to stop taking medication, I’ll help you do it safely. You don’t have to be on medication to work with me—I also offer therapy as a standalone option. If a patient is nervous about an evaluation, especially when talking about tough things like trauma or sexual abuse, what would you want them to know? I’m here to support you, not judge you. My goal is to create a safe, comfortable space where you feel heard. Think of an evaluation as more of a conversation—it’s not an interrogation. I’ll check in with you throughout to make sure you’re okay. And if there’s something you’re not ready to talk about, that’s completely fine. My hope is to build trust so that, whenever you’re ready, we can explore those things together. What are your thoughts about treating adult ADHD? Adult ADHD is real, and it doesn’t just affect kids. Adults (and even older adults) can experience ADHD too, sometimes for the first time in life. Living with ADHD often feels like your brain is juggling 10,000 things at once, making it hard to focus. I’ll work with you to find the best treatment plan that works for your unique needs. Do you have any personal mental health experiences you can share with us? Absolutely! I’ve always been an anxious person, even as a kid, and I’ve gone through some significant traumas that led to anxiety, depression, and PTSD. I’m currently on Lexapro for my anxiety, and it’s been such a game-changer. I share my experiences openly because I want to help reduce the stigma around mental health.

Dr. Erica Lee, DNP, PMHNP-BC, specializes in child and adolescent mental health, including conduct disorders, trauma, ADHD, and anxiety. Offering compassionate care for children, teens, and their families across Arizona. Now accepting new patients. Dr. Erica Lee, DNP, PMHNP-BC, CPNP-BC I'm Erica Lee, a Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner with a deep passion for helping children, teens, and their loved ones navigate the complexities of mental health. With a Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) degree from ASU and 13 years of nursing experience, my journey into the field of mental health has been one of continuous growth and learning. Prior to this role, I have spent nine years as a nursing professor, where I honed my skills in making complex concepts accessible and relatable. My own life experiences have given me a profound understanding of the challenges posed by ADHD, trauma, anxiety, depression, and grief. I've walked the path of healing and resilience and am committed to helping others do the same. I'm not just a healthcare provider; I'm a mom of three young adults, and I've experienced the trials and triumphs of parenting firsthand. As a teen mom, before it was 'cool,' I learned the power of determination, education, and support in overcoming obstacles. I understand that idealism is not for everyone, and I do my best to advise and support based on real-life circumstances. In my practice, I specialize in teaching and connecting with my patients in a relatable way. I believe that understanding and empathy are the cornerstones of effective care. I'm dedicated to creating a safe and nurturing environment for children and teens to explore their mental well-being. I am open-minded and fully committed to providing care that respects and honors individual experiences. As a passionate queer ally, I firmly believe in inclusivity and creating a safe, accepting space for all individuals, regardless of their sexual orientation or gender identity. My journey is a testament to the belief that, with the right support and guidance, individuals can overcome adversity and find their path to wellness. I look forward to joining you on this journey to better mental health. Pediatric Mental Health Erica is an expert in pediatric mental health encompassing ADHD, autism, sensory procesing, mood, anxiety, and trauma. Young Adults Erica is excellent at working with young adults - especially college aged folks. With a background in teaching, she offers support in succeeding in school and the workplace. Conduct & Sexualized Behaviors Erica offers guidance to parents with children with sexualized behaviors and trauma, as well as connecting strongly, creating visits everyone can look forward to. Q&A What is your favorite movie? The Royal Tenenbaums If you could have a superpower, what superpower would you pick? Telekinesis Favorite bands/singer? Run the Jewels, David Bowie, Phantogram, the Yeah Yeah Yeahs, Beck If you had 3 wishes, what would you wish for? •     Everyone has to follow the same rules that