Addiction therapists & psychiatrists in Sarasota, FL

Taking the step to seek mental health support can feel overwhelming—but you don’t have to do it alone.

I am a board-certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP-BC) providing compassionate, patient-centered care to individuals navigating anxiety, depression, trauma-related concerns, and complex mental health needs.

I have experience working across high-acuity hospital settings, partial hospitalization programs, and community-based care, which allows me to support individuals through both everyday challenges and more complex clinical situations. My goal is to create a calm, supportive, and nonjudgmental space where you feel heard and respected.

I am a kind, open-minded person who genuinely values listening and understanding others. I believe that some of the most meaningful connections begin with simply feeling heard. I have an extensive background and passion for psychology, and I am endlessly fascinated by the brain, the mind, and how deeply connected they are to our emotions, behaviors, and overall well-being.

Outside of my professional life, I enjoy spending time with my family, playing with my cats, and traveling whenever I get the opportunity. I naturally enjoy helping others navigate life’s challenges, whether that involves problem-solving, relationships, emotional struggles, or finding new perspectives during difficult times. Helping people better understand themselves and move toward healthier, more fulfilling lives is something that brings me genuine purpose.

I also hold a special passion for supporting our military, veterans, and first responders. Being married to one has given me a deeper appreciation and understanding of the sacrifices made by these individuals and their families. I believe the men and women who have served and protected our country are among our nation’s greatest assets, and I feel deeply committed to helping support their mental health, resilience, and quality of life as they continue carrying burdens many others may never fully understand.

I began working in the field of Mental Health in 2004, serving the female population. After three years, I decided to make this a career choice and studied at Springfield College to earn a master’s degree as a Mental Health Counselor. The first paid position I accepted was offered by a non-profit in Brandon, FL, where I served as a Group Facilitator and Counselor to adult and adolescent populations. In this position, I discovered my passion for counseling and helping others grow.

I am a dedicated Nurse Practitioner with a strong background in mental health and primary care, committed to providing compassionate, patient-centered care. I earned my advanced practice degree from Wilkes University and have experience working with diverse populations across various clinical settings.

My approach is collaborative and holistic—I believe in treating the whole person, not just symptoms. I work with clients experiencing anxiety, depression, mood disorders, ADHD, and life transitions. I strive to create a supportive, non-judgmental environment where clients feel heard, understood, and empowered.

I utilize evidence-based treatments, including medication management when appropriate, and incorporate supportive and solution-focused approaches tailored to each individual’s needs. My goal is to help clients achieve stability, improve daily functioning, and enhance their overall quality of life.

I understand that seeking help can be a big step, and I am here to support you throughout your journey with respect, empathy, and professionalism.

I graduated from The Ohio State University with my DNP in 2020 focusing on efficient pathways to implement depression screening post-stroke to identify mental health needs. After working a couple years as a nurse practitioner within neurosurgery, I transitioned from Ohio to Florida and pursued my PMHNP certification from Florida State University. Over the past 5 years I have been treating psychiatric needs in LTC around Florida. I am currently working to expand into independent practice and work personally with individuals creating a therapeutic relationship and enhancing their mental health.

With over 22 years of experience in the field of mental health, I am dedicated to helping individuals overcome life's challenges and build a path toward healing and growth.

I have had the privilege of working with individuals of all ages, from young children to older adults, and have extensive experience supporting clients through depression, anxiety, grief, trauma, life transitions, personality disorders, and more. My background spans a variety of settings, including outpatient and inpatient care, schools, homes, skilled nursing facilities, and the criminal justice system, allowing me to bring a comprehensive understanding of diverse life experiences and challenges.

Whether you're navigating a difficult moment or looking to address long-term struggles, I am committed to providing compassionate, evidence-based care tailored to your unique needs.

Clients should know that I’m down-to-earth, non-judgmental, and a genuine person. I believe therapy works best when you feel safe enough to be real—no masks, no pressure, no shame. I bring warmth and care into the room, along with a sense of humor when it’s helpful, because healing doesn’t always have to feel heavy to be meaningful.

I’m also solution-focused and collaborative. That means we’ll spend time understanding what’s going on, but we won’t get stuck there. We’ll work together to identify practical tools, coping strategies, and small, realistic steps that can help you feel better in your day-to-day life. Above all, I care deeply about meeting you where you are and supporting you in a way that feels respectful, empowering, and aligned with your goals. If you do not see your insurance provider listed and you are interested in private pay, please email me at [email protected] or find me on Psychology today under Nicole McCray and send me a message.