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Welcome to
River Valley
Mental Health Care
Holistic Psychiatry & Psychotherapy
*Accepting New Clients*
Susan Martinson MSN, CNM, PMHNP-BC
I opened River Valley Mental Health Care to provide holistic, personalized care for adults with mental health concerns. My goal is to partner with my clients and offer the guidance and support needed for urgent relief of symptoms and long lasting positive change.
I began my career as a registered nurse in 1998 on a busy medical unit at NYU Tisch Hospital and in outpatient reproductive health clinics. I received a master's of science degree in nursing, with a specialty in midwifery, from Yale University in 2002. I was drawn to the philosophy and practice of midwifery, honoring the innate wisdom of the body, and the therapeutic relationship between midwife and client. I practiced as a certified nurse-midwife (CNM) for 15 years, working in free standing birth centers and tertiary care centers in the Boston area, then serving the greater Newburyport community at Anna Jaques Hospital for 6 years. I maintain Massachusetts licensure and national certification as a CNM.
My close work with women and families deepened my interest in the human experience and mind/body connection. I became a Yoga Alliance certified yoga teacher (RYT 200) in 2017 after 20 years of personal practice and received training in yoga for trauma recovery. I was inspired to expand my scope of practice beyond women's health and received a certificate of advanced graduate studies in psychiatric mental health nursing from Northeastern University in 2020 and am an ANCC board certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP-BC) licensed in Massachusetts and New Hampshire. I trained in psychotherapy and medication management in the outpatient setting through Eliot Community Human Services, and returned there to work under the skilled mentorship of the medical director. I continue my commitment to social justice and access to care as an independent practitioner.
Services
Evidence based treatment provided for adults age 18+ with concerns related to:
Depression
Bipolar disorder
Anxiety
Panic attacks
ADHD
OCD
Trauma
Irritability
Insomnia
Grief
Self-esteem
Relationships
Life transitions
Pregnancy/Post-partum
Adoption
Parenting
Divorce
Medication Management
Medications can be very helpful in managing symptoms of certain mental health conditions.
A new client will have a comprehensive 50 minute initial evaluation to review current symptoms and past history. I may prescribe or adjust medications and supplements, order lab tests, and request to consult your medical providers for the safest, most effective care.
Medications, if indicated, are considered part of treatment, not the cure. Nutrition and lifestyle will be addressed as integral parts of the treatment plan. Risks, benefits, and alternatives to all treatments will be reviewed at every visit.
Psychotherapy
All clients are encouraged to engage in therapy as part of their treatment plan.
I offer therapy, and collaborate with outside therapists and specialized programs.
My approach is informed by humanistic philosophy, meaning I believe in the value of your unique experiences, understand the importance of feeling in control of your life, acknowledge instincts to have needs met, and the desire to reach your full potential.
I utilize various modalities including mindfulness and narrative therapy, as well as structured cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) and solution-focused approaches.
I incorporate gentle movement into therapy as appropriate.
Schedule an Appointment
Telehealth and in-person appointments available:
Mondays, Tuesdays and Fridays 9-3, Wednesdays and Thursdays 9-6 pm
Please call to schedule your first appointment
Phone (978) 225-3354
Fax 779-204-2360
10 Prince Place Suite 204A, Newburyport, MA 01950
Medicare and most Blue Cross Blue Shield, Tufts and Harvard Pilgrim commercial plans accepted.
Superbills provided upon request for clients seeking Out of Network reimbursement.
Self Pay rates:
Initial evaluation 50-60 min: $325
Medication follow-up 25-35 min: $175
Medication and therapy follow-up 45-55 min: $275
Therapy (no meds) 45-55 min: $250
Therapy and medication management 60-70 min: $325
Late Cancellation (<24 hrs) and Missed Appointment fee: $100
All payments due at each visit by cash/check, Visa/Mastercard/Discover/American Express, or Flexible Spending Account/Health Savings Account (FSA/HSA) cards.
