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THOUGHTFUL PSYCHIATRIC CARE
grounded in neuroscience, guided by empathy
With Dr. Heather Hemmeger, a board certified psychiatric nurse practitioner and former pharmacist, providing evidence-based treatment that honors your humanity.
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About me
Heather Hemmeger, PharmD, MSN, PMHNP
(she/her)
As both a psychiatric nurse practitioner and former pharmacist, I approach patient care from a unique lens, integrating my knowledge of advanced pharmacology with evidence-based psychotherapy techniques to help patients live more fulfilling, joyful lives while expanding their capacity to cope with life’s challenges.
My approach is holistic, neuroscience-informed, and culturally sensitive, rooted in the understanding that each person’s identities and social contexts deeply shape how they experience the world. Too often, traditional models of mental health care place undue burden on the individual, overlooking systemic and structural roots of distress. I do this work, because I believe in the possibility of a more sustainable and nurturing society, built on empathy, community, and connection.
I believe the therapeutic relationship is one of the most powerful tools we have in medicine. I keep my practice intentionally small so that I can offer care that feels personal, collaborative, and grounded in trust, allowing me to be fully present with each patient and provide care that’s both thoughtful and accessible.
I specialize in older adolescent and adult psychiatry, with a focus on anxiety disorders, depression, bipolar and related disorders, OCD, ADHD, and sleep disorders. I also have advanced training in women’s mental health, including treatment during pregnancy and the postpartum period.
Working from an anti-oppressive, trauma-informed lens, I am committed to creating a safe and inclusive space for all who enter my door.
Read on to learn more about my prescribing philosophy.
Doctor of Pharmacy (PharmD), Purdue University
Master of Science in Nursing (MSN), Vanderbilt University
Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner Board Certification (PMHNP-BC), American Nurses Credentialing Center
Education & Certification
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My prescribing philosophy
When prescribed thoughtfully, psychotropic medication can be a safe and effective part of treatment — especially when combined with therapy and other non-pharmacological interventions. Still, many people feel hesitant to seek psychiatric care, whether due to societal stigma, past medication side effects, or negative experiences with providers who may not have taken the time to fully understand their concerns or explain treatment options. It doesn’t have to be this way.
I approach prescribing as a collaborative process, with a strong emphasis on patient education and shared decision-making. My goal is for you to feel informed and actively engaged in your treatment. I prioritize a thorough diagnostic assessment at intake, as an accurate diagnosis helps to guide evidence-based medication selection.
When it comes to medications, I believe in a “less is more” approach. I often meet patients who have been placed on unnecessarily complex regimens that aren’t serving them. While I am confident in prescribing, I am equally skilled in de-prescribing and can help simplify regimens when appropriate to reduce side effects, support the development of healthy coping skills, and promote long-term wellbeing. I am cautious in prescribing controlled substances and do not prescribe benzodiazepines for daily use.
Services & Insurance
In-person appointments are available at my southeast Portland office, and telehealth appointments are available throughout Oregon.
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75-90 minutes
A comprehensive clinical interview focused on understanding your symptoms and getting to know the person behind them. We’ll talk about what’s bringing you in for treatment, your mental and physical health history, and what’s happening in your life right now and in your past that may be affecting how you're feeling. While diagnostic clarity can take time, the goal of this initial assessment is to begin formulating a working diagnosis and a personalized care plan that we’ll continue to refine together as treatment progresses. -
30 minutes (with some availability for 45 minute appointments)
Ongoing follow-up visits to assess your response to treatment and make adjustments as needed. Appointments are typically scheduled more frequently early on and may be spaced out as stability is reached. In addition to reviewing your response to medication, we may explore lifestyle factors that could complement your care, review any necessary lab work, and engage in brief psychotherapy. I draw from elements of cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and cognitive behavioral therapy for insomnia (CBT-I), supportive psychotherapy, and solution-focused brief therapy (SFBT).
While I incorporate elements of therapy into medication visits, I do not offer therapy-only services at this time. When more intensive or specialized therapy is needed, I am happy to coordinate care with your existing therapist or provide referrals to trusted colleagues in my network.
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I am currently in-network with Regence BlueCross BlueShield, PacificSource, and Aetna. Moda coverage is pending. For all other insurance plans, I am considered out-of-network.
If you have out-of-network benefits, I’m happy to provide a superbill that you can submit to your insurance for possible reimbursement. Please note that payment in full is required at the time of service, regardless of reimbursement.
At this time, I am not able to accept Medicaid, Medicare, or Oregon Health Plan (OHP) coverage.
Good Faith Estimate:
If you’re uninsured or not using insurance, you have the right to receive a Good Faith Estimate explaining the expected cost of your care.
This estimate includes the total expected charges for non-emergency services. You can request one before you schedule an appointment or at any time. If you receive a bill that is at least $400 more than your estimate, you can dispute the charges.
To learn more about your rights under the No Surprises Act, visit cms.gov/nosurprises.
“When we liberate ourselves from the expectation that we must have all things figured out, we enter a sanctuary of empathy.”
— Sonya Renee Taylor, The Body is Not an Apology