Embedded Files
I am working with BCBS, Aetna, Tricare, Medicare, Medicaid, and Cigna for in-network coverage. Updates made available as they come.
Meet Spencer
Meet Spencer
I’ve done a number of things in my life, all which have taught me some lessons I hold dear. I worked as a plumber’s apprentice, served over 5 years on active duty in the Marines, and spent way too much time in college. I love learning but have never quite known what I “wanted to be when I grew up”. I still don’t, but after spending a number of years as a registered nurse, I found a real passion for mental health. I decided to earn a master’s of science and become a board certified psychiatric nurse practitioner.
I’ve done a number of things in my life, all which have taught me some lessons I hold dear. I worked as a plumber’s apprentice, served over 5 years on active duty in the Marines, and spent way too much time in college. I love learning but have never quite known what I “wanted to be when I grew up”. I still don’t, but after spending a number of years as a registered nurse, I found a real passion for mental health. I decided to earn a master’s of science and become a board certified psychiatric nurse practitioner.
My Why:
My Why:
Sometimes it can be really important to know your "why". Let me attempt a metaphor (those who know me may be smiling and rolling their eyes right now): I love music so to me, healthcare is like viewing your body like an orchestra. All of the sections need to be working in concert with each other for you to be living out some Beethoven (or Taylor for you Swifties). Think of your primary care provider as the conductor, seeing and directing the “big picture”, ensuring all the sections are doing their part (sometimes the maestro must really focus on one section during the piece). Think of your nutritionist as the rhythm section, putting in the work to maintain a stable and healthy body and mind. Your yoga instructor, the trombone working out the kinks. Your acupuncturist? A little Eastern flair to the music. Your therapist and psychiatry provider? The Oprah of mental health, handing out “aha” moments like candy.
Sometimes it can be really important to know your "why". Let me attempt a metaphor (those who know me may be smiling and rolling their eyes right now): I love music so to me, healthcare is like viewing your body like an orchestra. All of the sections need to be working in concert with each other for you to be living out some Beethoven (or Taylor for you Swifties). Think of your primary care provider as the conductor, seeing and directing the “big picture”, ensuring all the sections are doing their part (sometimes the maestro must really focus on one section during the piece). Think of your nutritionist as the rhythm section, putting in the work to maintain a stable and healthy body and mind. Your yoga instructor, the trombone working out the kinks. Your acupuncturist? A little Eastern flair to the music. Your therapist and psychiatry provider? The Oprah of mental health, handing out “aha” moments like candy.
The goal is to throw all of these approaches into a blender and press “frappe” to make a health cocktail where each ingredient—whether it's conventional medicine, alternative therapies, or lifestyle changes—plays a crucial role in achieving balance. You're not just a set of symptoms to be treated, but a whole person with unique needs and preferences. It's about finding what works best for you and me helping you achieve that.
The goal is to throw all of these approaches into a blender and press “frappe” to make a health cocktail where each ingredient—whether it's conventional medicine, alternative therapies, or lifestyle changes—plays a crucial role in achieving balance. You're not just a set of symptoms to be treated, but a whole person with unique needs and preferences. It's about finding what works best for you and me helping you achieve that.
Ecclesiastes: "There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under the heavens: a time to be born and a time to die, a time to plant and a time to uproot, a time to kill and a time to heal, a time to tear down and a time to build, a time to weep and a time to laugh, a time to mourn and a time to dance”. I want to be there for all of these things. The best shade comes from trees we plant now, even if we know we'll never get to enjoy that reprieve from the sun.
Ecclesiastes: "There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under the heavens: a time to be born and a time to die, a time to plant and a time to uproot, a time to kill and a time to heal, a time to tear down and a time to build, a time to weep and a time to laugh, a time to mourn and a time to dance”. I want to be there for all of these things. The best shade comes from trees we plant now, even if we know we'll never get to enjoy that reprieve from the sun.
My Approach to Care:
My Approach to Care:
Mental health care should be a partnership. I meet people where they are, helping them navigate their struggles in a way that feels right for them. Whether through medication, therapy, lifestyle changes, or a combination of approaches, I aim to create a plan that supports long-term well-being.
Mental health care should be a partnership. I meet people where they are, helping them navigate their struggles in a way that feels right for them. Whether through medication, therapy, lifestyle changes, or a combination of approaches, I aim to create a plan that supports long-term well-being.
I strive to provide a real, unpolished, and relatable approach to mental health care. You won’t find me in a lab coat—I’m more of a ballcap and sandals kind of provider. What you will get with me:
I strive to provide a real, unpolished, and relatable approach to mental health care. You won’t find me in a lab coat—I’m more of a ballcap and sandals kind of provider. What you will get with me:
- A collaborative and down-to-earth approach to mental health.
- An open mind and a listening ear (but I might not believe you when you say, “I’m fine” with ice cream on your shirt).
- A passion for helping people navigate the complexities of their thoughts and emotions.
- Fun facts about birds or the Roman Empire—whether you asked for them or not.
Specialty:
Specialty:
Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner, Board Certified (PMHNP-BC)
Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner, Board Certified (PMHNP-BC)
Typical Patient:
Typical Patient:
I see patients ages 5 and up, including children, adolescents, and adults.
I see patients ages 5 and up, including children, adolescents, and adults.
Conditions I Treat & Services I Offer:
Conditions I Treat & Services I Offer:
I combine evidence-based psychiatry with holistic approaches to support each individual’s unique needs. I diagnose and treat a wide range of mental health conditions, including depression, anxiety, PTSD, ADHD, bipolar disorder, and more. I also provide supportive psychotherapy as part of treatment, though I often encourage my patients to see a therapist regularly. I'm blessed to have a close network of licensed therapy professionals who are ready to receive new patients! If specialized care is needed, I coordinate our treatment plans with other providers to ensure the best outcomes.
I combine evidence-based psychiatry with holistic approaches to support each individual’s unique needs. I diagnose and treat a wide range of mental health conditions, including depression, anxiety, PTSD, ADHD, bipolar disorder, and more. I also provide supportive psychotherapy as part of treatment, though I often encourage my patients to see a therapist regularly. I'm blessed to have a close network of licensed therapy professionals who are ready to receive new patients! If specialized care is needed, I coordinate our treatment plans with other providers to ensure the best outcomes.
Other Personal Insights:
Other Personal Insights:
- I am married and have 4 beautiful children under 7 years old. I prefer keeping photos off the socials to respect their autonomy and privacy
- Growing up, I wanted to be: an Army soldier (until I learned the Marines existed and were way cooler).
- Favorite show or movie I could watch on repeat: Star Trek: Enterprise.
- Favorite music: I am a metalhead but I do enjoy smooth jazz and classical music
- Most underrated food combination: More sushi on top of sushi.
- The last book I couldn’t put down: Empire of the Summer Moon by S.C. Gwynne.
- Five topics I can talk about for 30 minutes each: Birds, music, history, theology, and the superluminal jets of an active galactic nucleus.
Page updated
Report abuse