nurses do (do no harm, treat everyone equally, advocate for all, don’t spread infection). •     Climate change to be resolved in a way that is sustainable and equitable. •     Leaders who operate for the good of all Tell us a fun fact about yourself. I'm a decent karaoke rapper. What are you most passionate about in the mental health field? Helping families through difficult situations and things that no one wants to talk about. I have learned from my experience raising three kids and I know it didn’t have to be as hard as it was, had I known more and understood how my own trauma impacted my parenting style. Tell us about your dogs. Koko (12 yo GSP), Cromwell (6 yo pit mix) and Bowie (3 yo pocket American Bully). It’s hard to describe how much these pups mean to me, but they are my besties and have kept me company through the hardest time in my life. They each have their own quirks and personalities and should have their own reality show. Thoughts on adult ADHD? Many people have struggled their whole life, believing that what made things difficult was laziness or lack of discipline. They do not know that things don’t have to be so hard. I believe that ADHD should be included in the differential for adults who have difficulty with organization, motivation, concentration, etc. and considered along with CPTSD, anxiety, and depression. Are medications lifelong? think that medication can be life-changing in many cases, but I also know that other actions can be just as, if not more, effective. I aim to educate my patients on various solutions so that they are able to make informed decisions and feel open to receiving/sharing feedback when something isn’t working. I don’t believe medication has to be lifelong and should be reassessed regularly and discontinued when no longer needed. What are other things you feel could be beneficial to improve mental health other than medications? Self-talk is a huge factor that I continue to explore with my own mental health. It is so important to recognize the way that your thoughts shape your mental health and be intentional about speaking kindly to yourself. Do you have any personal experiences regarding mental health you are open to sharing? I have experienced trauma, homelessness, abuse, anxiety, depression, and complex grief. I have loved ones who have experienced addiction, bipolar, ADHD. I utilize these experiences to identify with others, and I also believe that this helps me keep bias in check. What is your philosophy on using medication to treat mental health for kids? I absolutely believe that medication can be an appropriate intervention for kids, and the impact it can have for families is undeniable. I don’t believe it is the only answer in every situation and I am comfortable suggesting/discussing alternatives with parents. Do you have experience in working with non-binary and trans kids? Yes - in my experience learning at Paperflower, Phoenix Children’s, and CRS, I have worked with kids who identify as trans, non-binary, and gender-fluid. I feel comfortable helping parents navigate this and can also hold space for the conflict they might feel. Ultimately, we need to advocate for our patients and help their family learn to support them. What are your thoughts on screen time and social media for kids and teens? I’m learning to understand the impact that screen time and social media has on humans, including the dopamine dysregulation that comes from nearly non-stop screen time during waking hours. I think that it’s a complex topic from a kid’s point of view and may even be their social lifeline. I think it is important for parents to know that using screen time and social media as a reward/punishment has a greater impact than they might imagine and that setting boundaries up front and revisiting them at regular intervals is important. How do you feel about medical marijuana? I wish there was more opportunity to research cannabis and other traditional plant medicines to help guide their use for mental and medical indications. Current American policy prevents adequate research and is influenced by pharmaceutical industries, who are motivated to keep these highly regulated. If a patient is nervous about an evaluation, especially when talking about tough things like trauma or sexual abuse, what would you want them to know? I would want my patients to know they can share as much or as little as they want with me. Explaining this is important up front, and I might even use tools like a signal or safe word that the client can utilize to let me know it's too much.

