Katie Henkel, PA-C
she/her
Psychiatric Physician Assistant
I'm always on your side.
I take a down-to-earth, patient-centered approach to mental health care. I focus on really listening to you, understanding your unique challenges, and working together to find the best treatment plan.
My goal is to create a safe, welcoming space where you feel comfortable just being yourself.
I was initially drawn to psychiatry because of my deep interest in understanding human behavior and my passion for helping people navigate their mental health challenges. Throughout my career in emergency medicine, urgent care, and addiction medicine, I encountered many patients struggling with psychiatric conditions that were often overlooked or inadequately addressed. This experience reinforced my desire to specialize in mental health, where I could make a meaningful impact by providing compassionate, evidence-based care.
Working in psychiatry allows me to build long-term relationships with my patients, helping them achieve stability, growth, and a better quality of life. I am particularly passionate about serving diverse communities, ensuring that mental health care is accessible, inclusive, and tailored to each individual’s needs.
What I find most rewarding about clinical mental health work is the opportunity to truly connect with my patients and witness their growth over time. Unlike other areas of medicine where interactions are often brief, psychiatry allows me to build meaningful relationships with my patients and help them navigate their mental health journeys.
It’s especially fulfilling to provide care that is inclusive and culturally competent, ensuring that patients feel heard, understood, and supported. Seeing my patients regain stability, develop resilience, and improve their quality of life is incredibly rewarding. Knowing that I can play a role in their healing and empowerment is what keeps me passionate about this field.
When you come to me for treatment, you can expect a compassionate, personalized, and evidence-based approach to your mental health care. My goal is to create a trusting, inclusive space where you feel heard and empowered.
Treatment includes medication management, lifestyle modifications, and collaborative care tailored to your individual needs. I’m here to support your long-term stability and well-being by offering clear guidance and holistic strategies to help you feel better.
Above all, my approach ensures you feel heard and respected every step of the way. Together, we’ll find practical, effective strategies to improve your mental health and support your long-term well-being.
EDUCATION
- Touro University Nevada
- Northern Illinois University
WORKS WITH
- Adults
APPROACHES
- Compassion Focused
- Strength Based
- Person-Centered
Mental health treatment is essential because it directly impacts every aspect of a person’s life—relationships, work, physical health, and overall well-being. Just like we care for our physical health, taking care of our mental health is crucial for living a balanced and fulfilling life. Without proper treatment, mental health conditions can interfere with daily functioning and make it harder to cope with stress, leading to serious consequences if left unaddressed. Effective treatment provides the support, tools, and strategies you need to manage symptoms, build resilience, and regain control over your life. Most importantly, mental health care ensures that you don’t have to struggle alone.
I believe healing and wellness come through a combination of self-awareness, support, and the right tools tailored to your needs. Mental health care isn’t one-size-fits-all—true healing happens when you feel heard, understood, and empowered in your journey. A strong support system, whether through therapy, medication, lifestyle changes, or meaningful connections, plays a key role in recovery. I also believe in the power of self-compassion and encourage you to take small, consistent steps toward your well-being. With the right guidance and resources, you can build resilience, regain balance, and create a fulfilling, healthy life.
It takes a lot of courage to ask for help, and I’m here to support you every step of the way. My goal is to create a safe, judgment-free space where we work together at your pace. We’ll take it one step at a time, and I’ll always make sure you have a voice in your treatment plan. There’s no pressure to have everything figured out from the start. I’m here to help you feel better in whatever way works best for you, and you can always count on me to support you without judgment.
FAVORITE SELF-CARE
My favorite ways to practice self-care include staying active, whether that’s hiking, exploring new places, or simply getting outside for fresh air. Traveling and experiencing new things help me reset and gain perspective, and I love capturing moments through photography as a way to stay present and appreciate the world around me.
I believe rest is essential, so I prioritize quality sleep and staying present in each moment to manage stress and maintain balance. I also make a conscious effort to connect with nature—whether it’s taking a walk outside or unwinding in a peaceful setting—to recharge both mentally and emotionally.
To me, self-care means embracing new experiences, staying curious and engaged with life, and making time for the people and activities that bring joy and fulfillment.
FUN FACTS
- I love spending time outdoors, whether it’s hiking, exploring new places, or just enjoying fresh air in a beautiful setting.
- Travel is a big part of my life—I’m always excited to visit new destinations, experience different cultures, and try new foods.
- I also enjoy cooking and experimenting in the kitchen, especially when it comes to creating meals that are both delicious and nourishing.
- Learning is something I’m passionate about, whether it’s discovering new skills, exploring different perspectives, or finding unique experiences that challenge me to grow.
LIFE MOTTO
The best life advice I’ve been given is, “You can’t pour from an empty cup.” It’s a reminder to prioritize self-care and make sure I’m taking care of myself so I can be my best for others.
I also live by the motto, “Progress, not perfection.” It helps me stay focused on continuous growth, knowing that small steps toward improvement are just as important as big leaps. Life is a journey, and I believe in embracing the process, even when it’s not perfect.
