Hello, I’m Joanna Sullivan
Board Certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner
Kinfolk Psychiatry is centered around the belief that everyone deserves care that’s compassionate, inclusive, and tailored to their unique experience. I offer psychiatric services, including medication management, to help you find the care and solutions that are right for your unique needs.
As a small, primarily telehealth psychiatric practice in Oregon, my goal is to support you in navigating life’s transitions and mental health challenges. Whether you’re struggling with anxiety, depression, OCD, bipolar disorder, or other mental health concerns, I’m here to provide the support you need in a way that is tailored to your individual experience.
Kinfolk Services
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I offer supportive and thorough psychiatric assessments to gain a comprehensive understanding of your unique mental health needs. During our sessions, we’ll discuss your symptoms, life experiences, and personal history to help identify any underlying conditions. This process helps ensure that any diagnoses are accurate and reflective of your individual experience.
Together, we’ll work to clarify what’s going on and create a clear, personalized path forward for your care. Diagnosing may unfold over time as we gather more information, and it could involve coordinating care with your therapist or other healthcare providers to ensure a holistic approach.
My goal is to help you understand the root causes of the symptoms affecting your life and explore the best treatment options to help you feel your best.
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I work with you to find the right medication plan that fits your life and helps you feel like yourself again. Whether you're starting a new medication, adjusting an existing one, or exploring options to deprescribe psychiatric medications, we’ll stay connected to ensure you're supported every step of the way.
Your well-being is the focus, and I’m here to help you manage your treatment with care and attention, making sure your medication plan aligns with your needs and goals—whether that involves starting, adjusting, or reducing medication.
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In addition to medication management, I offer limited therapeutic interventions to support you in managing tough emotions, stress, and developing practical coping skills. Therapy sessions are available only as part of your medication management plan, ensuring a holistic approach to your care.
We may also explore evidence-based, integrative interventions, such as dietary changes, exercise, and nutraceuticals, to complement your treatment.
Kinfolk Areas of Specialty
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I provide specialized support for individuals facing emotional and mental health challenges before, during, and after pregnancy. Whether you’re looking for a one-time consultation or ongoing support, I’m here to guide you every step of the way.
Managing medications during pregnancy and the postpartum period can be complex, but with the right guidance, many medications can be safely used to support your mental health. Many psychiatric providers may not have the specific experience needed in this area, but with my expertise, I offer the care and information you deserve to ensure you feel your best during this important time.
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The perimenopausal transition can bring about a range of emotional and mental health changes, yet mental health support during this phase is often underserved. I specialize in supporting individuals through this unique time, addressing mood swings, anxiety, sleep issues, and other related symptoms.
Together, we’ll explore treatment options to help you feel balanced and empowered as you navigate this natural life transition.
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I provide affirming, inclusive psychiatric care for individuals of all sexual orientations, gender identities, and expressions.
Whether you're seeking support for anxiety, depression, identity exploration, or the mental health challenges that can come with navigating a non-affirming world, I offer a safe, supportive, and non-judgmental space. My goal is to help you feel validated, empowered, and equipped with the tools you need to thrive in your unique journey.
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I offer specialized mental health care that is tailored to neurodivergent individuals, including those with ADHD, autism, and other neurodevelopmental differences. As our understanding of neurodivergence continues to grow, I bring focused and up to date knowledge to support you in navigating your unique experiences.
I recognize that neurodivergence comes with both special strengths and challenges. I believe in understanding and respecting the distinct ways your brain works. Together, we’ll create treatment plans that align with your needs, strengths, and goals, ensuring you receive care that truly fits you. You deserve support that honors your neurodivergence and empowers you to thrive.
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Healthcare providers often encounter unique mental health challenges due to the demanding nature of their work. Having been a hospital-based provider for many years and working closely with RNs, physicians, midwives, nurse practitioners, and other healthcare professionals, I deeply understand the stress, burnout, sleep deprivation, and impact of irregular hours on mental well-being.
