PALAK PATEL, MSN, PMHNP-BC
(She/ Her)

Focuses:

  • Anxiety

  • Depression

  • Culturally Sensitive & Trauma-Informed Care

  • Perinatal Mood and Anxiety Disorders

  • Medication Management

  • Collaborative Medication Management

  • Trauma-Informed Psychiatry

  • Transitioning to Parenthood

  • Life Transitions & Adjustment

States: Illinois, Ohio

ABOUT ME

I am a South Asian psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner, and I feel truly honored to walk alongside my patients during times of change and transformation. I love helping people navigate life’s transitions, whether that means stepping into a new chapter, making sense of shifting emotions, or working through feelings of isolation or overwhelm. While these moments can be challenging, I see them as powerful opportunities for growth, healing, and self-discovery, and I am grateful to be part of that process with each person I work with.

Before joining Nurture Therapy, I worked in child psychiatry at Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center (CCHMC), where I partnered closely with children, parents, and families. That experience deepened my understanding of how relationships, family dynamics, and supportive environments can shape mental health throughout life. I carry that perspective into all areas of my practice today.

MEDICATION SUPPORT ROOTED IN CULTURAL COMPETENCY

I believe in collaborative medication, meaning I take your unique experiences, culture and symptoms into consideration. I understand that taking a daily medication for your mental health can feel challenging—especially if, in your culture or family, mental health was minimized, dismissed, or not openly talked about. That’s why creating a safe, welcoming space is at the heart of my work. I want my patients to feel truly seen, heard, and understood. I’m an attentive listener, and I value the strong, genuine connections that grow out of trust and openness.

My approach is collaborative and culturally sensitive, and I always tailor care to each person’s needs, values, and lived experiences. Each person’s story is unique and past experiences can shape mental health today. I practice with cultural humility, seeking to understand and honor the diverse identities, values, and traditions that influence each person’s experience of mental health and healing.

In the realm of perinatal care, I support individuals through the emotional complexities of pregnancy, postpartum, and early parenthood—whether you are facing anxiety, depression, or challenges in adjusting to a new chapter of life. Many parents worry about taking medication while pregnant or nursing, and those concerns are taken seriously. I stay up-to-date on which psychiatric medications are safest for you and your baby. Research has shown that many antidepressants and anti-anxiety medications (like SSRIs) are safe and effective. Together we will work with you to weight the benefits and possible risks, including the risks that untreated mental health conditions can pose to both you and your baby. With thoughtful, personalized prescribing, I can help you maintain stability in your mood and anxiety. When it comes to medication, it is never a one-size-fits-all solution, but rather one possible tool within a comprehensive treatment plan. I work closely with you to explore your options, honoring your preferences, lived experiences, and goals, and ensuring that any treatment decisions are made together, with your values at the center. Whether it’s continuing a medication that’s been working for you or exploring safer alternatives, decisions are always made collaboratively, respecting your comfort and motherly instincts. The goal is a healthy mom and a healthy baby, both thriving.