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Ann Couch, DNP, APRN, PHMNP-BC, FNP-C
Clinical Assistant Professor
I started in 2020 as an Adjunct Clinical Faculty within the Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP) program. I am currently a Clinical Track Associate Professor working with students in this graduate program. I have also been a guest speaker in undergraduate courses regarding mental health. I mentor First-Generation undergraduate students as well as serving as a faculty advisor for Doctor of Nursing (DNP) students.
I am a Psychiatric Nurse Practitione (PMHNP) with a weekly Faculty Practice at Grayson & Associates in their outpatient clinic in Anniston, AL. This is in the North-Eastern part of Alabama. Our office has two psychiatrists and two nurse practitioners, as well as four therapists in addition to our administrative staff. Although Anniston itself is not a rural area, we draw from several surrounding counties that are rural.
I see mostly adults, although I have treated all ages from age 8 and up. Many of my patients are also elderly and some live in a long-term care facility.
I get to clinic in the morning to review messages and refill requests and try to get the majority of those competed before clinic starts at 9AM. I will see patients with a variety of chronic mental health diagnoses such as depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder and schizophrenia. I am in clinic until 5pm or so completing charts and ensuring all prescriptions have been sent in as well as messages responded to. Until recently, I also saw patients in a long-term care facility twice a month.
Staying on top of the evidence-based research is very important when it comes to mental health treatment. I enjoy reading articles about mental health treatment options and diagnosing. I also go to several conferences a year to ensure that I am keeping up with the best treatment options.
Bipolar disorder is often mis-diagnosed for many years before a patient sees a mental health provider. I utilize screening tools and spend more time gathering a patient history to come to the best diagnosis and therefore treatment, for my patients. I also incorporate patient education regarding wellness in addition to diagnoses. The whole body needs to be treated, in addition to the mind.
I plan to continue to work in mental health as long as possible. I enjoy what I do and feel that it is a calling on my life to work with those battling mental health issues and wellness.
There’s been a noticeable shift towards prioritizing mental health care and a gradual decrease in stigma among community members. And although there is an increase in providers, there is also a large percentage of burn-out in this field. Addressing the needs of the patient as well as the provider is an important aspect to keep in mind.
There is such a need for mental health providers, and I feel blessed to be a part of the PMHNP program that is helping the next generation to fill this gap. I am also thankful to be a part of this committee. Mental health is a component of all specialties, even though it may not be something you specifically treat. Being able to collaborate with others to make a difference in our patient’s lives is so rewarding.