Joy Melhado, PMHNP - Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner
Focus Area: Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner
Licensed in: California
During our first visit I want to get to know you, to assist you on a journey to achieve optimal wellness. I will be an attentive listener, provide an empathic therapeutic approach by partnering with you to achieve your ultimate lifetime goals. I am a strong advocate for mental health and will assist you to navigate the healthcare system that can be confusing at times. I utilize the recovery model to normalize mental health and eradicate any negative stigmas. A wide array of treatment modalities will be utilized such as supportive therapy, psychopharmacology, and integrating other complementary and alternative treatment modalities in your wellness plan.
To book a time with this provider, select a time on the schedule below and click Reserve Session.
About Me
Joy Melhado is a licensed and board-certified Advanced Practice Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP). She studied in British Columbia, Canada, initially obtaining an Associate Degree in Psychiatric Nursing followed by an Associate Degree in Nursing; which provided her the role as a dual-trained registered nurse. She began her career in 1991 as a psychiatric nurse working in forensic and adult inpatient psychiatry. She brings over 30 years of experience in the specialty of Psychiatric Mental Health Nursing which includes clinical practice and nursing administrative positions. Her philosophy is to work hard to end the stigma associated with mental illness by increasing awareness to other providers and the community. She is dedicated to being a strong advocate for her clients and families and brings compassion to her encounters with patients and families. She believes that mental health is vital to maintain ‘wholeness’: body, mind, and spirit. In addition to her extensive clinical experience, Joy earned her Post-Master’s Psychiatric Mental Health Certificate from the California State University of San Marcos. She has been awarded Psychiatric Nurse of the Year- Advanced Clinical role for San Diego County in 2012. Her current focus is working with clients across the lifespan who suffer from depression, bipolar disorder, anxiety, and a wide range of other mental health conditions integrating brief psychotherapy techniques, lifestyle changes, and if necessary, medication management.
Qualification
- California State University San Marcos 2021 - PM
- University of Phoenix 2004 - MSN
- University of Phoenix 2003 - BSN
- California - NP
- California - NPF
- California - RN
Hobbies
Reading, Listening to music, Hiking, Traveling, Spending time with friends
Role
Med Manager
Therapeutic Expertise
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner
Specialties
Addiction, ADHD, Adjustment Disorder, Anger Management, Anxiety, Attachment Disorder, Bipolar, Childhood Trauma, Co-Occurring Medical Problems, Cyclothymic Disorder, Depression, Developmental Disorder, Dissociative Disorder, Domestic Violence, Dysthymic Disorder, Eating Disorder Informed, Eating Disorders, Fatigue, Burn Out, And Self-care, Grief, Hoarding Disorder, Imposter Syndrome, Insomnia, Medical Conditions And Chronic Pain, Mood Disorders, Obsessive Compulsive Disorder, Occupational Burnout, Oppositional Defiant Disorder (ODD), Pain Management, Panic Disorder, Physical Disabilities, Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), Postpartum Depression, Self-Harm, Setting Boundaries, Sexual Abuse, Sexual Assault, Stress Management, Substance Use Issues, Suicidality & Self Harm, Survivors Of Suicide, Trauma
Methodologies
Motivational Interviewing
Populations
Military And Veterans Issues, Motherhood, Young Adults
Insurances accepted by Joy Melhado
Regal Medical Group
We’re in-network with most major providers. Covered members pay an average co-pay of $30.
IN NETWORK
Accessible, affordable mental health care
We’re not some mental-health tech start-up. Headlight was founded by psychiatrists with 40+ years of experience who know how life-changing good mental health can be.
Related providers
More than 50% of Americans struggle with mental health.
Headlight is now collaborating with health plans and companies to make therapy more accessible and affordable. Speak to a Care Coordinator today.
Start your journey
Fill out the form below or call 1(800) 930-0803 and one of Headlight's representatives will help start you on your journey.
If you are having an emergency, please go to the nearest emergency room (ER) or call 911. For all other mental health needs or services, please see the information below.
Reservation Details
Joy Melhado, PMHNP
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Headlight accept insurance?
Yes, Headlight accepts most major insurances such as Aetna, Kaiser, Magellan, Anthem and more. To confirm we accept your insurance, please call 800-930-0803.
What is the difference between a Therapist and a Prescriber?
Therapy, often provided by psychologists, social workers, or counselors, involves talking through emotional and psychological challenges to gain insight and develop coping strategies. Whereas, psychiatry, typically led by medical doctors, focuses on the diagnosis and treatment of mental health issues using medication alongside therapy when necessary. While therapy emphasizes conversation and behavioral strategies, psychiatry integrates medication management to address biochemical imbalances in mental health conditions.
How much will my appointment cost?
Seeking help is hard, paying for it shouldn’t be. Our goal is to make mental health care affordable and accessible to all, by working with insurance companies to cover mental health services in-network. Over 90% of our clients are getting great care with only a co-pay fee. To check your insurance coverage click here (https://headlight.health/insurance/) or call our Care Coordinators at 1-800-930-0803 for assistance.
Do Headlight providers offer telehealth visits?
Absolutely, all our providers offer telehealth visits so that you can get care from the comfort of your own home.
Can I see both a Therapist and Prescriber?
Yes. Seeing both a Therapist and Prescriber is incredibly common and can lead to better results. Talk with your provider and discuss if combining Therapy and Medication Management makes sense for you.
What can I expect in my first appointment?
During your first session you will meet with a licensed professional to discuss your medical history, current feelings and relevant life factors. From there, you and your provider will work together to create a personalized treatment plan. If you don’t feel like your provider is a good fit, please let your provider know. They can help transfer you to a new provider that might be a better fit for you.