Meet Our New Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner: Marielle McDermott, PMHNP-BC, DNP

Finding the right mental health provider can feel overwhelming. You want someone who listens, understands, and offers care tailored to your needs. At NeuVista Mental Health in Wilmington, NC, we are excited to introduce Marielle McDermott, PMHNP-BC, DNP, a compassionate and skilled psychiatric nurse practitioner joining our team. Marielle brings a fresh perspective and a patient-centered approach to mental health care.

In this post, I’ll share insights from Marielle about her treatment philosophy, common medication questions, special interests, and how she connects with patients on a personal level. If you’re considering mental health support, learning about Marielle’s approach might help you feel more confident about your care options.

Marielle’s Treatment Philosophy: Compassion and Collaboration

Marielle believes that mental health care should be a partnership. She listens carefully to each person’s story and works with them to create a treatment plan that fits their unique life and goals. Her approach is warm and respectful, focusing on building trust and understanding.

She emphasizes that healing is not a one-size-fits-all process. Instead, it involves exploring different options, including therapy, medication, and lifestyle changes. Marielle encourages patients to be active participants in their care, asking questions and sharing their experiences openly. When asked what role patient collaboration plays in treatment decisions, her answer was clear and immediate: "The most important one." For her, the best outcomes come from true partnership between provider and patient.

She also values ongoing support. Marielle understands that health needs can evolve over time, which is why she stays closely connected with her patients and their other healthcare providers to adjust treatment plans when needed. Her compassionate, trauma-informed presence helps patients feel supported, empowered, and confident throughout their healthcare journey.

Common Medication Questions Answered

Many people have questions about psychiatric medications and the clinical approach that guides prescribing decisions. Marielle understands this well and takes time to explain how medications work, what to expect, and how to manage side effects.

To help patients get to know her approach, we asked Marielle several questions that many people have when seeking psychiatric care:

• How do you approach prescribing psychiatric medications?

She explained that every treatment plan begins with understanding where the patient is and what their individual needs and goals are. She takes a "start low, go slow" approach whenever appropriate, prioritizing informed consent and ensuring patients understand the potential benefits, risks, and alternatives. Ongoing monitoring is an essential part of her practice, allowing treatment to be adjusted based on response and changing needs. When traditional approaches are not providing adequate relief, she also considers interventional psychiatry options as part of a comprehensive treatment strategy.

• What would you say to someone who is nervous about starting medication?

“They are completely valid.” She encourages open dialogue, asking, “What can I do to help you feel more comfortable?” Her approach often includes providing more information, addressing concerns, and working together to develop healthy coping mechanisms and supportive strategies alongside treatment.

• How do you balance medication with other treatment approaches?

She explained that her starting point is always understanding the symptom causing the most distress. From there, she works to determine the most appropriate treatment modality based on the individual’s needs and the clinical information available, integrating medication with other supportive and therapeutic approaches when helpful.

• Are there alternatives to medication?

She explained that treatment is always tailored to the individual and may include options beyond medication alone. For patients who do not respond well to or prefer to minimize medication use, interventional approaches such as transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) can be considered, along with psychotherapy and other supportive strategies.

By answering these questions clearly, Marielle helps reduce anxiety around medication and empowers patients to make informed decisions.

Conditions and Special Interests

Marielle has experience treating a wide range of mental health conditions, including:

• Depression

• Anxiety disorders

• Bipolar disorders

• Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)

• Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD)

  
  

She has a special interest in trauma-informed care and in understanding how past experiences shape mental health today. One book she recommends for insight into this topic is The Body Keeps the Score by Bessel van der Kolk. Marielle also focuses on supporting women’s mental health, understanding the unique challenges many face.

Her knowledge extends to newer treatment options like Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS), a non-invasive therapy for treatment-resistant depression and Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD). Marielle is trained to connect patients with TMS when appropriate, offering an alternative for those who may not respond well to medication and/or therapy alone; as TMS is non-invasive, FDA-approved and has no systemic side effects.

How Marielle Connects on a Personal Level

What sets Marielle apart is her genuine care for each person she meets. She shares that her mother’s cancer diagnosis during her high school years sparked her passion for nursing and helping others during times of vulnerability. Over time, she found a natural path in transitioning from medical care into mental health, where she could continue supporting patients in a more holistic way. She is deeply committed to creating a trauma-informed environment that recognizes how physical health, life experiences, and emotional well-being are all interconnected and impact mental health.

Marielle enjoys getting to know her patients beyond their symptoms and learning about their lives as a whole. When asked what she values most, she shared that she most enjoys “learning their story and seeing their progress,” especially through continuity of care. She believes that having the full picture of a person allows for more meaningful treatment and a stronger therapeutic connection over time.

Working in the ICU and step-down unit at Duke, she also believes in celebrating small victories. Whether it’s getting through a difficult day or making progress in therapy, Marielle recognizes these moments as important steps toward healing and long-term wellness.

NeuVista Mental Health’s Comprehensive Care Services

At NeuVista Mental Health, we offer a range of services to support your mental health journey. Marielle works closely with our team to provide:

• Medication management tailored to your needs

• Therapy with trusted counselors and psychologists

• Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) for treatment-resistant depression

  
  

If you’re curious about TMS, you can learn more about this innovative treatment on our TMS service page. It’s a safe, FDA-approved option that uses magnetic pulses to stimulate brain areas involved in mood regulation.

Marielle’s ability to integrate medication management with advanced treatments like TMS means you have access to a full spectrum of care options under one roof.

What to Expect When You Meet Marielle

When you schedule an appointment with Marielle, expect a warm welcome and a thorough evaluation. You can expect transparency, open communication, and trauma-informed care. She will take time to understand your history, current challenges, and what you hope to achieve.

The first visit often includes:

• A detailed discussion of your symptoms and concerns

• Review of any past treatments or medications

• Setting goals together for your care

• Answering your questions about treatment options

  
  

Marielle encourages open communication and will work with you to create a plan that feels right. Follow-up visits focus on monitoring progress and making adjustments as needed.

Why Choose Marielle McDermott at NeuVista Mental Health

Choosing a mental health provider is a personal decision. Marielle’s combination of expertise, empathy, and patient-focused care makes her a strong choice for anyone seeking support in North Carolina.

Her credentials as a PMHNP-BC and DNP reflect advanced training and commitment to quality care. Beyond that, her approach is grounded in kindness and respect.

If you want a provider who listens, explains clearly, and offers a range of treatment options including medication, psycotherapy and TMS, Marielle is ready to help you take the next step toward lasting wellness.

Mental health care is a journey, and having the right partner can make all the difference. Marielle McDermott brings skill and heart to that role. To learn more or schedule an appointment, visit our website.

We look forward to supporting you on your path to better mental health.