Leif Benjestorf MN, ARNP
About Me:
As a board certified Adult Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP), I offer evidence based psychotherapy and medication management for mental health conditions to adolescents and adults aged 16-65. I have a special interest and passion in helping individuals with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). I am licensed to evaluate, diagnose and provide medication and therapy for ADHD. I also treat Depression and Anxiety.
I believe you are the expert of your life so we will work together in a collaborative effort to best serve your needs. As we work together, your needs may change so my approach is flexible to best suit the different stages of recovery, wellness and thriving.
Throughout my life I have had the pleasure of engaging in a variety of exciting jobs before becoming a Nurse Practitioner. I have been a commercial lobster fisherman in Hawaii and Nicaragua with my father, sushi chef, systems engineer for a small tech start up and a registered nurse on the inpatient psychiatric unit at Harborview and on a high acuity transplant unit at the University of Washington Medical Center. All along, I have had a passion for mental health that led me to my current practice.
I grew up mostly in Bellingham, WA, have lived in Seattle for many years and now reside on the Eastside with my partner, 3 great kids and 2 super cute dogs, one that snores loudly and loves walks at the dog park. I enjoy practicing Yoga, hiking, running and other exercise. I also enjoy working in the yard, love to cook, ski, enjoy many outdoor activities and love to spend time with my family.
My Philosophy of Care:
My main goal is to work in partnership with clients to be more present with what is right now to move forward in a sustainable way. I look at all areas of a client’s life to create a treatment plan that is realistic and geared towards their goals with a clear action-oriented approach.
My Approaches to Psychotherapy:
I believe positive long-term change can best be achieved with a healthy effort in therapy. We can work together to learn skills to manage your challenges and discover how to address issues in your life so you can move forward.
I enjoy working with adults and young adults (18-65) using an approach that combines elements of:
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
Positive Psychotherapy
Coaching
Health and Wellness
Mindfulness Approaches
My Approach to Psychopharmacology (Medications):
I believe that medications, when applied properly, can help you achieve a supported and balanced state of mind and body. I use conservative, research driven prescribing practices that are usually complimented and supported with psychotherapy. When practical, researched and safe, I try to integrate complementary and alternative health approaches.
Education and Training:
University of Washington: Masters in Nursing - Adult Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner
University of Washington: Bachelors of Science in Nursing
University of Washington: Bachelors of Arts in Psychology
What is a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP)?
Psychiatric Mental Health Nursing is a specialized area of nursing practice committed to promoting mental health through the assessment, diagnosis, and treatment of human responses to mental health problems and psychiatric disorders. PMHNPs are licensed to provide comprehensive, patient-centered mental health treatments and have an independent authority to prescribe medications. Essential components of this specialty practice include health and wellness promotion through identification of mental health issues, prevention of mental health problems and care and treatment (including medication management) of persons with psychiatric disorders.
About Me:
As a board certified Adult Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP), I offer evidence based psychotherapy and medication management for mental health conditions to adolescents and adults aged 16-65. I have a special interest and passion in helping individuals with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). I am licensed to evaluate, diagnose and provide medication and therapy for ADHD. I also treat Depression and Anxiety.
I believe you are the expert of your life so we will work together in a collaborative effort to best serve your needs. As we work together, your needs may change so my approach is flexible to best suit the different stages of recovery, wellness and thriving.
Throughout my life I have had the pleasure of engaging in a variety of exciting jobs before becoming a Nurse Practitioner. I have been a commercial lobster fisherman in Hawaii and Nicaragua with my father, sushi chef, systems engineer for a small tech start up and a registered nurse on the inpatient psychiatric unit at Harborview and on a high acuity transplant unit at the University of Washington Medical Center. All along, I have had a passion for mental health that led me to my current practice.
I grew up mostly in Bellingham, WA, have lived in Seattle for many years and now reside on the Eastside with my partner, 3 great kids and 2 super cute dogs, one that snores loudly and loves walks at the dog park. I enjoy practicing Yoga, hiking, running and other exercise. I also enjoy working in the yard, love to cook, ski, enjoy many outdoor activities and love to spend time with my family.
My Philosophy of Care:
My main goal is to work in partnership with clients to be more present with what is right now to move forward in a sustainable way. I look at all areas of a client’s life to create a treatment plan that is realistic and geared towards their goals with a clear action-oriented approach.
My Approaches to Psychotherapy:
I believe positive long-term change can best be achieved with a healthy effort in therapy. We can work together to learn skills to manage your challenges and discover how to address issues in your life so you can move forward.
