Psychiatry services at ALTA MH
Compassionate, evidence-based mental health care for adults and adolescrents (16+) in Salem and the North Shore. Our psychiatric team provides careful evaluations, thoughtful medication management, and whole-person support that considers your symptoms, daily routines, and life experiences.
You should feel understood, not rushed
Many people feel unsure about medications for mental health or have had experiences where they left appointments with more questions than answers. Others are not certain whether their symptoms are medical, emotional, or a mix of both.
You deserve care that is not rushed, evidence-based, and focused on your wellbeing. Our psychiatric team provides exactly that.
How psychiatric care help
Our psychiatric mental health nurse practitioners provide medical and psychological evaluation, treatment planning, and ongoing medication management. We focus on helping you reduce symptoms, improve daily functioning, and build stability.
What this includes:
• Clear evaluation that looks at symptoms, history, lifestyle, and health factors
• Discussion about whether medication may help and what alternatives exist
• Careful adjustments when needed
• Support that blends medical treatment with holistic strategies
• Education so you always understand the reasoning behind every decision
Our goal is not to place you on medication. Our goal is to help you feel better with the right combination of tools, at the right pace.
“I have been fortunate enough to work with Julia and cannot say enough good things about her as a provider. Her approach to care is dynamic and she goes beyond just looking at a diagnosis.”
- Fay, patient at ALTA MH.
Conditions we commonly help with
Mood
depression, bipolar disorder, low mood
Anxiety
panic, social anxiety, generalized anxiety
Thought and perception
OCD, intrusive thoughts, psychotic disorders
Life stages
perinatal and postpartum, stress, burnout, adjustment
If your symptoms do not fit neatly into a category, that is normal. The evaluation is designed to help you make sense of what you are experiencing.
What psychiatric care includes
Psychiatric evaluation
A detailed review of your symptoms, medical history, mental health history, daily routines, and goals. The evaluation helps us understand both the biological and environmental pieces of what you are experiencing.
Medication management
If medication is appropriate, we explain how it works, expected benefits, possible side effects, and what early improvement may look like. We start low, adjust carefully, and always consider your comfort and preferences.
Therapeutic consultation sessions
Many sessions include elements of CBT, mindfulness, breathing strategies, psychoeducation, and practical skill building. These are supportive conversations designed to help you manage symptoms and understand patterns.
Holistic support
When appropriate, we integrate lifestyle strategies such as sleep routines, nutrition, routine building, and stress management. We also coordinate with your therapist or primary care provider when needed.
Follow-up and ongoing adjustment
Psychiatric care is a process. We meet regularly to review progress and adjust the plan as life changes.
Why choose psychiatry at ALTA MH
• A calm, private clinic setting with a small and attentive team
• Providers who listen first and guide with clarity
• A pace that feels thoughtful and personal
• Care that considers the whole person, not just symptoms
• Honest conversations about medication, including alternatives
• Coordination with therapy and coaching when helpful
• Flexible scheduling with both in-person and telehealth options
• Support during pregnancy and postpartum when appropriate
"I finally feel like someone is paying attention to the full picture, not just refilling my prescription."
- patient at ALTA MH.
What to expect as a new patient
Step 1: Conversation and assessment
You meet with a psychiatric nurse practitioner for about 45 to 60 minutes. We review symptoms, history, daily routines, and what feels most difficult.
Step 2: Discussing options
We talk through possible treatment approaches. This may include medication, therapy, coaching, testing, lifestyle support, or a combination. You can ask questions at every step.
Step 3: Your treatment plan
The provider recommends a starting point and explains what to expect in the first few weeks. We only move forward with your agreement.
Step 4: Follow-up and support
Follow-up visits monitor progress, adjust dosing as needed, and support you with skills and education.
Frequently asked questions
Ready to take the next step?
You do not have to navigate mental health challenges alone. A conversation is a simple way to start.