"My primary career goal is to become a confident and competent provider while maintaining empathy for my patients, even in the most challenging cases. I aspire to advocate for policy changes that improve access to mental health care."

"Exceptional care means delivering patient-centered care that prioritizes the dignity, individuality, and well-being of every person I come in contact with. It involves meeting patients where they are, understanding their unique challenges, and addressing their needs. It goes beyond treating symptoms-it focuses on building trusting relationships. For me, it also means staying committed to continuous learning, practicing with integrity, and integrating evidence-based practices with genuine human connection to make a meaningful difference in the lives of others."

"Throughout my nursing career, I was drawn to clinical care and the emotional and psychological aspects of my patients and co-workers. I realized I was becoming a trusted confidant, someone people turned to for guidance, support, and reassurance when needed. I then had an epiphany, which was that my passion for mental health was still there, but it had evolved into something new over time. This revelation gave me a new purpose and goal in life, which I am pursuing: becoming a Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner. This path allows me to integrate my background in psychology and nursing, which I am excited to pursue."

"My goal is to provide mental health care in a large practice, leveraging my unique blend of experience in information security and my passion for compassionate care. I am also committed to giving back to the nursing community by working on projects to build resilience in nursing students. Long-term, I aspire to contribute to advancements in mental health care delivery, possibly integrating my technology background to improve patient care and access."

"My ultimate goal is to become a highly skilled, compassionate PMHNP who provides evidence-based, patient-centered care. I envision opening my own collaborative mental health and wellness center, offering comprehensive psychiatric services, trauma-informed care, and innovative therapies. I am also committed to mentoring future PMHNPs, contributing to research, and advocating for mental health policy improvements."

"In trauma care, I saw firsthand how unresolved psychological issues could manifest in crises, how PTSD, substance use, and chronic stress affected physical health, and how mental healthcare was often overlooked in high-intensity medical settings. Moving into psychiatry allowed me to address these issues at their root, focusing on long-term healing rather than just acute intervention. My background in forensics and trauma nursing gives me a unique perspective, allowing me to approach mental healthcare with both analytical precision and deep empathy for those navigating crisis and recovery."

"My ultimate goal is to become a leader in psychiatric mental healthcare, focusing on providing compassionate, holistic, and patient-centered care to diverse populations. I aspire to work in settings where I can address mental health disparities, advocate for policy changes, and contribute to mental health awareness initiatives. Additionally, I hope to mentor and educate future mental health professionals, ensuring that quality psychiatric care continues to evolve and reach those who need it most."

"My ultimate goal in life is to be for others what my mental health provider was for me—a source of hope, guidance, and empowerment. I want to help people see that they are not defined by their circumstances."

"I work at a VA hospital, serving individuals who have defended our country. Many of these veterans struggle with mental health diagnoses, which can lead to significant instability, homelessness, and unemployment. My goal is to advocate for mental health patients and ensure they receive the care and treatment they deserve."

"For the past five years, I have worked in pain management, where I have seen the profound connection between chronic pain and mental health. Many of my patients suffer not only from physical pain but also from anxiety, depression, and trauma, which often go unaddressed. Through these experiences, I have come to recognize the critical shortage of mental health providers and the urgent need for compassionate, holistic care that integrates both physical and psychological well-being. Now, I'm building on my foundation to become a provider who can bridge this gap."

"For me, exceptional care goes beyond simply diagnosing; it's about building patient-centered relationships grounded in trust, empathy, and cultural competence. It means meeting patients where they are, actively working to destigmatize mental health, and creating a space where they feel safe, heard, and respected. This is especially critical in underserved communities, where individuals may have faced systemic discrimination or trauma, which can make them more reluctant to seek help. However, exceptional care also requires an unwavering commitment to continuous learning and growth-because without this dedication to improving our skills and understanding, truly impactful care cannot be achieved."

"I plan to work in the outpatient setting with a focus on child and adolescent psychiatry. I am very interested in the variability in hormones throughout the monthly menstrual cycle and the role they play in mood disorder management in females of childbearing age. My plan is to pursue a doctorate with a focus on this topic."

