What patients are saying
Overall rating
5.00
Average wait time
5.00
Bedside manner
5.00
“Twyla was the best therapist ever. She is very compassionate, kind, skilled and positive. She cares about her patients and is a great provider. She is willing to go above and beyond and also has some life changing therapies at her clinic. Her front desk staff are helpful and kind and her TMS Tech, Sam is so awesome. The TMS therapy was life changing for me & follow up therapy sessions and care with Twyla are great next steps on my therapy journey. Would highly recommend !”
Alyssa K.July 14, 2026
“My experience for my initial consultation appointment with Twila was so awesome! She and her staff were friendly, efficient and knowledgeable. Her one on one meeting with me was great. She is obviously a highly trained professional in her field and I am looking forward to receiving treatments from her clinic as soon as I can get my insurance/payment plan worked out. Would highly recommend. ”
Alyssa K.Less than 1 year ago
About Twyla Fern Gifford
Focus areas
Adolescent Psychiatry
Mood Disorders
Schizophrenia
Bipolar Disorder
Psychiatric Medication Management
Depression
Psychiatry Consultation
Clientele seen
Children (<13)
Adults (25-64)
Teenagers (13-17)
Seniors (65+)
Young adults (18-24)
Individuals
Treatment approaches
Christian Counseling
Integrative
Dialectical (DBT)
Motivational Interviewing
Compassion Focused
Person-Centered
Identity
Gender
FemaleSexuality
StraightFaith
ChristianEthnicity
White
Languages spoken
English
Getting to know Twyla Fern Gifford
I am a dual-certified family and psychiatric nurse practitioner with a Post-Master's Certificate in Family Psychiatric and Mental Health Nursing from Frontier Nursing University. I provide comprehensive psychiatric care tailored to you and your family's needs. I am dedicated to offering compassionate and trauma-informed mental health services to children, adolescents, and adults. I treat individuals with depression, anxiety, ADHD, mood disorders, PTSD, and schizophrenia spectrum disorders. I strive to create a supportive, understanding environment where everyone feels valued and heard.
Brainerd Lakes Area Psychiatry's mission is to empower patients to achieve mental wellness, leading to personal and professional growth. We provide Accelerated Resolution Therapy (ART) to help resolve negative emotions tied to traumatic events. This therapy benefits anyone experiencing anxiety, fear, or intrusive thoughts and memories related to trauma.
We also offer an innovative treatment for depression, depression with anxious distress, and OCD using Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS). TMS is a non-medication, non-invasive, safe, and effective treatment for depression, covered by most insurance plans after medication trials have been unsuccessful. For adolescents aged 15-21, it is an FDA-approved first-line treatment for depression. It is also an option for those with depression and anxiety symptoms who prefer not to take medications. In such cases, we offer a cash-pay option with financing available.
I am solutions-focused and determined to find the treatment that helps you live your best life. If that treatment isn’t available at Brainerd Lakes Area Psychiatry, we will assist you in finding it and provide a referral.
What should a new client know about working with you?
TMS is now available in the Brainerd Lakes Area. TMS is an FDA-approved treatment that is safe and effective for depression, anxiety, and OCD, and is covered by insurance. It is nothing like ECT. It is a 20-minute treatment that does not require sedation. There is no downtime. You can walk in, receive your treatment, and immediately drive away to work or attend to any other necessary tasks.
TMS treats depression, anxiety, and OCD. It works better than medication. Many of our patients have tried many medications and combinations of medications without significant improvement. TMS works better!
We offer complimentary consultations to help determine if TMS is a suitable option for you. We also work with your insurance company to determine coverage and any out-of-pocket costs, so you have all the necessary information before you begin treatment.
What is your typical process for working with clients?
For new patient psychiatric evaluations, we will address your current concerns and also delve into your medical history to determine the root cause of your problem, with a focus on finding the most effective treatments to resolve it. I take a multifaceted approach to care, which may include medications, therapies, and integrative treatments.
Is this doctor in your insurance network?
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In-network insurances
Aetna
BlueCross BlueShield
Cigna
Medicare
UnitedHealthcare
Out-of-pocket fees and assistance
Initial session: $250 for 90 minutes
Ongoing session: $100-250 for 30 minutes
- 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
- Charges post-reimbursement amount: This provider will only charge you for the amount you pay after you get reimbursed from your insurance plan, so you don’t need to pay the session fee upfront
More information on payments and coverage
Co-pays may be collected before your appointment or after your insurance is billed.
All patients are required to provide a valid credit or debit card on file for payment at least 24 hours before their first appointment.
A $75 fee will be applied to all appointments cancelled within 24 hours of the scheduled appointment. To avoid fees, please cancel appointments more than 24 hours in advance. This fee will not be waived due to inclement weather; however, appointments may be converted to telehealth appointments, provided there are no contraindications to telehealth services as outlined in your treatment plan.
Office location
Twyla Fern Gifford, APRN, FNP-C, PMHNP-BC also offers online video visits for patients
Education and background
Practice names
Board certifications
- American Academy of Nurse Practitioners National Certification Board
- American Nurses Credentialing Center
Education and training
- Frontier Nursing University, Post-Master's Certificate in Family Psychiatric and Mental Health Nursing
NPI number
1265998207
Patient reviews
All reviews have been submitted by patients after interacting with the practice.
Overall rating
5.00
Wait time
5.00
Bedside manner
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
26 reviews
Most relevant
Twyla was very friendly and warm. She offered a variety of tools for coping with depression.
