Psychiatry in Media, Pennsylvania Melissa Stilwell, Nurse Practitioner

Mental health symptoms can be debilitating and may negatively impact various aspects of daily living. Through my experience in the field of psychiatric nursing I understand that each client’s needs are unique to themselves. My approach to treatment is to work with each client in identifying and understanding these specific needs and goals when developing a treatment plan. This shared decision-making model allows each client to make informed choices about their own care. I pride myself on connecting with each client personally and meeting each client where they are in the recovery process to establish a trusting partnership to navigate wellness. I believe it is important to foster a safe environment for treatment, to build therapeutic relationships, and to advocate for the unique needs of my clients. I feel both humbled and fortunate to be working in the mental health field promoting mental wellbeing.

I am a board-certified psychiatric nurse practitioner with over twelve years of experience in the mental health field. I obtained my undergraduate degree from Wilmington University and completed my graduate degree through Walden University. I am trained in medication management, along with brief psychotherapy, to aid each client in meeting their treatment goals. My history includes working with adult and older adult clients with acute and chronic psychiatric and mental health disorders in both an inpatient and outpatient setting. I have experience in treating a range of mental and behavioral conditions including depression, anxiety disorders, eating disorders, bipolar spectrum disorders, post-traumatic stress disorders, schizophrenia spectrum disorders, and cognitive disorders with and without behavioral disturbances. I have a special interest in working with the older adult population who are experiencing difficulties with life transitions, grief, memory loss, behavioral disturbances, depression, anxiety, and/or psychosis. Treatment approaches are person-centered and may include medication, therapy, holistic approaches, psychoeducation, or a combination of treatments, all aimed at improving the client’s quality of life.