“I believe that the bare minimum amount of medication, in combination with healthy lifestyle choices, consistent therapy, and mindfulness meditation is the ideal form of treatment.”

Danielle Lamagna, Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner takes a collaborative and person-centered approach to medication management. She believes that a safe and supportive relationship between client and provider is a key component in the healing process. 

To strengthen her relationships with her clients, Danielle brings humor, compassion, and empathy to each session, as she educates clients on medication management, and offers mind-body connection practices to alleviate acute symptoms of mental health conditions. 

Ultimately, Danielle believes that the bare minimum amount of medication, in combination with healthy lifestyle choices, consistent therapy, and mindfulness practices is the ideal form of treatment.

While her mental health experience is far-reaching, Danielle is drawn to PTSD and trauma-informed care, using appropriate psychiatric medications and mind-body connection practices to treat people in a more holistic way.

We sat down with Danielle to learn more about her background in the medical and mental health field, and approach to medication management with clients online and in our West Springfield office.

What led you to become a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner?

Before transitioning to psychiatry, I was working in acute care, cardiology, and psychiatry throughout my nursing career. 

When the pandemic struck, I was drawn to psychiatry. It was an eye opening experience to witness so many people suffering, and healthcare workers taking the hard hit. 

I’ve gained extensive experience treating veterans, first responders, and healthcare workers struggling with service-related trauma. I knew that I wanted to expand my understanding and application of PTSD and trauma-informed care. 

Working in the field of psychiatry allows me to utilize my medical skills, educate clients on medication management, and help clients develop a more complete and holistic treatment plan.

How would you describe your approach to medication management?

I’m here to guide clients through the use of psychiatric medication in the treatment of mental health challenges, as well as help clients discover mind-body connection practices to alleviate the imprints stress and trauma can leave. 

The psychiatric side of treatment involves the initial evaluation of the client’s need for psychotropic medications, the provision of the prescription, and ongoing monitoring related to the client’s use of the medication. 

We’ll work together to identify the client’s personal treatment goals, and create a treatment plan to reach their desired goals. In my approach, a complete treatment plan includes healthy lifestyle choices, mindfulness meditation practices, as well as consistent therapy. 

The downfall of medication management is that many people believe that medications alone should solve mental health concerns, like anxiety or depression. There’s a lot of trial and error when it comes to finding the appropriate medication and dosage, and the efficacy of medications varies from person to person. 

No matter where the client is in their healing journey, I’m here to safely support them throughout.

How do you form therapeutic relationships with your clients?

I believe that medication management, like any form of therapy, works best when there’s a safe and supportive collaboration between client and provider.

No matter what concern(s) the client is bringing to our session, there’s zero-judgment. I like to use humor to help clients feel safe and relaxed throughout our sessions together.

What mental health challenges do you offer treatment for?

I’m here to help clients address and improve the following mental health challenges:

• Anxiety, Panic, and Phobias 
• Depression
• Bipolar Disorder
• Personality Disorders
• Substance Related/Addictive Disorders
• Health/Medical Problems
• Self-Injurious Behaviors/Self-harm
• Attention-deficit Hyperactivity Disorders (ADHD/ADD)
• LGBTQIA
• Eating Disorders (Anorexia/Bulimia/Binge Eating)
• Schizophrenia Spectrum and Psychotic Disorders
• Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD)
• Adjustment Disorder
• Attachment Disorder
• Developmental Disabilities
• Learning Disorder
• Conduct Disorders
• PTSD/Acute Stress
• Trauma

What’s your favorite part about being a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner?

I love seeing the progress that client’s make in their own lives: whether it’s after a few months, or a year of finding the appropriate medication and implementing lifestyle changes into their routine. It’s so rewarding to see the forward movement in clients.

Scheduling an appointment with Danielle Lamagna, PMHNP:

If you’re looking for a dedicated psychiatric nurse practitioner, with a passion for providing holistic and high-quality mental health care, Danielle Lamagna, PMHNP is here for you. 

Through working with Danielle, you will discover treatment options, including psychiatric medications and therapeutic modalities, that best fit your wants and needs. 

To schedule an appointment with Danielle, please contact us today at (413) 343-4357.

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