We recently connected with Dr. Geraldine Gabriel and have shared our conversation below.
Dr. Gabriel, appreciate you joining us today. Is there a heartwarming story from your career that you look back on?
As a family and psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner, I have encountered many heart-wrenching stories, but two cases stand out as moments that deeply moved me and shaped my perspective as a provider. In both instances, the sheer intensity of the patients’ pain and life experiences broke through the professional composure I typically maintain, and I allowed myself to connect with them on a profoundly human level.
One patient had experienced homelessness and had turned to drugs as a means of survival—both to cope with their circumstances and to earn enough to get by. As they recounted their story, describing the relentless cycle of hardship and despair, I felt an overwhelming sense of sorrow for all they had endured. Despite my efforts to remain composed, I couldn’t hold back my tears. I had to step out momentarily to collect myself before returning, and when I did, we shared a moment of raw vulnerability. I told them, “I’m so sorry you’ve been through this, but I’m here to help you rebuild.” In that moment, I could see that my emotional response resonated with them—they embraced it. We cried together, and it was a pivotal step in building trust and connection.
The second patient had survived a traumatic and abusive relationship, sharing an experience so harrowing that it pierced through every boundary I had set to remain detached. Woken from their sleep and subjected to violence, their pain and fear were palpable as they recounted the events. Once again, I found myself unable to suppress my emotions. I looked at them with tears in my eyes and said, “I’m so sorry you’ve been through this. Thank you for trusting me with your story, and I promise to help you find a way forward.” The patient’s response was remarkable—they welcomed my vulnerability, and it became a moment of shared humanity. In that session, we were not just provider and patient but two people acknowledging the depth of their experience together.
These moments, while emotionally challenging, have left a lasting impression on me. They reminded me that while it is crucial to maintain professionalism as a provider, there are times when vulnerability is not only appropriate but also transformative. Allowing myself to feel and connect on a deeper level in these rare instances enhanced the patient-provider bond and created a safe, validating space for these individuals to begin their healing journeys.
What inspires me most about these experiences is the resilience of the patients themselves. Despite their pain, they found the courage to share their stories and seek help. That courage is a testament to the strength of the human spirit, and it continues to inspire me as I guide others through their healing journeys. For anyone who may be facing similar struggles, I want you to know that this too shall pass. No matter how heavy your burden feels right now, you have the power to overcome it. There is light on the other side of your pain, and you don’t have to walk this journey alone. Seeking help is a sign of strength, and there are people like me who are ready to walk alongside you.
These moments have deepened my commitment to creating a safe space for every patient to feel seen, heard, and empowered. They remind me that the most profound impact we can have as providers often comes from meeting people where they are and showing them that hope is possible, even in their darkest moments.
Dr. Gabriel, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?
I am Dr. Geraldine Gabriel, a psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner and founder of Psyche Wellness Group. With five academic degrees and a lifelong fascination with the mind, my journey into psychiatry began the moment I took my first psychology course. What started as an elective quickly became a passion. I was captivated by the intricacies of the human psyche—how people think, feel, and grow. From that point forward, I knew psychiatry was my calling, and I’ve devoted my career to helping individuals heal, develop resilience, and thrive.
At Psyche Wellness Group, my approach is rooted in building trust and collaboration with my patients. I believe healing starts with a strong, open, and individualized relationship. Every treatment plan is tailored to meet my patients where they are, ensuring care that is as unique as the individual. My philosophy of care integrates medication management with psychotherapy and coaching techniques, empowering patients to not only address their mental health challenges but also develop tools for personal growth and lasting change.
What sets my practice apart is the depth of care I provide. Beyond prescribing medications, I incorporate psychotherapeutic techniques and, when necessary, collaborate with patients’ therapists to offer the most comprehensive care possible. This holistic approach allows me to address the full spectrum of a patient’s needs, focusing not just on symptom relief but also on personal transformation.
One of the specific challenges I help patients overcome is healing from traumatic experiences, whether rooted in childhood or adulthood. Watching patients come to me in a negative, often hopeless state and guiding them toward a place of strength, resilience, and positivity is the most rewarding part of my work. Seeing those transformations unfold—when a patient who once felt broken begins to find hope again—is what motivates me every day. Approximately 90% of my patients report significant improvements in their mental health as a result of the individualized care and treatment plans I provide, and that success is a testament to the trust we build together.
My vision for Psyche Wellness Group is to grow the practice with like-minded practitioners whose missions align with mine. I want to expand the practice with providers who share my belief that effective care goes beyond medication. Together, we aim to integrate psychotherapeutic and coaching techniques to help patients navigate their traumas and challenges, empowering them to overcome adversity and embrace brighter futures.
