What patients are saying
Overall rating
5.00
About Shaquita Starks
Focus areas
Adjustment Disorder
Bipolar Disorder
Sleep Problems
Anxiety Disorder
Depression
Weight Management
Attention-Deficit / Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)
Sexual Dysfunction
Clientele seen
Children (<13)
Adults (25-64)
Teenagers (13-17)
Seniors (65+)
Young adults (18-24)
Individuals
Treatment approaches
Dialectical (DBT)
Solution Focused Brief (SFBT)
Identity
Gender
FemaleSexuality
StraightEthnicity
Black or African American
Languages spoken
English
Getting to know Shaquita Starks
Welcome! I'm Dr. Shaquita Starks, PhD, APRN, PMHNP-BC — a board-certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner and Fellow of the American Academy of Nursing with over a decade of experience in psychiatric care, education, and mental health advocacy.
I specialize in the comprehensive evaluation and treatment of mood disorders, anxiety, trauma, ADHD, and co-occurring conditions. My approach is integrative and patient-centered, combining evidence-based psychiatric care with a deep respect for the whole person: mind, body, and spirit. I believe healing is not one-size-fits-all, and I take time to truly understand your story before we build a care plan together.
I serve patients across Georgia, Tennessee, Maryland, and Washington, DC through telehealth making quality psychiatric care accessible from the comfort of your home. In addition to medication management and therapy-informed support, I offer specialized services including ketamine-assisted therapy for treatment-resistant depression and mood conditions.
My background includes faculty appointments at Johns Hopkins University, Emory University, and the University of Tennessee Health Science Center, which means you're receiving care grounded in the latest clinical research and best practices.
Whether you're navigating burnout, a life transition, grief, or a longstanding mental health condition, I'm here to walk alongside you with compassion, clinical excellence, and a genuine commitment to your well-being.
I look forward to meeting you.
What should a new client know about working with you?
My approach is warm, direct, and deeply personalized. I don't do cookie-cutter care. Before we talk about medications or treatment plans, I want to understand you — your history, your values, what's worked, and what hasn't. I create a space where you can be honest without judgment.
As a psychiatric nurse practitioner with advanced training in both medication management and therapy-informed modalities, I integrate multiple lenses into your care. I also hold a deep respect for spirituality and culture as part of mental wellness — not as an afterthought, but as central to who you are.
New clients can expect our first visit to be thorough and conversational. I ask a lot of questions because I want to get it right. My goal is for you to leave feeling heard, clear on your options, and hopeful about what's possible.
What is your typical process for working with clients?
For new patients, our first appointment is a comprehensive psychiatric evaluation — typically 45–60 minutes. We'll review your full mental health history, current symptoms, past treatments, medical background, medications, and life context. I do not rush this process.
From there, I develop an individualized treatment plan that may include medication management, therapy-informed support, lifestyle recommendations, and — for appropriate candidates — specialized services for treatment-resistant depression or mood conditions are available.
Follow-up sessions focus on monitoring your response, adjusting your plan, and supporting your progress. I practice collaboratively, meaning you are always part of the decision-making. I also offer ongoing psychoeducation so you understand your diagnosis and your treatment — not just your prescription.
Is this doctor in your insurance network?
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In-network insurances
Aetna
BlueCross BlueShield
Cigna
Medicare
UnitedHealthcare
UnitedHealthcare Oxford
Don’t see your insurance?
It’s common for mental health providers to be out-of-network. Many insurance plans offer out-of-network coverage, so you may get partially reimbursed. Learn more
Out-of-pocket fees and assistance
Initial session: $250 for 45 minutes
Ongoing session: $150 for 15 minutes
- Sliding scale: Offers lower out-of-pocket fees on an individual basis, typically based on your ability to pay
- Files your insurance claim: You pay the session fee upfront and the provider files the claim for you, so you can get reimbursed directly without worrying about the paperwork
More information on payments and coverage
I accept a range of insurance plans and also offer out-of-pocket pricing for patients who prefer self-pay or whose plans are out-of-network. My initial evaluation is $250 (45 minutes), and ongoing management visits are $150 (15 minutes).
I am committed to making psychiatric care accessible. Patients are encouraged to verify their benefits prior to their first appointment. My team is happy to assist with questions about coverage and payment options. Sliding scale or scholarship assistance may be available for certain specialized services — please inquire directly.
Office location
Shaquita Starks, APRN also offers online video visits for patients
Education and background
Practice names
Education and training
- The University of Tennessee Health Science Center College of Nursing, PhD in Nursing Science
- The University of Tennessee Health Science Center College of Nursing, Master's in Nursing
- The University of Tennessee Health Science Center College of Nursing (Bachelor's)
Awards and publications
- Fellow of the American Academy of Nursing (FAAN)
- Inaugural Faculty Fellow, University Psychedelic Education Program (U-PEP)
- Starks, S., Josiah, N. & Outlaw, F. (2024). Ethical considerations for the advanced psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner. In B.L. Marshall, J. Bliss & S. Drake (Eds.). Psychiatric-mental health guidelines for nurse practitioners. Springer Publishing [Book chapter].
NPI number
1447425053
Patient reviews
All reviews have been submitted by patients after interacting with the practice.
Overall rating
5.00
Your trust is our top concern, so providers can't pay to alter or remove reviews. We also don't publish reviews that contain any private patient health information. Learn more here
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How soon can I make an appointment with Shaquita Starks?
Generally, Shaquita Starks has appointments available on Zocdoc within 1 week. You can see Shaquita Starks's earliest availability on Zocdoc and make an appointment online.
Is Shaquita Starks accepting new patients?
Shaquita Starks generally accepts new patients on Zocdoc. You can see Shaquita Starks's earliest availability on Zocdoc and schedule an appointment online.
Does Shaquita Starks accept my insurance?
Choose your insurance plan to verify if Shaquita Starks is in-network.
Can I make an appointment with Shaquita Starks online?
Yes, you can make an appointment online with Shaquita Starks using Zocdoc. It’s simple, secure, and free.
What practice does Shaquita Starks work with?
Where is Shaquita Starks's office located?
Shaquita Starks has 4 office locations, including in Towson, Memphis, and Decatur, view full addresses on Shaquita Starks's profile.
What are common reasons for patients to see Shaquita Starks?
Shaquita Starks frequently sees patients for Depression, New Patient Visit, Psychiatry Consultation, Psychotherapy, and Sleep Problems. You can see other visit reasons for Shaquita Starks on their profile.
What languages does Shaquita Starks speak?
Shaquita Starks speaks English.