Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner
Janessa Nickel, MSN, APRN, PMHNP-BC became a psychiatric provider through her own journey with infertility. Later through the perinatal period, she experienced anxiety and found herself searching for a mental health provider who understood what she was going through as a woman, a patient, and eventually a mother. She struggled to find that kind of provider at the time, and that experience stayed with her. It ultimately inspired her to become the provider she wished she had during that chapter of her life.
Education and background
Janessa began her nursing career by earning her associate degree in nursing and later obtained her Bachelor of Science in Nursing in 2017. She spent nine years working at the bedside, primarily in critical care, where she developed a strong foundation in assessment, communication, crisis management, and caring for patients and families during some of their most vulnerable moments. She also spent three years in a healthcare administration role, which strengthened her leadership and organizational skills. Those combined experiences led her to pursue her Master of Science in Nursing with a specialization in Psychiatric-Mental Health Nursing. She is also a wife and mother, and balancing family, career, education, and motherhood has given her an even deeper appreciation for how difficult it can be to prioritize your own mental health.
Care philosophy
Janessa's approach is grounded in empathy, respect, collaboration, and evidence-based care. She believes in treating the whole person rather than simply treating a diagnosis, and that there is no single approach that works for everyone. Her goal is to understand each patient's unique circumstances, recognize their strengths, and work together to develop a treatment plan that supports both symptom improvement and long-term well-being. She especially understands the importance of supporting women navigating infertility, pregnancy, postpartum changes, and the many emotional transitions that come with motherhood.
Personal interests
Janessa has made North Texas home and loves the strong sense of community and family-friendly environment the area offers. Outside of work, she enjoys spending time with her husband and their two children. Being a mom keeps her busy, grounded, and constantly laughing. Her family loves to fish, go out on the lake, explore new places and restaurants, and make memories together. She also volunteers at her daughter's school and values being involved in her community.
What to expect
You don't have to have everything figured out before your first visit with Janessa. You don't have to know exactly what's wrong or have the perfect words to describe how you're feeling, that's something you can work through together. The first session is about getting to know you, not just your symptoms or diagnosis. You'll talk about what brought you in, your current concerns, your history, and what you hope to accomplish through treatment. Janessa listens first, encourages open communication, and wants you to feel comfortable telling her when something isn't working or when your goals change. Most importantly, she wants you to know that she understands what it feels like to search for someone who truly gets it.