What inspires me most about this field is the resilience of the human spirit. My patients are living proof that even in the face of immense pain, healing is possible. To anyone struggling, I want to say: no matter how difficult your journey feels right now, you are capable of growth, recovery, and rediscovery. With the right support, you can overcome anything. My goal is to walk alongside my patients as they move toward that brighter tomorrow, offering guidance, hope, and care every step of the way.
At Psyche Wellness Group, I am committed to not just treating symptoms but helping patients truly heal. My passion for this work, sparked by that first psychology course, has never wavered, and I am honored to continue making an impact in the lives of my patients.
Putting training and knowledge aside, what else do you think really matters in terms of succeeding in your field?
That’s a phenomenal question. Beyond training and knowledge, I believe the most critical factor for succeeding in psychiatry is having a genuine heart and deep interest in helping others heal. Psychiatry isn’t just about prescribing medications or following clinical protocols—it’s about truly listening to patients’ stories, understanding their pain, and guiding them toward a better version of themselves.
To thrive in this field, you must care about each patient as a person, not just a diagnosis. For example, imagine an anxious patient who calls you frequently, driven by their fear and uncertainty. While it may test your patience, understanding the “why” behind their actions allows you to respond with compassion rather than frustration. That understanding builds trust, and trust is the foundation of progress in psychiatry.
This field isn’t for everyone. If you’re uncomfortable hearing about people’s darkest moments or their painful histories, or if you’re only in it for financial gain, you’ll quickly find yourself overwhelmed. Psychiatry demands emotional resilience and patience because patients may test your limits—sometimes unintentionally, as a result of their diagnosis. You need to strike a balance: setting firm boundaries while still showing empathy and care.
The truth is, patients know when you genuinely care about them. When they feel that you’re invested in their success, they’re more likely to trust the treatment plan, stay compliant, and take the steps needed to improve. On the flip side, if a provider approaches this work without real compassion, patients will sense that too. Even the most accurate treatment plans can fail if the patient doesn’t feel seen, heard, or valued.
At the end of the day, the rewards of this work outweigh the challenges. There’s nothing quite like seeing a patient move from a place of hopelessness to hope, or from fear to strength. Watching someone reclaim their life and knowing you played a role in that transformation is profoundly fulfilling. But to get to those moments, you need more than training—you need patience, empathy, and a genuine passion for helping others overcome their struggles.
In psychiatry, you’re not just treating illnesses—you’re walking alongside people as they rebuild their lives. That’s why having a heart for this work is not just helpful—it’s essential.
How did you put together the initial capital you needed to start?
This is such a cute question—it makes me laugh a little! Initial capital? What capital? The truth is, I built my practice through bootstrapping. I started my psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner practice on the side while working two demanding jobs. I worked part-time as a family nurse practitioner during the day and spent my evenings building my psychiatry practice. It was a lot, and there were days when I felt stretched thin. But I knew this was what I needed to do to transition smoothly when the time came to leave my family nurse practitioner role.
I started small and intentionally kept my expenses low. Running a virtual practice was key because it eliminated overhead costs like renting office space. I reinvested the profits I earned back into the business, using tools like a reliable EMR system, scheduling apps, and affordable software to streamline operations. When the practice grew enough, I hired a phenomenal assistant who helped me stay efficient and focused on patient care.
To fund my business along the way, I aligned myself with Novo Bank, which allowed me to access funding when needed. In addition, I secured an American Express Business Card, which I use to cover various business-related expenses. These financial tools provided me with flexibility and helped me strategically grow without taking on significant risks.
One of the milestones I celebrate is how the business has grown beyond what I ever expected. When I first started, I limited myself to seeing 20 patients a week, as that was enough to replace the income I was making as a family nurse practitioner. Over time, I realized I was comfortably seeing 30 patients a week. Now, I’m averaging 35 patients a week, and the practice continues to grow. Watching it evolve into something far bigger than I imagined has been so rewarding, and I’m excited to see where it goes next.
So, to answer the question—no, you don’t need huge capital to start a psychiatric practice, at least not the way I’ve done it. The secret is starting small, being resourceful, and reinvesting what you earn. It’s a marathon, not a sprint, but with patience and perseverance, you can absolutely make it happen.
If you’re thinking about starting your own business, don’t be discouraged if you don’t have big upfront funding. Use what you have, work hard, and stay committed. Those small, steady steps can turn into something extraordinary over time.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.psychewellnessgroup.com
- Instagram: @drg_ielevateminds
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dr-geraldine-gabriel-dnp-802825231
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@psychewellnessgroup-dr.ger3082
Image Credits
Off Beat Studios- Ciana