Philosophy

Janel Branson MSN, FNP-C, PMHNP-BC, APRN-Rx

Janel believes that healing is a deeply personal journey and that compassionate, holistic care offers a path to wellness that transcends conventional treatment. Integrative psychiatry combines traditional psychiatric care with evidence-based holistic approaches, addressing not only symptoms but also the root causes of mental health challenges. Janel emphasizes the importance of nutrition, movement, sleep, and environmental well-being, understanding their profound impact on emotional and cognitive health. While minimizing the need for psychiatric medications when possible, she uses them thoughtfully and only when necessary for optimal care. Her goal is to empower individuals to build resilience, guiding them toward lifestyle modifications and techniques that foster long-term mental wellness.

Janel's approach is heart-centered, holistic, and natural, focusing on the whole person—nurturing emotional, mental, and physical well-being through integrative methods. By blending conventional medicine with holistic strategies—including lifestyle changes, mind-body techniques, and individualized care plans—Janel helps her patients achieve balance and resilience in their mental health.

Experience

Janel began her academic journey as a Human Ecology Major, where she developed a strong foundation in human development, family dynamics, and social systems. In this field, she began her healthcare journey as a Child Life Specialist in hospitals across Upstate New York, working closely with children facing severe medical conditions.  This experience ignited her passion for pediatric mental health, especially in supporting children and families through grief, illness, and trauma. Her career led her to work in renowned hospitals across the U.S., including the teaching hospital of Harvard Medical School, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Chicago’s Northwestern Memorial Hospital, Barrows Neurological Institute, and Rady Children’s Hospital.

Her greatest passion has always been working with children, particularly in pediatric oncology. Janel’s work focused on supporting adolescents and the siblings of children with cancer, recognizing the unique emotional toll illness places on the entire family. Her master's thesis in Nursing explored the psychological impact of pediatric cancer on young patients and their families, further shaping her approach to mental health care.

As a cancer survivor, Janel has spent the last five years serving the Maui community through the Hawaii‘i Keiki Program. As a Family Nurse Practitioner who brings mental health services to schools and supports children facing social, emotional, and behavioral challenges. She played a critical role in providing mental health support to families affected by the devastating Maui wildfires, offering trauma-informed care and crisis intervention to children and families during these times. These experiences deepened her commitment to community-based mental health solutions.

Janel is committed to guiding others on their journey to healing, helping others overcome challenges, and working to eliminate the stigma surrounding mental healthcare in our community.