Holistic Psychiatric Treatment's Approach
Client-Led Approach
I use a client-led approach to treatment. You're the expert on you, and I'm the expert on holistic treatments. Together, we create a plan that's customized to fit your needs! You set goals for your treatment, and I give you recommendations and advice to help you meet those goals as quickly as possible. This is your journey and I'm your advisor!
Valerie Ruberto, RN, BSN
My name is Valerie and I'm here to help you achieve your mental health goals! I'm passionate about helping people who are struggling with mental health issues. When I first finished high school, I decided to go to Tufts University to get a B.S. in Clinical Psychology. My goal was to eventually get a Ph.D. and have a career doing psychiatric treatment research. However, while I was working in research, I realized that I could make a bigger impact on the lives of others if I transitioned to a career that allowed for more direct patient interaction. That's when I decided to become a nurse! I enrolled in a BSN program at Seton Hall University and got my RN license. Now, I am a student in Duke University's MSN program to become a psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner! I'm excited to blend my experience as a nurse and my career in research in order to provide care for my clients that's supported by science.
My Qualifications
Registered Nurse (RN, BSN)
I graduated Magna Cum Laude from Seton Hall University's Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) program! During this program, I did clinical rotations at various well-known New Jersey hospitals, including Morristown Medical Center, Jersey Shore Medical Center, Newark Beth Israel Medical Center, Hackettstown Medical Center, and Summit Oaks Psychiatric Hospital. I also received honors including the Child And Family award, and being inducted into the Sigma Theta Tau International Honor Society for Nurses. I have a Multi-State Registered Nurse (RN) license, which allows me to work in most states!
B.S. in Clinical Psychology
I graduated Summa Cum Laude from Tufts University with a B.S. in Clinical Psychology. The Clinical Psychology major included classes about diagnosing psychiatric disorders, and the medications and types of therapy used to treat these disorders. It also included some neuroscience and biology classes. Tufts is one of the only schools in the world that has a bachelor's level degree specifically in clinical psychology. During my time at Tufts, I was also inducted into the Psi Chi International Honor Society in Psychology.
Research publications and presentations
I worked in psychiatric clinical research before becoming a nurse! I've worked at some of the most famous psychiatric research labs in the country, including Mount Sinai, Massachusetts General Hospital, and McLean Psychiatric Hospital. I've published peer-reviewed research articles in various journals, including the Journal of Affective Disorders, Pharmaceuticals, and Drug Design Development And Therapy. I've also presented original research at conferences, including the International Society For Bipolar Disorders, the Association For Behavioral And Cognitive Therapies, and the American Psychological Society.
Future Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP)
I'm currently enrolled in Duke University's Master of Science in Nursing program, on the PMHNP track! This program is ranked #1 on the U.S. News & World Report's list of best PMHNP programs. Once I graduate from this program, I'll be able to prescribe medication in addition to my current services! I'm excited to learn as much as I can during this program and use that new knowledge to improve remission rates and treatment outcomes for my clients!
Authority Magazine on Medium.com interviewed me about my approach to treating clients with bipolar disorder! Managing the symptoms of bipolar disorder can be difficult, since there are so many lifestyle factors that affect them. Learn more about my philosophy towards treating bipolar disorder on Medium.com!
