by Claire Ellerbrock, DNP, PMHNP | Apr 7, 2026 | Prescribing tips for treating mental disorders
Depression is one of the most common chief complaints patients present to us with. As a PMHNP, I remember the early days of practice—feeling overwhelmed by how much there was to consider when treating depression. There’s no one-size-fits-all treatment, and with...
by Claire Ellerbrock, DNP, PMHNP | Mar 19, 2026 | Thoughts and Reflections
As a psychiatric nurse practitioner, I’ve learned that one of the most important things you can do is embrace the “I don’t know yet” mindset. This approach means recognizing the limits of your current knowledge and staying open to learning new things, which is crucial...
by Claire Ellerbrock, DNP, PMHNP | Mar 12, 2026 | Clinical support resources, Transition into Practice Tips & Resources
Around my house, I’m known for two things: my inability to cook and my ability to reduce stress while treating mental disorders. I’m not going to force my (terrible) lasagna recipe on you, but I am going to share a few practical resources that help me—and might help...
by Claire Ellerbrock, DNP, PMHNP | Feb 12, 2026 | Prescribing tips for treating mental disorders
Let’s be honest—we’ve all downloaded a resource or guide with the best of intentions… and never opened it again. But when it comes to prescribing SSRIs, having a clear, concise reference on hand can actually save you time, reduce hesitation, and boost your...
by Claire Ellerbrock, DNP, PMHNP | Feb 3, 2026 | Career Advice
As a psychiatric nurse practitioner, one of the most stressful parts of the job can be the fear of missing something important. A new provider in our Mental Disorders Crash Course community recently shared how she often worries she’s not doing enough. She’s in...