by Claire Ellerbrock, DNP, PMHNP | Mar 24, 2026 | Best practices
As mental health providers, we often hear something along the lines of:”There’s no time for thorough assessments in today’s healthcare environment.” But the truth is, skipping proper mental health assessments doesn’t save time — it actually...
by Claire Ellerbrock, DNP, PMHNP | Jan 22, 2026 | Diagnosis/Assessment tips for treating mental disorders
Which of the following clinical presentations most strongly suggests Bipolar disorder rather than Major Depressive Disorder (MDD)? A. Hypersomnia and increased appetite during depressive episodesB. Multiple past antidepressant trials with inadequate responseC. Brief...
by Claire Ellerbrock, DNP, PMHNP | Jan 8, 2026 | Diagnosis/Assessment tips for treating mental disorders
What’s your biggest struggle when it comes to treating mental disorders right now? A few months ago, I asked this question to my community and I received a range of responses—from managing co-morbid disorders to knowing the appropriate medications and dosages to...
by Claire Ellerbrock, DNP, PMHNP | Dec 16, 2025 | Diagnosis/Assessment tips for treating mental disorders
You’ve probably heard it before—”ADHD is overdiagnosed in adults”. Maybe you’ve even had colleagues or friends voice concerns that stimulants are being prescribed too freely, especially in light of the national shortage. And with TikTok influencers...
by Claire Ellerbrock, DNP, PMHNP | Dec 9, 2025 | Diagnosis/Assessment tips for treating mental disorders
Have you ever opened a patient’s chart, scanned a long list of psychiatric medications, and wondered, “How did we get here?” Or faced a swirl of overlapping symptoms and felt unsure which direction to go first? If so, you’re not alone. Even seasoned PMHNPs encounter...