“When a flower doesn't bloom, you fix the environment in which it grows, not the flower”
-Alexander Den Heijer

News and Updates at River Valley BHWC

Clinician Feature

Michael Omomo, APRN, CNP, PMHNP-BC is a dedicated psychiatric nurse practitioner with a strong focus on providing compassionate and specialized care for neurodivergent youth and adults. His expertise lies in supporting individuals with ADHD, those on the autism spectrum, and others facing unique neurological differences. With a deep understanding of the challenges these populations encounter, Michael tailors his therapeutic approaches to promote personal growth, resilience, and mental well-being. His passion for working with neurodivergent individuals is rooted in his commitment to creating inclusive environments where his clients feel understood, respected, and empowered to thrive. Michael’s holistic and evidence-based approach ensures that each person receives personalized care, addressing both their mental health needs and their broader life goals.

Ask a Therapist or Medication Provider

Submit Your Own Questions!

Have you ever found yourself wondering about a certain aspect of your mental health or relationships? Now is your chance to ask our team of experienced therapists or medication providers for their expert advice. Whether you have a question about managing anxiety, improving communication with your partner, coping with stress, or questions on medication, we are here to help. Simply submit your question in the link below, and we will choose one of these questions to be answered in one of our upcoming newsletters! We look forward to helping you on your journey to better mental health and well-being.

Disclaimer: The information provided in these responses is intended for general knowledge and informational purposes only, and does not constitute direct medical advice or replace individual professional consultation. Any decisions or actions taken based on the information provided are solely at your own discretion and risk.

River Valley BHWC Client Satisfaction Survey

Are you a current or past client of ours? We would like to invite you to take our survey to help us better serve you and our clients. This survey is just a few questions and should only take about 5 to 10 minutes. Please let us know how we are doing. Thank you!

Broaden My Knowledge

Book of the Month: "A Parent's Guide to High-Functioning Autism Spectrum Disorder" by Sally Ozonoff, Geraldine Dawson, and James C. McPartland

Over 100,000 parents have found the facts they need about high-functioning autism spectrum disorder (ASD), including Asperger syndrome, in this indispensable guide. Leading experts show how you can work with your child's unique impairments—and harness his or her capabilities. Vivid stories and real-world examples illustrate ways to help kids with ASD relate more comfortably to peers, learn the rules of appropriate behavior, and succeed in school. You'll learn how ASD is diagnosed and what treatments and educational supports really work. Updated with the latest research and resources, the second edition clearly explains the implications of the DSM-5 diagnostic changes.

Video of the Month: "The Reason I Jump"

Based on the best-selling book by Naoki Higashida, The Reason I Jump is an immersive cinematic exploration of neurodiversity through the experiences of nonspeaking autistic people from around the world. The film blends Higashida's revelatory insights into autism, written when he was just 13, with intimate portraits of five remarkable young people. It opens a window for audiences into an intense and overwhelming, but often joyful, sensory universe.

Moments in the lives of each of the characters are linked by the journey of a young Japanese boy through an epic landscape; narrated passages from Naoki’s writing reflect on what his autism means to him and others, how his perception of the world differs, and why he acts in the way he does: the reason he jumps. The film distills these elements into a sensually rich tapestry that leads us to Naoki’s core message: not being able to speak does not mean there is nothing to say.

Nurse practitioners (NPs) play a critical role in mental health care, offering a unique blend of expertise, compassion, and accessibility. Here are some key reasons why NPs are well-suited to provide mental health services:

1. Holistic, Patient-Centered Approach

• NPs are trained to look at the whole person, not just specific symptoms. In mental health care, this means they often focus on how mental, physical, and emotional well-being intersect. They take time to understand their patients' lifestyle, stressors, relationships, and overall health, offering a more comprehensive approach to treatment.

2. Strong Emphasis on Communication and Compassion

• Nurse practitioners often excel at building rapport with patients, offering a safe and non-judgmental space to discuss mental health concerns. Many patients feel that NPs are approachable, empathetic, and more patient-centered in their interactions, which helps establish trust—an essential component of effective mental health care.

3. Advanced Training in Mental Health Care

• NPs, particularly those with a specialization in psychiatric-mental health (PMHNPs), receive advanced training to diagnose and treat mental health conditions. They are fully qualified to provide psychotherapy, medication management, and lifestyle interventions, making them versatile providers in the mental health field.

4. Time and Accessibility

• Nurse practitioners often have a lot of flexibility and are able to spend extra time with patients. This extra time allows them to delve deeper into the root causes of mental health issues, monitor progress more closely, and adjust treatment plans as needed.
• In areas where mental health providers are scarce, NPs can increase access to care, especially in underserved or rural areas.

5. Medication Management and Therapy

• NPs are fully licensed to prescribe medications, including psychiatric drugs, and they can manage ongoing treatment. They combine this medical authority with a deep understanding of therapeutic interventions, allowing them to balance medication with other forms of therapy like counseling, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), and more.

6. Patient Advocacy and Education

• NPs are known for being strong patient advocates, ensuring that their patients understand their treatment options and empowering them to take an active role in their care. They spend time educating patients about their conditions, treatment plans, and lifestyle changes that can support their mental health.

7. Collaboration and Integration with Other Healthcare Providers

• NPs are skilled in working within a team of healthcare professionals. They often collaborate with therapists, social workers, and physicians to create a comprehensive treatment plan. This integrated care approach helps ensure that all aspects of a patient’s health—physical, emotional, and psychological—are addressed.

8. Preventive Care and Wellness Focus

• NPs emphasize preventive care, which is crucial for maintaining long-term mental health. By addressing risk factors early, such as stress, sleep problems, or lifestyle habits, NPs help patients build resilience and avoid the escalation of mental health issues.

9. Flexible and Adaptive Care Models

• NPs are often more accessible to patients through various care models, including telehealth services, which makes it easier for patients to access mental health care from the comfort of their own homes. This flexibility can reduce barriers like transportation, time constraints, or stigma related to seeking in-person care.

10. Culturally Competent and Inclusive Care

• Nurse practitioners often receive training in cultural competence, ensuring they provide care that respects the diverse backgrounds, identities, and experiences of their patients. This helps them meet the specific mental health needs of different communities, including those from marginalized or underserved populations.

By offering compassionate, accessible, and holistic care, nurse practitioners bring unique strengths to the field of mental health. Their focus on the whole person, combined with their ability to prescribe medication and provide therapy, makes them invaluable providers for anyone seeking mental health support.

Be sure to utilize all the techniques and recipes from our previous newsletters in the "Cue to Be Well" archive: