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?
As a board-certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner, my approach to medication management rests on thorough evaluation, thoughtful prescribing, and steady dedication to your overall well-being. I've built my practice around helping people find medication strategies that ease symptoms, improve quality of life, and support lasting health.
Excellent psychiatric care takes patience, precision, and real collaboration. In our first session, I conduct an in-depth assessment that explores your current symptoms—their duration and intensity—along with treatments you've tried before, your full medical history, family psychiatric history, lifestyle factors, and, most importantly, your personal goals and preferences. This complete understanding lets me design a medication plan made specifically for you, rather than relying on one-size-fits-all protocols.
My prescribing philosophy emphasizes starting carefully, watching your response closely, and adjusting based on your individual experience. I'll clearly explain each medication's purpose, when you can realistically expect to notice improvements, and which side effects deserve attention. My aim is always to help you reach your goals through the simplest approach possible—the fewest medications at the lowest effective doses—avoiding unnecessary complexity wherever I can.
I provide individualized care for depression, anxiety, ADHD, bipolar disorder, and other psychiatric conditions, always tailored to your specific situation. Whether you're seeking treatment for the first time or transitioning from another provider, I'll meet you where you are with patience and understanding.
As we work together over time, I stay accessible and engaged, knowing that questions and concerns naturally come up between appointments. I also collaborate closely with your therapist and other providers so your care stays comprehensive, well-coordinated, and unified across every aspect of your health.
What is your typical process for working with clients?
Your work with me starts with a thorough, unhurried initial assessment. I take the time to really understand your mental health history, what you're experiencing now, and your wellbeing as a whole—your sleep, appetite, energy, relationships, work life, and whatever stressors you happen to be facing at the moment. Nothing is too small or insignificant to mention, and I come to this conversation with sincere curiosity and care.
Together we'll also look closely at your full psychiatric history: earlier diagnoses, treatments you've had, and medications you've tried—what worked, what didn't, and how your body and mind responded to each. Your medical background, your family's psychiatric history, and your current medications all help me form a complete picture, so the path I recommend is shaped specifically around you.
My sessions blend medication management with meaningful therapeutic conversation. We'll discuss how you're responding to treatment, which symptoms have eased or lingered, and how your day-to-day functioning and quality of life are changing. I believe wholeheartedly in open dialogue and partnership—I'll share my clinical thinking plainly, explain how medications work and why I'm suggesting certain options, and walk through any alternatives worth weighing together.
Follow-up visits are paced around your individual needs and progress, often ranging from weekly to monthly depending on your symptoms and response. We'll gauge how well treatment is working using both your firsthand experience and standardized tools when fitting, address side effects promptly and thoughtfully, and adapt the plan as your circumstances shift over time.
If you notice changes in your symptoms, have side effects that concern you, or run into something unexpected, please reach out without hesitation—timely communication can meaningfully improve your outcomes and your overall experience. More than anything, I want you to feel like a true, supported partner in your own care.
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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, 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