Meghan Baker, PMHNP-BC, offers compassionate psychiatric care with a focus on perinatal mental health, neurodivergence, ADHD, and trauma. Serving children, teens, and adults across Arizona, Meghan provides personalized care throughout pregnancy and beyond. Now accepting new patients. Conoce a Meghan Baker Meghan Baker, MSN, PMHNP-BC, PMH-C Meghan is a board-certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner. She previously served as a labor and delivery nurse for ten years prior to venturing into psychiatry. She was even a high school teacher for a period of time! Meghan is board certified in perinatal mental health through Postpartum Support International. She is experienced and knowledgable in managing medications throughout pregnancy and postpartum -- and she can further help plan a safe medication regiment prior to planning a pregnancy. Meghan's goal is to provide empathetic and comprehensive care to the entire family unit. She currently sees all ages, but does love working with the child/adolescent population. She is also passionate about providing neurodivergent affirmative care. Meghan currently resides in the Phoenix, AZ area with her spouse and children. She is up to date on watching the Handmaid's Tale, so you can discuss your thoughts about June Osborne and Serena during your evaluation. Perinatal Care Neurodivergence ADHD Autism is often misdiagnosed and misunderstood - Meghan holds a strong understanding of autism across the lifespan. Meghan is an advocate in ensuring that patients are diagnosed correctly with ADHD and have proper accommodations to thrive. With years of labor and delivery nursing alongside a perinatal mental health certification, Meghan is an expert at care throughout pregnancy and postpartum. Q&A What is your favorite movie? ‘Children of Men’ – beautiful, hopeful, tragic, & haunting. …But can I also say TV shows? Succession or Handmaid’s Tale …Or books? ‘The Road’ by Cormac McCarthy or ‘The World to Come’ by Dara Horn Favorite superhero? I had a mad crush on Christopher Reeves’ Superman as a kiddo. But favorite now? Black Widow - I love Russian history, ballet, and confident strong women – so, she fits the bill! Or, oh wait, maybe the 1997-Gwen-Stefani-soundtracked-strong-woman-fighter-pilot Captain Marvel. Okay, both. If you could have a superpower, what superpower would you pick? I would love to have the ability to speak any language. But more in the true ‘superpower’ category - probably teleportation – it would REALLY help with school dropoff & pickup and all the activities (and I could travel and use my language super power!). Favorite bands/singer? My 10-year-old daughter is an incredible musician, so I love her – and recently we’ve been listening to a whole lot of things: Jax, Lady Gaga, Adele, Paramore, & Jack White. But all-time, long-time? Eminem. If you had 3 wishes, what would you wish for? For our incarceration system to be completely overhauled – trauma- focused treatment, vocational training, true reintegration. For endless, bottomless patience – with my kids, my spouse, my laundry, I-10 construction… To have a personal chef plan for, shop for, and cook everything all the time What is your favorite food? A good Monte Cristo sandwich What are you most passionate about in the mental health field? High quality & ACCESSIBLE Perinatal Mental Healthcare.. Accurate screenings and appropriate 1) Autism Spectrum Disorder and 2) ADHD diagnoses in girls and adult women What are some experiences you have had that make you unique? -My original career path was education - I was a high school history teacher. I quickly realized that I didn’t really want to do that forever (really kind of knew even in college – but I much preferred reading, writing, and studying abroad to early morning lab class for my pre-med/physical therapist dreams), so after teaching for 5 years and growing up a little bit, pursued nursing school. -I studied abroad in Russia for a semester in college. -I have been a Labor & Delivery Nurse for the last 10 years and LOVE it. What is your philosophy on using medication to treat mental health? Are medications lifelong? Does a patient who sees you HAVE to be on medication? Psychiatric medications can be life-saving scaffolding in the journey to managing your mental health. Sometimes they are a lifelong; sometimes they are a situation- or life-season- specific – but you are completely in control of that long-term plan and it will always be an ongoing discussion. I am a huge advocate of integrating non-medication tools into your toolbox– self-awareness, routine, practical life changes, sunlight, activity, community, and self-compassion (the list goes on) can be small-but-huge steps to transformation. Sometimes medication can be the step to take in order to be able to build in life management skills. As your provider, I will always make sure you are fully educated about medication choices