Meet Spencer Elmer |
✤ My Background
My path to mental health care has been anything but traditional. After (barely) graduating high school, I explored different careers—working as a plumber’s apprentice, serving over five years in the Marine Corps, and eventually becoming a registered nurse. I spent years working in high-intensity settings like cardiology, emergency care, and mental health. Through these experiences, I discovered a deep passion for psychiatry, leading me to earn my Master of Science in Nursing and become a Board-Certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP-BC).
My path to mental health care has been anything but traditional. After (barely) graduating high school, I explored different careers—working as a plumber’s apprentice, serving over five years in the Marine Corps, and eventually becoming a registered nurse. I spent years working in high-intensity settings like cardiology, emergency care, and mental health. Through these experiences, I discovered a deep passion for psychiatry, leading me to earn my Master of Science in Nursing and become a Board-Certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP-BC).
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✤ My Transition to Integrative Family Medicine
While working in hospitals, I saw firsthand how mental health was often overlooked, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic. I wanted to provide care that recognized the whole person—mind, body, and spirit—rather than simply treating symptoms. That search led me to Integrative Family Medicine, where I can combine evidence-based psychiatry with holistic approaches to support each individual’s unique needs. |
General Bio✤ A Holistic Approach to Mental Health
As a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner, my role is similar to that of a psychiatrist—I diagnose and treat mental health conditions using a combination of medication management, therapy, and integrative health approaches. I don’t believe anyone is defined by a diagnosis; instead, I see it as a tool to guide treatment in a way that aligns with each person’s goals. ✤ Treating the Whole Person I approach mental health like an orchestra—each part of a person’s well-being must be in tune for everything to work in harmony. Your primary care provider is the conductor, ensuring all aspects of health are aligned. Nutrition, movement, therapy, and even alternative approaches like acupuncture or mindfulness all play a role in creating balance. My job is to be part of that bigger picture, working alongside you to find a treatment plan that makes sense for your life. ✤ My Approach to Care I strive to provide a real, unpolished, and relatable approach to mental health care. You won’t find me in a lab coat—I’m more of a ballcap and sandals kind of provider. What you will get with me:
More About Spencer
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✤ Specialty: Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner, Board Certified (PMHNP-BC)
✤ Typical Patient: I see patients ages 5 and up, including children, adolescents, and adults.
✤ Conditions I Treat & Services I Offer:
I diagnose and treat a wide range of mental health conditions, including depression, anxiety, PTSD, ADHD, bipolar disorder, and more. I also provide psychotherapy as part of treatment, though I often encourage my patients to see a therapist regularly. If specialized care is needed, I coordinate collaborative treatment plans with other providers to ensure the best outcomes.
✤ Professional Approach to the Integrative Medical Model:
Mental health care should be a partnership. I meet people where they are, helping them navigate their struggles in a way that feels right for them. Whether through medication, therapy, lifestyle changes, or a combination of approaches, I aim to create a plan that supports long-term well-being.
Other Personal Insights
✤ Typical Patient: I see patients ages 5 and up, including children, adolescents, and adults.
✤ Conditions I Treat & Services I Offer:
I diagnose and treat a wide range of mental health conditions, including depression, anxiety, PTSD, ADHD, bipolar disorder, and more. I also provide psychotherapy as part of treatment, though I often encourage my patients to see a therapist regularly. If specialized care is needed, I coordinate collaborative treatment plans with other providers to ensure the best outcomes.
✤ Professional Approach to the Integrative Medical Model:
Mental health care should be a partnership. I meet people where they are, helping them navigate their struggles in a way that feels right for them. Whether through medication, therapy, lifestyle changes, or a combination of approaches, I aim to create a plan that supports long-term well-being.
Other Personal Insights
- Growing up, I wanted to be: An Army soldier (until I learned the Marines existed and were way cooler).
- Favorite show or movie I could watch on repeat: Star Trek: Enterprise.
- Favorite song of all time: Take Me Back to Eden by Sleep Token.
- Most underrated food combination: More sushi on top of sushi.
- The last book I couldn’t put down: Empire of the Summer Moon by S.C. Gwynne.
- Five topics I can talk about for 30 minutes each: Birds, music, history, theology, and the superluminal jets of an active galactic nucleus.