Kristine Kitchener

From the bustling inpatient psychiatric units to the intimate setting of private practice, Kristine Kitchener, RN, BSN, MSN, brings a wealth of experience to her role as a psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner. With a career spanning over two decades in healthcare, Kristine has honed her skills across a diverse range of settings, uniquely positioning her to offer comprehensive mental health care to her clients.

Kristine's journey in the medical field began with her RN, BSN from Lewis University School of Nursing in 1998. Her passion for mental health led her to further her education, culminating in an MSN, Nurse Practitioner in Mental Health from Walden University in 2022. This educational foundation, combined with sixteen years of professional mental health experience in inpatient settings, has equipped Kristine with a deep understanding of the complexities of mental health care.

Throughout her career, Kristine has worked in various healthcare environments, including inpatient psychiatric treatment, chemical dependence/substance abuse units, ICU, PACU, pain clinics, postpartum care, cardiac units, and outpatient surgery. This diverse background allows her to approach mental health with a holistic perspective, recognizing the intricate connections between physical and mental well-being.

As a psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner, Kristine specializes in treating a wide range of mental health concerns. Her areas of expertise include PTSD, anxiety, depression, grief and loss, addiction/chemical illness, chronic pain, eating disorders, sexual abuse/trauma, and sleep disturbances. She works with individuals from age thirteen through the end of life, as well as couples, families, and groups, with a particular affinity for college-age, midlife, and geriatric clients.

Kristine's approach to therapy is both comprehensive and personalized. She begins with a thorough assessment, establishing a relationship-driven approach that forms the foundation of her practice. Her therapeutic interventions are multicultural and diverse, incorporating cognitive-behavioral family therapy, psychoanalytical family therapy, solution-focused therapy, brief therapy, and relationship/interpersonal therapy. This versatile toolkit allows her to tailor her approach to each client's unique needs and circumstances.

Beyond her professional life, Kristine is a mother of two boys and finds joy in physical activities such as working out and running. Her love for gardening and her home in Arizona speak to her appreciation for growth and new environments – qualities that undoubtedly influence her therapeutic approach. With her big heart and passion for making people feel happy in mind, body, and soul, Kristine Kitchener stands ready to guide her clients through their mental health journeys with expertise, empathy, and a commitment to holistic well-being.