My name is Stacey Hess, and I am a board-certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP-BC). I earned my master’s degree from Clarkson College. I’ve always had a passion for helping others, but throughout my nursing career, I developed a particular interest in mental health and the impact it has on every aspect of a person’s life. I pursued psychiatric mental health nursing because I wanted to make a meaningful difference by helping individuals feel heard, understood, and supported through some of life’s most challenging moments.

What I love most about my work is the opportunity to truly connect with people and make a difference in their lives. Mental health affects everyone, yet there is still so much stigma surrounding it. I am passionate about creating a safe, judgment-free environment where patients feel comfortable being vulnerable and asking for help. One of the most rewarding parts of my job is watching patients regain their confidence, find hope, and begin enjoying life again.

I believe mental health care should be individualized because no two people or their experiences are the same. I believe in looking at the whole person when treating mental health. While medication can be an important part of treatment, I also value the role of lifestyle, physical activity, sleep, nutrition, and therapy in achieving overall mental wellness. My goal is for every patient to leave their appointment feeling heard, validated, and empowered to take an active role in their mental health.

Growing up and living in rural Iowa, I understand firsthand how important access to quality healthcare is in smaller communities. Unfortunately, mental health services can be difficult to access in rural areas, and I want to be part of changing that. I love the sense of community that comes with rural healthcare and the opportunity to build meaningful, lasting relationships with my patients. I believe everyone deserves access to compassionate, high-quality mental health care, regardless of where they live.

Outside of work, my favorite role is being a wife and mom! My husband, Bobby, and I have a daughter who keeps us busy and constantly laughing. We love spending time together as a family and making memories. I am also very passionate about fitness and strength training. Fitness has become an important part of my life, not only for physical health but also for mental well-being. I enjoy lifting weights, challenging myself, and finding ways to stay active. I also love a good iced coffee, spending time outdoors, and finding ways to balance motherhood, my career, and taking care of myself.

I understand how overwhelming it can feel to ask for help with your mental health. I want my patients to know that my office is a place where they can show up exactly as they are, without fear of judgment. I believe mental health treatment is a partnership, and my goal is to work alongside my patients to find an approach that fits their individual needs, goals, and lifestyle. My goal is not just to help patients feel better, but to help them get back to living a life they enjoy.