Today we’d like to introduce you to Abigail Evans.
Hi Abigail, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
I’ve been a family nurse practitioner since 2016. After working in Primary Care for several years, I found that the root cause of most people’s health problems is actually their mental health. I completed my psychiatric and mental health certification as a nurse practitioner in 2023. After working as a Psychiatry provider for two years, I decided to open my own practice in order to be able to spend more time with my patients. I started Next Chapter Integrative Psychiatry in May 2025. I chose Integrative Psychiatry because for many people traditional psychiatric medications are not always helpful. Integrative Psychiatry is a blending of traditional Psychiatry and medications along with more holistic care, vitamins, lifestyle, changes, and complementary medicine.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Starting your own business requires a lot of planning before you actually start. It took six months of working with an accountant, website developer, and credentialing team for accepting insurance before I was actually ready to start seeing patients. I was fortunate to have a per diem position in which I could pick up as many a few hours as I needed to help make ends meet during this process. Insurance reimbursement is always a bumpy road at the beginning, but after about four months in business, it seems to have smoothed out.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
What truly sets me apart is the time I dedicate to understanding my patients—not just their symptoms, but their families, daily stressors, and lived experiences. In many psychiatric practices, initial visits may last only 30 minutes, with follow-ups as brief as 5 to 10 minutes. That’s rarely enough to grasp the full picture of someone’s mental health. I believe that accurate diagnosis begins with a deep understanding of your history, so I invest the time to get it right.
As both a Family Nurse Practitioner and a Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, I bring a broad clinical perspective to each case. I’m experienced in diagnosing a wide range of conditions and tailoring treatment plans that address multiple concerns with the fewest medications necessary. For example, if you’re dealing with migraines alongside depression and anxiety, I’ll consider options that support all of those needs. Your treatment plan will look different than someone managing chronic pain or irritable bowel symptoms—because your experience is unique.
My approach is collaborative. I want you to feel informed and empowered, with a clear understanding of your options and the risks and benefits of each. Together, we’ll find a path that works for you.
And one more thing—my Maine Coon cat joins me in the office as our beloved Therapy Cat. She’s a gentle presence and a comforting companion for many of my patients.
What would you say have been one of the most important lessons you’ve learned?
I have a very difficult time delegating tasks to other people. I’m still learning to ask for help when I need it.
Pricing:
- Self pay rate: $300 for initial intake visit.
- Self pay rate: $150 for follow up visits.
- Insurance accepted: Blue Cross Blue Shield, Optum, Aetna, United Healthcare, and Evolutions Healthcare Systems.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://Www.NextChapterPsych.com
- Instagram: @nextchapterpsych
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/1QxGjoJcY4/?mibextid=wwXIfr
Image Credits
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