I enjoy working with adults and young adults (18-65) using an approach that combines elements of:
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
Positive Psychotherapy
Coaching
Health and Wellness
Mindfulness Approaches
My Approach to Psychopharmacology (Medications):
I believe that medications, when applied properly, can help you achieve a supported and balanced state of mind and body. I use conservative, research driven prescribing practices that are usually complimented and supported with psychotherapy. When practical, researched and safe, I try to integrate complementary and alternative health approaches.
Education and Training:
University of Washington: Masters in Nursing - Adult Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner
University of Washington: Bachelors of Science in Nursing
University of Washington: Bachelors of Arts in Psychology
What is a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP)?
Psychiatric Mental Health Nursing is a specialized area of nursing practice committed to promoting mental health through the assessment, diagnosis, and treatment of human responses to mental health problems and psychiatric disorders. PMHNPs are licensed to provide comprehensive, patient-centered mental health treatments and have an independent authority to prescribe medications. Essential components of this specialty practice include health and wellness promotion through identification of mental health issues, prevention of mental health problems and care and treatment (including medication management) of persons with psychiatric disorders.
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Erika Giraldo, DNP, ARNP
Voted Seattle Met 2016 & 2017 Top ARNP for Psychiatry
**Not Accepting New Clients At This Time**
Erika Giraldo has her Doctorate of Nurse Practice specializing in family psychiatric mental health. She provides evidence based psychiatric medication management with a primary interest in ADHD in adolescents and adults.
Erika is a compassionate provider who is respectful of each person's values, culture and beliefs. She feels honored to hear your story and is easily approachable and empathetic. She tries to provide a comfortable, safe environment especially when individuals may feel they are most vulnerable. Erika enjoys collaborating with her clients to create a treatment plan that will most effectively address their issues and concerns as she knows that any long term change is in the hands of the client. While psychotherapy, natural medicine and lifestyle changes can effectively help some emotional issues, there may be situations where medications will be needed or necessary for optimum mental health. She is likely to prescribe medications if your mental health condition is impairing your daily life or preventing you from making positive changes in your life.
Erika obtained her Bachelor of Science degree in Nursing from the University of Florida (Go Gators), Masters of Nursing, with honors from the University of Washington and her Doctor of Nurse Practice (DNP) from the University of Washington. Prior to practicing as a nurse practitioner in 2010, she worked for 20 years as a registered nurse in a variety of settings including active duty in the Navy, cardiac step-down units, cardiac ward, home health, medical-surgical wards and ICU. She volunteered to support women on bedrest for pregnancy related concerns and has a particular interest in hyperemesis gravidarum in pregnancy. She has been involved in planning committees for regional conferences for nurse practitioners and is active with continuing education and consultation groups to provide the highest quality of care to her clients.
Erika is a busy mom of three children and has 2 super cute dogs (ok, the kids are cute too). She enjoys her peppermint mochas, reading, traveling especially to warm places, walking and hanging out with friends and family.
Voted Seattle Met 2016 & 2017 Top ARNP for Psychiatry
**Not Accepting New Clients At This Time**
Erika Giraldo has her Doctorate of Nurse Practice specializing in family psychiatric mental health. She provides evidence based psychiatric medication management with a primary interest in ADHD in adolescents and adults.
Erika is a compassionate provider who is respectful of each person's values, culture and beliefs. She feels honored to hear your story and is easily approachable and empathetic. She tries to provide a comfortable, safe environment especially when individuals may feel they are most vulnerable. Erika enjoys collaborating with her clients to create a treatment plan that will most effectively address their issues and concerns as she knows that any long term change is in the hands of the client. While psychotherapy, natural medicine and lifestyle changes can effectively help some emotional issues, there may be situations where medications will be needed or necessary for optimum mental health. She is likely to prescribe medications if your mental health condition is impairing your daily life or preventing you from making positive changes in your life.
Erika obtained her Bachelor of Science degree in Nursing from the University of Florida (Go Gators), Masters of Nursing, with honors from the University of Washington and her Doctor of Nurse Practice (DNP) from the University of Washington. Prior to practicing as a nurse practitioner in 2010, she worked for 20 years as a registered nurse in a variety of settings including active duty in the Navy, cardiac step-down units, cardiac ward, home health, medical-surgical wards and ICU. She volunteered to support women on bedrest for pregnancy related concerns and has a particular interest in hyperemesis gravidarum in pregnancy. She has been involved in planning committees for regional conferences for nurse practitioners and is active with continuing education and consultation groups to provide the highest quality of care to her clients.
Erika is a busy mom of three children and has 2 super cute dogs (ok, the kids are cute too). She enjoys her peppermint mochas, reading, traveling especially to warm places, walking and hanging out with friends and family.