by Claire Ellerbrock, DNP, PMHNP | Apr 16, 2026 | Prescribing tips for treating mental disorders
Your patient calls you and says: “The Prozac was working great for my depression, but now I’m having trouble sleeping, feeling restless, and my thoughts are racing. Should I stop taking it?” What’s your next move as a psych NP? A. Discontinue Prozac...
by Claire Ellerbrock, DNP, PMHNP | Mar 26, 2026 | Prescribing tips for treating mental disorders
One of the most common challenges psych nurse practitioners face is deprescribing—knowing when and how to safely reduce or discontinue medications. Implementing effective deprescribing tips is essential to optimize patient medication management and improve outcomes....
by Claire Ellerbrock, DNP, PMHNP | Jan 20, 2026 | Career Advice, Clinical support resources
You know those moments early in your career that make you cringe a little when you look back? If you’re a new grad psych NP—or even an RN—you’ve probably had a few moments like that too. When I started as a psych NP, I made several mistakes that I now view as valuable...
by Claire Ellerbrock, DNP, PMHNP | Jan 13, 2026 | Prescribing tips for treating mental disorders
When treating older adults who are often taking multiple medications, it’s essential for psych NPs to consider the full medication picture—including over-the-counter (OTC) supplements. A recent clinical case of a 68-year-old male patient on sertraline (Zoloft) for...
by Claire Ellerbrock, DNP, PMHNP | Dec 2, 2025 | Best practices, Prescribing tips for treating mental disorders
Prescribing the “right” psychotropic medication isn’t about guessing or relying on trial-and-error—it’s about building a strong clinical foundation. When PMHNPs prescribe psychotropic medications using a structured, step-by-step approach, they move from haphazard care...