Find a psychiatrist in Chesapeake, VA — covered by insurance

Watching your child or teen struggle can feel isolating, but you are not alone.

My name is Paula Gravitt, and I'm a board-certified Child and Adolescent Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP) and a proud Virginia Commonwealth University alum. My professional focus is solely on young people. My extensive clinical background—combined with a deep personal perspective—allows me to connect with families and guide them toward lasting change.

I specialize in treating children and teens facing complex challenges, including:

• Autism (co-occurring mental health issues)

• ADHD, OCD

• Anxiety, Depression, and Mood Disorders

• Challenging Behaviors and Self-Injurious Behaviors

• Improving Parent-Child Communication and Family Dynamics

I am a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner dedicated to providing compassionate, evidence-based care. I specialize in medication management and supportive therapy for a broad range of psychiatric disorders, including depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, trauma-related conditions, substance use disorders, and others. My approach is holistic and person-centered, fostering a safe and nonjudgmental environment where clients feel supported and empowered to achieve emotional stability, improved functioning, and overall well-being.

I am a board certified psychiatric nurse practitioner for over 5 years, and I am also a board certified adult nurse practitioner for over 12 years. I began my nursing career graduating from university of MD with my bachelors, and then attended Johns Hopkins University for my masters. I decided to further my education by attending Brandman University to obtain my Doctorate and psychiatric mental health certification in 2018.

I am a board-certified Nurse Practitioner with training in both primary care and psychiatric mental health. I have extensive experience providing care in community, correctional, and integrated care settings, where I work with individuals managing anxiety, depression, mood disorders, trauma-related conditions, and other mental health concerns.

I strive to create a supportive, nonjudgmental space where clients feel heard and respected. I value thoughtful assessment, clear communication, and collaborative decision-making to help clients better understand their symptoms and treatment options. My goal is to partner with each client to develop a personalized care plan that supports both mental and overall well-being.

Hi, I’m Olga Sears, PMHNP-BC, a board-certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner dedicated to helping adults navigate life’s challenges with compassion and understanding. I provide holistic, evidence-based care for depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, mood disorders, and ADHD. My goal is to create a safe, supportive space where you feel truly heard, respected, and empowered to take meaningful steps toward healing.

Sometimes just getting through the day can feel like a full-time job. Finding a mental health provider who truly understands you may seem out of reach, but it’s absolutely possible. Before anything else, I’m human. I’m also a woman, born overseas and shaped by the diversity of a Southern metropolitan city. I’ve had the privilege of working with people from all walks of life and am passionate about partnering with patients as they move toward greater health, balance, and fulfillment. You don't have to navigate it all alone. You can exhale- we’ll take it from here, together.