Find a psychiatrist in Newport News, VA — covered by insurance

As a board-certified psychiatric nurse practitioner in rural Virginia, as well as, a decade abroad managing health programs, my experience includes acute crisis management, addiction medicine, community health, and maternal and child health. Medication management, therapy, and holistic care for depression, anxiety, adjustment challenges, traumatic experiences, and bipolar disorders are my main areas of focus. Particular interest and expertise in working with children and families in foster care.

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.

I am Dr. LaTaya T. Whitaker, DNP, PMHNP‐BC, FNP‐BC, a dual‐certified Nurse Practitioner with more than twenty years of experience in primary care, urgent care, occupational health, and psychiatric mental health. My practice is grounded in whole‐person, evidence‐based care that supports both physical and emotional wellbeing. Over the years, I’ve worked in federal agency clinics, community health settings, and academic nursing programs, where I’ve had the privilege of teaching and mentoring students at the undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral levels. I specialize in treating anxiety, depression, trauma‐related concerns, mood disorders, and life transitions. I am deeply committed to providing accessible, equitable mental health care and helping individuals move toward stability, clarity, and long‐term wellness.

My name is Rachel, and I am a psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner. I received my associates degree in nursing from Blue Ridge Community College, and I received my bachelors and masters degrees in nursing from James Madison University. I received a post graduate certificate in psych mental health from Shenandoah University, and I am currently enrolled in classes to obtain my doctor of nursing practice degree from James Madison University. I have worked as a registered nurse in state psychiatric facilities since 2018, and I became a nurse practitioner in 2025.