as well as talking you through non-medication management techniques! If a patient is nervous about an evaluation, especially when talking about tough things like trauma or sexual abuse, what would you want them to know? You are not at fault for what happened to you. And I believe you. You didn’t deserve it – and there are absolutely no exceptions. You. Didn’t. Deserve. It. And. It. Was. Not. Your. Fault. We can talk about it when and if you are ever ready. Or I can help find the perfect people to help you process it if and when you are ready. There is no pressure or judgement. Do you have any personal experiences regarding mental health you are open to sharing? With each of my pregnancies and children, I struggled with varying degrees of depression, anxiety, OCD, and psychosis. The huge gap in care was mind boggling to me – and started my passion to transform the perinatal mental health field. As an adult I was diagnosed with ADHD and (very recently) Autism Spectrum Disorder – making so many things about my life make so much more sense and transformed my ability to manage life. How do you feel about medical marijuana? Pro - I think it can have fantastic benefits for certain things, but definitely will always talk to you about how it is impacting you and your treatment/management. Tell us about your pets: Moby – our all-white, 11-year-old, chilliest cat on the block. Marlow – our new (5 months old in November) Bernedoodle puppy. So fun and funny and naughty as all get out. What are your thoughts about treating adult ADHD? I think it is tragically underdiagnosed! Undiagnosed neurodivergence is a huge risk factor for depression & anxiety. If you weren’t an always-talking-out-of-turn, always-in-trouble, can’t-stay-in-your-seat, six-year-old white boy, you can’t possibly have ADHD. Right? Sigh. What if you were a people-pleasing rule-following girl who did great in school but put EvErYtHiNg off ‘til the last minute and now, as an adult, CaNnOt manage your laundry or kid-pick up schedules or ever quiet your brain enough to nap? Or you found that drugs or alcohol were the only way to quiet your brain or manage your anxiety? There are so many factors at play with mental health - I will always consider ADHD or ASD diagnostic criteria during an initial evaluation, and will make sure you feel clear on the risks and benefits all of the options – medication and non-medication. Tell us one fun fact about yourself: As a 6th grader, I wrote a musical about the History of Ancient Egypt. I was also the sole cast and audience member.

Meet Michelle Aguila, a dedicated Credentialing Specialist at Paper Flower Psychiatry in Arizona. Connect with Michelle, a health professional, today! Michelle Aguila She is an enthusiast who loves the rush of endorphins from a good workout session. When she's not hitting the gym or the trails, you'll likely find her behind the wheel, mastering the art of driving and embracing the freedom of the open road. But there's more, she's also known as a good listener and an empathetic soul. Whether you need someone to share your joys or navigate through tough times, she's always available to lend an ear and offer support. One thing she thrives on is stepping out of her comfort zone. She believes life is all about exploration and growth, so she's always up for trying new things and embarking on adventures. Insurance Credentialing Insurance Claims Patient Assistance

Discover expert pregnancy recommendations in Arizona. From prenatal care to childbirth, find the best health resources for your pregnancy journey. Recursos perinatales Partería familiar primero Madeline y Jetta son matronas increíbles y con experiencia que te harán sentir cómoda y te ofrecerán la mejor atención que puedas pedir. Ubicadas en Goodyear y Scottsdale. Obstetricia y ginecología de primera línea, LLC El Dr. Hervey es conocido por ser uno de los mejores obstetras y ginecólogos del estado, y sus pacientes le han dado una respuesta fenomenal por su trato con los pacientes y su apoyo a los planes de parto de las pacientes. Su equipo es igualmente maravilloso. Embry Salud de la Mujer ¡Específicamente fantástico para el síndrome de ovario poliquístico, pero en general tiene excelentes críticas! Ubicado en Mesa. Mamá Doula AZ Lisa López ha sido la doula de María en dos partos y es INCREÍBLE. Tiene conocimiento sobre traumas, entiende la ansiedad y la depresión perinatal; es una gran persona y una doula increíble. Ofrece servicios de vendaje abdominal, instrucción de acondicionamiento físico, apoyo a hermanos, servicios de doula en duelo, apoyo en casos de aborto espontáneo y fotografía de recién nacidos. Innovaciones en salud de la mujer WHI ofrece apoyo a mujeres embarazadas, incluidos varios grupos de apoyo para mujeres embarazadas, en posparto y en duelo. Dra. Debra Wickman Obstetra y ginecólogo especializado en traumatología. Ubicado en el área de Camelback en Phoenix.