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 approach medication management with careful evaluation, thoughtful prescribing, and a consistent dedication to your overall well-being. My practice is built around helping people discover medication strategies that relieve symptoms, enhance their quality of life, and promote long-term health.
During our first session, I'll complete a comprehensive assessment that looks at your current symptoms, including how long they've been present and how severe they feel, as well as treatments you've tried in the past, your complete medical history, your family's psychiatric history, lifestyle factors, and, above all, your personal goals and preferences. Having this full picture lets me build a medication plan tailored specifically to you instead of depending on one-size-fits-all protocols.
My prescribing philosophy is to start carefully, watch your response closely, and adjust based on your unique experience. I'll explain the purpose of every medication, when you can realistically expect to see improvement, and which side effects are worth paying attention to. My aim is always to help you meet your goals using the simplest approach possible, which means the fewest medications at the lowest effective doses, avoiding unnecessary complexity whenever I can.
I provide personalized care for depression, anxiety, ADHD, bipolar disorder, and other psychiatric conditions, always adapted to your particular circumstances. Whether this is your first time seeking treatment or you're transferring from another provider, I'll meet you right where you are with patience and understanding.
As our work together continues, I stay available and involved, because questions and concerns often come up between appointments. I also work closely with your therapist and other members of your care team so your treatment remains comprehensive, well-coordinated, and consistent across every area.
What is your typical process for working with clients?
Please note that I do not accept EAP programs. Your care starts with a comprehensive, unhurried initial evaluation. I take the time to fully grasp your mental health history, what you're contending with at present, and your wider wellbeing—including sleep, appetite, energy, relationships, work, and the stressors currently affecting your life. No detail is too minor, and I bring genuine curiosity and care to every conversation we have.
We'll also work through your full psychiatric history: previous diagnoses, treatments you've undergone, and medications you've tried—what worked, what didn't, and how you responded along the way. Your medical background, family psychiatric history, and current medications all add to the complete picture I need to build a plan that truly fits you.
My sessions pair medication management with meaningful therapeutic conversation. We'll talk about how you're responding to treatment, which symptoms have eased or persisted, and how your daily functioning and quality of life are shifting. I'm dedicated to open dialogue and real partnership—explaining my clinical reasoning clearly, describing how medications work and why I recommend them, and reviewing any alternatives worth weighing together.
Follow-up visits are paced to your individual needs, typically ranging from weekly to monthly depending on your symptoms and progress. We'll evaluate how well treatment is working using both your lived experience and structured tools when appropriate, address any side effects promptly, and revise the plan as your circumstances change.
If you notice shifts in your symptoms, experience side effects that worry you, or encounter anything unexpected, please reach out without hesitation—timely communication can meaningfully improve both your outcomes and your overall care experience. When it serves your treatment, I also coordinate closely with your therapist, primary care physician, and the rest of your care team to keep your care 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