Twyla Werstein
Twyla Werstein, RN-BSN, BA Psychology, BA Liberal Arts, MA Medical Ethics, DM  Adult Education, PhD-abd Medical Ethics

Lead Psychiatric Nurse & Clinical Administrator

Welcome to Forest Path Psychiatry & Healing! Thank you for considering our team for your mental health needs. I’m Twyla Werstein, a psychiatric nurse driven by a lifelong passion to help others. As the Lead Clinical Administrator, I guide our care team in providing cutting-edge, compassionate support, especially for those who feel marginalized or have lost hope.

I come from a legacy of advocacy. My mother fought for racial equality from the 1920s until her passing in the 1980s, and my father helped shape the early days of Alcoholics Anonymous, leading an educational foundation for alcoholism treatment. Their influence drew me to psychiatric nursing, fulfilling a passion for social justice and mental health care.
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Professional Background:
- Registered Nurse (RN) with Board Certification in Psychiatric Nursing
- Master's in Medical Ethics, enhancing my ability to navigate complex care decisions
- Years of experience in emergency, inpatient, and outpatient psychiatric care
* Emergency Care: Providing rapid, effective interventions in crisis situations
* Inpatient Care: Supporting clients through intensive treatment phases
* Outpatient Care: Offering ongoing support for long-term mental health management
- University-level teaching experience, empowering clients and colleagues alike

At Forest Path, we are committed to helping clients find emotional and mental freedom. From our first phone call through managing medications, Genesight orders, and more, my goal is to provide expert care and personalized support every step of the way. I listen closely, support you consistently, and guide you through your unique mental health journey with empathy and expertise. Together, we’ll take those vital first steps toward a healthier, more balanced life.

Let’s work together to unlock your potential for well-being, happiness, contentment, and fulfillment—however you define these in your life. Your journey to mental wellness starts here, and I’m honored to be a part of it.

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The Heart of Healing & Beyond the Session: Forest Path Team Perspectives

What inspires you to want to work for Forest Path Psychiatry & Healing? What did you like (or not like!) about the job description?

What inspires me about Forest Path Psychiatry & Healing is their commitment to providing authentic, compassionate, and empowering care to individuals with complex trauma and associated mental health conditions. Their inclusive approach, welcoming all demographics and orientations, aligns with my values of diversity and equity in healthcare.

I appreciate the flexibility offered in the job description, allowing for a work schedule that prioritizes both professional responsibilities and personal well-being. The emphasis on virtual care and the opportunity to work remotely is particularly appealing, as it enables me to reach and support clients in diverse locations while maintaining a comfortable and private workspace.

Additionally, the company's dedication to creating a supportive and inclusive team culture, where individuality is celebrated and work-life balance is valued, resonates with me. The collaborative environment, coupled with strong leadership and comprehensive support services, suggests a nurturing and growth-oriented workplace.

 Overall, Forest Path Psychiatry & Healing presents an exciting opportunity to contribute to a meaningful mission while enjoying autonomy, flexibility, and a supportive community of like-minded professionals.

When you think about the Mental Health profession, and how it could be better, what breaks your heart?

The mental health profession could significantly improve by prioritizing client well-being over profitability or insurance limitations. It's disheartening to see clients unable to access optimal care due to insurance restrictions, such as being limited to formulary medications rather than those best suited for their needs. Witnessing clients trapped in horrific situations or struggling with addiction is truly heartbreaking. Our focus should be on holistic, client-centered care that transcends bureaucratic constraints.

When someone asks, "What do you do," do you feel that you're connecting with them well? Does the conversation often go beyond your answer?

In my current role, I combine RN triage, crisis support, and office management. I strive to provide both emotional and practical support to clients, whether through phone, text, email, or messaging. Building rapport comes naturally to me, and conversations often extend beyond the initial inquiry. My goal is to create a supportive environment where clients feel heard and valued.

Could your clients or patients accurately describe what makes you different?

Clients would likely highlight my emotional support, availability, and prompt, thorough responses as key differentiators. My background as an Emergency Department psychiatric unit Charge Nurse has instilled in me a sense of urgency and thoroughness that clients appreciate. They recognize my commitment to addressing their needs efficiently, with authentic kindness, and definitely laughter (if the time is right!).

In a general sense, what is the strongest pain point your clients or patients deal with, and how do you come alongside them to help them overcome it?

Many of our clients grapple with chronic trauma and its far-reaching emotional, physical, and spiritual consequences. This manifests in various forms, including extreme anxiety, obsessive-compulsive disorder, depression, dissociation, and self-harm. To support them, I employ empathy, non-judgmental listening, and express genuine appreciation for their individuality. By creating a safe space for them to express themselves, we can work together towards healing and growth.