June 3, 2025Jessica M.Verified patient
Great listener and made me feel at ease with my treatment plan
April 23, 2026JENNIFER S.Verified patientVideo visit
Broad understanding and willing to learn more to have the most effective outcome.
August 7, 2025Initials hidden
I had a very positive experience and all my questions were answered.
October 12, 2025Larissa B.Verified patientVideo visit
Twyla was the best therapist ever. She is very compassionate, kind, skilled and positive. She cares about her patients and is a great provider. She is willing to go above and beyond and also has some life changing therapies at her clinic. Her front desk staff are helpful and kind and her TMS Tech, Sam is so awesome. The TMS therapy was life changing for me & follow up therapy sessions and care with Twyla are great next steps on my therapy journey. Would highly recommend !
July 14, 2026Alyssa K.Verified patient
Great office!
June 19, 2026Initials hiddenVideo visit
Office, staff, and Doctor were exceptional.
February 12, 2026James H.Verified patient
Very professional and knowledgeable
February 2, 2026James H.Verified patient
My experience for my initial consultation appointment with Twila was so awesome! She and her staff were friendly, efficient and knowledgeable. Her one on one meeting with me was great. She is obviously a highly trained professional in her field and I am looking forward to receiving treatments from her clinic as soon as I can get my insurance/payment plan worked out. Would highly recommend.
Less than 1 year agoAlyssa K.Verified patient
Best therapist ever!
November 3, 2025Jeffrey H.Verified patient
Twilla was a breath of fresh air and has given me hope to help heal myself. She offered solutions to every aspect of my mental state. She was very proffessional and made me feel very heard and validated. Twilla was professional and kind throughout the appointment. She is truly someone who belongs helping people navigate their own healing in the mental health sector. I was pleasantly surprised to get someone who cares, listened earnestly and offered solutions.
October 17, 2025Thomas C.Verified patient
Twilla has been a literal God-Given gift in my life! She is such a beautiful human in this world, and truly cares and listens to her clients. She goes above and beyond the “normal” providers to ensure that every client is seen, truly heard, has a say in their care, and is warmly welcomed into the office with genuine kindness, understanding, compassion, and zero judgement. My 12 year old daughter wrote her a card, thanking her for saving her mom’s life…if that alone doesn’t speak volumes!
Less than 1 year agoJill S.Verified patientVideo visit
Wonderful, caring, good hearted lady who seems to want to truly help. Has some great ideas to help our little guy. Yes we recommend.
August 5, 2025Easton F.Verified patient
Cannot say enough good things about my initial visit! Was a little nervous but they made me comfortable fast. Very caring and helpful! I HIGHLY recommend! Practioner(s) were very experienced in the field & provide many proven & effective therapeutic techniques. ????
More than 1 year agoWade L.Verified patient
July 28, 2026Alyssa K.Verified patient
Less than 1 month agoInitials hidden
Less than 3 months agoInitials hiddenVideo visit
May 6, 2026Initials hiddenVideo visit
Less than 1 year agoInitials hiddenVideo visit
December 18, 2025Stacy T.Verified patient
Less than 1 year agoInitials hidden
December 13, 2025Danae K.Verified patientVideo visit
Less than 1 year agoInitials hiddenVideo visit
Less than 1 year agoInitials hidden
June 15, 2025Joce G.Verified patientVideo visit
How soon can I make an appointment with Twyla Fern Gifford?
Generally, Twyla Fern Gifford has appointments available on Zocdoc within 1 week. You can see Twyla Fern Gifford's earliest availability on Zocdoc and make an appointment online.
Is Twyla Fern Gifford accepting new patients?
Twyla Fern Gifford generally accepts new patients on Zocdoc. You can see Twyla Fern Gifford's earliest availability on Zocdoc and schedule an appointment online.
Does Twyla Fern Gifford accept my insurance?
Choose your insurance plan to verify if Twyla Fern Gifford is in-network.
Can I make an appointment with Twyla Fern Gifford online?
Yes, you can make an appointment online with Twyla Fern Gifford using Zocdoc. It’s simple, secure, and free.
What practice does Twyla Fern Gifford work with?
Twyla Fern Gifford works with Brainerd Lakes Area Psychiatry.
Where is Twyla Fern Gifford's office located?
Twyla Fern Gifford has 2 office locations in Brainerd, view full addresses on Twyla Fern Gifford's profile.
Which board certifications does Twyla Fern Gifford have?
Twyla Fern Gifford is certified by American Academy of Nurse Practitioners National Certification Board and American Nurses Credentialing Center.
What are common reasons for patients to see Twyla Fern Gifford?
Twyla Fern Gifford frequently sees patients for Depression, New Patient Visit, Psychiatry Consultation, Psychotherapy Intake / Initial Visit, and Sleep Problems. You can see other visit reasons for Twyla Fern Gifford on their profile.
What languages does Twyla Fern Gifford speak?
Twyla Fern Gifford speaks English.
How do patients rate Twyla Fern Gifford in reviews?
26 patients have reviewed Twyla Fern Gifford. The overall rating for this doctor is 5/5. They have a 5/5 rating for bedside manner and a 5/5 rating for wait time. You can read individual reviews and ratings on their profile.
Zocdoc›Family Psychiatric & Mental Health Nurse Practitioners›Twyla Fern Gifford, APRN, FNP-C, PMHNP-BC