Find a psychiatrist in Saint Petersburg, FL — covered by insurance

Patient-focused and compassionate Psychiatric APRN specialized in the care of individuals living with Serious Mental Illnesses (i.e., Bipolar Disorder, Depression, Schizophrenia, MDD, GAD, ADHD). I understand the challenges of navigating periods of depression, PTSD, mania, and the uncertainty that can come in between. My mission is to provide supportive, evidence-based care that helps you establish stability, regain balance, and enhance your quality of life.

I take a whole-person approach, offering:

• Thoughtful medication management tailored to your unique needs.
• Therapy options such as cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and interpersonal and social rhythm therapy (IPSRT).
• Education and guidance to help you recognize early warning signs of mood changes.
• Support for families and loved ones who play an important role in recovery.

My goal is not only to reduce symptoms but also to help you live with greater confidence, stability, and well-being.

Claudine Bernier, MSN, APRN, PMHNP-BC

Natasha Vernon, MSN, APRN, FNP-C, PMHNP-BC

Natasha Vernon is the owner of Sunshine Behavioral & Mental Health Center, LLC. She is a dually certified family nurse practitioner and psychiatric nurse practitioner. She earned her master’s degree from Nova Southeastern University in 2016 and post master’s life span psychiatric nurse practitioner certification from Washburn University in 2020. She has over 10 years of nursing experience in various specialties within the medical field. Throughout her career, she has treated a variety of mental health conditions such as depression, anxiety, mood disorders, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, posttraumatic stress disorder, and other psychiatric disorders. She is truly passionate about providing care for people suffering with mental illness.

At Sunshine Behavioral & Mental Health Center, LLC, our goal is to provide compassionate, kind, and empathetic care to all of our patients and eliminate all stigmas associated with people diagnosed with mental illness. Our services include initial psychiatric evaluations and follow-up appointments for intervention with medication management. We thank you for choosing us to be your mental health provider. We are honored to help you. We are committed to making you feel better mentally and in all aspects of life!

I know reaching out for help isn’t always easy. Whether you’re struggling with anxiety, depression, ADHD, feeling overwhelmed, or simply not feeling like yourself, my goal is to provide a space where you feel comfortable being honest about what you’re going through.

I believe people do best when they feel genuinely heard and understood. I take the time to listen, answer questions, and work with you to find solutions that fit your life. My focus is helping you feel better, function better, and get back to being the version of yourself you want to be.

I have 9 years of experience working in psychiatric nursing before becoming a nurse practitioner. I worked at Northeast Florida State Hospital in Macclenny, Florida for 9 years as an Registered Nurse. I understand the pitfalls of institutionalization and the path of recovery is a long one but still is achievable with the right support system.

I’m a board-certified psychiatrist who works with adolescents through older adults, and I bring both medical and therapeutic training into my work. In addition to psychiatry, I’ve completed advanced training in psychodynamic psychotherapy, which allows me to look beyond symptoms and explore the deeper emotional patterns shaping your experience.

I specialize in mood disorders, trauma and PTSD, ADHD, and women’s mental health, including the unique challenges that come with life transitions. Whether you’re navigating longstanding patterns or a more recent shift, I aim to create a space that feels warm, affirming, and grounded in real understanding.

You may feel overwhelmed, anxious, or emotionally drained, unsure why things feel harder than they used to. Maybe your thoughts won’t slow down at night, your mood shifts more than you’d like, or daily responsibilities feel heavier than before. You might feel frustrated trying to manage it all on your own, wondering if things will ever feel easier.

At Journi Alignment Mental Health, I help adults and older adults struggling with anxiety, depression, and mood disorders move toward emotional balance through personalized psychiatric evaluations, medication management, and ongoing support, offered via telehealth or in an outpatient clinic setting.

When you meet with me, you’ll find a calm, welcoming space where your concerns are heard without judgment. I take time to listen and understand your story, symptoms, and goals. Together, we create a personalized plan that may include thoughtful psychiatric evaluation, medication management when appropriate, and practical strategies to help you feel more stable and confident in your daily life. My approach is collaborative, you are always part of the decision-making process.

Over time, many clients begin to feel more balanced, more rested, and more in control of their emotions and routines. Imagine sleeping better, feeling less anxious, and having the energy to reconnect with the people and activities that matter most. My goal is to help you regain clarity, confidence, and peace as you move forward in your mental health journey.

My name is Benjamin Howell, and I'm the founder of Tranceform Wellness. At Tranceform Wellness, we believe that mental health care should be accessible to all. Our mission is to increase healthcare availability by providing high-quality psychiatry services at affordable rates. Our practice is able to provide a full suite of services, including telehealth medication management appointments and therapy services.

I am extremely passionate about mental wellness to achieve the best possible quality of life. I often see the correlation of neglecting mental health and the negative effects on ones self care and relationships with others. I have a diverse background in psychiatric mental health to treat acute and chronic concerns with a specialty with womens mental health. As a duel certified FNP and PMHNP, I value the importance of overall mind and body well-being.

I believe everyone deserves access to compassionate, high-quality mental health care. My path to becoming a mental health provider has been shaped by both my clinical training and personal experiences, which have strengthened my commitment to helping individuals feel seen, supported, and understood.

I work with young adults experiencing anxiety, depression, life stress, and other emotional challenges. My approach is warm, collaborative, and goal-oriented. I strive to create a safe, nonjudgmental space where clients can openly discuss their concerns.