Our next clinician spotlight is a new addition to our team: Michelle Cohen, DNP, PMHNP-BC. Michelle is a psychiatric nurse practitioner operating out of the New York City metro area, and we’re delighted to welcome her to Rivia Mind! As always, with these clinician spotlights, we took some time to speak with Michelle about her career in mental wellness leading up to this point, as well as her unique approach and philosophy of care.
Education & Background
Michelle received both her master’s and doctoral degrees in nursing from Columbia University. She originally studied speech pathology but changed paths to pursue a career in mental health, specifically psychiatry.
“I’ve always loved everything about the brain. I think it’s the most unique and least understood organ in our body, essentially responsible for everything -we do. The idea that we can control our thoughts, feelings, and, in turn, our physiological responses to events around us fuels my passion for this career. While I enjoyed studying the science behind speech and cognition in college, I knew several people who struggled because they had little desire or passion for life.”
Part of her decision to switch career paths was influenced by her time interning for the National Eating Disorders Association. There, she worked with people encountering the idea of having an eating disorder for the first time and helped them navigate treatment options. “These experiences made me realize that helping people struggling with mental illness was the problem that I felt most passionate about and what I wanted to dedicate my professional life to.”
Specialty & Approach To Therapy
Michelle treats a wide variety of mental health challenges in her career, including depression, PTSD, ADHD, and anxiety. She says that she particularly likes working with young adults as they navigate their post-college lives. She describes her philosophy of care as “collaborative, holistic, accepting, nurturing, and goal-oriented.”
“I chose psychiatric mental health because I encountered several people in my personal life who felt that their psychiatric providers adopted a pathological approach and did not view them holistically,” she explains. “I want to be able to provide care that integrates therapy and psychiatry, recognizing that both play a role in helping people recover from mental illness. I’ve always had a passion for science and medicine, but I appreciate psychiatry as unique in that it is often viewed as an art rather than a science. Seeing how treatment can vary between different individuals who present similarly on paper keeps the field exciting and forever changing.”
In treatment, she uses a collaborative approach in which she and the patients work together to achieve the patient’s goals. “I also believe in working with patients through a holistic lens, helping patients see that they are much more than their diagnosis and helping them make changes in their lives through multiple angles.”
She also utilizes therapy in addition to medication management to truly address the patient’s unique needs. “When I can, I like to incorporate as much therapy as possible into my sessions. I feel that therapy can help […] by helping patients see the extent to which their mental illness impacts their lives, learn to regulate their emotions contributing to their mental state, and set achievable goals for the future. However, even if none of these are achieved, having a space where patients can feel comfortable speaking what’s on their minds and feeling heard is beneficial in itself.”
Joining Rivia Mind
Although Michelle may be new to Rivia Mind, she’s already enjoyed working with a team of individuals who are as passionate about mental wellness as she is. “I also love learning from people from different backgrounds and areas of expertise. The support and mentorship I’ve received so far has been instrumental in helping me grow as a clinician.”
Advice For New Patients
Seeking mental health support for the first time can be intimidating, but Michelle says not to be discouraged. “Rivia has so many wonderful clinicians. But if you have trouble clicking or connecting with a clinician right away, talk about it with your provider. See if there are any barriers to you feeling comfortable in that space! It can take time to feel comfortable, especially if it’s your first time in therapy. We’re all rooting for you and want what’s best for you.”
She also encourages new patients to consider the kind of provider they want to work with but to keep an open mind. “Sometimes we have ideas of the kind of provider who may work best for us, especially when it comes to gender, age, race, or religion. These can help you narrow down which provider may be best for you. If your preferences cannot be accommodated, though, come in with an open mind and don’t be afraid to try something new! You may be surprised to find out that you get along really well with a clinician who does not match your preferences.”
Finding Balance through Self-Care
So, what does Michelle do when she needs a break? “I enjoy going for walks while listening to a good podcast. I also love spending time with my family over dinner and getting creative when it comes to cooking dishes!”
Want to book an appointment with Michelle? Book now! Contact us today to learn more about our commitment to mental wellness or to find a provider for yourself.