When you put yourself in their shoes, what do you feel?

After a lifetime in helping professions, I've developed a deep sense of empathy without becoming overwhelmed by clients' suffering. While I'm often shocked by the cruelty some people inflict on others, I'm equally amazed by acts of kindness and support. My experience allows me to care deeply for clients while maintaining professional boundaries, avoiding secondary trauma in all but the most extreme situations.

What are the things that equip you as the most trustworthy resource to help your clients or patients overcome their challenges?

My diverse background in medical, psychological, sociological, and spiritual work, combined with strict adherence to HIPAA confidentiality, makes me a trustworthy resource. Clients know that their privacy is paramount, and I only share information when legally required or with explicit permission. This combination of knowledge, experience, and unwavering commitment to confidentiality enables me to effectively support clients in overcoming their challenges.

What positive results will someone experience if they work with you?

Working with me, clients will experience unwavering support and advocacy. For some, this may be their first encounter with genuine care and understanding. They'll know they have someone "in their corner," ready to listen, support, and guide them through their challenges. This sense of security and trust can be transformative, especially for those who have never experienced such support before.

How might their problems worsen if they don't choose to work with Forest Path Psychiatry & Healing’s psychiatric nurse practitioners?

As a registered nurse working alongside our exceptional team of psychiatric nurse practitioners, I've witnessed the significant benefits of our comprehensive, tailored approach to mental health care. Our practitioners offer unparalleled expertise in medication management and therapeutic interventions, often preventing the escalation of mental health issues that can occur without proper treatment. While seeking any professional help is better than none, our practice stands out for its personalized care, cutting-edge treatments, and integrated approach. Choosing our team means accessing the highest quality mental health care available, potentially avoiding the worsening of symptoms or the development of more complex issues that can arise when mental health concerns go unaddressed or are treated with less specialized care.

What have your best/ideal clients said about you?

Clients often express appreciation for my reliability and dedication. They've said things like, "Twyla is always there for me," and "I know I can go to Twyla if I ever need something." Some have noted my efficiency, saying, "She obviously really cares about us - I can tell that she drops what she's doing and gets to answering my questions right away." Others appreciate my ability to use humor to lighten difficult situations, with one client sharing how I helped them find laughter during a particularly challenging time.

Imagine the world 3 years from now... Everything you have planned (or dreamed of) for your work with Forest Path has been successful... What's different about your life, your work, in three years?

In three years, I envision transitioning into a supportive, supervisory, or consulting role within our group of Psychiatric Nurse Practitioners, Nurses, and office managers. In my Golden Years (I have a lot of experience! Smiles), I'd be embracing a schedule that resembles semi-retirement, allowing me to continue contributing my expertise while also enjoying more personal time. This transition would enable me to share my wealth of experience with younger professionals while gradually stepping back from full-time work. It's a balance that honors my love for the profession while acknowledging the desire for more relaxation as I approach my eighties.

How does your experience translate to providing support in a telehealth setting?

My extensive background in emergency psychiatric care and behavioral health office management has equipped me with unique skills that translate exceptionally well to our telehealth practice. In the virtual space, clear communication and quick thinking are paramount - skills I've honed over years of triaging complex situations. I'm adept at building rapport quickly, even without face-to-face interaction, ensuring our clients feel supported from the moment they reach out.

Our telehealth model allows me to provide immediate, accessible support to clients regardless of their location, mirroring the urgency and care I provided in emergency settings. I've become proficient in using various digital platforms to connect with clients, whether through video calls, secure messaging, or phone consultations. This versatility ensures that we can meet our clients' needs in whatever format works best for them.

Moreover, my experience in managing both the emotional and logistical aspects of care translates seamlessly to coordinating our virtual practice. I ensure that our online systems run smoothly, appointments are scheduled efficiently, and follow-ups are timely - all crucial elements in delivering high-quality online mental health care.

By embracing telehealth with our patients, we're able to break down geographical barriers and provide top-tier psychiatric support to a wider range of clients, making mental health care more accessible than ever before.

Twyla Werstein Digital Doorway

Forest Path Psychiatry Administrative Support Need assistance? Our administrative team is here to help!

Administrative Hours

Monday - Friday: 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM MST

For scheduling appointments, please contact your specific clinician or visit their webpage for availability.

We're here to support your journey with Forest Path Psychiatry. Reach out with any questions or concerns!