WELCOME TO COURAGE TO CHANGE MENTAL HEALTH AND WELLNESS, PLLC
Mental Wellness Awaits
Professional Support Here
Welcome to Courage to Change, where I prioritize your mental well-being with compassionate and professional care.
I am located in Fuquay Varina, a vibrant and growing community. I offer in person and virtual appointments for medication management and therapy. I do enjoy seeing my patients in person and am also to help those who may not be close to the Fuquay office.
Medication Management
&
Psychotherapy Services
Chris bio and treatment specialties
I am a Nurse Practitioner and am able to assess, order testing if needed, diagnose mental health disorders, treat with medication therapy and psychotherapy. You can address me as "Chris" as I am not a physician and do not use the title of "doctor."
I have been a nurse since 1989 and worked initially in various hospital settings to include medical surgical, detoxification and psychiatry units. I worked as a nurse psychotherapist in a geriatric outpatient program where I was able to see patients in their homes. Most of my work experience as a Family Nurse Practitioner included hospice and palliative care, which gave me a very different perspective on quality of life. Since obtaining my Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner I have worked in skilled nursing facilities and outpatient psychiatry. I have been blessed to be mentored and supported by excellent physicians/psychiatrists and fellow nurse practitioners.
​
I enjoy working with those who are struggling with mood or anxiety disorders, OCD, ADHD. It is important for me to work collaboratively with my patients. To help achieve the best outcome for my patients, it is best obtain a good history and story of distressing symptoms. This includes assessment of past treatments with medication, talk therapy, or other therapies. Sometimes this can be a process. Medication therapy can be a very effective tool in the treatment of psychiatric/mental health conditions.
I offer assessment and treatment of mood disorders such as depression and bipolar disorder, anxiety, PTSD, OCD, life transitions, panic symptoms, and ADHD. I use both medication therapy and supportive psychotherapy. I am certified as a clinical nurse specialist (nurse psychotherapist) in psychiatry (1999), family nurse practitioner (2008), and psychiatric nurse practitioner (2019).
​
I am currently in network with Aetna and BC&BS. Other insurances are pending.
​
​