Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP)

Nice to meet!

Hello, my name is Kathleen Paterson, and I am a board-certified psychiatric nurse practitioner with 14 years of experience in the mental health field. I love what I do and am dedicated to providing compassionate, evidence-based care to all individuals across the lifespan. I specialize in diagnosing and treating a multitude of psychiatric conditions including bipolar disorder, depression, anxiety, PTSD, ADHD, schizoaffective disorders, substance use disorders,  and schizophrenia. I also have extensive experience with the 12 steps of recovery, and I understand the complex interplay between substance use and mental health conditions.

I have worked in a variety of clinical settings throughout the years including Long Island College Hospital, Ann Klein Forensic Center, Princeton Behavioral Health and Hampton Behavioral Health Center. I have treated diverse patient populations and am sensitive to cultural, ethnic, and socio-economic differences. I am committed to reducing health care disparities and creating an environment where all individuals feel respected and understood.

I believe in utilizing a holistic treatment approach that combines psychotherapy techniques with medication management tailored to each individual. I strive to assist patients in improving their quality of life and achieving their fullest potential. I believe that open and honest communication in a safe environment is essential to building a therapeutic relationship and I want to empower people to take an active role in their care.

I understand the struggles that people face who suffer from mental illness and I work to mitigate the challenges that come to both them and their families. I believe that by working together, we set attainable goals resulting in more productive and satisfying lives.

“The most beautiful people I’ve known are those who have known trials, have known struggles, have known loss, and have found their way out of the depths.”
– Elisabeth Kübler-Ross