Psychedelic Psychiatry
Michael B. Hickey
New York,NY
Summary
Experienced Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner specializing in evaluating patients with psychiatric disorders and developing ketamine treatment plans at Nushama Ketamine Wellness Clinic. Skilled in IV, IM, and nasal ketamine prescribing and oversight, as well as managing a range of conditions including depression, anxiety, bipolar depression, insomnia, and acute suicidality.
Also currently running a private psychiatric practice in association with Orenda Psychiatry, providing medication management, a variety of psychotherapy, and overall mental wellness services. Formerly worked at Housing Works Healthcare, offering psychiatric services to a diverse patient population with dual diagnoses and court-ordered care. Additionally, I served in the CONNECT program, providing outreach services for high-risk patients with severe mental health disorders. Skilled in patient assessment, diagnosis, and therapeutic interventions, with strong focus on pharmacological and non-pharmacological treatments. Collaborative team player, adaptable to changing needs, and reliable in achieving results. Known for excellent communication, empathy, and critical thinking skills. I am ANCC certified, and holding an active NYS PMHNP license, DEA license, and MAT training with X-waiver. Credentialed with Medicare and Medicaid, and the largest insurance companies in the nation.
Overview
17
17
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner
Orenda Psychiatry
09.2024 - Current
- Conduct thorough psychiatric evaluations to accurately diagnose mental health conditions and inform appropriate treatment decisions.
- Maintain comprehensive, accurate, and timely electronic health records to support ongoing assessment and treatment planning efforts.
- Utilize telehealth technologies to provide remote consultations while ensuring adequate patient monitoring.
- Achieved significant improvements in patient mood and anxiety scores, employing combination of pharmacological and non-pharmacological interventions.
- Increase patient satisfaction by developing and implementing innovative therapeutic interventions tailored to unique patient needs.
- Provide crisis intervention services as needed to stabilize patients experiencing acute distress or at risk for harm to self or others.
- Increase patient satisfaction through providing compassionate, holistic care and addressing the unique concerns of each individual.
- Provide a variety of psychotherapy treatments including CBT, Existential, Humanistic, and Behavioral therapy.
Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner
Nushama Ketamine Wellness Clinic
09.2024 - Current
- Evaluate patients with psychiatric disorders with a focus on treatment resistant depression and acute suicidality, and develop individualized ketamine treatment plans.
- Prescribe IV, IM, and nasal ketamine and manage treatment for based on diagnosis, symptoms, and individual patient health status.
- Developed strong rapport with patients from diverse backgrounds, demonstrating cultural competence in providing empathetic care.
- Conducted risk assessments for suicidal or self-harming behaviors among patients, implementing appropriate safety measures when necessary.
- Provided crisis intervention services, effectively deescalating volatile situations while maintaining safety for all involved parties.
- Analyzed explanations for psychiatric illnesses by screening clients for physical illnesses, neurological trauma, developmental issues and genetic factors.
- Educated patients and families on mental health conditions, coping strategies, and community resources for support.
- Promoted adherence to treatment plans through consistent follow-ups and adjustments to medications as necessary, improving overall patient wellbeing.
- Stayed current on advancements in psychiatric care by attending conferences, workshops, and completing continuing education courses.
- Facilitated pharmacological management of complex cases involving multiple medications or comorbidities requiring close monitoring.
- Managed patient caseloads efficiently, prioritizing time-sensitive needs and ensuring consistent quality of care.
- Maintained high professional standards by adhering to ethical guidelines, legal regulations, and organizational policies in all aspects of psychiatric nursing practice.
- Increased patient satisfaction by establishing a warm therapeutic environment that fostered open communication and trust.
Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner
CONNECT Program
03.2024 - 09.2024
- Conducted outreach for high-risk patients in need of mental health services and court-ordered care.
- Conducted risk assessments for suicidal or self-harming behaviors among patients, implementing appropriate safety measures when necessary.
- Provided crisis intervention services, effectively deescalating volatile situations while maintaining safety for all involved parties.
- Coordinated with organizations and departments involved in the patient's care, including social workers, primary care providers, case workers, housing specialists, and parole officers.
- Reduced hospital readmissions through providing effective psychotherapy and medication management for patients with mental health disorders.
- Delivered psychiatric medications at the patient's residence or in the field.
- Promoted adherence to treatment plans through consistent follow-ups and adjustments to medications as necessary, improving overall patient wellbeing.
Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner
Housing Works Healthcare
05.2023 - 09.2024
- Provided psychiatric services for a diverse patient population with a range of mental health and substance use disorders in a community-based clinical setting.
- Reduced risk of relapse by providing ongoing support during follow-up visits and crisis interventions when necessary.
- Participated actively in professional development opportunities to stay current on industry trends, guidelines, and standards of practice in the PMHNP field.
- Championed continuous quality improvement initiatives within the clinical environment, identifying areas for potential enhancement and implementing targeted solutions accordingly.
- Contributed to clinical research projects aimed at advancing knowledge in the field of mental health nursing practice.
- Collaborated with interdisciplinary teams, ensuring seamless coordination of care for patients.
