Kelly Lawson DNP, ARNP, PMHNP-BC
Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner
ABOUT ME
As a nurse for over 30 years, working in a variety of settings that include medical surgical, neurology, orthopedics, postpartum, newborn nursery and primary care, it became apparent to me there's a close relationship between mental and physical health. Those with physical health problems such as uncontrolled diabetes, high blood pressure, and chronic pain often had untreated or under-treated mental health issues as well.
And so, my interest and journey of working with patients towards better mental health began.
I returned to school at the University of Washington and obtained my Doctorate of Nursing Practice as a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner. I'm board certified in psychiatry and consider myself a life-long learner -- always reading, learning, and taking courses to advance my practice. I have a special interest in trauma and how it affects the body both emotionally and physically.
I'm passionate about what I do and take great pleasure in working alongside patients on their path towards better mental health.
Outside the office, I enjoy gardening, the outdoors, creating art, and spending time with my family and dogs.
I accept Premera, Regence, First Choice, Aetna,
and Blue Cross Blue Shield Plans.
A receipt of services can be provided for out of network coverage.
Tele-health visits available.
MY APPROACH
I take a holistic approach to mental health, focusing on the whole person. I'm often described as empathic, non-judgmental, respectful, supportive, and easy to talk to.
I treat most mental health conditions including depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, substance use disorders, post-traumatic stress disorder, eating disorders, and trauma related disorders.
I use evidence-based, complimentary, and integrative approaches to care that include lifestyle and behavioral change, in addition to medications when appropriate and safe. I practice a client-centered approach in which we work together to make treatment and medication decisions that include your preferences and values.
Need help finding some resources to help support your mental health needs?
TREATMENTS
Personalized treatment options, for every situation.
Psychiatric Evaluations
Getting the right treatment depends on the right diagnosis. At your first appointment we will complete a psychiatric evaluation where we discuss past and current symptoms, your health history, and goals for treatment. Most importantly, we'll talk about your unique life experiences and what makes you "you". The evaluation is the road map we'll use to guide your treatment using evidence-based care.
Wellness Focused
I believe you are not a diagnosis but rather, someone who is having symptoms that represent "dis-ease" or lack of ease. A holistic approach means looking at the whole person, not just your mental health needs. Holistic care considers physical, emotional, spiritual, and social wellbeing. We'll explore what is important to you and how you would like to incorporate these things into your care. I often recommend other practitioners to be a part of your wellness approach and may include medical providers, nutritionists, naturopaths, therapists, and other specialists.
Skills-Based Therapeutic Support
Learning skills is an important part of getting and staying well. At each follow-up visit I incorporate skills that help with coping and understanding patterns that may keep you stuck. I offer supportive therapy and skills-based therapeutic support that includes Problem-Solving Therapy, Motivational Interviewing, and lifestyle changes.
Therapy
I am trained in CBT (Cognitive Behavioral Therapy), DBT (Dialectical Behavioral Therapy), ACT (Acceptance Commitment Therapy), and EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing Therapy), Ego State Therapy, Comprehensive Resource Model, Somatic Therapy, and neuroscience based therapies.
Medication Management
Medications may be a necessary tool in getting and staying well. We will work together to find options that are safe, effective, evidence-based and include your preferences and values.
I have a conservative approach to prescribing medications. This means using the least amount of medications to treat mood symptoms.
I can help with safe de-prescribing of psychiatric medications. This means planned and supervised dose reduction or discontinuation of psychiatric medications that might be causing harm or are no longer effective.
EMDR Therapy
I am trained in EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing Therapy).
EMDR is an evidenced-based psychotherapy that enables people to heal from the symptoms and emotional distress that are the result of disturbing life experiences.
Controlled studies have shown that the majority of people experience relief from symptoms after three 90 minute sessions.
EMDR is a recognized treatment by the American Psychiatric Association, the World Health Organization and the Department of Defense.
Click here for more information.
GeneSight Testing
Your genetic makeup may impact your response to psychiatric medications. GeneSight testing is a simple test utilizing cells taken from a mouth swab. The DNA from these cells is analyzed and provides information on how your unique biology metabolizes and processes medications. This information may help with finding medications that work best for you.
RESOURCES
Crisis Resources
Kitsap County Crisis Line
Pierce County Crisis Line
King County Crisis Line
National Crisis Line
Family Resources
NAMI (National Alliance for Mental Illness)
Kitsap Mental Health
National Institute of Mental Health
NEDA (National Eating Disorder Association)
www.nationaleatingdisorders.org
Washington Recovery Helpline
CONTACT
Please contact me with any questions you may have.
Bainbridge Holistic Psychiatry
Kelly Lawson DNP, ARNP, PMHNP-BC
Bainbridge Island, WA 98110
Email: admin@bainbridgeholisticpsychiatry.com
Phone: (206) 504-3784
Fax: (206) 385-5825