Avis Hershfield, PMHNP(She/Her/Hers)

Avis is a dual board-certified Nurse Practitioner in Family Practice (FNP-BC) and Psychiatric–Mental Health (PMHNP-C) with over 38 years of experience, and an authentic passion for building strong, therapeutic relationships with those she serves.

She is the founder of Balance Psychiatry and Mental Health, a Professional Nursing Corporation, where she takes a holistic, comprehensive, bio-psycho-social approach to Psychiatric Evaluation and Treatment — focusing on each person as a whole, not just their symptoms or diagnosis.

She specializes in working with women and young women who need help with Women's Issues, Medication Management, Perinatal Mood Disorders, Abortion Grief, Prolonged Grief, Depression, Anxiety, Bipolar Disorders, Substance Use Disorders, Trauma/PTSD, Sexual Abuse, Sex/Human Trafficking, Intimate Partner Violence, and Domestic Violence.

She also offers care for men and young men who need help with Men's Issues, Medication Management, Mood and Anxiety Disorders, Stress and Coping, Substance Use and Risk-Taking, Relationship and Intimacy Challenges, Identity and Role-Related Issues, and Trauma and Shame.

At the Initial Psychiatric Evaluation, clients can expect a thorough, compassionate, and collaborative conversation focused on understanding their concerns and overall well-being. Avis explores symptoms, medical and mental health history, lifestyle factors, past treatments, and current stressors to gain a full picture of what they are experiencing. She may ask questions about mood, sleep, anxiety, concentration, relationships, and daily functioning, but there are no right or wrong answers—just an opportunity to share openly at their own pace. Together, she and the client identify goals for care, discuss potential Diagnoses, and review Evidence-Based Treatment options, which may include therapy, lifestyle strategies, and/or medication. Her aim is to ensure clients feel heard, supported, and well-informed, and to create a personalized plan that prioritizes their safety, comfort, and long-term resilience.