SAMANTHA SUFFREN MD

Dr. Samantha Suffren is a neuropsychiatric board certified physician.

She obtained her undergraduate degree in Biochemistry from North Carolina State University.  Upon graduating she became involved in oncogenetic research at the National Institute of Environmental Health in Raleigh.  With a desire to work more directly with the care of others, she decided to continue her education and obtain her Medical Degree.  Dr. Suffren attended East Carolina University and later Wake Forest University Baptist Medical Center where she completed her residency in psychiatry.  

Dr. Suffren has a passion for women’s mental wellness and preventive care and has been working in this field of focus for over 12 years.  This passion led her to act as Presbyterian Hospital’s Women’s Mental Health Champion and help pilot the screening process for postpartum depression for all new mothers within the greater Charlotte Novant Health System.   She continued her desire to develop programs for women within her community by starting Women’s Transitional Healthcare, a clinic which focuses on women’s mental wellness, empowerment, prevention and stabilization of mental illness.  

She is an Associate Professor at UNC Chapel Hill Nurse Practitioner program and an instructor for therapist, Physician Assistants and Behavioral Health Nurse Practitioner Interns from various institutes.

 

She became actively involved in international medicinal studies on Breastmilk and Research at NIEH in oncogentics.

Dr. Suffren has served as Department Chair and Medical Director of Behavioral Health at Novant Health Rowan Regional medical center

She is the President Elect of the Charlotte Area Psychiatric Society.

 

With a goal to better serve her community she has spoken at various events and settings as an advocate for empowering the client in obtaining their healthcare goals, The Support Behind Super Women and Stress Management for all areas of life.

Dr. Samantha Suffren is a Charlotte native, that enjoys teaching her patients about their mental health and power within. She is a mother of two very active kids and a wife to a very invested and involved spouse.  She is a Christian that credits all her accomplishments to blessings received from above and the love and support from others.

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LAURA SMITH LCMHC

Laura Smith is a Fully Licensed Professional Counselor

Laura E. Smith, MA, LPC is a fully Licensed Professional Counselor for the State of North Carolina. Laura provides individual and group therapy for men, women, and children of all ages dealing with issues of domestic violence, sexual assault, and human trafficking. Laura provides therapy for those who are suffering from PTSD, Anxiety, Depression, Bipolar Disorder, Borderline Personality Disorder, bereavement, and other mental health disorders. Laura is ASSIST certified to work with individuals considering suicide, is trained to provide EMDR Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Dialectical Behavioral Therapy, and provides treatment for individuals and families in crisis caused by trauma.

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KATIE WARREN

Katie Warren PA-C is a certified physician assistant.

Katie Warren PA-C is a certified physician assistant. She is a graduate from the King’s College Physician Assistant program in Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania with her Master’s Degree in Physician Assistant Studies. Since graduating in 2009, she has practiced as a physician assistant in general psychiatry, addiction psychiatry, and internal medicine.

Katie believes in treating each person as an individual and takes an integrative approach to promoting mental health. She provides medication management services but also is passionate in helping empower individuals to make lifestyle changes that improve mental well being and overall wellness. She is especially interested in the impact of nutrition on mood.

Katie was born and raised in northeastern Pennsylvania. She has lived and worked in the Charlotte area for the last 8 years. Outside of work, Katie enjoys spending time with her husband and two young children. She enjoys spending time with friends, cooking, good coffee, and trying new restaurants.

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ERIN KIRSCH OTR/L

Erin Kirsch is a Perinatal Occupational Therapist

Erin Kirsch earned a Masters in Occupational Therapy from Tufts University, and is clinically licensed to practice in North Carolina. She has specialty training in working with pregnant and postpartum women, and is a certified provider of PREPP, an evidence-based program for the prevention of postpartum depression and anxiety. She also volunteers weekly for Postpartum Support International (PSI).

New moms and families with young children need solutions that are practical and effective. Erin works with clients to improve their ability to function in their daily lives. She utilizes a client-centered approach to focus on each mom’s specific circumstances and goals. This often includes: making changes to daily tasks to decrease stress and effort, learning new coping strategies, processing and addressing parenting role challenges, increasing supportive self-care and support network, learning new or improved parenting skills, practical planning regarding returning to work or other life circumstances, and normalizing the common challenges of parenthood. She believes that every mother deserves the highest quality healthcare and compassionate support.

Erin has 15 years of experience in the healthcare field and is able to navigate the complexities of the medical system and advocate effectively for her client’s health. Erin’s clinical approach integrates her knowledge as an experienced clinician, women’s health advocate, and mother of two to best serve you and your family.

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MELISSA HURLEY

Melissa obtained her nursing Bachelor’s degree from Florida Atlantic University in 2007.

In 2012 she returned to school and obtained her Master’s degree as a Family Nurse Practitioner from the University of North Carolina, Charlotte. She quickly developed a passion in psychiatry and returned to school in 2019 where she obtained her Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner postgraduate degree from Johns Hopkins University.

She first gained experience in the cardiovascular ICU as an RN. After obtaining her MSN, she accepted an internal medicine fellowship position with Atrium Health. This led her to a career with CVS Minute Clinic where she found her love of mental health. Her PMHNP training afforded her the opportunity to work with adults, geriatrics, and pediatrics. Melissa also works part time at a pediatric mental health clinic in addition to Women’s Transitional HealthCare.

Melissa provides medication management services and brief therapeutic interventions. She is committed to treating each patient individually and wholistically. She believes mental health care is of utmost importance in maintaining a healthy, well-balanced life for all patients.

Melissa was born and raised in Florida. She moved to the Charlotte area in 2010. She is married with one young son and has two golden retrievers. In her free-time she enjoys spending time with her family and dogs, reading, cooking, and traveling.

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JESICA D.

Jesica has been caring for perinatal women for almost two decades as a Registered Nurse and International Board Certified Lactation Consultant. As a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner, she brings this experience and additional training in perinatal mental health from Postpartum Support International to provide a holistic approach to care. She will help you by collaborating with your OB/GYN, therapist, family members, and extended support system. She provides education on evidence-based treatment options (not just medication), risk assessments, and medication management. In-office appointments and telehealth appointments are available.

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