About Amy Shefftz
Focus areas
Anxiety Disorder
Depression
Psychiatric Medication Management
Attention-Deficit / Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)
Medication Management
Social Anxiety
Autism Spectrum Disorder
Phobia
Clientele seen
Children (<13)
Seniors (65+)
Young adults (18-24)
Individuals
Adults (25-64)
Treatment approaches
Motivational Interviewing
Identity
Gender
FemaleLanguages spoken
English
Getting to know Amy Shefftz
I'm Amy Shefftz, a board-certified Family Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner who specializes in children, adolescents, and young adults. With my Master's from UC San Francisco and more than a decade of experience, I offer a distinctive blend of clinical expertise and educational background in mental health care.
My focus is delivering comprehensive psychiatric care for young people facing today's challenges. I recognize that pediatric mental health calls for specialized attention, family involvement, and developmentally appropriate strategies. Whether a child is struggling with anxiety, ADHD, mood changes, or behavioral concerns, I take the time to listen carefully, gather a full picture, and develop a treatment plan tailored to their specific needs and stage of development.
What sets me apart is my diverse background. As a former elementary educator with Montessori training, I have a deep understanding of child development and learning differences. This foundation shapes my patient-centered approach, allowing me to connect naturally with young clients and break down complex concepts in age-appropriate, easy-to-understand ways. My experience coordinating care among teachers, therapists, and families ensures well-rounded support.
Outside of clinical work, my community involvement reflects a genuine commitment to youth wellbeing. I volunteer with youth cycling programs, serve on AYSO's Board of Directors as Child Protection Advocate, and hold National Ski Patrol certification. These activities keep me closely connected to the interests, experiences, and real-world challenges young people face every day.
My approach centers on building trust, reducing stigma, and equipping families with the knowledge and tools for lasting success on their mental health journey. I want every young person and family who walks through my door to feel heard, supported, and confident in the path forward.
What should a new client know about working with you?
As a board-certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner specializing in medication management, I work with individuals facing a wide range of mental health challenges — including depression, anxiety, ADHD, bipolar disorder, and more. From your very first appointment, you can expect a thorough, unhurried experience. I conduct a comprehensive psychiatric evaluation covering your current symptoms, their impact on daily life, your medical and treatment history, what has or has not worked before, and the goals you have for your care. Starting with this depth of understanding builds a stronger foundation and reduces unnecessary trial and error down the road.
My prescribing philosophy blends evidence-based medicine with individualized attention. Every recommendation accounts for your specific diagnosis, symptom severity, coexisting health conditions, current medications, potential side effects, affordability, and your own preferences.
Clear communication is central to how I practice. I explain diagnoses and treatment options in straightforward, accessible terms — including how medications work, realistic expectations for improvement, potential side effects, and typical timelines. I genuinely welcome your questions and believe the best outcomes come from true collaboration. My aim is to create a nonjudgmental space where you feel comfortable being open about your experiences and concerns.
I schedule regular follow-ups to track your progress, refine your treatment plan, and address any new challenges. I remain accessible between appointments and coordinate with other members of your care team when it serves your well-being. Consistency and continuity are not afterthoughts in my practice — they are cornerstones of it.
Whether you are beginning psychiatric medication for the first time or looking to improve an existing plan, my goal is to provide reliable, expert care that eases your symptoms and supports your daily functioning. You deserve care that grows with you.
What is your typical process for working with clients?
Starting psychiatric care can feel vulnerable, and I want you to know I approach every patient with empathy, respect, and without judgment. Our first session is all about you — your story, your struggles, your goals. I'll invite you to share what's been difficult lately, how it's affecting your life, and what you're hoping to feel different. This session typically lasts 60 minutes and covers significant ground: current symptoms and their severity, when problems began, previous diagnoses and treatments, medications you've tried and your experiences with them, medical history, family psychiatric background, substance use, trauma history if applicable, and major life stressors.
I also want to hear about your strengths, support systems, and coping strategies — even when you're struggling, you have resilience and resources worth acknowledging. You are more than what you're going through.
After gathering this information, I'll share my diagnostic assessment and treatment recommendations in plain language, connecting them directly to your specific experiences. When medication is appropriate, I present options tailored to your needs, explaining how they work, expected benefits, realistic timeframes, possible side effects, and any monitoring requirements. I answer every question thoroughly because informed patients are empowered patients.
Subsequent appointments are focused check-ins, typically 20 to 30 minutes, scheduled every few weeks initially. We'll systematically review symptom changes, side effects, medication effectiveness, and overall functioning. I adjust treatment based on your response and always explain my clinical reasoning. As you stabilize, visits can become less frequent.
I also coordinate with therapists and other providers to ensure integrated care — mental health treatment is most effective when all your providers communicate and work together. I'm here to provide compassionate, connected care every step of the way.
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In-network insurances
Aetna
BlueCross BlueShield
Cigna
UnitedHealthcare
UnitedHealthcare Oxford
Education and background
Practice names
Board certifications
- American Nurses Credentialing Center
Education and training
- University of California San Francisco Parnassus Campus, Master's in Nursing
NPI number
1184937260
How soon can I make an appointment with Amy Shefftz?
Generally, Amy Shefftz has appointments available on Zocdoc within 1 week. You can see Amy Shefftz's earliest availability on Zocdoc and make an appointment online.
Is Amy Shefftz accepting new patients?
Amy Shefftz generally accepts new patients on Zocdoc. You can see Amy Shefftz's earliest availability on Zocdoc and schedule an appointment online.
Does Amy Shefftz accept my insurance?
Choose your insurance plan to verify if Amy Shefftz is in-network.
Can I make an appointment with Amy Shefftz online?
Yes, you can make an appointment online with Amy Shefftz using Zocdoc. It’s simple, secure, and free.
What practice does Amy Shefftz work with?
Amy Shefftz works with Mental Health Practitioners.
Which board certifications does Amy Shefftz have?
Amy Shefftz is certified by American Nurses Credentialing Center.
What are common reasons for patients to see Amy Shefftz?
Amy Shefftz frequently sees patients for Anxiety, Attention-Deficit / Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), Depression, Psychiatry Consultation, and Sleep Problems. You can see other visit reasons for Amy Shefftz on their profile.
What languages does Amy Shefftz speak?
Amy Shefftz speaks English.
Zocdoc›Adult Psychiatric & Mental Health Nurse Practitioners›Amy Shefftz, APRN, RN, PMHNP, PMHNP-BC, NP