Cathy Nguyen, MSN, APRN, PMHNP-BC

Cathy Nguyen is a psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner at Relief Mental Health in Chicago’s West Loop neighborhood. Through medication management and psychedelic therapy, Cathy’s primary focus is on helping individuals struggling with a wide range of mental health diagnoses, including depression, suicidal ideation, anxiety, sleep or insomnia, mood and personality disorders, racial identity issues, PTSD/trauma, and more.

Cathy works with diverse and marginalized groups, including bisexual, lesbian, and LGBTQ+ individuals. One of Cathy’s unique strengths is her ability to offer special insight and understanding for Asian patients, and she is fluent in Vietnamese, facilitating better communication and connection with her Vietnamese-speaking patients.

Cathy’s treatment approach is rooted in sensitivity to diverse cultural backgrounds, and she is experienced in providing culturally sensitive, multicultural, person-centered care through motivational interviewing, solution-focused brief, mindfulness-based, and prevention therapies.

Cathy recognizes that mental health issues require time, care, and understanding to achieve a better quality of life. Whether her patients are new to psychotropic medications or have been on them for a while, Cathy takes the time to work collaboratively with them, ensuring that the most appropriate and effective medications are prescribed to meet their specific needs. For adults with treatment-resistant depression or depression with suicidal thoughts or behaviors who haven’t found relief from traditional psychiatry, Cathy can offer SPRAVATO®, the FDA approved form of ketamine, as an alternative treatment.

Approaching her work with empathy and sensitivity, Cathy understands that seeking help can be daunting, but she strives to create a safe and comfortable environment that fosters hope, healing, and recovery. She actively involves her patients in the decision-making process, explaining various treatment options such as transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS), and helping them find what works best for them.

Patients can expect compassionate support, culturally sensitive treatment, and a commitment to helping them achieve their mental health and wellness goals. Cathy’s dedication to her patients’ well-being shines through in every aspect of her work.

In addition to her passion for mental health care, Cathy enjoys reading, trying new recipes, and experimenting in the kitchen. She earned a Bachelor of Science in nursing from Mercy College of Health Sciences in Iowa, and a Master’s degree in nursing practice from Wilkes University in Pennsylvania. She graduated Magna Cum Laude with high honors and is a member of the American Psychiatric Nurses Association (APNA).