- Evaluated new procedures and treatments based on evidence-based practice principles, refining approaches according to emerging research findings when appropriate.
Clinical Lead RN
Sameday Health
04.2022 - 03.2023
- RN responsibilities at an IV infusion wellness clinic.
- Enhanced team performance by providing regular supervision, training, and professional development opportunities.
- Educate patients on treatment options.
- Promoted a culture of safety within the unit by enforcing infection control measures and advocating for risk reduction strategies among staff members.
- Streamlined workflow processes for increased efficiency and improved patient care delivery.
- Administered IV and IM vitamin treatments and monitored patients throughout treatments.
- Monitored vital signs and documented details for informational and treatment purposes.
- Maintained safe and sterile environment for optimum patient treatment.
- Trained new nurses in proper techniques, care standards, operational procedures, and safety protocols.
Registered Nurse
Housing Works Health Care
01.2022 - 04.2022
- RN responsibilities at a community-based clinic that treats both medical and mental health disorders.
- Conducted thorough patient assessments to identify changes in condition, promptly notifying physicians and initiating appropriate interventions when necessary.
- Utilized critical thinking skills to prioritize nursing interventions based on patients'' acuity levels and individual needs.
- Administered medications accurately and safely, reducing medication errors and adverse reactions.
- Enhanced patient satisfaction through effective communication, empathy, and timely response to their needs.
- Collaborated with interdisciplinary teams for comprehensive patient care plans, resulting in better health outcomes.
- Administered medications via oral, IV, and intramuscular injections and monitored responses.
Operating Room Registered Nurse
NYU Langone
04.2017 - 08.2021
- Highest tier OR RN at a fast-paced and high-volume orthopedic surgery center.
- Volunteer ICU RN during the COVID-19 pandemic.
- Maintained a sterile environment within the operating room, reducing the risk of infection.
- Coordinated with surgeons and staff to deliver safe patient care during operations.
- Implemented time-out protocols before starting surgeries, verifying correct patient identification and procedural details.
- Mentored new nurses entering the profession, guiding them through their initial experiences within the operating room setting.
- Prepared equipment and supplies necessary for each surgical procedure, ensuring availability when needed by surgeons.
- Adapted quickly to changing situations in the operating room, utilizing problem-solving skills under pressure.
- Performed pre-operative assessments to prepare patients for surgery.
- Collected, labeled and transported specimens and delivered to lab for testing.
- Advocated for and strived to protect health, safety, and rights of patient.
- Provided direct support to surgical team during procedures.
Lead Trauma RN (OR)
NY Presbyterian
06.2015 - 02.2017
- Head of orthopedic trauma RNs at this level one hospital.
- Assisted physicians in operating room by providing necessary supplies and equipment.
- Collaborated with leadership to devise initiatives for improving nursing satisfaction, retention and morale.
- Leveraged feedback and process improvement opportunities to create safer and healthier environment and increase patient satisfaction.
- Provided skilled, timely and level-headed emergency response to critically-ill patients.
- Coordinated with anesthesia providers to ensure proper administration of anesthesia during procedures.
- Continually updated knowledge on best practices in nursing care through ongoing professional development opportunities.
- Streamlined communication among surgical team members, facilitating efficient flow of information during critical moments in surgery.
Operating Room Registered Nurse
East Side Surgery Center
08.2011 - 08.2014
- RN in the operating room where we performed plastic, orthopedic, and opthalmic surgeries
- Lead educator and super-user during the rollout of our EHR system.
- Coordinated with surgeons and staff to deliver safe patient care during operations.
- Maintained a sterile environment within the operating room, reducing the risk of infection.
- Prepared equipment and supplies necessary for each surgical procedure, ensuring availability when needed by surgeons.
- Adapted quickly to changing situations in the operating room, utilizing problem-solving skills under pressure.
Registered Nurse, Interventional Radiology
UPMC Shadyside Hospital
06.2007 - 12.2009
- RN responsibilities in interventional radiology procedures including IVC filter placements, embolization, emergency CVA treatment, cancer treatments, port placements, and stent placements.
- Effectively addressed any concerns or questions posed by patients or their families, providing thorough explanations about the nature of their interventional radiology procedures and expected recovery timelines.
- Delivered sedation to patients as per physician orders during treatments.
- Monitored patient status and vital signs during procedures.
- Provided clear and accurate EHR documentation pertaining to equipment and medications used, health status of patients, and outcomes.
- Performed neurological assessments on patients during CVA treatments.
Travel Registered Nurse, ICU Float
Westways Staffing
01.2010 - 07.2010
- ICU RN responsibilities in surgical, medical, cardiac, and neuro ICUs.
- Improved patient outcomes by providing expert clinical care and implementing evidence-based nursing practices in the ICU setting.
- Applied strong interpersonal skills to establish rapport with patients from diverse backgrounds while providing culturally-sensitive care.
- Streamlined documentation processes through diligent record-keeping, ensuring accurate reflection of patient status and treatments administered.
- Performed life-saving interventions such as CPR and defibrillation during cardiac arrest events, contributing to improved survival rates for ICU patients.
- Administered medications and treatments as prescribed by physicians.
