Robin Joiner, PMHNP
I’m a board-certified Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner which means I’m a nurse practitioner with specialized training in psychiatry. As a PMHNP, I’m licensed to evaluate, diagnose, and treat psychiatric disorders which includes the prescribing of psychotropic medications. Through the state of Florida, I have additional certification that allows me to practice autonomously while under contract with a collaborating physician. I am privileged to be collaborating with Dr. Linda Lefler who has been practicing psychiatry for 30+ years (and is a UF alum!).
Why Psychiatry?
I’ve always known I wanted to be in a helping profession but the focus of this ambition became clear through a handful of transformative personal and professional moments. I have experienced and witnessed the devastating impacts of untreated mental illness and the cruelty of shame-based mental health care. Becoming a psychiatric nurse practitioner was a way for me to pursue a vision of holistic, compassionate, and effective mental health services.
As a nurse, I value advocacy, safety, and education. As a practitioner, I emphasize effective, evidence-based, and patient-centered care. The combination of these perspectives creates a unique clinical experience that many patients find comforting and in turn more effective.
My Approach
When working with new patients, my initial goal is to cultivate a relationship rooted in trust and mutual respect. From there, the priority is to ensure accurate diagnosis through a thorough history and assessment. We will establish what your specific goals are and then together, develop a care plan that is compassionate, efficient, practical, and individualized. Care plans often include the use of medications but I also will encourage non-pharmacological interventions whenever appropriate.