"My academic and career goals are driven by a commitment to bridging the gap between mental health and pain management to deliver comprehensive, patient-centered care. My primary academic goal is to deepen my expertise in psychopharmacology, trauma-informed care, and integrative pain management strategies. I am dedicated to lifelong learning and actively seek opportunities to refine my clinical skills through advanced coursework, research, conferences, and hands-on experience. My long-term goal is to work with patients struggling with chronic pain, PTSD, major depressive disorder (MDD), generalized anxiety disorder (GAD), and substance use disorders-providing holistic, evidence-based treatments that address both physical and psychological well-being."

"My passion for mental health has been a driving force throughout my life. I have always been deeply interested in understanding the complexities of the mind and the impact of mental health on overall well-being. However, my journey is also personal - I have faced my own mental health challenges, which have given me a profound appreciation for the importance of compassionate and accessible care. Experiencing these struggles firsthand has strengthened my commitment to helping others navigate their own mental health journeys. This passion led me to pursue a career where I can make a meaningful difference by providing empathetic, evidence-based care, breaking the stigma surrounding mental health, and advocating for better treatment accessibility."

"Mental health care must be continuous and accessible. It's not just about immediate treatment-it's about building a path forward, following up, and ensuring no one feels alone in their healing. Because care shouldn't start with a crisis-it should prevent one."

"My path to mental healthcare began through my Family Medicine preceptorship in medical school, where I had the privilege of working with veterans in the VA in upstate NY. I saw firsthand how trauma, PTSD, and other mental health challenges affected those who had served in the military. This positive experience and the good relationships I made with the patients deepened my desire to pursue a career where I could make a meaningful impact. I vividly remember a patient telling me "thank you for caring and listening", and stated it was not a common occurrence to him and his peers."

"Exceptional patient care means working with patients rather than acting upon them. It's about recognizing our patients' potential, even when they are presenting at their lowest, and providing hope when others have given up. Exceptional patient care implies the integration of evidence-based practices to empower patients to reach their goals, while honoring each patient's individual values, goals, and belief system."

"Exceptional patient care goes beyond diagnosis and treatment-it is about understanding the patient as a whole. It means listening with empathy, recognizing the emotional and social factors influencing their mental health, and tailoring care to their unique needs. It's about being present, ensuring that patients feel heard, validated, and respected. It also involves staying informed and adaptable, integrating the latest research and innovative therapies to provide the best possible outcomes. But at its core, it is about compassion, dignity, and a genuine commitment to helping others heal."

"As a PA, my goal is to offer holistic care-addressing both the physical and mental aspects of health. Exceptional patient care means being a constant presence in my patients' lives-guiding them through the highs and lows of their healthcare journey. It's about providing clear communication, empathy, and a safe space where patients feel heard and understood. It's not just about what I know but how I use that knowledge to build trust and make patients feel like active participants in their care."

"Exceptional patient care means two things to me: that we treat the patient holistically, and that we hold ourselves to the highest standard."

"One of my career goals for the future would be to bring awareness. Not just for minorities to have more access to mental health resources and reduce the stigma around it, but also for my colleagues in helping to educate the traumas that can be faced within some cultures."

"Exceptional patient care is care that is not only patient-first focused, but care that is rooted in evidence-based practice. It is care that follows scientifically driven guidelines, is derived from the highest levels of scientific evidence, and has been proven to bring about positive outcomes. It is care that focuses on the patient and acknowledges their culture and unique needs. It sees the patient as a unique individual with unique needs. This kind of exceptional patient care attempts to in all circumstances seek collaboration with the patient, when possible, acknowledging their autonomy and self-determination."

"My childhood experiences, combined with a decade-long career in nursing, shaped my passion for mental health and deepened my commitment to helping others seek the same answers I once did. I knew then that I wanted to be part of the solution. By becoming a PMHNP, I will be in a position to challenge the stigma attached to mental healthcare and advocate for those in need."

