Michelle Clarke
PMHNP-BC

Psychiatric Mental health Nurse Practitioner

Michelle Clarke, PMHNP-BC, is a board-certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner. Ms. Clarkereceived both her undergraduate and graduate degree from Nova Southeastern University in Florida. It was during her generic nursing program that she developed a passion for psychiatry. Prior to working in psychiatry, Ms. Clarke worked for many years as a labor and delivery room nurse, and as an Intensive Care Unit (ICU) nurse where she specialized in Neuro-ICU and cardiovascular-ICU. It is during these work experiences that she realized there is a vast amount of comorbid medical conditions, had mental health diseases intertwine, and often, the latter were ignored in both their home/communities, and now during their stay in the ICU.

In caring for medically ill clients, she realized that some of these vulnerable populations needed an ally, and an advocate,oftentimes being ignored by people who are supposed to advocate for them.
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Ms. Clarke also shares a passion for working with other marginalized groups such as the LGBTQIA+ community whose concerns often gone unheard in their communities due to their race, sexual orientation, and socioeconomic status to name a few.

As a PMHNP-BC she has worked in addiction medicine, and as a prescriber (prescribing psychotropic medications) in hybrid settings.

Ms. Clarke is a member of the American Nurses Association, the Critical Care Nurses Association, and a local psychiatric NP group in her home state.

Michelle Clarke's PMHNP-BC

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Healing Support: Michelle Clarke's Specialties

Adjustment Disorder

A group of conditions that can occur when a person has difficulty coping with a stressful life event. These can include the death of a loved one, relationship issues, or work problems. Symptoms typically begin within three months of the stressor and rarely last for longer than six months after the stressor or its consequences have ended.

ADHD

A neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by persistent inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity that interferes with functioning or development. It often begins in childhood but can continue into adulthood.

Anxiety

A condition marked by excessive, uncontrollable worry about various aspects of life. People with GAD often experience restlessness, difficulty concentrating, and physical symptoms like muscle tension.

Bipolar I

A mood disorder involving alternating episodes of mania (elevated mood, increased energy) and depression. It can significantly impact a person's energy, activity levels, and ability to carry out day-to-day tasks.

Bipolar

Bipolar Disorder: A chronic mood disorder featuring distinct episodes of mania (characterized by elevated mood, decreased need for sleep, racing thoughts, risky behavior, and increased energy) alternating with periods of depression (marked by sadness, hopelessness, and loss of interest). Bipolar I involves full manic episodes, while Bipolar II features less severe hypomania. Cyclothymia involves milder but chronic mood fluctuations.

LGBTQAI2+ Community

LGBTQIA2S+: A diverse community including lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer/questioning, intersex, asexual, and two-spirit individuals, plus others with diverse sexual orientations and gender identities. Gender dysphoria, common in transgender and gender-diverse individuals, involves significant distress from misalignment between assigned sex and gender identity. Gender-affirming care has been shown to significantly improve mental health outcomes.

Major Depressive Disorder

A mood disorder characterized by persistent feelings of sadness, hopelessness, and loss of interest in activities. It significantly impacts daily functioning and can lead to various emotional and physical problems such as changes in sleep, appetite, and energy levels.

Additional Specialties:

  • BIPOC Communities
  • Addiction Psychiatry
  • Sleep Disorders
  • Anxiety Disorder
  • Postpartum
  • Depression

Michelle Clarke's Patient Care Mix:

Adults

Michelle Clarke's Care Philosophy: From Application to Psychiatric Practice

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

My inspiration to work for Forest Path Psychiatry stems from your mission statement, which is similar to my beliefs when caring for clients. I believe in being authentic in providing care for my clients while providing professional evidence-based treatment for diverse clients, regardless of their race, gender, religion, and sexual orientation, who are suffering from mental disorders. I love working with and caring for clients of all demographics, religions, ethnicities/races, genders, and sexual orientations.

How do you define diversity, and why do you think it's important in your practice and team dynamics?

I define diversity personally and according to my birthplace motto "out of many, one people," meaning a lot of different races but we are all "one." Coming from a diverse background myself, I embrace diversity as it is the foundation of any successful person, organization, and community.

Please describe a time when you worked with someone of a different race, gender, sexual orientation, age, and/or cultural background, and how you worked together for the betterment of your patient(s).

Working in today's diverse society, I am always respectful of clients' and colleagues' preferences and cultural beliefs, and I look at the ultimate goal/mission: we are all there to serve the betterment of the client. I have worked with individuals throughout my nursing career and have always respected my clients'/colleagues' religions and sexual orientations. One question I always ask my clients when we first meet for a session is where they are from and how their culture(s) view mental health and taking prescribed medications if needed for their symptoms.

What strategies do you use to ensure that all clients, regardless of their backgrounds, feel valued and respected in your clinical process?

Empathy is one of my attributes. In my profession, I try to put myself in that person's shoes. I think about how I would want myself or my family/friends to be treated.

How comfortable AND/OR experienced AND/OR jazzed are you about caring for diverse populations? We are specifically focused on supporting BIPOC and LGBTQAI+ Communities.

I am comfortable and have experience working with BIPOC and LGBTQAI+ communities as I identify as a member of these groups of individuals as well.

Share a time when you advocated for your client even when the system around you was not supportive.

I consider myself an advocate for all my clients no matter what arena I am working in. Recently, I cared for a young adult who had attempted suicide shortly before meeting me virtually. The client was reluctant to seek in-person care despite family encouragement. The client was experiencing severe depression and was struggling to comply with the treatment plan we developed, which included medication and therapy. With the client's permission, I contacted a family member to discuss the situation and explored inpatient treatment options, as the client's condition had worsened to include self-harm and ongoing suicidal ideation. Eventually, the client agreed to inpatient treatment and was admitted to a facility with family assistance. The client's condition stabilized and showed improvement during the stay.

What ages of patients are you most comfortable with working with (Tiny tots? Wise elders? All of the above?)? Choose as many as you wish!

Older Adolescents to Adults (19 - 64yo), Oldies but Goodies (65yo+)

What psychiatric population(s) have you worked with that have made you feel the most personally & professional fulfilled? Select as many as you wish!

Alcohol & Substance Abuse Disorders, Mood Disorders (Depression, Bipolar), Anxiety Disorders, Obsessive Compulsive Disorder, Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, Dissociative Disorders, Adult Psychiatry, LGBTQAI+ Care, BIPOC Care

Outside of professional life, who or what do you find inspiring? (We're so excited to read your answer here!)

Volunteering and giving back to people in need. I love to travel, experiencing other cultures and foods. I like outdoor activities, for example, running, which works wonders for my mental health.

How do you feel about dark / silly humor amongst TEAMMATES?

Hysterical! You have to laugh at life; it's a good coping skill and it's tons of fun.

How do you feel about dark / silly humor with CLIENTS, when used in a trauma informed, ultimately respectful way?

Humor is an important part of my practice and the way I engage with clients.

Extra Credit: Have you seen Adam Sandler's new cartoon movie called "LEO"? It's on Netflix! If so, please jot down your reflections on the movie here. 🙂

No, I have not seen LEO yet, but I will now that you mention it. LOL

Insurance Plans in Michelle Clarke's Network

Anthem Blue Cross Blueshield

Aetna

Cigna

Michelle Clarke's Digital Doorway

Michelle Clarke's Available Now. Let's Make it Happen! Call or Click to Book your Appointment.

Working Hours

MONDAY - FRIDAY, see clinician hours
WEEKENDS, depending on clinician