Nicole Mutnansky
CNM, PMHNP-BC
Psychiatric Provider
My approach to mental health care acknowledges that each person has their own unique set of circumstances, experiences, and challenges. I want to empower you to take charge of your own well-being by providing care with a judgment-free partnership that is mindful of your individual needs and goals.
Growing up in a small town in rural Pennsylvania, from a young age, I was personally affected by the opioid and overdose epidemic – the worst public health crisis in the state of PA. With the help of an amazing LCSW, it wasn't until adulthood that I realized patterns of my own thoughts and behaviors that helped me survive as an adolescent and young adult were actually hindering my own personal journey of growth as an adult. This experience drew me closer to the areas of mental health and substance use treatment, and strengthened my determination to help others come to the same realization.
I've worked in many areas of nursing throughout the last 15 years – from birthing centers to state psychiatric hospitals, prison systems, and public health. The early part of my career was spent working at a state psychiatric hospital. It was there where I truly learned how untreated mental health and substance use can have a profound effect on every aspect of a person's life.
From a young age, I always wanted to work with women and help bring new life into this world. Around the time I was working in the state hospital, I also had my first child and was introduced to midwifery. Not long after, I enrolled into a Midwifery/Women's Health NP program and was living my childhood dream – working at one of the largest birth centers in the country! During this time, I quickly started to realize the absolute lack of care in my area, especially for pregnant women. I started noticing a recurrent theme in my professional and personal life, which was drawing me back to mental health and substance use treatment.
It was during that time I decided that I wanted to expand my practice into psychiatry and integrate psychiatry into my role as a midwife. In women's health, I had become so emotionally invested in the families that I was helping that it was excruciatingly difficult to watch women and their families suffer unnecessarily due to lack of access to mental health and substance use care. I enrolled into a psychiatric nurse practitioner program that year, and over the years I've worked in various areas of mental health-- from substance use and addiction, to inpatient psychiatry, child and adolescent, perinatal mental health, and interventional psychiatry.
I enjoy spending time with my family creating new adventures with my husband, 3 children, and silver lab! Traveling is my self-care, and I'm always looking for new experiences for us to learn and grow together! I'm also active in my community and Vice President of our elementary school's Parent Teacher Association. When I'm not at work or traveling, I can be found at a baseball field watching my favorite players, who play travel baseball year-round!
Approach
My approach comes from a place of empathy and understanding, realizing that growth often happens when we decide to step out of our comfort zone. These moments of uncertainty are filled with opportunities to take note of our own personal strengths, while evolving into who we want to become.
I fully believe in a person-first approach, which places you, as a person, before any diagnosis.
I provide mental health care to include pharmacologic and non-pharmacologic interventions that we decide together, after forming a trusting relationship. I will help you create a plan that works for you and support you during this personal journey.
Professional Background
I obtained my Bachelors in nursing from Carlow University, and my Masters degrees in Midwifery, Women's Health, and Psychiatric Mental Health Nursing from Frontier Nursing University. I have been an adjunct clinical instructor with Westmoreland County Community College ADN Program, and have been affiliated with Frontier, Duquesne and Robert Morris Universities, precepting future Psychiatric Nurse Practitioners to improve access and quality of care to their communities. For the past 6 years, I have worked in an acute inpatient setting with adolescents and adults, as well as providing consult liaison services, dual diagnosis, detox, and residential addiction treatment.
Education Credentials
Board Certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner
Board Certified Nurse Midwife
Master of Science in Nursing - Frontier Nursing University
Bachelor of Science in Nursing - Carlow University
I have also obtained a Post-Master's Certificate as a Women's Health Nurse Practitioner. I am Board Certified as a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner in the states of Oregon, Colorado, Ohio, and Pennsylvania.