by Claire Ellerbrock, DNP, PMHNP | Apr 14, 2026 | Clinical support resources, Prescribing tips for treating mental disorders
As a psych NP, knowing the ins and outs of medications is critical—especially when it comes to SSRI steady state, a concept that often flies under the radar. While SSRIs are among the most frequently prescribed psychotropic medications, they’re not all...
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 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 | Oct 28, 2025 | Prescribing tips for treating mental disorders
Common Challenges with SSRIs Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRIs) are among the most commonly prescribed antidepressants in mental health care. Despite their widespread use, patients often struggle with SSRI side effects, especially early in treatment. One...