"During my PMHNP residency, I aim to build a strong clinical foundation, gaining expertise in evidence-based psychiatric care. This experience will prepare me to eventually open my own practice, where I plan to specialize in treating veteran populations. By focusing on their unique mental health needs, I hope to provide compassionate, high-quality care that improves their well-being and quality of life, ensuring they receive the support they deserve."

"I went into medicine to want to impact the community around me. Throughout my time in medical school, I have worked extensively with the neurodevelopmental community and have found great passion in helping those within the community. As a hopeful psychiatrist, I aspire to develop a continuity of care clinic for children, adolescents, and adults who struggle with neurodevelopment disorders. I hope to be able to foster compassionate health care and educate future generations of medical students on the importance of mental health."

"I want to provide comprehensive, ongoing psychiatric care that breaks the cycle of crisis-driven treatment. My goal is to help patients before they reach the point of emergency intervention, offering them the support and resources they need for long-term stability and wellness."

"One of my main goals is to help the Hispanic community and bring more awareness to mental health. I am Hispanic, and my first language is Spanish; therefore, I would like to utilize my bilingual skills to help this population feel comfortable by communicating in their native language as we discuss a topic that oftentimes is difficult to approach."

"I developed a strong passion for my working with socially-at-risk populations, wholeheartedly serving the clients, and remaining employed with the organization until it closed its doors in 2017. In serving this vulnerable and underserved population, I found my niche in psychiatry. I truly find my greatest fulfillment in advocating for the physical and mental health needs of the clients I have the opportunity to serve."

"My goal is to develop innovative, evidence-based interventions that improve access to quality mental healthcare, particularly for minority communities who often face systemic barriers. I aspire to bridge the gap in mental health services by implementing culturally competent, patient-centered care models. I want to advocate for policies that support equitable mental healthcare and contribute to research focused on improving outcomes for individuals facing complex mental health challenges. Additionally, I plan to use my platform to mentor and educate future mental health professionals, ensuring that more providers are equipped to serve diverse populations effectively."

"I aspire to become a skilled PMHNP who delivers compassionate and effective care, particularly to underserved communities. As a minority myself, I am committed to raising awareness about mental health issues within my community and fostering resilience among those who face unique challenges. I aim to work in diverse settings, including hospitals and community mental health organizations, where I can address the specific needs of individuals with mental health conditions."

"My career goals are to be able to utilize my medical and psychiatric knowledge to improve the quality of care in my community."

"It is said that it takes 10 years to become an expert in one's field. I am going to take the next 10 years to be the very best expert I can be and be on par with the best advanced practitioners or physicians in psychiatry. I will also take any opportunities to advance my learning by gaining experience in more specialized areas of mental health such as addiction medicine and interventional psychiatry."

"Beyond research, I aim to remain actively involved in direct patient care, refining treatment approaches and advocating for improved access to evidence-based mental health care within the VA system. By combining clinical expertise with research-driven innovation, I hope to play a role in advancing PTSD treatment protocols, improving pharmacologic interventions, and ultimately enhancing the quality of life for veterans and other trauma-affected populations."

"I am committed to leading healthcare innovation by integrating emerging technologies and novel treatment approaches to enhance psychiatric care. My passion for research drives me to explore advancements in neuropsychiatry, precision medicine, and interventional treatments. Beyond academia, I aim to expand community outreach by developing programs that improve mental health access for underserved populations. By combining research, innovation, and public health initiatives, I hope to contribute meaningfully to the evolution of psychiatric care and bridge the gap between cutting-edge science and real-world patient needs."

"Exceptional patient care involves having a compassionate, individualized, and collaborative approach that prioritizes the well-being and empowerment of our patients."

"I love being able to hear people's stories, help them understand their conditions, and be with them as they move through difficult times."

"Exceptional patient care is a person-centered approach that looks at the patient holistically. This incorporates not only health and wellness but also the consideration of the social detriments of health and how they impact each person. It means giving the care and compassion to your patient that you would want to receive yourself."

"As psychiatry continues to grow as a field and behavioral health becomes more accessible, more patients will be able to benefit and be able to live a functional life again. The field of psychiatry is ever-growing with new pharmaceutical drugs, therapies, and innovative approaches to help patients. This is an exciting field that I am passionate about and want to continue to be involved in."

