Emily Berwald
MSN, APN, FNP-C, PMHNP-BC
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner
Pronouns – She/Her/Hers
Despite us being more digitally connected than ever before, a disproportionate number of people today are struggling with loneliness, detachment, and chronic stress. Even in a city of three million people, it can be difficult to find community, connection, and fulfillment amongst our fellow humans. If you’re feeling anxious and overwhelmed under the demands of our fast-paced society, or if you’re experiencing exhaustion or hopelessness, know that you’re not alone. It is important to remember that our brains, like any other organ in our bodies, can suffer under extreme and persistent pressure and that during this time, it is often essential to seek additional support.
As a Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, my goal is to help you on this journey with a combination of medication and behavioral modifications designed to optimize your mental health and promote your well-being.
As someone who has experienced these struggles personally, I am acutely aware of the challenges involved in navigating the unique journey to finding health, happiness, and peace. I also understand that this process is dynamic and lifelong, and I believe that with the right tools and support, it can be surprisingly rewarding as well.
My approach prioritizes meeting clients where they are at and taking the time to understand their unique stories. From here, we work together to identify a plan that meets their individual needs and achieves their treatment goals. My ultimate goal in this field is to help destigmatize mental health challenges in our society and create a space where everyone can prioritize their emotional well-being.
As a dual-boarded psychiatric and family nurse practitioner, I have extensive experience in treating anxiety and depression, as well as a keen understanding of the intersection of mental health and primary care. I also specialize in addiction medication, with a strong background in treating opioid and alcohol use disorders through medication-assisted treatment. Much of my clinical background has been served in the settings of street homeless outreach and shelter-based medicine. This role has strongly shaped my trauma-informed perspective and overall philosophy of care.
My academic background includes a Bachelor of Arts from the University of Wisconsin-Madison, a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Michigan State University, and a Master of Science in Nursing from DePaul University. I am a board-certified Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner. My post-master training has been focused exclusively in psychiatry, and I possess additional specialty training in the management of substance use disorders.
I look forward to meeting you and accompanying you on your journey toward wellness.