Meet Catherine D. Nicholson

MA-C, MSN, APRN, PMHNP-BC

Hello! Welcome to Zenful Minds! I'm Catherine (Cathy),a Board-Certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner with expertise with individuals across the lifespan, ages 5 to 99. With advanced degrees in both Nursing and Counseling (Trauma Crisis & PTSD), my practice integrates evidence-based psychiatric care with person-centered approach. I believe in fostering compassionate, collaborative partnerships with my clients. My approach is holistic-blending traditional psychiatric interventions with mindfulness practices & lifestyle adjustments to promote overall well-being.

My Specialties: ADHD, Anxiety, Depression, Bipolar Disorder, PTSD, Trauma, Stress, Eating Disorders, PMDD, Schizophrenia, and Reproductive Counseling. Each session is a stepping stone toward improving your mental health, strengthening well-being, and achieving balance.

When working with me, clients can expect: Clarity—we’ll uncover patterns, identify challenges, & develop actionable steps forward. You’ll gain personalized tools like coping techniques, mindfulness practices, or tailored treatment plans to manage your mental health. In a non-judgmental space, your voice is heard, feelings validated, & progress celebrated.

Compassionate telehealth psychiatry for individuals aged 5-99. Prioritize your mental health from the comfort of your home.

My Psychiatric Approach

Comprehensive Assessment & Diagnosis:

Understanding your mental health begins with a thorough psychiatric evaluation to determine the best course of action. My assessments include:

  • Conducting detailed psychiatric evaluations and mental health assessments

  • Diagnosing psychiatric conditions using DSM-5 criteria

  • Exploring medical history, lifestyle factors, and symptoms to build a full picture of your mental health

Evidence-Based Treatment & Medication Management

I create individualized treatment plans designed to meet your specific needs. These may include:

  • Prescribing and managing psychotropic medications

  • Adjusting medication dosages based on treatment response and side effects

  • Providing psychoeducation on symptom management and coping strategies

  • Offering referrals for therapy (CBT, DBT, IPT, etc.) when appropriate

Ongoing Support & Crisis Management

Mental health care is an ongoing journey, and I ensure you have continued support, including:

  • Conducting follow-up appointments to monitor progress and make necessary adjustments

  • Providing crisis intervention and suicide risk assessments for urgent psychiatric concerns

  • Collaborating with psychiatrists, therapists, and primary care providers to ensure well-rounded care

  • Every patient is unique, and so is their treatment plan. I conduct thorough psychiatric evaluations to develop a care plan tailored to your needs, whether that includes medication management, lifestyle modifications, or therapy referrals.

  • I rely on the latest scientific research and clinical guidelines to prescribe and adjust medications. I prioritize minimizing side effects while maximizing effectiveness, ensuring that your treatment is both safe and effective.

  • Mental health care goes beyond just medication. I consider sleep, nutrition, stress levels, Meditation, Diet, Herbs, Fitness, Yoga, and daily habits when creating a comprehensive treatment plan. My goal is to support both your mental and physical well-being.

A Comprehensive, Patient-Centered Approach