Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner
Joseph Houchins, DNP, PMHNP-BC, brings an unusually rich academic and clinical foundation to psychiatric care. After years of practicing in New York City, he returned home to Austin to bring that expertise to the community where he grew up.
Education and background
Joseph completed his didactic and clinical training at Columbia University and holds a Master of Arts in Psychology alongside his Doctor of Nursing Practice. Prior to returning to Austin, he worked at an outpatient clinic in New York City where he gained extensive experience with interventional psychiatric treatments, including ketamine and Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS). He also brings a strong background in psychiatric medication management and both individual and group psychotherapy, giving him a versatile skill set that allows him to tailor his approach to each patient’s needs.
Care philosophy
Joseph provides comprehensive care for patients facing depression, anxiety, PTSD, OCD, and other mental health conditions. His approach is collaborative and strengths-based. He takes the time to understand each patient as an individual, identifying what’s working in their life alongside what’s not, and building a treatment plan that addresses their unique needs with warmth and clinical precision.
His combination of psychology training, clinical research experience, and hands-on work with interventional treatments means his patients benefit from a provider who can draw on a wide range of tools, from psychotherapy and medication management to advanced options like TMS and ketamine therapy, to find the approach that fits best.
Personal interests
When he’s not working, Joseph enjoys reading, exploring the outdoors with his dog Winston, and spending quality time with his wife and son, Dean. That balance of curiosity, adventure, and family life keeps him grounded and brings fresh energy to the care he provides every day.
What to expect
In sessions with Joseph , patients can expect a provider who is warm, thorough, and genuinely invested in helping them move forward. He creates a welcoming space where you can share openly and feel confident that your care plan is built on a deep understanding of who you are and what you need.