Family Psychiatry: Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner Dr. Rachael Davison DNP
Dr. Davison grew up in a small town in Pennsylvania. Dr. Davison earned her bachelor’s degree in nursing from the University of Pittsburgh. She worked for many years at UPMC Western Psychiatric Hospital prior to graduate school. Dr. Davison then earned her master’s degree in nursing and a doctorate of nursing practice from Robert Morris University. Dr. Davison moved to the Seattle area with her husband to work at Family Psychiatry in 2020. Family Psychiatry serves Bellevue, Seattle, Issaquah, Tumwater, and offers telehealth appointments. Dr. Davison adores her pet black cat (named Lee) and enjoys various outdoor activities, traveling, and spending time with friends and family.
Dr. Rachael Davison from Family Psychiatry
What Led You to Decide to Work in This Field?
My father worked in the mental health field when I was a child which instilled some interest in the area. Once I was in nursing school, I found myself drawn to patients who were experiencing psychiatric/mental health symptoms. This then led me to pursue further experiences in psychiatry, and ultimately to my first job as a psychiatric nurse after undergraduate school. After working for almost 10 years as a nurse, I made the decision to go to graduate school to become a nurse practitioner.
What Kind of Services Do You Provide in Seattle and Washington State?
I work for Family Psychiatry which is a practice serving Washington State. We currently have offices in Seattle, Bellevue, Issaquah, and Tumwater, as well as offering telehealth appointments. I am currently seeing patients only via telehealth. Our office primarily offers medication management. We assist clients with finding additional resources in the community, such as recommendations for therapists/counselors. We also provide support for clients within their school and work environments, as needed.
How Do Your Service Help People with Anxiety and Other Mental Health Challenges?
I work to support people who are experiencing mental health challenges through a holistic approach. I prescribe medication with the goal of symptom improvement. I consider how lifestyle factors and relationships may be affecting/contributing to symptoms. I try to assist with providing ideas for coping and relaxation strategies, and often recommend specific therapies which may be beneficial. I often work with clients on alternative ways to manage symptoms and improve health, such as supplements, exercise, and nutrition.
What Kind of People Do You Love Working With?
I love working with people of all ages (6+). I enjoy working with a variety of diagnoses, including mood disorders (depression, bipolar disorder), anxiety disorders (generalized anxiety, OCD, panic, social anxiety), ADHD, and trauma/PTSD. I often get to work with families which has been a great experience.
What Happens During a First Appointment with You?
During our first appointment, we will have an hour-long evaluation. We will discuss current concerns/symptoms, as well as personal and family mental health history, treatment history, and medical history. Typically, this is enough time to formulate a plan, but occasionally we may need more time. If medication is something that is agreed upon, this can be initiated at the first appointment. We will then follow up frequently when getting started to monitor effects of medication and response to treatment.
What Do You Wish People Knew About Services with You?
I will listen and work with you to find a medication and treatment plan that you are comfortable with. I am happy to consult/communicate with any providers that you are currently working with (PCP, therapist/counselor/psychologist). Telehealth appointments allow for flexibility to accommodate busy schedules and for those living in underserved communities. I work with many other great providers at the practice. Our office staff do a great job in matching new patients to providers who will be the best fit.
How can people contact you to learn more about your services in Seattle and throughout Washington State?
- By visiting our practice website at https://www.family-psychiatry.com
- Phone: 206-501-4342, Email: info@family-psychiatry.com
About the Author: Seattle Therapist Chelsea Kramer LMFT
Chelsea Kramer is a Seattle Therapist who works with individual and families facing grief, anxiety and trauma, with special focus on medical challenges, reproductive health, and life transitions.
Learn more about Chelsea’s specialties: grief, anxiety, infertility, pregnancy loss, chronic illness, menopause, medical trauma
Learn more about Chelsea
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