"Sleep, that knits up the ravell'd sleave of care."

  Therapists and psychologists focus on talk therapy to help with emotions, behaviors, and coping skills and typically do not prescribe medication. A psychiatric nurse practitioner (PMHNP) is a medical provider who diagnoses mental health conditions and prescribes medication when appropriate, often working alongside therapists for comprehensive care. 

People seek psychiatric care for many reasons. Some manage serious mental health conditions, while others struggle with anxiety, depression, sleep issues, attention difficulties, or ongoing life stress. Many are referred by a therapist to explore medication as added support; others seek care independently to better understand their symptoms and function more effectively at work, at home, or in relationships.

For most people, psychiatric care is not about something being “wrong,” but about gaining tools, sometimes including medication, to manage symptoms more effectively and improve overall quality of life.

Everyone experiences stress or feeling overwhelmed at times, and these feelings often improve with time and support. It may be helpful to seek professional care when symptoms persist, worsen, or begin to interfere with daily life, such as changes in sleep, mood, energy, concentration, or functioning at work, school, or in relationships, especially if usual coping strategies are no longer effective.

Screening tools can be a helpful starting point, but you do not need to be in crisis to benefit from psychiatric support. If you are unsure whether care would be helpful, you are welcome to contact our office to discuss your concerns and determine appropriate next steps.

No. Seeking psychiatric care does not mean you are “crazy.” Many people delay getting help due to outdated misconceptions, even when support could significantly improve their well-being.

Seeing a psychiatric provider simply means you want professional help with emotional, psychological, or behavioral concerns, just as you would see a specialist for any other health issue. Mental health is an essential part of overall health.

A diagnosis, if discussed, is a clinical tool used to guide treatment and meet insurance requirements; it does not define you or your worth. Seeking care at Hanover Mental Health is a proactive, common, and effective step toward better understanding yourself and improving your quality of life.

 Appointments are primarily conversational and collaborative. Mrs. Williams will focus on understanding your concerns, symptoms, medical history, and goals, with time for questions and discussion. A full physical exam is not typically performed, though basic vital signs may be obtained when clinically relevant.

For children and adolescents, the visit structure varies based on age and needs and may include time with the child, caregiver, or both. At the end of the visit, recommendations may include education, medication options when appropriate, coordination with other providers, and next steps, all tailored to the individual.

To help make your appointment as productive as possible, please bring the following when applicable:

• A list of all current medications, including prescriptions, over-the-counter medications, and supplements (original prescription bottles if available)
   
• Relevant prior mental health records, or be prepared to sign a release so records can be requested
   
• Names and contact information for current or previous mental health providers
   
• Completed intake forms, if requested
   

For children and adolescents, please also bring any prior psychological or educational testing, including IEPs, 504 plans, or school evaluations, if available.

Records may be uploaded through the patient portal or sent in advance by mail, fax, or dropped off at the office.

Parents and caregivers are an important part of a child’s care and are involved in treatment decisions, goals, and ways to support the child outside of appointments. When parenting strategies or family dynamics are relevant, parents are often actively included.

As children grow, especially during adolescence, age-appropriate privacy helps build trust and improve treatment. In these cases, discussions with parents typically focus on overall progress and themes rather than specific session details. Mrs. Williams works collaboratively with both child and parent to determine what information is appropriate to share. Safety concerns are always addressed directly. These boundaries are discussed openly to support effective care and clear expectations.

To provide consistent, high-quality care, Hanover Mental Health requires a valid credit or debit card on file for all patients. This standard policy allows efficient processing of copays, coinsurance, self-pay balances, and missed or late-cancellation fees.

Payment information is stored securely through encrypted third-party processors; full card numbers are not stored, and charges appear as Hanover Mental Health. Copays and coinsurance are determined by your insurance plan, are required at the time of service, and cannot be waived.

If you have questions about benefits, expected charges, or payment processing, our office is happy to provide clarification and encourages you to review coverage directly with your insurer.

Shakespeare described sleep as that which “knits up the ravelled sleeve of care,” highlighting its essential role in emotional balance and restoration. Poor sleep remains one of the most common concerns in psychiatric care and can result from stress, anxiety, mood disorders, medical conditions, medications, or disrupted circadian rhythms.

Because sleep problems have many causes, effective treatment focuses on identifying and addressing underlying factors rather than relying solely on sedative medication. At Hanover Mental Health, sleep concerns are approached thoughtfully and individually to support healthy, sustainable sleep and overall well-being.