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)
Young adults (18-24)
Adults (25-64)
Individuals
Seniors (65+)
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?
Please note that I do not accept EAP programs. As a board-certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner specializing in medication management, I work with people facing a wide range of mental health conditions, including depression, anxiety, ADHD, bipolar disorder, and more. From your very first visit, you can expect a thorough and unhurried evaluation. Together, we will look at your current symptoms and how they shape your daily life, your medical and treatment history, what has and has not worked for you before, and the goals you hold for your own care. Building this understanding from the start creates a stronger foundation and helps reduce unnecessary trial and error down the road.
My prescribing philosophy brings together evidence-based medicine and truly individualized attention. Every recommendation is shaped by your specific diagnosis, any coexisting conditions, the medications you already take, potential side effects, affordability, and your personal preferences.
I explain diagnoses and treatment options in language that is easy to follow, including how medications work, realistic timelines for improvement, and the side effects worth watching for. Your questions are always welcome, and I believe the best outcomes come from real collaboration between us.
I schedule consistent follow-ups to track your progress, adjust your plan as needed, and address any concerns as they arise. I remain reachable between appointments and coordinate with your broader care team whenever it supports your wellbeing. Continuity of care is not an afterthought in my practice; it is a genuine cornerstone.
Whether you are beginning psychiatric medication for the first time or hoping to improve an existing plan, my goal is to provide expert, dependable care that meaningfully eases your symptoms and supports your daily functioning. Above all, I want you to feel heard, respected, and fully at ease from the moment we begin working together.
What is your typical process for working with clients?
Please note that I do not accept EAP programs. Taking the first step toward psychiatric care takes real courage, and from the moment we meet, I want you to feel genuinely heard and supported. I approach every person with empathy, respect, and an open mind—entirely free of judgment. Our very first appointment is devoted to understanding you: your story, what you are navigating, and what you are hoping to change.
During this initial 60-minute session, I will invite you to share what has been weighing on you, how it is affecting your daily life, and what improvements you are seeking. We will explore everything that matters: the nature and severity of your current symptoms, when they began, any prior diagnoses or treatments, medications you have tried and how they affected you, relevant medical history, family psychiatric background, substance use patterns, trauma history, and the significant stressors you are carrying right now.
It is equally important to me to learn about your strengths, your support network, and the coping strategies that have carried you this far. Even in difficult seasons, you hold real resilience and inner resources worth acknowledging—you are far more than the challenges you are facing today.
Once I have this full picture, I will share my diagnostic impressions and recommendations in clear, straightforward language, grounded in your specific situation. When medication may be beneficial, I will offer carefully considered options matched to your individual circumstances.
Follow-up visits are meaningful check-ins, typically 20 to 30 minutes and scheduled every few weeks at first. We will review changes in your symptoms, any side effects, how well your medication is working, and your overall daily functioning. I adjust treatment based on your response and always walk you through my clinical reasoning. As you progress and stabilize, we can gradually space appointments further apart.
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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 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