Firefly Collaborative Mental Health
Inclusive psychiatric care for children, adolescents, and adults in Richmond and greater Virginia.
Welcome!
Thank you for visiting! My name is Margaret, and I'm a Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP). I have been practicing as a PMHNP since 2017, and after practicing in a variety of settings, I decided to open this practice so I can provide the type of care I feel all of us deserve: inclusive, trauma-informed, collaborative, and personalized. I have seen too many people dismissed, disrespected, and dehumanized by the mental health system over the years. We have all seen the toxic influence of venture capital and corporate interests on the healthcare system as a whole, where patients are monetized, visits are rushed, evaluations are nothing more than a series of check boxes, and volume is prioritized over quality care. My goal is to provide an alternative style of care, where each patient feels heard, valued, respected, and centered.
What I do:
I provide trauma-informed mental health care with a focus on serving individuals who identify as neurodivergent and/or queer. I prescribe medications and incorporate supportive therapy into each visit. I work with patients experiencing challenges related to mood, anxiety, trauma, OCD, and ADHD. My practice model begins with a 90-minute initial evaluation in which I strive to gain a thorough understanding of your goals, concerns, and lived experience, followed by 30–45 minute follow-up visits anywhere from every two weeks to every two or three months, depending on individual needs and preferences. There is much overlap between my work and the work of a traditional therapist; I incorporate therapy into every visit, but unlike traditional talk therapists, I am not able to offer weekly hour-long appointments as is commonly expected with therapists. Many patients also see a separate therapist alongside our work together, which I strongly encourage!
Why I do this:
Psychiatry has a long, painful history of marginalization and harm—from pathologizing queer people and women to overdiagnosing and institutionalizing people of color. That mistrust is earned. My goal is to reclaim mental health care as an act of social justice: creating a safe, affirming space where those historically excluded can find support, empowerment, and healing.
About me:
I have worked as a psychiatric nurse practitioner (PMHNP) since 2017 and prior to that I worked as psychiatric RN since 2012. I earned both my degrees from Virginia Commonwealth University, where I currently serve as adjunct faculty in the PMHNP program. I’ve worked in a wide range of clinical settings, including acute inpatient, outpatient, PHP/IOP, substance use treatment, long-term care, corrections, and eating disorder programs. I care deeply about delivering thoughtful, evidence-based care to a diverse patient population—and about training the next generation of nurse practitioners to do the same. Mental health care is much more than just a career for me - it's a passion I hold deeply. I am personally connected to the queer and neurodivergent community, which is why I do the work I do. Originally from Cambridge, Massachusetts, I earned my first Bachelor's at Mills College in Oakland, CA, with a major in French and Francophone studies and a minor in psychology. At Mills College, I was inducted into the Phi Beta Kappa honor society and won the French Prize. I have three daughters, each birthed at home, a spouse who is a Richmond City firefighter, a passion for audiobooks, and a love of the outdoors.
Insurance Accepted:
Cigna Anthem BCBS Aetna United Optum Oscar Oxford Sentara I utilize Headway for insurance verification and billing; before starting services together, you will need to make a Headway account so we can make sure I'm in your network. I rarely do private pay as I believe that if you are already paying for insurance coverage, your insurance should return the favor and cover the cost of your care. You can visit Headway before starting to check if I'm in your insurance network:
Frequently Asked Questions
Am I a good fit for Firefly Collaborative Mental Health?
Most likely! However, as a solo-practitioner, I do not provide 24/7 call, so individuals with frequent mental health crises or more acute psychiatric needs (frequent hospitalizations, recurrent suicide attempts, untreated bipolar) are better served by a larger practice that provides 24/7 call and more support infrastructure in place.
Do you provide 24/7 crisis support?
No. I strive to respond to all patient communication quickly and be as available as possible, but I am not often available for immediate psychiatric emergencies. For this reason, if your mental health needs are more acute, you will be better served by a larger practice with more support infrastructure in place and 24/7 call.
What medications do you prescribe?
With a focus on safety, efficacy, and tolerability, I can prescribe antidepressants, anxiolytics, mood stabilizers, antipsychotics, ADHD medications, and sedative-hypnotics. I abide by all FDA and DEA regulations in prescribing. If controlled substances are indicated, we have a Controlled Substance Agreement that outlines our precautions and requirements for the safe and appropriate use of these medications.
Do you take insurance?
Absolutely. Mental health care must be accesible to all. I am currently in-network with Aetna, Cigna, Anthem BCBS, United, Oxford, Optum, Oscar, Setara (in process) and others down the road.
Do you do telehealth or in-person care?
Both! I feel strongly about the value of in-person care to foster a more authentic connection and rapport, especially when working with children and adolescents. My office is located in Richmond's West End in the Balance RVA Wellness-Based Coworking Space. I do provide telehealth as well, which plays an important role of making mental healthcare more accessible for individuals who cannot access in-person care.
What is a nurse practitioner?
Nurse practitioners (NPs) are advanced-practice nurses who begin as registered nurses and pursue education at the Master's or Doctoral level. After passing board exams, NPs are trained to evaluate, diagnose, prescribe medications, perform procedures, and interpret bloodwork, among other tasks. While some NPs require physician supervision, I practice autonomously but deeply value the expertise of psychiatrists and other physicians, seeking consultation when needed.
One advantage of NP care is that, as nurses first, we often spend up to 12 hours caring for patients, developing rapport, and managing acute situations. As a nurse, my priority was always to advocate for patients, since oftentimes, we are the only ones doing so. My years as an RN have been invaluable to my work as an NP. This experience has helped me build empathy and develop skills to de-escalate patients with acute psychosis, mania, and aggression, deeply shaping my approach to patient care.
Do you have a supervising physician?
I have autonomous practice, meaning I have practiced long enough to no longer require physician supervision. However, that does not mean I have ceased seeking supervision and collaboration from physicians. The best patient care results from collaboration among healthcare providers of every stripe (and abbreviation) - NP, MD, DO, PA, RN, RD, OT, PT. We all bring something unique to the table, and collaboration is at the heart of caring for patients.
Why the name Firefly Collaborative Mental Health?
Fireflies represent a light in the darkness and a sense of wonder and joy even in the darkest of times. Collaborative because collaboration with each patient is the heart of our approach. We develop treatment plans collaboratively and center your voice and your personal goals and priorities during our work together. Treatments are made collaboratively after carefully reviewing the risks and benefits of different treatment options. Questions and curiosity are encouraged, and decisions are never made unilaterally.
Contact:
Phone/Text: 804-348-1708 Fax: 804-606-6915 [email protected] 10431 Patterson Ave, Richmond VAProspective Patient Form
