Find a psychiatrist in Arlington, VA — covered by insurance

Hello, my name is Denise Cole and I am a board certified psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner providing medication management services for anxiety/depressive/bipolar disorders, OCD, and PTSD. I recognize the importance of mental health on overall health. I look forward to helping you work towards your goals and achieve wellness. Let’s get started.

My path into psychiatry is both professional and personal. I moved to the U.S. alone at 17 while navigating complex PTSD and periods of misdiagnosis, which shaped how I understand mental health today. I began with a bachelor’s degree in psychology at Nankai University, then trained as a nurse and nurse practitioner at Charles R. Drew University and Purdue University.

Over the past 7 years, I’ve worked across medical and mental health settings, developing an approach that balances clinical precision with individualized care. I specialize in anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder, and complex PTSD, particularly for individuals who feel stuck or haven’t found relief in traditional treatment.

I’m licensed in California, Virginia, New York, Washington, and Oregon, and provide care via telehealth.

Board certified in child, adolescent, and adult psychiatry, I bring years of experience helping people manage ADHD, anxiety, and depression across all ages. My background spans a wide range of clinical settings and diverse populations, giving me the flexibility to meet you where you are. I practice telehealth-only medication management, so you can access care from the comfort of home, whatever your schedule looks like.

I have been a Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP) since 2016 and have worked in both primary care and mental health since that time. In 2024, I graduated with my Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP) certification and have been working strictly in mental health since that time.

As a board-certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner, I believe mental health care should be collaborative and centered on who you are as an individual. I support adolescents and adults navigating anxiety, depression, ADHD, PTSD, OCD, mood disorders, and more. Through trauma-informed care, evidence-based practices, individualized treatment plans, comprehensive medication management, and therapeutic support, I create a judgment-free space where we can show up authentically and work together toward meaningful progress. My background includes experience as an outpatient psychiatric provider, inpatient psychiatric registered nurse, and in community reproductive health, allowing me to bring a broad and well-rounded perspective to the care I provide. I hold a Master of Science in Nursing and a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science and Sociology, which have shaped my understanding of the many varying factors that impact mental health.