DNP APRN PMHNP-BC
Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner
My Treatment Philosophy
I believe that, at your core, you are a human being with unlimited potential. Any mental illness that you experience in connection with growing up; encountering bullying, tragedy, or violence; losing someone or something close and dear to you; or facing circumstances that overwhelm your abilities to cope does not define who you are. It may be a part of your life experience, but you are so much more than your depression, your anxiety, your loss, or what happened to you.
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You also don't have to do this alone. My role as your prescriber/psychotherapist is not so much to give you advice or guide you on a pre-determined path, but to elicit your own inner knowingness about who you were, who you are, and who you want to become. Only when you connect with this inner knowingness can you step into the sacred process of your own becoming. Who do you want to be?
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My approach incorporates the Swedish principle of LAGOM: "Not too little, not too much; just right. Being in perfect balance.” Together, we’ll tailor a personalized treatment plan that capitalizes on your strengths and moves you toward your best life.
Education
Doctor of Nursing Practice (Psychiatric-Mental Health) (2020)
University of Utah
Salt Lake City, UT
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Bachelor of Science in Nursing (2017)
University of Utah
Salt Lake City, UT
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Associate of Applied Science in Nursing (2013)
Salt Lake Community College
Salt Lake City, UT
Training
Psychiatric Medication Management (2019-2020)
George E. Wahlen Veterans Affairs Medical Center
Salt Lake City, UT
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Individual Psychotherapy (2018-2019)
Jewish Family Service
Salt Lake City, UT
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Group Psychotherapy
Motivational Interviewing for Sexual- and Gender-Minority Male Survivors of Sexual Abuse/Assault (2019-2021)
Yale University
New Haven, CT
Complicated Grief in Persons with Serious Mental Illness (2019-2020)
University of Utah
Salt Lake City, UT
Patient Testimonials
1) Dear Drew,
Thank you for being the most impactful and effective therapist I’ve ever had.
When we started working together, I didn’t have a positive view of myself. You encouraged me to create an affirmation. I couldn’t tell myself that “I am enough.” I had to say, “You are enough.” Because I was so conditioned to serve others—sometimes to my detriment. Now, I know that not only am I enough, I am everything!
Because of you, I set clear boundaries. People-pleasing? We don’t know her!
Because of you, I can clearly communicate my needs, feelings, and wants.
Because of you, I model healthy behaviors that my children demonstrate.
Because of you, I understand that I don’t need to be perfect; mistakes are lessons.
We have been through a lot together.
Your encouragement, humor, empathy, and skills have helped me grow into a person I love.
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2) "I would like to take the opportunity to compliment the performance, kindness, and genuine concern shown me by Dr. Walker during my… appointments. I have been suffering from PTSD for many years, and Dr. Walker has been most helpful in guiding me through this issue. He is professional, knowledgeable, courteous, and considerate, and has a comfortable manner and an ability to engender trust with his patient[s]. Dr. Walker has facilitated a process that has encouraged me to talk about experiences that I have not discussed with others previously.
"In my experience, it is rare in today’s world that a healthcare professional takes the time and interest, in view of the volume that most manage, to treat a patient the way Dr. Walker has treated me. He is to be commended and my [spouse] and I are grateful. We thank Dr. Walker... for [his] service and dedication in this time of great need! You are the best!!"
Research / Publications
Supiano, K.P., Larsen, P., Riley, C., Hutton, A., Iacob, E., Walker, A.M., and Morris, S.J. (2021). Complicated grief group therapy for community-residing persons diagnosed with serious mental illness. Social Work in Mental Health, 19:5, 381-402. doi: 10.1080/15332985.2021.1940419.
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Walker, A.M. (2020, September 30). Psychotherapeutic treatment of male survivors: A gender-cultural competence approach. Podium session presented at the 34th American Psychiatric Nurses Association National Conference, Zoom (online).
Struve, J., Katz, S., Masciangelo, J., & Walker, A.M. (2020, August 4). Empowering the voices of male survivors through film and video. Podium session presented at the Summit on Community Resilience, Intervention, Prevention, and Training National Conference, Zoom (online).
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Walker, A.M. (2020). Improving psychotherapeutic treatment of male survivors: A gender-cultural competence approach. University of Utah, College of Nursing. Retrieved from https://collections.lib.utah.edu/details?id=1575270&q=date_t%3A%222020%22+walker&fd=title_t%2Ccreator_t%2Cdate_t%2Cdescription_t&facet_setname_s=ehsl_gradnu
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Walker, A.M. (2020, January 28 – February 4). Creating healing spaces for male survivors. Two-week curriculum presented to the 2018 PMHNP Cohort at the University of Utah, College of Nursing.