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: I do not accept EAP programs.
I'm a board-certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner who specializes in medication management, and I work with people navigating a broad range of mental health conditions, such as depression, anxiety, ADHD, bipolar disorder, and others. Starting with your first appointment, you can count on a comprehensive evaluation that's never rushed. We'll look together at your current symptoms and how they affect your everyday life, your medical and treatment background, what has helped and what hasn't in the past, and the goals you have for your care. Investing this time at the beginning creates a solid foundation and helps us reduce needless trial and error later on.
My approach to prescribing combines evidence-based medicine with care that is genuinely tailored to you. Each recommendation takes into account your specific diagnosis, any co-occurring conditions, medications you're currently taking, possible side effects, cost, and your own preferences.
I'll explain your diagnosis and treatment options in plain, easy-to-understand language, covering how each medication works, realistic timelines for improvement, and which side effects to keep an eye on. I always welcome your questions, because I believe the best results come from true partnership between us.
I schedule regular follow-up visits to monitor your progress, adjust your plan when needed, and respond to concerns as they come up. I remain available between appointments and work with your wider care team whenever it benefits your well-being. In my practice, continuity of care is never an afterthought; it's a cornerstone.
Whether you're trying psychiatric medication for the first time or looking to improve your current regimen, my aim is to provide reliable, expert care that meaningfully relieves your symptoms and helps you function better day to day. Most of all, I want you to feel heard, and completely comfortable from the moment our work together begins.
What is your typical process for working with clients?
Please note that I do not accept EAP programs. Seeking psychiatric care takes real courage, and from the very first moment we meet, I want you to feel genuinely heard and supported. I approach everyone with empathy, respect, and an open mind—entirely free of judgment. Our first appointment is devoted to understanding you: your story, what you're facing, and what you hope to change.
In this initial 60-minute session, I'll invite you to share what's been weighing on you, how it's affecting your daily life, and the changes you're seeking. We'll cover everything that matters: the nature and severity of your symptoms, when they started, any earlier diagnoses or treatments, medications you've tried and how they affected you, relevant medical history, family psychiatric background, substance use patterns, trauma history, and the significant stressors you're carrying right now.
It matters just as much to me to learn about your strengths, the people who support you, and the coping strategies that have brought you this far. Even in the most difficult seasons, you hold real resilience and inner resources worth honoring—you are far more than the challenges before you today.
Once I have this complete picture, I'll share my diagnostic impressions and recommendations in clear, plain language, grounded in your specific situation. When medication may help, I'll offer thoughtfully selected options matched to your individual circumstances and your personal goals for care.
Follow-up visits are meaningful check-ins, generally 20 to 30 minutes and scheduled every few weeks at first. We'll review changes in your symptoms, any side effects, how well your medication is working, and your overall daily functioning. I adjust treatment based on how you respond and always walk you through my clinical reasoning clearly. As you progress and stabilize, we can gradually space your appointments further apart. My goal is for you to feel supported and empowered every step of the way.
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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