For psychiatric nurse practitioner Carmen Wong, therapy isn’t about fixing what’s broken — it’s about discovering strategies that help you navigate life with the confidence to show up as your authentic self.
This week, we sat down with Carmen to learn about her approach to care, hear her advice for those taking their first steps toward healing, and discover how she finds balance.
Specialty & Approach To Therapy
Carmen works with people experiencing depression, anxiety, and ADHD — challenges she knows can feel all-encompassing. “These conditions impact daily life, whether it looks like general motivation to tackle seemingly easy things or being present in situations when it matters most,” she shares.
She emphasizes care isn’t abstract; it’s practical and immediately useful. “Therapy gives you tools in your toolbox to cope and navigate symptoms to present your best self in any of life’s scenarios.”
Her approach blends supportive therapy with cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), always with an eye toward helping patients recognize their inner power. As she puts it, “I often utilize supportive and CBT therapy to highlight an individual’s strengths to empower decision making most aligned to their values and aspirations.”
Advice To Those Seeking Therapy
Carmen knows reaching out for help takes courage, and she doesn’t take that lightly. “Seeking mental health isn’t easy — whether it’s revisiting uncomfortable experiences or opening up in ways you haven’t had to before,” she acknowledges.
But she also sees that step as a decisive turning point. Choosing care is “giving yourself the power to take control of what feels like the uncontrollable and taking the first step to discovering a path that promotes your highest quality of life.”
When it comes to finding a provider, she encourages people to think about alignment and hold space for patience in the process. She also stresses the significance of choosing someone whose goals and vision align with yours, and to remember that sometimes it can take multiple tries to find the right fit. “It’s like finding an exercise routine that works best for you!”
In the end, it’s important to be gentle with yourself and trust that the process can lead you to a steadier, more fulfilling life.
Finding Balance Through Self-Care
Even therapists need their own ways to recharge, and Carmen’s self-care routine is refreshingly relatable. “Self-care can range depending on my day,” she says. After a particularly busy one? “I love to unwind with a good show or a light crossword puzzle.”
When she’s feeling more energetic, she switches gears: “Picking up a good book or playing pickleball are a few of my other favorite pastimes.” It’s a reminder that taking care of yourself doesn’t have to be complicated — it’s about tuning into what you need at the moment.
If you’re thinking about taking that first step toward mental health support, know that providers like Carmen are here to walk alongside you with warmth, understanding, and practical tools for the journey ahead. Connect with Carmen or find another provider who feels like the right fit for you.
