Christie Pohto

I was a nurse for 18 years before returning to school later in life to become a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP.) My late life change was spurred by the loss of my oldest child to the fentanyl crisis in America. Losing my son opened my eyes to all the things that are lacking in our mental health care system. I decided I would turn my pain into purpose. I decided that if I could help just one person overcome and succeed then I would be better than I was yesterday, His loss made me understand the urgent need for one good, dedicated provider who would stick with you through thick and thin. If he had ever had that... things might have turned out very differently. I decided I wanted to be one of the good, dedicated providers that might just save a life.

I love animals!

I hope that they leave feeling like they have been heard and that they matter, and that I am trying my best with each and every one of them.

I enjoy the relationship building and the process of building trust between the client and the provider.

Having a manicure and pedicure!

My own prior experiences of struggling to obtain help for grief and depression. It took me 8 months to find a provider after the death of my son. It opened my eyes to the challenges and the need for increased mental health services in East Tennessee.

Everyone is welcome in my office!

• Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
• Motivational Interviewing
• Interpersonal Therapy
• Psychodynamic Therapy
• Positive Psychology Interventions

A small thing that brings me joy is watching my youngest son coach basketball. His enthusiasm is contagious.

Mental wellness is just as important as physical wellness.