"I hope to continue being passionate about delivering high quality healthcare to any human, regardless of diagnosis or socioeconomic background. I'm passionate about the deaf community, particularly in my rural area, and delivering mental healthcare through American Sign Language and culturally competent care. I hope to be able to incorporate deaf focused mental healthcare by finding mental health professionals also versed in deaf culture. In the future, I hope to become an educator and teach future nurses and nurse practitioners about psychiatric care. I hope to contribute to the ongoing decrease of stigma about mental illness within the community and within our own healthcare systems."

"My career goal is that I intend to work as a primary care physician. PCPs are often the first line of defense for any medical problems, including mental healthcare, and so I want to place a special emphasis on mental health with my patients in the future. I fully believe good mental health is one of the most important factors for positive outcomes in all aspects of health."

"Psychiatry is entering a renaissance period. There are promising new medications and neuromodulatory interventions that I believe will fundamentally change our ability to improve patients' mental health. Depression, anxiety, PTSD, schizophrenia, and so many other conditions are otherwise debilitating conditions. Through psychiatric intervention, patients' mental well being can be dramatically improved, which provides patients the opportunity to improve their life in a way they otherwise wouldn't have been able to. Good mental health provides people with the foundation to make improvements in every other facet of their life, and I look forward to dedicating my career to helping people in this field."

"I believe the mental health frontier is only expanding as we are beginning to refine our understanding of circuit pathways in the brain and the nuances of psychopharmacology and advancements in neuromodulation. I plan to work in an academic setting where I can focus on the interplay of psychiatric mental health illnesses and medical comorbidities in an inpatient and consult-liaison setting. I believe that advancement of therapeutic modalities and advancing pharmacotherapeutics can combine with important lifestyle modifications in diet, exercise, and sleep modulation to increase effectiveness of treatment results for our patients. I want to contribute to the continued evolution of holistic psychiatric medicine while also helping to educate and mentor the next generation of behavioral health providers."

"I am passionate about providing compassionate, timely care to individuals during their most vulnerable moments, and I aspire to take on leadership roles that allow me to mentor other healthcare professionals and contribute to the development of more comprehensive, accessible mental health resources in my community."

"My career goals consist of expanding my telehealth practice into a wellness center that provides multiple services to people in need to improve mental health and wellness. I want to offer not only traditional psychiatry services, but integrative psychiatry services, educational and mentoring services to other mental health professionals, and offer another modality of services to improve access to care such as a mobile clinic option in addition to telepsychiatry services."

"In my role, particularly when working with veterans, exceptional patient care includes understanding the complexities of military culture, recognizing the impact of trauma, and advocating for comprehensive mental health support. Ultimately, exceptional care goes beyond treatment-it is about empowering patients, restoring hope, and improving overall well-being."

"I continue to navigate my own path of life-work balance and want to continue to pace myself and my visions while I grow my academic skills and continue to practice psychiatry in a safe telehealth platform while advocating for PAs to improve access to care and grow as a community in mental health."

Exceptional care goes beyond symptom management-it requires addressing the whole person, including their psychological, social, and physical needs. As a psychiatric nurse with 20 years of experience and a future PMHNP, I believe in a collaborative approach that empowers patients to take an active role in their treatment. This means incorporating their values, preferences, and cultural backgrounds into care plans while using the latest research and clinical expertise to guide interventions.

"I am driven by a lifelong mission: to create spaces where people feel seen, valued, and empowered to heal. From conflict management as a child to supporting service members and patients in crisis, my journey has been about one thing-making a difference in the lives of those who feel lost. This is not just my career; it's my calling to bring hope to the hopeless and healing to the hurting."

"I plan to pursue a doctorate in nursing practice, focusing on healthcare law and policy. Through this advanced education, I seek to influence policies that enhance the accessibility and affordability of mental health care. By combining my clinical expertise with a deep understanding of healthcare systems and policies, I aim to advocate for changes that improve mental healthcare delivery, making it more equitable for all individuals."

