Photo provided
AMITE — Double board-certified Nurse Practitioner Shea Edwards, PMHNP-BC, FNP-BC, is now offering behavioral and mental health services at Amite Rural Health Clinic to patients ages 5 and older. To schedule an appointment, call (985) 784-7141. Most commercial insurances, Medicare and Medicaid are accepted.
“As healthcare continues to evolve, integrating mental and behavioral health into everyday care is no longer optional, it’s essential,” shares Michael Whittington, Hood Memorial Hospital CEO. “Expanding access to behavioral health care is critical to improving the overall health of our community – and that’s been our mission since 1971.”
With more than a decade of experience, Edwards brings a compassionate, patient-centered approach to care to the clinic’s behavioral and mental health services. He is highly trained to help patients facing a range of conditions like, but not limited to: anxiety, depression, stress, ADHD, PTSD, grief, trauma, mood disorders and life transitions.
Edwards provides comprehensive evaluations/diagnosis, and can treat of a wide range of behavioral and mental health conditions through therapy and medication management. He works closely with patients to develop personalized plans to meet their needs and improve their life.
“Mental health is just as important as physical health, and our community deserves access to both,” states Elizabeth O’Neill, Clinic Operational Director. “By offering behavioral health services locally at Amite Rural Health Clinic, we’re helping remove barriers so patients can get the care they need, when they need it, from a provider they trust.”
Since 2019, Edwards has been caring for patients at Amite Rural Health Clinic, where he has managed acute, chronic, and mental health conditions for patients ages one and up. He has also served in leadership positions managing nursing teams and coordinating patient needs in long term care and correctional facilities.
Edwards earned his master’s degree in nursing with a post master’s degree as a family nurse practitioner and a psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner (PMHNP) from the University of South Alabama. He is double board-certified in family medicine and psychiatric mental health and is a member of the American Academy of Nurse Practitioners and the American Nurses Credentialing Center.
“Taking care of your mental health is one of the most important things you can do for your overall well-being,” remarks Shea Edwards. “I want you to feel heard, valued and supported, not just treated. You matter, and you are not facing your struggles alone. That’s my commitment to you.”
Located at 409 Northwest Central Avenue, Amite Rural Health Clinic is open Monday – Thursday, 7 a.m. – 5 p.m. and Friday, 7 a.m. – 4 p.m. Appointments are required. Providers are Drs. Francis Cefalu and Diane Kirby; Nurse Practitioners Shea Edwards, Tara Estay, Sunne Glasgow, Zandi Hudspeth, Lindsey Misita and Delaney Phillips. Providers treat those needing ongoing care/chronic disease management; behavioral/mental health services; and offer preventive services like screenings, immunizations and wellness visits.