Stephanie M. East, PMHNP-BC
As a board-certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP-BC), I am dedicated to providing compassionate, safe, and accessible mental healthcare. I have been working in the mental health field with children and adults for almost 30 years in various settings, including inpatient, outpatient, residential, group homes, emergency psych, and state hospitals.
I received my Bachelors degree in nursing from Radford University in 1996 and joined the U.S. Navy as a registered nurse. I later went on to complete my Master’s degree from Lynchburg College, my Post-Master’s from Walden University, and my Doctorate degree from American Sentinel University.
As a PMHNP, I firmly believe in a collaborative and holistic person-centered approach to mental healthcare. Every individual is unique, and I provide treatment plans tailored to each person's specific mental health needs and goals. I understand that seeking help can be daunting, and I aim to create a safe, non-judgmental space where individuals can express themselves freely.
My expertise is in psychiatric medication management. Because medications tend to have a better response when clients are also in counseling, I work closely with Central Virginia Counseling and other local counselors in providing referrals and sharing treatment plans for mutual clients.
Your Life, Your Chair
I came up with this analogy of the “Life Chair” as a way to help clients visualize how all the parts of your life work together. Your wellness depends on paying attention to all of the parts, not just one or two.
The Life Chair
Click the buttons to read how each part fits into your treatment plan.
If my approach resonates with you and you’d like to book an appointment, click the button below to get started.
My Philosophy
The goal of psychiatric treatment is to enable you to function better, handle discomfort and find meaning in your life. Often, people have been experiencing difficulties for a while before seeking treatment. Or maybe you have seen other providers, have been given no diagnosis, multiple diagnoses, or simply medication. After our first visit, we will review a working diagnosis. A diagnosis is a way to classify patterns of symptoms. But you are more than a diagnosis, and I use person-first language to reflect that truth. For example, no one is an “addict” – they are a PERSON coping with substance use disorder.
I will work with you towards a treatment that works with your life. Mental health and physical health are highly symbiotic. Because my approach is holistic and fully supports the brain-body connection, our treatment plan will be tailored to your needs.
One thing to know about me is that I am open to differences in opinion. I am not always right. I am willing to change my mind, to tell you when I am considering alternate diagnoses, and to adjust treatment as necessary. I hope that you, too, will keep an open mind about your treatment as well.
