About Sharon Atwood
Focus areas
Anger Management
Bipolar Disorder
Medication Review
Anxiety
Depression
Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD)
Attention-Deficit / Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)
Medication Management
Clientele seen
Adults (25-64)
Individuals
Seniors (65+)
Young adults (18-24)
Treatment approaches
Motivational Interviewing
Identity
Gender
FemaleSexuality
StraightEthnicity
White
Languages spoken
English
Getting to know Sharon Atwood
I am a board-certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP-BC) and Adult Nurse Practitioner (ANP-C) bringing more than a decade of advanced clinical experience caring for adults across the full mental health continuum. I maintain an active, unrestricted license in California and deliver compassionate, evidence-driven psychiatric services via telehealth.
I completed my Master of Science in Nursing at Florida Atlantic University and earned my Post-Master's Certificate in Psychiatric Mental Health from the University of Miami, achieving Summa Cum Laude distinction for both programs. I additionally hold a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from Kean University, where I graduated with Magna Cum Laude honors.
I offer over 14 years of nurse practitioner practice in adult and geriatric primary care environments. With more than six years of focused PMHNP experience, I perform thorough psychiatric evaluations, diagnostic assessments, and personalized treatment planning. I am proficient in psychotropic medication management — encompassing prescribing, dose adjustment, and continuous monitoring — and embrace a partnership-centered approach to ensure every patient feels educated and empowered throughout their treatment process.
I collaborate directly with supervising psychiatrists and interdisciplinary care teams, upholding the highest standards of coordinated treatment. I am experienced in ordering and reviewing diagnostic laboratories, conducting safety evaluations, and initiating appropriate referrals tailored to each patient's distinct needs.
I am recognized for fostering a secure, judgment-free environment where patients feel genuinely acknowledged. Whether you are pursuing support for the first time or advancing along your wellness path, I am devoted to working alongside you to reach meaningful, sustained progress in your mental health and overall quality of life.
What should a new client know about working with you?
Please note: I do not accept EAP programs.
When you work with me, you'll have a warm, judgment-free space where your concerns are truly heard, validated, and given the attention they deserve. I take time to learn about your individual experiences, symptoms, personal history, and hopes for the future before building a care plan tailored to your particular needs and circumstances.
At our first visit, I'll conduct a comprehensive, unhurried psychiatric evaluation to understand what you're going through and how it's affecting your daily life. We'll explore your mental health history, your current symptoms, how they influence your ability to function, and any treatments you've tried before. From that foundation, we'll collaborate on a plan that may include medication management, education to help you better understand your condition, practical coping strategies, and ongoing support at every stage of your treatment.
Partnership is at the core of my style. You'll always be an active participant in your care rather than a passive recipient of it, and I'll make sure you fully understand your treatment options and feel confident in the path we decide on together.
All of my appointments are held via telehealth, which means you can meet with me from the comfort, convenience, and privacy of your home or anywhere else that suits you. I'm comfortable using a variety of telehealth platforms and will make sure your experience is smooth, straightforward, and easy to access from the very start.
If medication becomes part of your plan, I'll clearly explain how it works in your body and brain, what improvements to expect and on what timeline, which side effects to watch for, and how we'll track your progress together over time.
Whether you're facing anxiety, depression, mood shifts, ADHD, trauma-related symptoms, or other mental health challenges, I'm here to help you take that first step toward feeling better and reclaiming the quality of life you genuinely deserve.
What is your typical process for working with clients?
Please note that I do not accept EAP programs. My process starts with a thorough psychiatric assessment during your first appointment, typically 60 to 90 minutes. I invest meaningful time gathering a detailed history—your current concerns, previous mental health experiences, medical background, and current medications. I also conduct a mental status examination to establish a complete clinical picture. This initial evaluation lets me understand not only your symptoms, but who you are as a whole person.
From that foundation, I develop a personalized care plan built around your unique needs and goals. If medication is appropriate, I walk you through the available options, explain how each one works, and review potential side effects—making sure you feel genuinely confident before we move ahead. Medication management is an ongoing process, so I monitor your response closely, adjust dosages when needed, and order relevant lab work to support your progress. I never take a one-size-fits-all approach, because what works well for one person may not be the right fit for another.
Follow-up sessions typically run 20 to 30 minutes and center on how you're doing, assessing your progress, and refining your treatment strategy as your needs evolve. I weave psychoeducation throughout our work together, helping you build a deeper understanding of your condition and practical tools for maintaining your wellbeing between visits. My goal is for you to leave each appointment feeling more informed, more empowered, and more in control of your own mental health journey.
I coordinate with your other healthcare providers and arrange referrals to primary care physicians or specialists when clinically appropriate. If a safety concern arises, I'm experienced in conducting risk evaluations and developing safety plans to protect your welfare.
All appointments are conducted via telehealth, giving you convenient access to quality psychiatric care.
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In-network insurances
Aetna
BlueCross BlueShield
Cigna
UnitedHealthcare
Office locations
Sharon Atwood, APRN, RN, NP, MSN, PMHNP-BC also offers online video visits for patients
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Education and background
Practice names
Board certifications
- American Nurses Credentialing Center
Education and training
- University of Miami, Post-Master's Certificate in Psychiatric and Mental Health Nursing
- Florida Atlantic University, Master's in Nursing
NPI number
1538356670
How soon can I make an appointment with Sharon Atwood?
Generally, Sharon Atwood has appointments available on Zocdoc within 1 week. You can see Sharon Atwood's earliest availability on Zocdoc and make an appointment online.
Is Sharon Atwood accepting new patients?
Sharon Atwood generally accepts new patients on Zocdoc. You can see Sharon Atwood's earliest availability on Zocdoc and schedule an appointment online.
Does Sharon Atwood accept my insurance?
Choose your insurance plan to verify if Sharon Atwood is in-network.
Can I make an appointment with Sharon Atwood online?
Yes, you can make an appointment online with Sharon Atwood using Zocdoc. It’s simple, secure, and free.
What practice does Sharon Atwood work with?
Sharon Atwood works with Personal Practitioners.
Where is Sharon Atwood's office located?
Sharon Atwood has 3 office locations, including in San Francisco and Beverly Hills, view full addresses on Sharon Atwood's profile.
Which board certifications does Sharon Atwood have?
Sharon Atwood is certified by American Nurses Credentialing Center.
What are common reasons for patients to see Sharon Atwood?
Sharon Atwood 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 Sharon Atwood on their profile.
What languages does Sharon Atwood speak?
Sharon Atwood speaks English.
Zocdoc›Adult Psychiatric & Mental Health Nurse Practitioners›Sharon Atwood, APRN, RN, NP, MSN, PMHNP-BC