Why Seeing a Double Board Certified NP in FNP/PMHNP Elevates Your Mental Wellness Journey
- Natalie Desseyn
- Aug 24
- 4 min read
If you’ve ever felt like your mental health journey is a wild mosaic—full of overlapping symptoms, physical quirks, and lots of questions—you’re far from alone. It’s why seeing a double board certified nurse practitioner (NP) in Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP) and Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP) isn’t just a cool credential—it can totally transform your care experience.
Let’s dig in to why this “whole person, whole tool-belt” approach is such a game changer.
The Power of Double Board Certification
Double board certified NPs have blazed a truly rigorous education and clinical path. Having expertise in both FNP (which focuses on the whole body, lifespan primary care) and PMHNP (specializing in mental health across all ages) means they’re trained to see and treat the total YOU.
It’s not just about fixing what’s “broken” in your body or mind separately—it’s about connecting the dots between everything that makes you, well, YOU.
Integrated Care Meets Real-Life Complexity
One Provider for Mind & Body: Instead of shuttling between a primary care provider for physical ailments and a psychiatrist for mental health, you get one point of contact who "gets it all."
No More Fragmented Care: Double board certified NPs see how anxiety can fuel stomach issues, or how unmanaged blood sugar can amplify mood swings.
From Menstrual Health to Mood Disorders: Whether it’s hormones, trauma, or chronic illness, nothing is out of scope.
Whole-Person Approach: Treating More Than Just Symptoms
At Mindsett, Natalie Desseyn (that’s me, hi! 👋) brings a “big picture” attitude to every session. That includes:
Diving into your unique story, listening deeply, and connecting your dots.
Looking beyond “checklist” medicine to explore how physical, emotional, and even environmental factors impact your wellbeing.
Supporting you whether you’re curious about traditional meds, supplements, psychedelic-assisted therapy, or the latest biohacking tool—no judgment, just science and real talk.
Data-Driven, Collaborative Care
Forget the old-school model where your provider holds all the answers and you stay in the dark. Here’s what’s different when you work with a double board certified NP:
Journals & Mood Tracking: We can use bullet journals, digital logs, or mood apps together, tracking what actually works for you.
Wearable Tech: Bring your Apple Watch or Oura Ring data! We’ll look at heart rate variability, sleep, activity, and how they intersect with your mental health.
Measurable Scales: From GAD-7 for anxiety to PHQ-9 for depression, we use validated tools—not just gut feelings—to monitor your progress.
AI Analysis: Not a sci-fi fantasy! AI can help us spot patterns or risks in your health data, leading to more personalized, evidence-based plans.
Supplements, Nutrition & Lifestyle Tweaks: These aren’t afterthoughts—what you eat and how you live influences brain chemistry in big ways.
Working together means you’re the co-pilot of your own care plan. Every tool, app, or treatment is another data point—empowering you to see what’s really moving the needle on your wellness.
Exploring Innovative and Alternative Treatments
“Alternative” doesn’t mean “unproven”—just that these aren’t always front-and-center in conventional care. Double board certified NPs stay up-to-date on the science and can offer treatments most providers don’t even mention.
Vagus Nerve Stimulation: The Brain-Body Reset Button
Most patients have never heard of the vagus nerve, let alone vagus nerve stimulation (VNS). But research shows that VNS therapy can improve symptoms of depression, anxiety, and even chronic pain.
How It Works: VNS taps into your body’s own calming system, soothing stress and lifting mood when traditional treatments come up short.
How We Might Use It: Non-invasive vagus nerve stimulation (like specific breathing exercises or wearable devices) is one of many techniques we can explore together.
Stellate Ganglion Blocks: A Breakthrough for PTSD & Anxiety
Imagine if a simple procedure could radically change your brain’s fight-or-flight wiring. Stellate ganglion blocks are emerging interventions for trauma, PTSD, and certain anxiety disorders.
What It Is: A quick, low-risk injection that temporarily blocks nerves transmitting stress signals.
Who Benefits: Individuals with traumatic stress, panic, or even severe anxiety have shown dramatic improvements after SGB treatments.
These options show how a truly comprehensive, forward-thinking provider can change the game by offering more than “here’s a pill and a pamphlet.”
The Power of Psychedelic Medicine—When It’s Safe and Supported
You may have heard the buzz: psilocybin, ketamine, and MDMA are having a moment (for good reason). Double board certified NPs are uniquely qualified to explore whether newer psychedelic therapies make sense for you—safely, legally, and in partnership with a broader care team.
Safe Settings, Measured Outcomes: No reckless use—everything is tracked, measured, and integrated with your whole wellness plan.
Science-Driven, Judgment-Free: If psychedelic medicine is appropriate, you’ll have honest guidance and evidence-based support for integrating your experiences.
Filling the Healthcare Gaps—and Saving You Time
With so many areas experiencing shortages of both primary care and mental health pros, it’s easy for your health to slip through the cracks. Double board certified NPs help bridge these divides:
More Accessible Appointments: Save time and stress by seeing one provider instead of bouncing between multiple offices.
Coordinated, Streamlined Care: Even if you work with specialists (think: sleep docs, GI, therapists), your NP acts like your personal “quarterback,” making sure everyone’s on the same page.
Empowerment & Advocacy: You’ll learn to collect your own data, ask the right questions, and become an active participant in every aspect of your care.
Why This Matters: Real Patient Benefits
Let’s be honest: real life doesn’t divide neatly into “physical” vs “mental’ health.” You want to feel good, inside and out—whether it’s running after your kids, healing old scars, or getting better sleep.
The double board certified NP difference means:
You get seen—not just ‘treated’
Your health isn’t a puzzle with missing pieces
You feel empowered by knowledge, not overwhelmed by jargon
You have a guide who’s always in your corner—cheering you on, troubleshooting hurdles, and never giving up
Ready to Experience Whole-Person Care?
Curious what this would look like for you or someone you care about? Learn more about how whole-person mental wellness works at Mindsett Mental Health and Wellness, or head to our contact page to book a consultation. You deserve care that keeps up with all of you.
(Want to deep-dive into other topics, from self-advocacy to burnout? Check out more articles at our Mindsett Blog!)
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