What do I do?

As a Board Certified Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP-BC), I provide comprehensive mental health care with a focus on compassion, mindfulness, and evidence-based treatment for patient 5 years of age and older. My approach integrates the art of listening with the science of psychiatry to help individuals find balance, clarity, and resilience.

I offer:

Psychiatric evaluations to understand your unique story and needs
Diagnosis and treatment of mental health conditions such as anxiety, depression, PTSD, bipolar disorder, ADHD, and more
Medication management tailored to your specific goals and health background
Supportive psychotherapy and mindfulness-informed care to promote self-awareness and healing
Collaborative care, working closely with therapists, primary care, and holistic providers to support whole-person wellness

A comprehensive and compassionate assessment designed to understand your mental health needs, symptoms, history, and goals.
Through in-depth discussion, clinical tools, and diagnostic insight, I work to create a clear picture of your emotional well-being, laying the foundation for a personalized treatment plan.
This includes:
- Mental health history
- Current concerns and stressors
- Medical, social, and family background
- Diagnostic formulation and treatment recommendations
Thoughtful and evidence-based prescribing of psychiatric medications when appropriate, with a focus on safety, education, and collaboration.
I prioritize shared decision-making to ensure you feel confident and informed about your treatment. Regular follow-ups help monitor progress, manage side effects, and adjust treatment as needed.
Medication management includes:
- Ongoing psychiatric monitoring
- Evaluation of benefits, side effects, and interactions
- Dose adjustments and treatment optimization
- Education about how medications support healing
Supportive, structured conversations that promote insight, emotional processing, and behavior change.
I integrate therapeutic techniques such as CBT, mindfulness-based approaches, trauma-informed care, and supportive psychotherapy to meet your unique needs.
Therapy sessions provide:
- A safe, nonjudgmental space to explore thoughts, emotions, and patterns
- Tools to manage anxiety, depression, trauma, stress, and more
- Guidance to build self-awareness, resilience, and coping skills
- A healing relationship that supports long-term mental wellness

Meet Your Provider

I'm Briana, a Board-Certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner and a proud resident of the Vail/Rita Ranch community since 2012. I am deeply committed to providing high-quality, compassionate mental health care to the community I call home.

I have over 11 years of experience in healthcare, beginning my career with eight years in pharmacy before transitioning into nursing. I earned my Bachelor of Science in Nursing from the Arizona College of Nursing and completed my Master of Science in Nursing—Psychiatric–Mental Health Nurse Practitioner at Herzing University in 2025. My clinical experience includes working in both the Neuro Intensive Care Unit and the Emergency Department, where I developed strong patient-centered skills in high-acuity, fast-paced environments.

I am especially passionate about supporting couples navigating relationship challenges and co-parenting, children of divorced parents, teens and adults managing complex life stressors, and individuals adjusting to major life changes such as medical conditions or experiences of grief. I often incorporate art and play therapy approaches to create a safe, engaging, and enjoyable therapeutic environment—particularly beneficial for children, adolescents, and individuals who may find traditional talk therapy challenging. I also integrate journaling into therapy to help clients develop deeper self-awareness, emotional insight, and a stronger connection with themselves.

With my strong foundation in pharmacology and direct patient care, I take a collaborative, patient-involved approach to medication management, ensuring clients are active participants in their treatment decisions. My care is evidence-based, thoughtful, and grounded in empathy, respect, and open communication.

Outside of my clinical practice, I have served as an assistant golf coach at Empire High School, reflecting my long standing involvement in the local community and my dedication to mentoring youth in both personal growth and life skills.

Areas of Specialty

A mood disorder characterized by persistent sadness, low energy, and loss of interest in activities once enjoyed. It can affect daily functioning, relationships, and overall well-being.
A condition marked by excessive worry, restlessness, and physical symptoms like tension or a racing heart. Anxiety disorders can interfere with daily life and often coexist with other mental health conditions.
A trauma-related disorder that may develop after experiencing or witnessing a life-threatening or distressing event. Symptoms include flashbacks, avoidance, hypervigilance, and mood changes.
A mood disorder involving episodes of depression alternating with periods of mania or hypomania, characterized by elevated mood, increased energy, and impulsive behavior.
A neurodevelopmental disorder that affects focus, impulse control, and activity levels. It can impact academic, occupational, and social functioning in both children and adults.
Mental health conditions that involve disordered eating behaviors and body image concerns, such as anorexia, bulimia, and binge eating. These disorders can have serious physical and emotional consequences.
The misuse of drugs or alcohol that leads to significant impairment or distress. It can affect physical health, relationships, and mental well-being, often requiring integrated treatment.
Persistent patterns of disruptive, impulsive, or oppositional behaviors that interfere with functioning at home, school, or in relationships. Often seen in children and adolescents but may continue into adulthood.
A natural emotional response to loss, often involving sadness, anger, confusion, or guilt. Grief can affect mental, emotional, and physical well-being, and healing looks different for everyone. Therapy can help support healthy processing and adjustment.

