Heather MacLeod, APRN, PMHNP-BC, has been a Board-Certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner since 2007. She graduated in 1989 with a Bachelor of Arts in English Literature from the University of Florida. She worked for years as a legal assistant, victim advocate, case manager, and counselor in the Gainesville community. She later earned from the University of Florida with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (2004) and a Master of Science in Nursing (2006) specializing in psychiatry, with a clinical focus in forensic psychiatry.
She has practiced in the North Florida area for 15 years, working with a broad range of psychiatric disorders including Schizophrenia, Schizoaffective Disorder, Bipolar Disorder, Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, Anxiety Disorders, Depressive Disorders, Substance Use Disorders, Personality Disorders and ADHD.
She is judicious in prescribing psychotropic medications, is aware of potential medical etiologies of psychiatric symptoms, and uses standards of care treatment guidelines. In terms of psychotherapy, she practices within a framework that compassion for and forgiveness of oneself is the key to acceptance and connection with others. She knows it is never too late to re-discover and embrace one’s authentic self.