Meet our psychiatric medication providers
Orean Turner, MSN, APRN, FNP, PMHNP-BC Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner
Hello, I’m Orean, a Psychiatric and Family Board-Certified Nurse Practitioner serving Virginia, Maryland and Washington D.C. With over 20 years in healthcare, my journey began as a Certified Nursing Assistant, which has grounded me in humility and purpose throughout my career. I hold a Post Master’s Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP-BC) certification from Liberty University and a Master of Science in Nursing as a Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP) from Maryville University of St. Louis. Additionally, I’ve completed specialized training in Integrative Psychiatry through Dream Practice Academy, as well as a Fellowship in Reproductive and Integrative Psychiatry and the Finley Psychoanalytic Psychotherapy Fellowship.
I specialize in supporting individuals through pivotal moments in their lives, focusing on areas such as anxiety, depression, trauma, PTSD, chronic pain and fatigue, life transitions, caregiver stress, reproductive health, and hormonal health. My approach blends traditional and holistic therapies, addressing not only the psychological and emotional impacts but also the deeper, often unspoken aspects of your experiences. I guide my patients through these transitions with compassion and comprehensive care, helping them rebuild and thrive.
I believe in empowering women to regain control of their health and well-being, particularly through challenging life transitions. By integrating medication management, lifestyle coaching, nutrition, exercise, and psychotherapy, I create personalized treatment plans that help patients achieve lasting resilience and balance. I also offer alternative treatments, including medical marijuana, herbal and plant-based medicine (high-grade nutraceuticals), lab and genetic testing, and mind-body practices, to provide a holistic and individualized approach to healing.
My goal is to help you not only find relief but also to rediscover your strength and sense of purpose. I believe our past experiences do not define us, and with the right support, it is possible to reconnect with your true self. As your guide, I am here to help you navigate these critical life changes and find lasting peace, confidence, and inner balance.
Meet Your Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner
Nkese William-Hayes, MSN, APRN, PMHNP-BC Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner
Hello Darlings, I'm Nkese!
Are you hesitant in talking about psychiatric medication? Allow me to make your journey comfortable.
Nkese is a board-certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner with extensive experience in both inpatient and outpatient mental health settings. Her vast mental health experience gives her the expertise to handle complex mental health diagnoses. With over 15 years of mental health nursing experience, she specializes in treating clients with Substance Abuse, Addiction Disorders, ADHD, Depression, Anxiety Disorders, and Mood Disorders. Nkese is certified and trained to treat patients across the lifespan, from children as young as 6 to adults up to age 99.
Nkese is a Virginia-certified medical professional authorized to issue medical marijuana certifications for eligible patients.
She holds a master's degree in nursing education from the University of Phoenix. Nkese has also served as an adjunct clinical instructor at several nursing schools in the Richmond area. Nkese is passionate about increasing awareness of the stigmas associated with mental health, she encourages new nurses to consider careers in mental health nursing to help address the acute shortage in our community.
Nkese is truly committed to caring for her clients' overall wellness—mind, body, and spirit.
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.