A Different Kind of Mental Health Care

There are moments in life that change the direction of a career.  For Lisa Jenkins, those moments happened long before becoming a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner.

As an emergency department nurse, she cared for people during some of the most difficult moments of their lives. She witnessed firsthand how often mental health concerns were misunderstood, dismissed, or treated as behavioral problems rather than signs of deep emotional suffering.

• Too many people felt unseen.
• Too many were judged.
• Too many left without the support they truly needed.

Later, after moving to New Hampshire’s Upper Valley, Lisa encountered another challenge—one that continues to affect communities throughout the state today.

People who were ready to ask for help often waited months, and sometimes more than a year, to see a psychiatric provider.

• During that time, symptoms worsened.
• Relationships became strained.
• Hope often faded.
• She knew her community deserved better.

A Career That Shaped a Philosophy

Over the course of more than 25 years, Lisa’s career has taken her through emergency nursing, social work, case management, healthcare education, care coordination, and psychiatric mental health.

Each role offered a different perspective on the challenges people face—not only medically, but emotionally, socially, and personally.

Again and again, one lesson stood out. Mental health cannot be understood by looking at symptoms alone. Sleep, stress, relationships, physical health, trauma, work, family responsibilities, life transitions, and hormonal changes all influence emotional well-being.

Understanding those connections leads to better care. That realization ultimately inspired Lisa to pursue advanced training as a board-certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner. Today, that philosophy remains at the heart of York Integrative Psychiatry.

Why I Started York Integrative Psychiatry

Traditional healthcare systems do many things well.

But they often ask providers to see more patients in less time.

• Appointments become shorter.
• Conversations become rushed.
• Patients can begin to feel like appointments instead of people.
• I knew there had to be another way.

I created York Integrative Psychiatry to provide the kind of care I believe every person deserves.

• Care that begins with listening.
• Care that values education and collaboration.
• Care that takes the time to understand the whole person before making recommendations.
• My goal is never simply to manage symptoms.

My goal is to understand your story, identify the factors contributing to your concerns, and work together to develop a personalized treatment plan that reflects your goals, your values, and your life. That is the practice I wanted to build.

My Approach to Care

As a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner, my approach is grounded in the nursing philosophy of caring for the whole person. That means recognizing that mental health is influenced by far more than a diagnosis. Every person brings unique experiences, strengths, relationships, challenges, and goals.

Rather than asking only, “What symptoms are you experiencing?” I also ask:

• What has your journey been like?
• What stresses are you carrying?
• What strengths can we build upon?
• What does wellness look like for you?

These conversations help us create treatment plans that are thoughtful, individualized, and rooted in shared decision-making.

• Medication may be part of your care.
• Education may be part of your care.
• Lifestyle changes may be part of your care.
• Collaboration is always part of your care.

Experience That Shapes Perspective

My professional background allows me to approach mental health from several perspectives that are rarely combined in one provider.

Board-Certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner: Providing psychiatric evaluations, medication management, and evidence-based mental health care for adults.

Registered Nurse: Years of experience caring for patients in emergency medicine during some of life’s most challenging moments.

Social Worker: Supporting children, adults, older adults, and vulnerable populations while recognizing the profound impact that social circumstances have on health and well-being.

Accredited Case Manager: Helping individuals navigate complex healthcare systems and coordinate care across providers and services.

Healthcare Educator: Teaching and mentoring healthcare professionals while developing a passion for making complex medical information easier to understand.

Together, these experiences shape the care I provide today.

What Matters Most

Some of the most meaningful moments in my career haven’t been defined by diagnoses or medications.

They’ve been defined by what patients have shared with me.

“I wish I had met you 20 years ago.”

“I can’t believe how much my life has changed.”

“I never knew I could feel this good.”

“I’m finally able to be present for the people I love.”

Watching someone rediscover hope, regain confidence, and reconnect with themselves is what continues to inspire me every day.

What I Hope Every Patient Experiences

When you leave an appointment, I hope you don’t just leave with a treatment plan.

I hope you leave feeling:

• Heard.
• Respected.
• Comfortable.
• Hopeful.

I want you to know that your concerns matter.

• Your questions are welcome.
• Your perspective is valued.

Most importantly, I want you to feel confident that you have a partner in your care—someone who listens without judgment and works alongside you to help you achieve your goals. Because you deserve to feel understood.

Beyond the Office

Outside of work, my greatest joy comes from spending time with my family, including my husband and our son.

I’m also a lifelong learner.

Healthcare is constantly evolving, and I remain committed to continuing my education and staying current with the latest evidence-based research and best practices in psychiatric care.

My commitment to learning is ultimately a commitment to my patients—so I can continue providing care that is thoughtful, current, and grounded in the best available evidence.

A Personal Invitation

If you’re considering reaching out for mental health care, you may be feeling uncertain.

• You may have questions.
• You may not even know exactly what you’re experiencing.

That’s okay.

You don’t need to have all the answers before asking for help.

My role is not simply to diagnose or prescribe.

My role is to listen, help you better understand what you’re experiencing, and work with you to create a personalized plan that supports your long-term well-being.

Whether this is your first experience with mental health care or you’ve been on this journey before, I would be honored to partner with you.

Call to Action

Ready to Take the First Step?

If you’re ready to begin—or simply want to learn more about whether York Integrative Psychiatry is the right fit for you—I invite you to schedule an appointment or reach out with your questions.

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