In today’s clinician spotlight, we’re highlighting one of our newest clinicians: Marsha Charlton, PMHNP-BC, who started working with us in October of 2023. Marsha is a skilled and compassionate psychiatric nurse practitioner, board-certified in both Family Medicine and Psychiatry. With a long list of specialties that include addiction, anxiety, ADHD, depression, grief and loss, PTSD, substance misuse, and trauma, she is passionate about providing personalized and accessible healthcare to diverse patients.
Education and Background
Marsha has an extensive educational and professional background in nursing, eventually leading to her career with Rivia Mind. She first obtained her Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) from the University of Massachusetts Boston. She then moved on to receive a Master of Science in Nursing with a specialization in family medicine from Massachusetts College of Pharmacy. She earned a Post-Master’s Graduate Certificate in Psychiatric Mental Health from the University of Massachusetts Worcester Medical School.
As a nurse practitioner, she’s covered various areas of nursing. “Over the course of my career, I’ve worked in diverse healthcare settings, including: primary care, surgical, psychiatric, and within the VA healthcare system, where I dedicated my services to veterans.”
Pursuing a Career in Mental Wellness
“I decided to pursue a career in mental wellness based on my extensive 20+ years of experience in the nursing field,” Marsha explains. “As a person of color who has navigated the healthcare system as a patient, I recognized a substantial gap in access to care for vulnerable and underserved communities, especially those of African and Caribbean descent.” The awareness of these disparities inspired her to advocate for enhanced healthcare accessibility within those communities.
She describes her approach to mental healthcare as characterized “by cultural sensitivity and a down-to-earth demeanor, creating a comfortable and open environment for my clients.” While her expertise spans anxiety, ADHD, depression, PTSD, addiction, and more, she has a focus on serving BIPOC and LGBTQIA+ individuals with the highest quality of personalized mental healthcare.
“I chose to specialize in anxiety and depression because I recognize the pervasive stigma and shame that surrounds mental health within certain groups…Many individuals, especially in certain communities, may hesitate to seek mental health support due to societal norms or fear of judgment.”
Marsha has dedicated her career to dismantling the stigma against receiving mental health support and emphasizing that mental health is “an integral part of overall wellbeing.”
When speaking of her goal with mental healthcare, Marsha says she aims to “create a safe and inclusive space where individuals from all backgrounds feel empowered to prioritize their mental health without fear of judgment or shame.”
Therapy With Marsha Charlton
“In my therapy approach, I believe in meeting my clients where they currently are in life,” Marsha says. “I see myself as a guide, working collaboratively with clients to facilitate growth.” Through this therapeutic relationship, she helps her clients identify negative thought patterns and navigate through past traumatic experiences that get in the way of their abilities to form and maintain healthy relationships.
“Therapy provides a safe space to explore the roots of these issues, develop coping skills, and challenge negative thoughts,” she goes on. “It’s a personalized toolkit to navigate life’s ups and downs, emphasizing that mental health is just as important as physical health.” She works to make therapy relatable and accessible for her clients in hopes of breaking down barriers and showing that seeking support is a strength.
Working With Rivia Mind
Marsha has only been with Rivia Mind for two months, but her expertise as a psychiatric nurse practitioner has already added so much value to our team. When asked what she most enjoys about working with Rivia Mind, she says, “The collaborative environment within the organization. It’s genuinely satisfying to see that everyone’s input is not only considered but also valued and deemed important in the process of diagnosing and treating patients.”
Advice To Those Seeking Mental Health Support
The journey towards mental wellness may seem daunting at first, but Marsha has advice for those starting out.
“Approach it with an open mind and willingness to engage. Be honest and transparent about your feelings and concerns. Remember that therapy is a collaborative process, so actively participate in discussions and activities suggested by your therapist. Give yourself time to build trust and rapport with your provider, and understand that it’s okay to explore different therapeutic approaches until you find what works best for you. Lastly, be patient with the process, as positive change often takes time, and don’t hesitate to communicate openly with your provider about your progress and any adjustments needed.”
Of course, that begins with having the right mental health provider. “Choose a mental wellness provider who values diversity, emphasizes collaboration, conducts thorough assessments, and tailors treatment to your needs.” She recommends evidence-based approaches, considerations of both medication and therapy, and ultimately a focus on lifestyle adjustments and stress management for a personalized and effective treatment experience.
Unwinding At the End of the Day
So how does such an all-star nurse practitioner unwind when the work day is over? Marsha exercises as a form of self-care. “Engaging in physical activity enables me to release natural endorphins, which significantly contributes to improving my mood, especially on stressful days.
“Additionally, I incorporate night journaling into my routine. During this time, I specifically concentrate on expressing gratitude for various aspects of my life. This helps me set positive intentions for the following day, contributing to my overall well-being.”
Interested in scheduling an appointment with Marsha or one of our other skilled and compassionate clinicians? Contact Rivia Mind today to learn more.
