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

With over three decades of dedicated psychiatric experience, I bring a unique, comprehensive perspective to mental health care. My journey spans more than 30 years in the field, including 18 years as an advance practice Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner and adult medical prescriber. Having cared for individuals of all ages during my foundational years as a registered nurse, I understand the deep complexities of human development, behavioral health and substance abuse disorders. My passion for elevating patient care has allowed me to lead, mentor, and collaborate with teams of nurses across multiple states and healthcare systems. This expansive network keeps me at the forefront of modern, evidence-based treatments and diverse clinical practices. I am deeply committed to empowering my patients through personalized, empathetic and expert care. Whether you are navigating a life transition, managing a chronic mental health condition, or seeking support for substance recovery, my wealth of knowledge ensures you receive top-tier, specialized guidance. Together we will build a tailored path toward lasting wellness, balance and healing.

Welcome! I'm a board-certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP-BC) dedicated to helping individuals find healing through a well-rounded approach to mental wellness. True healing comes from caring for the whole person: mind, body, and spirit. My goal is to create a safe, compassionate, and judgment-free space where you can be listened to, valued, and empowered to take an active role in your mental health journey. I have years of experience caring for individuals with depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, trauma, psychosis, substance use disorders, and other complex mental health conditions. Mental health is more than managing symptoms. Mental well-being is closely connected to physical health, relationships, purpose, and daily habits. Together, we will explore how these areas influence your overall wellness and develop a treatment plan that supports lasting growth. This may include medication management when appropriate, education, supportive therapy, healthy lifestyle strategies, stress management, sleep optimization, and building practical coping skills that fit your life.

My practice is rooted in delivering high-quality, patient-centered care designed to help you navigate and improve your mental well-being. I believe in a comprehensive treatment model with evidence-based medication management and tailored interventions.

I specialize in treating depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, psychosis, and the mental health complexities of chronic medical illness. My expertise also extends to sleep disorders, stress reduction, and dual diagnosis.

Clients should know that I am committed to providing a safe, supportive, and judgment-free space where they can openly discuss their concerns. I understand that seeking mental health treatment can be difficult, and I strive to build trusting relationships through empathy, respect, and active listening.

As a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner, I believe in treating the whole person rather than just symptoms. I work collaboratively with clients to develop individualized treatment plans that align with their goals, values, and lifestyle. My approach combines evidence-based medication management with education, supportive therapy, and practical coping strategies to promote lasting wellness.

Clients can expect me to be compassionate, approachable, and dedicated to helping them navigate life's challenges while empowering them to take an active role in their mental health journey.

As a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP) from Walden University, I am deeply passionate about delivering patient-centered care and committed to advocating for individuals from diverse backgrounds and cultures. With over eight years of experience working with patients, families, and communities affected by mental illness, I have developed a profound understanding of the importance of compassionate and individualized care.

My professional journey began as a registered nurse, where I came to realize that mental illness is no respecter of person, age, color, or social status. This experience reinforced my belief that every individual facing mental health challenges deserves a patient-centered, personalized, and holistic approach to their care.

As a PMHNP, my goal is to serve as a source of strength and support through active listening, empathy, and compassion. I strive to provide an evidence-based approach tailored to each patient’s specific needs, ensuring that every individual feels heard, valued, and empowered on their path to wellness.