About Steffanie Smith, APRN, MSN, PMHNP-BC Willmar, Minnesota
About My Approach
I believe that medication can be incredibly helpful–sometimes it's the piece that makes everything else possible!
But medication alone isn't usually enough. That's why I combine medication management with therapeutic support and skill-building. We work together to understand what's happening, why it's happening, and what tools and strategies will actually help you navigate your life.
Some people come to me needing help figuring out the right diagnosis after years of uncertainty. Others have been on medication that isn't working, or they've experienced side effects that made them want to give up. Some are starting treatment for the first time and feel overwhelmed by where to begin.
Wherever you're starting from, my goal is the same: I want you to leave our appointments feeling understood, validated, and hopeful about what's possible.
Watch My Welcome Video
Why I Chose This Profession
Mental health work runs in my family. My mother was a psychiatric RN, as were two of my aunts and my grandmother—so when I graduated with my BSN in 1995, I knew immediately that psychiatric nursing was my path.
I started my career as a psychiatric RN right away and even began a Master's program, but life happened. I spent the next several years raising my children, always knowing I'd return to finish what I started. Once my oldest was in college and my youngest was in high school, I went back to school part-time while working full-time as a psychiatric nurse. In 2023, I finally graduated with my Master's as a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner.
After 30 years as a psychiatric RN in a variety of settings and two years as a nurse practitioner, I decided to open my own practice. I wanted more one-on-one time with patients and the independence to practice the way I believe mental health care should work—with time to listen, educate, and build real relationships.
I'm fascinated by the science of how the brain works, and I'm passionate about helping people understand their diagnoses, learn new skills, and see how much better life can be with the right support.
My goal is simple: to give people hope, reduce the stigma around mental health, and help them improve their quality of life.
What you can expect when you work with me:
Thorough evaluations. I don't rush through assessments. Your initial psychiatric evaluation is 100 minutes because understanding your full history, your symptoms, and your goals takes time. You'll leave with a clear understanding of your diagnosis or diagnoses, and a personalized treatment plan we have created together.
Flexible appointment lengths. Follow-up appointments can be 20, 40, or 60 minutes depending on what you need. If you just need a quick check-in and prescription refill, great. If things are more complicated and you need time to talk through what's going on, we can do that too.
Evidence-based treatment options. I stay updated on the most current evidence based research, and best practices, and I offer tools like psychiatric GeneSight genetic testing which can help guide medication management and save time in helping clients to feel better sooner (especially for patients who've tried multiple medications without success or who've had troubling side effects).
Respect for your experience. You're the expert on your own life. I bring the clinical knowledge and treatment expertise, but you bring the lived experience. The best treatment plans happen when we combine both.
What I Help With
My Background & Credentials
I'm a board-certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner licensed in Minnesota with over 30 years of experience in Psychiatric Nursing.
Education & Certification:
Master of Science in Nursing, Walden University (May 2023)
Board Certification (PMHNP-BC), American Nurses Credentialing Center (2023)
Bachelor of Science in Nursing, College of St. Catherine, St. Paul, MN (May 1995)
Over 30 years of work experience as a Psychiatric Registered Nurse and 2 years of experience as a Board Certified Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner.
Outside the Office
When I'm not working, you'll usually find me spending time with my husband, my two grown children, and our dog and cat. I love staying active—whether that's taking walks, golfing, or just spending time outside.
I also enjoy traveling, singing, and relaxing with friends and family. And honestly, some of my best downtime involves binging Netflix with my pets curled up next to me.
The balance of connection and downtime keep me grounded so I can show up fully for my patients.
What Clients Are Saying
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"I always feel heard. Steffanie is down to earth and meeting with her her always feels like a "safe" environment. "
–KP
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"I have never had a provider care so much about me."
–EL
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"It was wonderful, she actually listened to me instead of pumping me full of meds."
–BP
Let’s Work Together
I offer both in-person appointments at my office in Willmar and secure telehealth appointments throughout Minnesota. Most insurance plans are accepted, and I also offer sliding scale fees for those who need them.
Call 218-999-7750 to schedule your initial psychiatric evaluation today and ask to be scheduled with Steffanie Smith, or visit my contact page to send me a message directly.
My Office
Steffanie Smith is a board-certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner providing psychiatric evaluations, and medication management, in Willmar, Minnesota. With over 30 years of nursing experience, Steffanie specializes in treating ADHD, Trauma/PTSD, Mood disorders/Bipolar, Autism, Depression, Anxiety, OCD and Insomnia in children ages 4 & up, adolescents, young adults and adults.