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...
by Claire Ellerbrock, DNP, PMHNP | Sep 23, 2025 | Prescribing tips for treating mental disorders
Have you ever had a patient show up on ten different psych medications—and none of them seem to be working? They’re struggling. You know psychiatric deprescribing needs to happen, but the problem is: Where do you even begin? Adjust One Medication at a Time I had a...
by Claire Ellerbrock, DNP, PMHNP | Sep 4, 2025 | Prescribing tips for treating mental disorders
Your patient is taking Prozac and Lithium—what worries you most? A. They smoke cigarettes 2 PPD B. They are on oral contraceptives C. They are on long-term, high-dose ibuprofen D. They drink 5 beers per week Did you get it right? Why Smoking Isn’t the Biggest Issue...