- Triaged patients and delegated treatment needs to qualified staff and specialized departments.
Surgical ICU Registered Nurse
UPMC Shadyside Hospital
06.2007 - 12.2009
- Managed ventilator care for critically ill patients, ensuring optimal settings to maintain adequate oxygenation levels while minimizing risk of barotrauma or lung injury.
- Assisted surgeons during bedside procedures such as central line insertions or tracheostomies, ensuring proper set-up and maintenance of aseptic technique.
- Reduced recovery time for surgical ICU patients by providing comprehensive post-operative care, including pain management and wound care.
- Mentored new nursing staff in the Surgical ICU, providing guidance on best practices for patient care, documentation, and effective communication within the team.
- Identified early signs of potential complications by conducting regular assessments and initiating appropriate interventions as needed.
- Contributed to a positive work environment by consistently demonstrating professionalism, empathy, and respect towards colleagues and patients alike.
- Collaborated with case managers and social workers to facilitate timely discharges from the Surgical ICU, ensuring appropriate follow-up care arrangements were in place for each patient.
- Enhanced patient safety through diligent monitoring of vital signs, medication administration, and adherence to infection control protocols.
- Provided emotional support for patients and families during critical situations, fostering trust and open communication throughout their ICU stay.
- Coordinated with physical and occupational therapists to develop individualized rehabilitation plans aimed at improving patients'' functional status during their ICU stay.
Education
Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) - Nursing
Hunter College
New York, NY05-2027
Clinical Rotation - Psychiatry Training
Miesel Psychiatry
Brooklyn, NY12.2022
Master of Science - Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP)
Hunter College
New York, NY01-2023
Bachelor of Science - Nursing
Ohio University
Athens, OH08-2013
Diploma in Nursing - Nursing
Sharon Regional School of Nursing
05-2007
Skills
- Psychotherapy Techniques
- Eating disorder treatment
- Psychopharmacology Expertise
- Patient Health Education
- Addiction Recovery Support
- Community mental health resources
- Bipolar Disorder Treatment
- Psychiatric evaluation
- Outpatient mental health services
- Clinical Documentation
- Multidisciplinary Collaboration
- Suicide Risk Assessment
Certification
- NYS PMHNP, Active, 02/23, 01/26
- NYS RN, Active, 12/13, 06/25
- DEA, Currently Active
Presentations
- Organization-wide presentation on psilocybin research and its uses in psychiatry, Housing Works Healthcare, 09/23
- Department-wide presentation on ketamine treatments for treatment resistant depression, acute suicidality, and other psychiatric disorders., Date Not Provided
Accomplishments
Licenses
Nurse Practitioner, New York State (1/31/2026)
Registered Nurse, New York State (6/30/2025)
DEA License (10/31/2025)
Certifications
BLS Certification (10/25/2025)
Certified Perioperative Nurse (2017-22)
Education
New York State Mandatory Education (Infection control and child abuse)
Associations
Member of the American Psychiatric Nurses Association (Active)
Project
Depression, anxiety, alcohol use, and substance use QI project, Housing Works Health Care
Presentations
Research presentation at organization-wide level on psilocybin research and its uses in psychiatry; Housing Works Healthcare, September 2023
Research presentation at mental health department-wide on ketamine treatments for treatment resistant depression, acute suicidality, and other psychiatric disorders.
Professional References
Dr. Craig Heacock, MD
Professional Mentor
Host of 'Back From the Abyss' psychiatry podcast
970-480-7560, Dr.Heacock@Outlook.com
Dr. Phillip Romero, MD
Collaborating Psychiatrist
Chief of Psychiatry Nushama Wellness Center
646-394-9996, Phillip.Romero@Nushama.com
Leonid Stosman
PMHNP-BC, Partner of MENtele.Health
Interests
Timeline
Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner
Orenda Psychiatry
09.2024 - Current
Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner
Nushama Ketamine Wellness Clinic
09.2024 - Current
Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner
CONNECT Program
03.2024 - 09.2024
Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner
Housing Works Healthcare
05.2023 - 09.2024
Clinical Lead RN
Sameday Health
04.2022 - 03.2023
Registered Nurse
Housing Works Health Care
01.2022 - 04.2022
Operating Room Registered Nurse
NYU Langone
04.2017 - 08.2021
Lead Trauma RN (OR)
NY Presbyterian
06.2015 - 02.2017
Operating Room Registered Nurse
East Side Surgery Center
08.2011 - 08.2014
Travel Registered Nurse, ICU Float
Westways Staffing
01.2010 - 07.2010
Surgical ICU Registered Nurse
UPMC Shadyside Hospital
06.2007 - 12.2009
Registered Nurse, Interventional Radiology
UPMC Shadyside Hospital
06.2007 - 12.2009
- NYS PMHNP, Active, 02/23, 01/26
- NYS RN, Active, 12/13, 06/25
- DEA, Currently Active
Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) - Nursing
Hunter College
Clinical Rotation - Psychiatry Training
Miesel Psychiatry
Master of Science - Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP)
Hunter College
Bachelor of Science - Nursing
Ohio University
Diploma in Nursing - Nursing
Sharon Regional School of Nursing
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