About Amy Shefftz
Focus areas
Anxiety Disorder
Depression
Postpartum Depression
Attention-Deficit / Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)
Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD)
Psychiatric Medication Management
Autism Spectrum Disorder
Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
Clientele seen
Children (<13)
Adults (25-64)
Teenagers (13-17)
Seniors (65+)
Young adults (18-24)
Individuals
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 specializing in children, adolescents, and young adults. With my Master's from UC San Francisco and over a decade of experience, I bring unique clinical expertise and educational background to mental health care.
My specialty is providing comprehensive psychiatric care for young people navigating today's challenges. I understand that pediatric mental health requires specialized attention, family involvement, and developmentally appropriate approaches.
My diverse background sets me apart. As a former elementary educator with Montessori training, I deeply understand child development and learning differences. This foundation informs my patient-centered approach, helping me connect with young clients and explain complex concepts age-appropriately. My experience coordinating care between teachers, therapists, and families ensures comprehensive support.
Beyond clinical work, my community involvement reflects my commitment to youth wellbeing. I volunteer with youth cycling programs, serve on AYSO's Board of Directors as Child Protection Advocate, and maintain National Ski Patrol certification. These activities keep me connected to young people's interests and challenges.
My approach emphasizes building trust, reducing stigma, and empowering families with knowledge and tools for lasting success in their mental health journey.
What should a new client know about working with you?
Please note: I do not accept EAP programs.
As a board-certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner, I bring careful evaluation, thoughtful prescribing, and a steady commitment to your overall well-being to medication management. My practice centers on helping people find medication strategies that ease their symptoms, improve their quality of life, and support lasting health.
At our first visit, I'll conduct a thorough assessment covering your current symptoms, including how long you've been experiencing them and how intense they feel, along with past treatments you've tried, your full medical history, your family's psychiatric history, lifestyle factors, and, most importantly, your personal goals and preferences. Seeing the complete picture allows me to design a medication plan that fits you specifically rather than relying on one-size-fits-all protocols.
My approach to prescribing is to begin cautiously, monitor your response closely, and make adjustments based on how you personally respond. I'll explain why each medication is being recommended, when you can realistically expect to notice improvement, and which side effects are important to watch for. My aim is always to help you reach your goals with the simplest plan possible: the fewest medications at the lowest effective doses, steering clear of unnecessary complexity whenever I can.
I offer individualized care for depression, anxiety, ADHD, bipolar disorder, and other psychiatric conditions, always tailored to your unique circumstances. Whether you're seeking treatment for the first time or transitioning from another provider, I'll meet you exactly where you are with patience and understanding.
As we continue working together, I remain accessible and engaged, since questions and concerns often arise between visits. I also collaborate closely with your therapist and other members of your care team to keep your treatment comprehensive, well-coordinated, and consistent in every area.
What is your typical process for working with clients?
Please note that I do not accept EAP (Employee Assistance Program) benefits. Your care begins with a thorough initial evaluation that is never rushed. I take time to understand your mental health history, what you're facing right now, and your overall wellbeing, including sleep, appetite, energy, relationships, work, and any current sources of stress. No detail is too small, and I approach every conversation with genuine interest and care.
We'll also review your full psychiatric history: past diagnoses, treatments you've received, and medications you've tried, including what helped, what didn't, and how you responded. Your medical history, family psychiatric history, and current medications help complete the picture so we can create a plan that truly fits you.
Sessions combine medication management with supportive, therapeutic conversation. We'll discuss how you're responding to treatment, which symptoms have improved or lingered, and how your daily functioning and quality of life are changing. I value open communication and true partnership, so I'll walk you through my clinical reasoning, explain how each medication works and why I'm recommending it, and review any alternatives we should consider together.
Follow-up visits are scheduled based on your needs, usually anywhere from weekly to monthly depending on your symptoms and progress. We'll assess how treatment is working using your own experience and, when appropriate, standardized clinical tools. We'll also address side effects promptly and adjust the plan as your life and needs evolve.
If your symptoms change, a side effect concerns you, or something unexpected comes up, please don't hesitate to reach out. Timely communication can make a real difference in both your results and your overall experience of care. When it supports your treatment, I also work closely with your therapist, primary care physician, and other members of your care team so your care stays connected and complete.
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In-network insurances
Aetna
BlueCross BlueShield
Cigna
UnitedHealthcare
Education and background
Practice names
Board certifications
- American Nurses Credentialing Center
Education and training
- University of California, San Francisco, Master's in Family Psychiatric and Mental Health 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 Personal 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 Attention-Deficit / Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), Depression, New Patient Visit, 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