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 (Employee Assistance Program) benefits.
Working with me means having a warm, nonjudgmental space where your concerns are truly heard, validated, and taken seriously. Before creating a care plan tailored to your specific needs and situation, I take time to understand your experiences, symptoms, personal history, and hopes for the future.
During our first appointment, I’ll complete a thorough, unhurried psychiatric evaluation to learn what you’re experiencing and how it’s affecting your daily life. We’ll talk about your mental health history, current symptoms, how they impact your ability to function, and any treatments you’ve already tried. You can share at your own pace. From there, we’ll work together on a plan that may include medication management, education to help you better understand your condition, practical coping skills, and ongoing support at every stage of treatment.
Collaboration is central to how I practice. You’ll always play an active role in your care rather than simply receiving it, and I’ll make sure you clearly understand your treatment options and feel confident in the direction we choose together. You never have to decide on the spot.
All appointments take place through telehealth, so you can meet with me from the comfort, convenience, and privacy of your own home or wherever suits you best. I’m experienced with a range of telehealth platforms and will help make sure your visits are smooth, simple, and easy to access from the start.
If medication becomes part of your treatment, I’ll clearly explain how it works in your brain and body, what improvements you can expect and when, which side effects to watch for, and how we’ll monitor your progress together.
Whether you’re facing anxiety, depression, mood changes, ADHD, trauma-related symptoms, or other mental health concerns, I’m here to help you take that first step toward feeling better and reclaiming the quality of life you deserve.
What is your typical process for working with clients?
Please note that I do not accept EAP programs. Care begins with a comprehensive psychiatric evaluation at your first visit, which usually lasts 60 to 90 minutes. I take the time to gather a full history, including what's concerning you now, your past mental health experiences, your medical background, and any medications you currently take. I also perform a mental status exam to round out the clinical picture. This first visit helps me understand not just your symptoms, but you as a whole person.
Using that information, I create a care plan tailored to your specific needs and goals. When medication is a good fit, I'll go over your options, explain how each works, and discuss possible side effects so you feel comfortable before we begin. Because medication management is ongoing, I'll track your response carefully, adjust doses when necessary, and order lab work when it supports your care. There's no one-size-fits-all approach in my practice, since what helps one person may not be right for someone else.
Follow-up appointments generally last 20 to 30 minutes. We'll focus on how you're feeling, review your progress, and fine-tune your treatment as your needs change. Education is woven into our work, so you can better understand your condition and develop practical skills to stay well between visits. I want you to walk away from every appointment feeling more knowledgeable, empowered, and in charge of your mental health.
I work closely with your other healthcare providers and can refer you to primary care or specialists when appropriate. This coordinated approach helps ensure every part of your care works together. If safety concerns come up, I have experience performing risk assessments and creating safety plans to help keep you protected.
All visits take place through telehealth, making quality psychiatric care convenient and accessible from the comfort of your own space, without the added stress of travel.
Is this doctor in your insurance network?
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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