Erma is a board-certified Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner dedicated to providing compassionate, non-discriminating, client-centered care. She is skilled in the use of pharmacological treatment, therapeutic communication, psychoeducation, and multidisciplinary collaboration to promote optimal functioning and sustained mental wellness for individuals suffering from mental illness.

Erma has been a psychiatric nurse practitioner for approximately 8 years. She earned her Master of Science in Nursing at The University of Texas at Austin. She also has a master’s degree in Health Psychology and a bachelor’s degree in psychology.

Erma has had more than 12 years of experience working with individuals with various psychiatric conditions. She has worked as a clinical assistant, RN, and nurse practitioner in a variety of settings. She has worked in long term care facilities, inpatient psychiatric hospitals, medical hospitals, outpatient clinics, and community settings. Erma has served a wide range of populations including geriatric, child/adolescent, and adults. She has also worked with individuals suffering from homelessness.

Erma has experience working with patients with mood disorders such as Major Depressive Disorder and Bipolar Disorder; Schizophrenia (and other thought disorders); Dementia; ADHD; anxiety disorders such as OCD and Generalized Anxiety Disorder; trauma; and substance use disorders. Erma also has experience identifying personality disorders such as Borderline Personality Disorder, Obsessive Compulsive Personality Disorder, Narcissistic Personality Disorder, and others.

While Erma’s primary role is medication management, she firmly believes that medications are only a part of an individual’s journey to mental wellness. She believes that medications may be necessary but are rarely—if ever—sufficient. Part of the psychoeducation she provides includes realistic expectations and limitations of medications. She maintains a holistic approach to mental health through collaborative efforts with patients, family members, medical providers, therapists, case managers, and other entities involved in the patient’s care.

Erma firmly believes that all individuals deserve respect and quality psychiatric care regardless of sex, race, ethnicity, religion/creed, sexual orientation, age, and/or disability.

Erma sees clients who are 16+ years of age.  She participates with Aetna, BCBS PPO, Cigna, Compsych, Tricare and United.