Meet our psychiatric medication providers
Latoya Mullen, MSN, APRN, FNP, PMHNP-BC Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner
LaToya Mullen is a Board Certified Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner and Family Nurse Practitioner and has been working in the mental health field as a Nurse Practitioner for about the last 10 years.
LaToya graduated with her Masters of Science in Nursing from Walden University in 2016 and Virginia Commonwealth University in 2020. Since starting her nursing career, LaToya has spent time working in both inpatient and outpatient mental health settings serving both adults and adolescents/children with various psychiatric illnesses. Before pursuing a career as a Nurse Practitioner, LaToya worked as a Recreation Therapist at Virginia Beach Psychiatric Center and Riverside behavioral Health. Soon after, LaToya graduated from Norfolk State University in 2010 with her Bachelor's degree in Nursing. In addition, she has also spent time overseas performing healthcare services in Kuwait and Afghanistan as a government contractor.
LaToya's primary passion is mental health and providing healing of the mind through multiple treatment modalities including both pharmacologic and non-pharmacologic recommendations. She believes in the team approach where both the provider and the client work together to achieve optimal mental wellness.
Servicing Population:
Children/Adolescents: 6+
Adults: 18 and older
Keisha Dawkins, PMHNP Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner
Hello, I'm Keisha, PMHNP
I am a board-certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP) originally from Chicago, providing compassionate, evidence-based psychiatric care to children, adolescents, and adults. I believe in a collaborative, patient-centered approach that honors each individual’s unique story while focusing on accurate diagnosis, thoughtful medication management, and supportive psychotherapy.
I specialize in treating mood disorders, anxiety disorders, ADHD, and other common mental health concerns across the lifespan. My goal is to create a safe, respectful, and welcoming space where clients feel heard, understood, and empowered in their care.
Together, we work toward improving emotional balance, daily functioning, and overall quality of life—supporting you and your family on a path toward healing, growth, and lasting well-being.
What to Expect with our Psychiatric Nurse Practitioners
What are the steps to psychiatric medication management?
1. Assessment and Diagnosis:
- Initial Evaluation: A comprehensive assessment by a qualified psychiatrist mental health professional to gather information about the patient's symptoms, medical history, family history, and current functioning.
- Diagnostic Formulation: Based on the assessment, a diagnosis or diagnoses are formulated according to recognized diagnostic criteria such as the DSM-5.
2. Treatment Planning:
- Goal Setting: Collaboratively establish treatment goals with the patient, taking into account their preferences and priorities.
- Treatment Options: Discuss treatment options including medication, psychotherapy, or a combination of both, based on the diagnosis and individual needs.
3. Medication Selection:
- Choosing the Medication: Select a medication based on the diagnosed condition, symptom severity, patient preferences, medical history, potential side effects, and evidence-based guidelines.
- Informed Consent: Obtain informed consent from the patient, explaining the purpose of the medication, potential benefits, possible side effects, and risks.
4. Initiation of Medication:
- Start Low, Go Slow: Initiate medication at a low dose to minimize side effects and increase gradually to the therapeutic dose.
- Monitoring: Monitor closely for the initial response to medication, including symptom improvement and any adverse effects.
5. Ongoing Monitoring and Management:
- Assessment: Regularly assess the patient's response to medication, symptom improvement, and any side effects.
- Adjustment: Adjust medication dosage or regimen as needed based on response and tolerance.
- Compliance: Address barriers to medication adherence and monitor compliance with the prescribed regimen.
6. Patient Education and Support:
- Education: Provide detailed information to the patient and their caregivers about the medication, including its mechanism of action, potential side effects, how to manage them, and expected benefits.
- Support: Offer ongoing support and encouragement, addressing any concerns or questions the patient may have about their medication.
7. Collaboration and Communication:
- Interdisciplinary Collaboration: Work collaboratively with other healthcare providers involved in the patient's care, such as therapists, primary care physicians, and pharmacists.
- Patient Involvement: Involve the patient in decision-making and encourage open communication about their experiences with the medication.
8. Long-term Maintenance and Review:
- Long-term Management: Monitor the patient's long-term progress and adjust treatment as necessary to maintain symptom control and optimize quality of life.
- Review: Conduct regular reviews of the treatment plan and medication regimen to ensure it remains appropriate and effective over time.
9. Crisis Management and Contingency Planning:
- Emergency Plan: Develop a crisis management plan in case of medication-related emergencies or worsening of symptoms.
- Follow-up: Arrange timely follow-up appointments to monitor progress and address any emerging issues promptly.
10. Documentation and Compliance with Regulations:
- Documentation: Maintain accurate and comprehensive documentation of the medication management process, including assessments, treatment plans, medication changes, and patient responses.
- Regulatory Compliance: Adhere to ethical and legal standards, including informed consent procedures, documentation requirements, and privacy regulations.