"Mental health patients are at a disadvantage and recognizing individuals' rights and protecting them is important to my mission in mental health. My goal is to be a leader as I thrive to learn more possibilities in treating patients in the mental health industry. The steps to achieve more knowledge and to immerse myself in the field in psychiatry would allow me to succeed as a true leader in this everchanging global world."

"My path to mental healthcare has been shaped by personal hardship, but it has also ignited a passion for change. I want to be a provider who listens, who understands, and who helps individuals regain their sense of control rather than stripping it away. I strive to be part of a movement that prioritizes early intervention, comprehensive screenings, and compassionate care-especially for women who are often overlooked in the healthcare system. Through my experiences, I have found my purpose, and I am committed to being a voice for those who have felt unheard, just as I once did."

"Driven by a passion for holistic, patient-centered care, I aim to combine my extensive administrative background with clinical expertise to create meaningful, personalized treatment plans. I strive to heal authentically, understanding that mental health care must address not only psychiatric conditions but also the broader context of each patient's life. Whether it's through leading service line redesigns or directly caring for individuals with mental health challenges, I am committed to improving the lives of her patients through compassionate, comprehensive care."

"The challenges I have faced and the experiences I have gained have shaped me into a resilient and compassionate advocate for mental health. Through my work, I hope to bridge gaps in care and contribute meaningfully to the advancement of mental health equity for all."

"In medical school, I found myself listening more than speaking, wanting to understand my patients rather than just diagnose. During these early rotations, I witnessed the profound impact of mental health treatment - not just on patients but on their families as well. Those moments stayed with me, solidifying my passion and leading me to a psychiatry residency. Along the way, I discovered a love for teaching and sharing knowledge, which led my colleagues and I to start PsychRounds: The Psychiatry Podcast. What began as a side project quickly grew, allowing us to connect with others in the field and contribute to the conversation of mental health. This field has given me both purpose and perspective, shaping the way I approach both medicine and life."

"As an individual I believe in self awareness and inner knowing of my own values and purpose. This evolution of self is how I am able to give calm, compassionate care when my patients are in crisis."

"Exceptional patient care means providing compassionate, holistic, and individualized treatment that prioritizes both the physical and mental well-being of each patient. It involves active listening, empathy, and a deep commitment to understanding a patient's unique needs, challenges, and goals. As a PMHNP, exceptional care goes beyond symptom management-it means building trust, empowering patients with education and resources, and advocating for their best interests. Ultimately, exceptional patient care is about creating a safe, supportive, and judgment-free environment where individuals feel heard, respected, and truly cared for."

"I know that I was meant to help those who have been affected by trauma. My journey toward a career in healthcare has been anything but smooth—but every bump along the way has shaped me for the better. I’ve found clarity and purpose. I now know that my calling is to become a PMHNP, so I can support others who have walked a path like mine."

"I absolutely love seeing hope restored for patients who have been seemingly at rock bottom and hopeless for years. The more I learn about patient care in the mental health setting, the more I love it. I believe this field allows me to make such a huge impact on my patients' lives and the lives of those around them. This is truly such a rewarding field of practice and I'm grateful to be a part."

"I believe healthcare is not just a service; it should be a fundamental right. My vision is to build a space that promotes health equity, addresses systemic disparities, and provides compassionate, patient-centered care to those most in need."

"I have had the opportunity to gain valuable insights to a wide array of disease diagnosis and suitable treatment plans. I have no doubt in my ability to provide thorough assessment, diagnosis, and treatment that will yield desirable result of a better mental state in my patients."

"Shaped by personal experiences with adversity—and guided by my natural curiosity and open-mindedness—I believe I bring a unique depth of empathy to individuals facing mental health challenges. It’s in this field that I know I can offer the greatest impact and value."

"I have worked with the geriatric population my entire nursing career. Working with this specific population as opened my eyes to the lack of mental healthcare needs for this population. I hope that as a psychiatric provider I am able to bring awareness to mental healthcare needs for the geriatric population."