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 | Jan 6, 2026 | Career Advice, Transition into Practice Tips & Resources
I remember my first day as a psych NP like it was yesterday. After accepting a job in community mental health, I was given my very own office for the first time. It should have felt exciting. But mostly? I was terrified. My very first patient was a young woman with an...
by Claire Ellerbrock, DNP, PMHNP | Dec 30, 2025 | Thoughts and Reflections
As we round toward the end of the year, I thought it’d be fun to do a little “year in review” — Stress Free Psych NP style. 🎉 I dug through everything I’ve shared this year to find the NP resources you downloaded, clicked, talked about, and shared the most. And wow —...
by Claire Ellerbrock, DNP, PMHNP | Dec 25, 2025 | Career Advice
I’ve had patients request to see a physician instead of me. I’ve had days where I saw little improvement in my patients and doubted myself as a result. I’ve had days when I left work wondering why I chose this profession. Can you relate? These moments have...
by Claire Ellerbrock, DNP, PMHNP | Dec 23, 2025 | Thoughts and Reflections
A recent conversation stopped me in my tracks. Someone close to me shared an experience with a renowned specialist at a top hospital—a place expected to provide exceptional care. But instead of feeling like a participant in their care, they left feeling like a...