The practitioners at Rivia Mind come from a variety of different professional backgrounds that eventually brought them to working in our network. Some have served on research teams at universities, while others have military experience among the list of their professional accomplishments.
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, Dandan Wang, PMHNP-BC, was a nurse for 5 years before she earned her Master’s degree in nursing, and she served as a medic in the Army Reserve for 6 years. We are proud to have Nurse Practitioner Wang as part of the Rivia Mind staff, and we recently took some time to talk to her about her career up to this point as well as what brought her to Rivia Mind.
Meet Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner Dandan Wang
Wang has always been interested in mental wellness. “Helping people learn how to manage their condition and to live a healthy life is extremely rewarding,” she explained.
She first earned her Bachelor’s in Nursing at the University of Delaware. She served as a nurse in “a couple of fields” at that point, as well as joining the Army Reserve as a medic. In 2021, she earned her Master’s degree in Nursing at National University.
Wang specializes in psychiatric evaluations, medication management, and therapy for patients with depression, anxiety, ADHD, and PTSD. She particularly specializes in ADHD. She is a big believer in a holistic and culturally appropriate approach to mental wellness.
“We are all products of our environment,” said Wang, “and mental health is more than just the absence of mental disorders. Therefore, mental wellbeing cannot be fully achieved without addressing someone’s culture, race, and ethnicity in the care plan.” It is this holistic approach that fits in perfectly with the ethos of Rivia Mind. She describes her approach to therapy as direct, honest, and encouraging.
“I try to be as open with my clients as possible while I collaborate with them to develop a plan, work towards solutions, and give feedback along the way.”
When not treating patients, Wang unwinds by going home and playing with her cats. “My self care typically includes going outdoors, venti sized coffee, and jogging around the neighborhood,” she said of that time to herself.
Why ADHD
Dandan Wang has had a varied career covering multiple fields as a nurse. However, she chose to specialize in working with patients who have ADHD based on personal experience and her own observations about the disorder since becoming a nurse.
“I grew up with family members and friends who have ADHD,” she said, “which I still believe is one of the most underdiagnosed and undertreated mental health disorders. I am often amazed by how people with ADHD are often just a few changes away from leading a much happier life.”
Wang works with multiple methods of treating ADHD, including medication, therapy, coaching and a combination of treatments. “Therapy and proper coaching can help patients with ADHD make a new understanding of who they are and what shaped them into being this way.” She helps her patients develop structures and plan strategies to boost their focus and manage their ADHD symptoms. In doing so, they are more prepared to meet their goals and face everyday obstacles.
Working With Rivia Mind
We are proud and honored to have Dandan Wang as one of our psychiatric nurse practitioners. Wang stated that in the time she has worked with us, the thing she enjoys the most about her job is, “The autonomy I am given and the generous time allowed for a comprehensive evaluation before planning patient care.”
Like Wang, we take a holistic approach to mental health, and that includes taking the time to thoroughly evaluate a patient. Every patient is different, and their treatment plan will be different, as well.
Words of Advice
The decision to seek out mental wellness support can be an intimidating one. You may know that you need help, but you’re not sure where to start. The first step is to find a mental wellness provider, then to get an evaluation of your mental health. From there, your provider can work with you to create a treatment plan that will best help you reach your life worth living goals.
“Choose providers who you feel comfortable with,” advised Wang when asked what guidance she would offer to those trying to choose a mental wellness provider. “It’s also good if they have worked with people who have your particular condition. Don’t be shy to ask questions regarding their experience, expertise, or training.”
And what about people who may be taking the step to try therapy for the first time? Wang says to give yourself credit for that big step. “It is not easy to seek help for your mental health, due to the long-standing stigma of mental illness. Your mental health is no less important than your physical wellbeing.”
Find Your Mental Wellness Provider at Rivia Mind
Our mental wellness provider network is full of skilled, compassionate providers like Wang, across a variety of specialties and professions. Rivia Mind excels in providing care for the whole person, beginning with your individual strengths, needs, and circumstances. Your mental, emotional, and physical health, in addition to considerations of culture and background all combine to create your mental wellness. We offer a wide range of services to bring all of those elements into harmony.
Contact Rivia Mind today by calling: (212) 203-1773 to learn more about how our providers can help you. Or to begin your path to better mental wellness today, book an appointment with one of our providers.
