Sara Hancock, DNP, APRN, PMHNP-BC

Doctorate in Nursing Practice
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner

I earned my Doctor of Nursing Practice with a specialty in Psychiatric Mental Health Nursing from the University of Kentucky and have more than 10 years of diverse nursing experience in critical care, and behavioral health.

My goal is to provide compassionate, evidence-based mental health care that helps individuals navigate life’s challenges, whether they involve work, parenting, relationships, stress, or diagnosed mental health conditions. I have experience in inpatient, outpatient, and consultation-liaison psychiatry and provide comprehensive psychiatric evaluations, individualized treatment planning, psychopharmacologic management, and second opinion consultations.

I enjoy working with adolescents (ages 15 and older) and adults experiencing depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, PTSD, OCD, ADHD, substance use disorders, and other mental health concerns, as well as individuals seeking support through difficult life transitions or periods of emotional distress.

Psychotherapy is an important part of my practice. When appropriate, I provide both therapy and medication management, allowing patients to build a trusting therapeutic relationship with one provider. Research consistently shows that a strong therapeutic alliance is one of the most crucial factors in achieving meaningful, lasting improvement, and I believe trust is the foundation of effective mental health care.

While medication can be an important part of treatment, I do not believe it is the right solution for everyone. For many individuals, the combination of psychotherapy and medication offers the greatest opportunity for long-term healing and recovery. I also recognize the vital role that nutrition, physical activity, sleep, and overall physical health play in emotional well-being, and I strive to incorporate these factors into a comprehensive, individualized treatment plan.

As a passionate advocate for mental health awareness, I am committed to reducing stigma, improving access to quality mental health care, and empowering individuals to achieve greater resilience, healing, and overall wellness.