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?
As a board-certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner specializing in medication management, I work with people navigating 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, unhurried evaluation. We will explore your current symptoms and how they affect daily life, your medical and treatment history, what has or has not helped in the past, and the goals you hold for your care. This depth of understanding from the start builds a stronger foundation and helps reduce unnecessary trial and error moving forward.
My prescribing philosophy blends evidence-based medicine with individualized attention. Every recommendation is shaped by your specific diagnosis, coexisting conditions, current medications, possible side effects, affordability, and personal preferences.
Clear, straightforward communication is central to how I practice. I explain diagnoses and treatment options in accessible terms, including how medications work, realistic timelines for improvement, and which side effects to watch for. I sincerely welcome your questions, and I believe the best outcomes grow from true collaboration between us.
I schedule consistent follow-ups to monitor your progress, fine-tune your treatment plan, and address any emerging concerns. I stay reachable between appointments and coordinate with other members of your care team whenever it benefits your wellbeing. Continuity of care is not an afterthought here—it is a cornerstone.
Whether you are starting psychiatric medication for the first time or hoping to improve an existing plan, my goal is to deliver expert, dependable care that meaningfully eases your symptoms and supports your everyday functioning. Above all, I want you to feel genuinely heard, respected, and fully at ease from the moment we begin working together. You deserve care that evolves alongside you throughout your entire mental health journey.
What is your typical process for working with clients?
I know that taking the first step toward psychiatric care takes courage, and I want you to feel truly heard and supported from the moment we meet. I approach everyone with empathy, respect, and an open mind, free of judgment. Our first appointment is given entirely to understanding you—your story, what you're struggling with, and what you're hoping to change.
In this initial 60-minute session, I'll invite you to share what's been weighing on you, how it's shaping your daily life, and the improvements you're looking for. Together we'll explore the details that matter: the nature and intensity of your current symptoms, when they first appeared, any past diagnoses or treatments, medications you've tried and how they affected you, relevant medical background, family history of psychiatric conditions, patterns of substance use, any experiences with trauma, and the significant stressors you're carrying.
It's just as important to me to learn about your strengths, the people in your corner, and the coping strategies that have carried you this far. Even in hard seasons, you hold resilience and resources worth recognizing—you are far more than the challenges in front of you right now.
Once I have this full picture, I'll share my diagnostic impression and recommendations in clear, plain language, tied directly to your particular situation. When medication may help, I offer carefully chosen options matched to your circumstances.
Follow-up visits are meaningful check-ins, usually 20 to 30 minutes and scheduled every few weeks at first. We'll look closely at any changes in your symptoms, side effects that come up, how well your medication is working, and your overall day-to-day functioning. I adjust treatment based on how you respond and always explain my clinical reasoning. As you improve and stabilize, we can space appointments further apart. My hope is that, over time, you'll feel increasingly equipped and confident in managing your mental health alongside me.
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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