A structured, evidence-based therapy that helps individuals identify and change negative thought patterns and behaviors contributing to emotional distress.
A short-term therapy focused on improving communication, resolving relationship issues, and addressing social challenges that contribute to emotional problems.
A form of therapy combining CBT with mindfulness and emotional regulation skills. It’s especially effective for mood disorders, self-harm, and borderline personality disorder.
Therapy designed to help couples improve communication, resolve conflicts, and strengthen emotional connection in their relationship.
A collaborative, goal-oriented approach that helps individuals explore and resolve ambivalence about change often used in substance use and behavior change.
A developmentally appropriate therapy for children that uses play to help them express emotions, process experiences, and develop problem-solving skills.
A creative, expressive therapy using visual art to help individuals explore emotions, reduce stress, and improve mental well-being.
Ongoing assessment, prescription, and monitoring of psychiatric medications to ensure safe, effective treatment tailored to each individual’s needs.
A comprehensive process that includes clinical interviews, standardized assessments, and diagnostic tools to better understand mental health symptoms and guide personalized treatment planning.

New Clients/ Getting Started

❋ Email Me

Reach out via email to get started. I’ll guide you through scheduling, insurance verification, or self-pay options so your first visit is smooth and simple.

Contact Today →

❋ Insurance & Payment Setup

We make it easy to use insurance or self-pay. Through our billing partner, Headway, you can quickly verify your coverage and view estimated copays before your first visit. We also offer self-pay options, and accept HSA/FSA cards to help keep care accessible.

Headway →

❋ Sign Forms on Patient Portal

You can set up your secure patient portal directly through our website. The portal allows you to complete intake paperwork, communicate with your provider, and manage appointments with ease. If you prefer, you can also email us your information and we’ll help you get everything set up.

Patient Portal →

❋ Begin Your Care in a Supportive Space

Your first appointment focuses on getting to know you—your story, your challenges, and your goals. From there, we create a personalized treatment plan that may include psychotherapy, medication management, or a combination of both.

Purpose, Mission, Vision

The purpose of my practice is to provide accessible, compassionate, and evidence-based mental health care that honors the uniqueness of each individual. As a Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner, I am committed to supporting emotional well-being through a mindful, client-centered approach that blends clinical expertise with deep human connection.

My mission is to deliver compassionate, evidence-based psychiatric care that nurtures mental, emotional, and spiritual well-being. I strive to create a safe, inclusive space where individuals feel seen, heard, and supported on their path to healing.

My vision is to redefine mental health care by fostering a world where every individual feels empowered, understood, and supported in their journey toward emotional wellness.

Insurance Accepted

We offer affordable care for everyone and except most major insurance plans.

Insurance →

Controlled Substance Policies

Monthly Appointments Required

Patients prescribed controlled substances must attend monthly visits for monitoring. No refills will be provided without an active appointment.

Safe & Responsible Use

Patients must sign a medication agreement, use one pharmacy, and may be asked to complete urine drug screens. PMP checks are done regularly to ensure safe prescribing.

No Early Refills or Replacements

Lost, stolen, or early refill requests will not be honored. Misuse may lead to medication tapering or discontinuation.

What People Are Saying

“I am a first time therapy goer and at first I was naturally nervous/scared for it. Briana has been great and so welcoming. She is very interactive, helps me when I’m stuck, and very patient as I think through my thoughts or what I want to talk about. I’m definitely happy with my choice of seeking professional help as I work through some of my challenges I struggle with regarding my mental well being. I also enjoy the goal setting and journaling that I will do outside of our actual sessions. I’m eager to continue my journey and find success through each session.”

— RM

“It was wonderful! Briana listened to my concerns and offered multiple options to handle my particular situation so glad to have someone who listens for once!”

— BW