I offer specialized support for those in the healthcare field, addressing these challenges and helping you navigate the pressures of your profession while maintaining your own mental health. Together, we can work to ensure you’re taking care of your mental health so that you can continue to provide the best care to others.
“I believe mental health care should be a safe, supportive space where you feel heard and respected.”
Perinatal Mental Health
Many people, especially those navigating pregnancy and the postpartum period, struggle to find the mental health support they need.
Since 2010, I’ve worked as a hospital-based midwife, catching over 1,000 babies and supporting countless individuals and families through pregnancy and childbirth. Through this experience, I’ve seen firsthand how challenging it can be to manage emotional well-being during this time—especially when individuals are advised to stop medications that were helping them due to fears about fetal harm or when healthcare providers feel uncertain about how to treat pregnant patients.
Fear-based information often leaves people feeling unsupported and confused. Many struggle with conditions like postpartum depression, anxiety, OCD, and postpartum psychosis, which are often overlooked or not properly addressed in traditional reproductive healthcare settings.
As a Board Certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner, I am passionate about providing compassionate, evidence-based care to individuals and families facing these challenges, ensuring you receive the support and treatment you need to thrive during this transformative time in your life.
Neurodivergent, Perimenopause, Menopause & LGBTQI+
At Kinfolk Psychiatry, I’m committed to providing compassionate, personalized care for individuals from all backgrounds.
Along with Perinatal Mental Health, I specialize in supporting neurodivergent individuals, people navigating perimenopause and menopause, and members of the LGBTQI+ community. I understand the unique challenges these groups face and strive to offer care that is affirming, respectful of each person’s identity, and tailored to their specific needs.
Neurodivergent individuals often face unique challenges that can lead to more frequent mental health struggles. However, these difficulties are not inherent to being neurodivergent; they arise from societal barriers and a lack of understanding around brain differences. I am committed to offering care that honors and respects neurodivergence, ensuring each person feels understood, supported, and validated in their journey.
Neurodivergent
Perimenopause
& Menopause
With a strong background in women’s healthcare, I’ve seen firsthand how carefully tailored psychiatric care can make a profound difference for those navigating perimenopause and menopause. This experience has given me a deep understanding of the menopausal transition, allowing me to approach care with both expertise and compassion, empowering individuals to regain balance and well-being.
I also offer inclusive care for those in the LGBTQI+ community. The stigma, discrimination, and violence many LQBTQI+ people face can increase the risk of anxiety, depression, and trauma, which is why it’s crucial for LGBTQI+ individuals to have their identities and experiences validated in a safe, compassionate space.
LGBTQI+
“My goal is to work alongside you, helping you find the tools and support you need to feel more like yourself.”
About Me
I am a proud mom, a dedicated member of the LGBTQI+ community, and a feminist.
I hold advanced training as a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP) from Frontier Nursing University.
My clinical training includes private practice telehealth for adults, working with children in an outpatient psychiatric clinic, as well as caring for people with a wide range of complex mental health needs in a hospital setting.
Before I expanded my practice into psychiatry, I spent many years as a Certified Nurse Midwife, a role I continue to fulfill today within a large hospital system. It has been a privilege to support individuals in various areas of reproductive health, such as family planning, prenatal and postpartum care, gynecology, and menopause management. As a midwife, it’s been an honor to care for a diverse group of birthing individuals in the hospital setting.
Additionally, I’ve presented on topics such as providing care for same-sex couples and transgender parents. From 2019 to 2022, I was recognized as one of Portland Monthly's Top Nurse Midwives. If you are looking for a partner in your mental health journey, I would be honored to walk that path with you.
Education
& Certifications
Post Graduate Certificate, Psych-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner
Frontier Nursing University
Master of Science in Nursing, Nurse-Midwife/Women's Health Nurse Practitioner
University of California, San Francisco
Master's Entry Program in Nursing
University of California, San Francisco
Bachelor of Arts, Hispanic Studies/Art History
Scripps College
ANCC Board Certified Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner
AMCB Certified Nurse Midwife