Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner
Thoughtful, informed psychiatric care for individuals navigating challenging times
Hi, I'm Heather Otto, a PMHNP seeing patients in Portland, Oregon. My path into psychiatry was shaped by years of clinical experience working with people during some of the most difficult moments of their lives. I take a warm, collaborative approach with teenagers through adulthood navigating anxiety, depression, ADHD, and much more. My goal is to meet you where you are and work together at a pace that feels right for you.
Do you worry in a way that feels impossible to turn off?
Do you wake up tired no matter how much you sleep?
Has concentrating or following through become harder than it used to be?
Have things you used to enjoy started to feel flat or not worth the effort?
Do you notice tension in your body, a tight chest or a stomach that is always slightly knotted?
Does your hormonal cycle feel like it is impacting your quality of life?
You might feel a low-grade dread you cannot explain, an irritability that surprises you, or a heaviness that makes getting through the day feel like more effort than it should. Perhaps things that once brought you pleasure no longer do, or you find yourself withdrawing and going through the motions without really being present. You might struggle to quiet your mind, lose track of conversations, or feel behind no matter how hard you work, cycling between bursts of productivity and complete shutdown. Getting the right assessment makes all the difference. We work to untangle what is actually going on and build a plan that addresses the full picture.
The teenage years carry real pressure, and early support can make a significant difference. This is a space where teenagers can talk through what is going on without judgment, and where parents can get guidance figuring out how to help.
The mental demands of sport are just as taxing as the physical ones. Whether the goal is sharper performance, steadier recovery, or figuring out who you are outside of your sport, that is where we focus.
From adolescence through perimenopause, women's mental health is shaped by biology in ways that are frequently not considered. I integrate the hormonal cycle into assessment and treatment from the start, drawing on evidence grounded in female physiology.
Certain environments are built around high stakes, relentless pace, where showing signs of struggle is not an option. You do not have to be in crisis for this to be worth addressing.
My role is to offer a steady, non-judgmental space where we work collaboratively to trace your lived experience. We clarify goals, explore options, and create a plan that aligns with your values. Your needs and goals shape how we work together.
The tools depend on what fits: medication, therapy, coaching, and education. Finding relief. Laughter. Looking forward and sometimes back. Sleep, nutrition, and movement are always part of the picture. When the time is right, deprescribing too.
A 60 to 90 minute appointment to review your medical and psychiatric history, explore the symptoms that are bothering you, and begin building a treatment plan with goals that are specific to you.
A 25 minute appointment where we review your progress toward your treatment goals, discuss your medications and any concerns including side effects, and use psychotherapy to work through what is coming up for you, build skills, and deepen the work.
*Additional therapy sessions between regular follow-ups are available upon request and as schedule allows.
*I do not provide evaluations for emotional support animals, court cases, custody or disability claims.
I encourage you to reach out if you feel like we may be a good fit. You do not need to have everything figured out before scheduling an evaluation. Or, if you prefer, starting with a 15 minute phone consultation to ask questions and gather more info. What is the best first step for you?
I partner with Mindful Therapy Group for administration and billing.
To arrange a 15-minute consultation or schedule an evaluation please contact us:
If you are having a medical or mental health emergency, call 911 or the National Suicide Hotline at 988.