Shelley Berger Dooley, P.M.H.N.P. – B.C. Board Certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner I completed my Bachelor's in Nursing in 1974 from State University of New York at Binghamton. After 2 years working in medical-surgical nursing and pediatrics, I returned to school to complete my Master's in Community Mental Health-Psychiatric Nursing in 1978 from Arizona State University (ASU). After 18 years working in the mental health field, I returned to school at ASU to complete a certification post graduate program for Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner. I treat adults with a wide variety of issues. I specialize in psychiatric evaluations and medication management. At times I will combine psychotherapy with medication management. Most patients benefit from combining therapy with medication treatment and a majority of people are referred by therapists and are already involved in therapy, which I strongly support. Medication can be very helpful on a short term basis for situational stressors and/or depression that impairs functioning. Medication can be a lifesaver and greatly improves quality of life for ongoing mood disorders. I believe strongly in the ability of the patient to grow and change and therefore I encourage therapy, life style changes, education in the form of classes or reading materials as an adjunct to medication treatment. I love what I do. It Is an honor to assist people in their journey to a more satisfying life.