But really...what's it like to work with me?!
I’m so glad you asked.
You can expect a mix of clinical expertise, real talk, and a good dose of humor. With over 20 years of experience in healthcare and advanced training in ADHD, anxiety, and mood disorders—including perinatal and early adult mental health—I bring deep knowledge and an integrative approach to each session. But I also bring my full self.
I believe healing happens when care is personalized, practical, and rooted in trust. My sessions are designed to give you what you actually need: space to be seen, tools that work, and guidance that feels human.
A Bit About Me (Because the Relationship Matters)
I’m an Enneagram 1w2—so I care deeply and I like to get things right.
I’d probably be sorted into Ravenclaw (with a strong case for Gryffindor).
I read a lot—mostly things that make me laugh.
I run to manage stress… but if I’m honest, I kind of hate running.
I live with my very therapeutic cat and two very opinionated dogs (one sweet, one a bit judgy, both occasionally distracting during virtual sessions).
I farm vicariously through my husband—we raise our own meat, and I dream of bees and hydroponics. I tend to the houseplants… they’re doing their best.
I’m part of the sandwich generation—caring for others on both sides of the age spectrum. It’s hard. But I can do hard things. And so can you.
My Approach to Treatment
I focus on helping you feel better in a way that lasts. That means:
Comprehensive, root-cause assessments—so we don’t just treat symptoms, we understand what’s behind them.
Safe, effective medication management—with clear plans, no guesswork, and support for tapering if needed.
Therapy that’s flexible and effective—we’ll use the approaches that work best for you.
Working sessions that move you forward—you won’t just vent; you’ll leave with tools, insight, and next steps.
Feedback that matters—I’ll check in regularly to make sure you’re actually getting what you need.
I care deeply about showing up with integrity, humor, and compassion. I’ll challenge you when it’s helpful, celebrate your wins, and remind you you’re not alone. No topic is off-limits, and no concern is “too small” if it matters to you.
You deserve care that’s thoughtful, honest, and built around your goals. And I’d be honored to be part of your journey.
May I offer some reassurance...
What if I don’t know what to say?
No problem! You don’t have to know anything. In fact, even if you are another healthcare professional, I will encourage you to just be the client in this space. You will find I am very good at helping clients communicate and our interactions will flow smoothly. I’m good with awkward pauses, silence, and oversharing and I’ll help you be comfortable where ever you fall on the communication spectrum.
What if I don’t agree with your plan?
Creating a plan is teamwork. I will ask for feedback about our plan at every session so that if you are experiencing frustrations, confusion, reluctance or doubt, we will work at making adjustments until we are both comfortable and hopeful about our plan. This will not be like appointments you may have had in the past where a prescriber quickly dictated a plan and you left feeling frustrated and unheard.
What if I have already tried different approaches?
That is great information to share! We will not waste time repeating strategies that don’t work for you.
What if I miss an appointment?
Life happens and we will reschedule. I do have no-show fee ($150) for late cancellations and no-shows that I waive if you can reschedule within the same week (if my schedule is able to accommodate this). If this happens frequently, we will discuss this in session. I will not be angry. I will be excited to see you when you are able to reschedule.
What if my schedule is inconsistent?
I am very intentional about managing my caseload so that I can serve my clients in a way that works for them. This is why I am so passionate about therapy intensives.
Do I have to talk about my trauma?
No. There are ways to process trauma that do not include verbal dialogue. You will not be asked to share any information you are not comfortable sharing. That said, you will likely find that when you are ready, talking about your trauma can be healing.
What if I use profanity?
You do you. That said, racist, homophobic, misogynist, or sexist comments will confronted and processed and I will communicate clear boundaries if this type of speech is noted.
If I am honest, will I get in trouble?
Nope. Things I hope you will feel safe in sharing include drug use, sexual concerns, skipping medication, suicidal thoughts, lack of action toward your goals, etc. Basically, feel safe and welcome to be human. This is how we grow and learn. Our relationship with be professional (not parental) and you will not find judgment, anger, avoidance, or punishment toward your thoughts, feelings, or actions from me.
Do you have experience with working with people like me?
I’ve worked in healthcare for over 20 years in different settings, so chances are, I have worked with someone like you. But to be honest, if I’ve learned anything over the course of my career, it is that at our core, most of us have the same needs, dreams, and longings and the different ways this shows up in individuals is what brings beauty and excitement into the world. Getting to work with different people is part of what makes my job so great. I’m glad to meet you and take the time to know you as an individual. I am committed to recognizing, addressing and eradicating all forms of racism, ethnic oppression, religious intolerance, negative judgments regarding neurodivergence or ableism, sexual or gender discrimination, and any mistreatment of marginalized communities.
What if I cry?
No problem. Crying is natural, healthy, and healing.
What if I have a panic attack?
No problem. We’ll handle it together.
Seeking mental health services doesn’t have to be intimidating.
Professional Bio
Heather is a dually certified Family Nurse Practitioner and Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner with over 20 years experience in healthcare. In addition, she is certified in Perinatal Mental Health and ADHD and has training in Brainspotting and multiple trauma-informed modalities.
She is passionate about helping patients bridge the gaps in understanding about the interconnectedness of mental and physical health. Her unique blend of experience and training give her a realistic understanding of how these challenges are different, and need to be treated differently, during the stressors of the motherhood experience.
Heather is the founder of Joy Spring Mental Health. Her passion for college health developed during her time working in university student health services and is the reason she pursued further training and certification in psychiatry. Her passion for maternal mental health developed in response to her own experiences in the pregnancy and postpartum periods as well as her frustrations with the lack of resources in typical medical care. Her model is holistic, taking the time of longer appointments to build relationships with her patients so they can partner together for the patient’s success.
BSN-University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
MSN, FNP-Duke University
Post-master’s PMHNP-Maryville University
(We pull for NCSU at our house)!
Additional Certifications: Perinatal Mental Health (Postpartum Support International), ADHD (Professional Education Systems Institute)
“Heather is approachable, relatable, and actually takes the time to listen.”