About Me
Welcome! I'm Patricia Schneider, DNP, PMHNP-BC
I’m a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner with a Doctorate in Nursing Practice. I have had a diverse professional journey, starting with a Bachelor’s Degree in Business Management and evolving through various roles in healthcare. I've worked with adult patients in hospital settings, including post-op and dialysis care, served as a school nurse for children with developmental disabilities, and have worked in an inpatient child and adolescent unit at the first hospital in the country dedicated solely to children and adolescents. For 12 years, I also had the privilege of teaching nursing to undergraduate students, shaping the minds of future healthcare professionals.
In 2023, I became a certified Functional Blood Work Specialist and work with clients of all ages. For those unfamiliar with this type of specialist, we take a deeper look into what’s going on inside of the body as a whole to uncover the root cause of all the symptoms patients are experiencing on a daily basis. By understanding the intricate connections between physical and mental health, I can create personalized treatment plans that address symptoms and target the underlying causes, leading to more effective and sustainable outcomes for my patients. I use your blood work to discover what’s keeping you from achieving optimal health and well-being by addressing problems such as micro-nutrient deficiencies, chronic inflammation, gut symbiosis, hormonal issues, and more! For more information about my services and my 4- Do It Yourself programs, please visit www.wholehealthalternatives.com.
My Personal Journey
I am a first-generation American born to Portuguese immigrant parents with Portuguese being my first language. I have always enjoyed traveling and immersing myself in new cultures. My husband and I lived in Italy for three years as he worked for a textile company. However, life has also presented significant challenges. There was a time I lost nearly everything—I worked multiple, low-pay jobs to support my family as we rebuilt our lives.
I understand the complexities of balancing raising children with the demands and challenges of everyday life. I know what it’s like to start over and rebuild from the ground up. These experiences have given me resilience, perseverance, empathy, and a profound understanding of life's ups and downs.
Now I am a proud mother of three children – two teenage boys and a 4-year-old daughter whom we adopted from birth. Through our adoption journey, I have come to deeply understand and empathize with the unique challenges and joys that blended families face. This experience has fueled my passion for supporting families going through similar journeys.
My son’s battle with OCD, starting at the age of 9 and requiring extensive hospitalization, has impacted me both as a mother and a practitioner. Seeing his remarkable progress and resilience has been a source of immense pride and inspiration. These experiences have reinforced my commitment to listening to my patients, understanding their unique stories, and providing comprehensive, compassionate care. In my practice, I prioritize accessibility with appointment times, thorough diagnosing, and fostering strong relationships and trust with my child patients and their parents.
Outside of the clinical setting, I find joy in simple pleasures like going to the beach and exploring new recipes in the kitchen. I am also passionate about fitness and enjoy working out. I competed in my first bodybuilding competition at the age of 51 and have continued to challenge myself in this arena.
My Practice Philosophy
I help my patients focus on their strengths to build confidence. My approach includes comprehensive assessments that go beyond prescriptions, integrating natural and alternative options. I value the therapeutic relationship and work collaboratively with my patients to create tailored treatment plans.
Those close to me describe me as down-to-earth, compassionate, and genuine. My patients often tell me, "I haven't been heard in a while” or "You're the only one who listens”.
I believe…
Every patient deserves to feel heard and valued
There is no magic pill or one-size-fits-all solution
Children should feel included in the treatment process
There is always hope
My Credentials
Doctorate in Nursing Practice (DNP), University of Massachusettes, Amherst
Board-certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP-BC)
Bachelor’s Degree in Business Management, Fisher College
Certified Functional Blood Work Specialist
Over 20 of hospital experience in helping patients improve their health outcomes
12 years of experience teaching nursing to undergraduate students
Worked as an inpatient nurse in the first hospital in the country devoted exclusively to children and adolescents, Bradley Hospital
Worked as a school nurse in a collaborative program for children with developmental disabilities
