Today’s clinician spotlight highlights Arlana Egan, PMHNP-BC, a psychiatric nurse practitioner with Rivia Mind. Arlana began working as a psychiatric nurse practitioner back in 2016, and now eight years later, we’re honored to have her with us on the Rivia Mind team. As usual, we recently sat down with Arlana to talk about her journey in mental healthcare. Here’s what she had to say:
Education & Background
Arlana double majored in psychology and fine arts while working on her undergrad at Lafayette College in Pennsylvania. After undergrad, she decided to pursue nursing. “I felt my Bachelor’s in Psychology gave me a good background for a psychiatric RN position, which were the only roles seemingly available at the time.” She completed an ASN at Queensborough Community College and a BSN at Lehman. She additionally says with regards to her choice to go into psychiatric nursing, “During clinicals, I felt very comfortable interacting with the patients in the psychiatric inpatient unit.”
Specialty & Approach To Therapy
“I’ve had the most experience with depression, anxiety, and attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD),” she explains. “I find long-term treatments can also be the most rewarding.” Arlana also specializes in mood disorders, including:
- Depression
- Bipolar disorder
- Dysthymia (persistent mild depression)
“The many different types of approaches in therapy can help mood disorders, sometimes combinations are needed. I’ve frequently been able to use the Gestalt approach with CBT with success.” She describes her practice as compassionate, adaptive, evidence-based, collaborative, and focused on the whole person.
Joining Rivia Mind
Since joining Rivia Mind, Arlana has enjoyed the prioritization of the close and collaborative nature of the workplace. Collaboration and mutual support is at the heart of Rivia Mind’s work, and we’ve been lucky to have Arlana on board.
Advice To Those Seeking Treatment
Arlana feels that the main factor to begin with when considering seeking mental healthcare is to think about what you need from a mental health provider. “Are you interested in therapy, counseling, medication management, or a mix of these services? Pay attention to your instincts—if something doesn’t feel right, it’s perfectly fine to seek another provider. Finding someone with whom you feel safe and supported is crucial.”
She also encourages patients to go into their treatment with some flexibility. “Approach each session with an open mind and plan to have time to self reflect. While it is good to keep your initial goals in mind, sometimes the problem isn’t the problem.”
Self-Care For the Clinician
Everyone needs to practice self-care, and mental health providers are no exception. For Arlana, keeping her skin healthy is an essential part of her de-stress process. “I think it’s important to have something else to be passionate about besides mental health! For me, it’s loading up on skincare. My 7-step routine relaxes me.”
Arlana is just one of our skilled and compassionate clinicians at Rivia Mind who are passionate about helping our communities when it comes to improving mental health. Interested in scheduling an appointment with Arlana? Book now! Or, if you’re looking for a mental health clinician, contact Rivia Mind today.
