The Practice

Nurture Psychiatric Care, LLC is a small, private psychiatric practice in the Boston MetroWest location of Wellesley, MA. serving adolescents and adults. I focus on the evaluation, diagnosis, and treatment of mental health disorders such as anxiety, depression and ADHD using a holistic, individualized approach.

I offer appointments both in-person and via telehealth. Initial visits are 90 minutes in length and follow-up visits are 30-60 minutes depending on the time needed to engage in therapeutic conversation and education.

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My Approach

I believe you are influenced by many factors that contribute to your overall wellness. You have a unique story—your biology, your genetics, your environment, your stressors and traumas, and your strengths and inner resilience are such important contributors. Considering mental health through all of these lenses is the crux of a holistic approach.

As a traditionally educated psychiatric nurse practitioner I evaluate, diagnose and treat psychiatric symptoms with medications and bring a particular strength in this area. I also prioritize generous appointment times to hear your story, provide solution-focused counseling and foster a trusting, caring relationship.

I am always striving to learn more to offer options and hope for patients. I’ve recently been excited about the field of functional psychiatry. In traditional psychiatry we treat your symptoms such as anxiety, depressed mood, and challenges in focus and attention. In functional psychiatry the emphasis is on seeking causes for your symptoms. Correction of imbalances in hormones and essential nutrients, improving gut health and consideration of genetic factors are some lenses that we can look through together. Traditional and functional approaches can be complimentary as well. For example, we may be able to increase effectiveness and decrease side effects of traditional psychiatric medications. This is exciting and hopeful as it has the potential to alleviate suffering and facilitate healing from mental illness.

Above all, I value a collaborative relationship with my patients. I educate you on options, respect your autonomy and support you as we work together to help you feel better.

About Me

Patti Ayer, APRN, PMHNP-BC, FNP-BC

I am a dually certified nurse practitioner in both psychiatric mental health and family medicine. I began my nurse practitioner career in family medicine in a small rural community in Vermont where I enjoyed taking care of the physical and mental health of individuals and families. After taking time off to raise my family, I returned to my profession and worked in college health where I spent much of my time caring for the mental health needs of students. I found that I loved taking care of my patients — providing lifestyle counseling, integrative approaches and medication. I also loved the college setting where I could spend time with my patients — something that I feel is difficult to do in many health care settings. Fueled by this newfound passion I returned to Regis College for a post-master’s certification in psychiatric mental health. It is with this passion, new knowledge base and my prior education and experience that I opened Nurture Psychiatric Care.

In my practice, I am committed to allow for time to facilitate therapeutic relationships and trust with my patients with a compassionate and open approach. I work with patients in a collaborative way to empower and educate them to participate in their treatment, working toward their goals for optimal wellness. I strongly believe in the mind-body connection and that healthy bodies facilitate healthy brains and visa versa. Therefore, I incorporate counseling in balanced nutrition, sleep, exercise, stress reduction and the importance of self-care into treatment. I also strive to provide the best care by ruling out any medical or nutritional reason for mental health symptoms.

I earned my bachelor’s in nursing degree in 1986 from St. Anselm College in Manchester, NH; my master’s degree as a Family Nurse Practitioner in 1992 from University of Massachusetts, Lowell and a post-master’s certification in psychiatric mental health in 2022 from Regis College in Weston, MA. I hold ANCC Board certifications as a Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP) and Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP).

I live and work in the MetroWest and enjoy time with my family, my friends, and my dog “Lottie”. I enjoy dance aerobics, swimming, boating, gardening and walking in the woods.

Payment

I do accept some insurance plans-please inquire when you book your first appointment. I also accept cash, check, credit card, as well as payments from HSA and FSA accounts. If I do not participate in your insurance and you are eligible to see an “out of network” provider, I am happy to provide you with paperwork to submit for reimbursement.