Dr. Pamela Nelson

Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner

Dr. Nelson has distinguished herself as a leader in clinical nursing practice since completing her Master’s of Science in Nursing (MSN) in 1998 at Vanderbilt University School of Nursing (VUSN). Her journey in healthcare began with diverse roles as a Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP), but it was her tenure within a Middle Tennessee psychiatric hospital’s medical team that ignited her passion for behavioral health. Committed to lifelong learning, she returned to Vanderbilt to complete postmaster’s studies leading to certification as a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP), and a Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP). Her dual board certification as a FNP and PMHNP provide a unique perspective on clinical nursing practice. As a result, she understands the critical intersection between physical and mental health.

Notably, Dr. Nelson researched the epidemic of psychiatric boarding, implementing an intervention for a PMHNP psychiatric consultation service to address this issue. This service demonstrated a cost-effective practice model and decreased length-of-stay for psychiatric patients in the emergency department. This innovative approach extended beyond clinical practice, as she was able to implement a successful psychiatric consultation service to address a nationwide quality improvement issue.

Dr. Nelson’s research on suicide prevention during the Covid-19 pandemic, published as the featured, open-access article in the Journal of Nurse Practitioners in 2020, earned widespread recognition https://doi.org/10.1016/j.nurpra.2020.07.015.  She was interviewed about her clinical expertise and research in the area of suicide prevention in the context of Covid-19 by Psychiatry Advisor in 2021, which reaches a physician and primary care provider audience: https://www.psychiatryadvisor.com/features/interview-prevention-in-the-context-of-covid-19/.  Dr. Nelson’s article was the primary reference in the American Medical Association’s May 2024, updated educational pamphlet to screen and treat at-risk patients, Suicide Prevention How to Guide. This guide offers actionable, evidence-based best practices on suicide prevention for primary care physicians and other health care providers.  https://www.ama-assn.org/system/files/bhi-suicide-prevention-how-to-guide.pdf.

As an adjoint faculty member at VUSN, Dr. Nelson shares her knowledge with future generations of nurses. She is a frequent speaker on mental health topics at VUSN and other universities. In her private practice, Nelson Psychiatric Associates, PLLC, she upholds the principles of evidence-based medicine and patient-centered care, particularly emphasizing solution-focused and hope-based therapies.

As a result of Dr. Nelson’s dedication to improving mental health outcomes through research, quality improvement, clinical excellence, and patient-centered care, she won the Alumni Award for Clinical Achievement at VUSN in November 2024. Her commitment to compassionate care and innovation serves as a continual inspiration to current students, fellow alumni, and all healthcare professionals.

Dr. Nelson is currently accepting adult patients, ages 18 and older, in her private practice. Having worked extensively with hospitalized patients in various psychiatric settings in the past, she now sees patients exclusively in her private practice. Her private practice, Nelson Psychiatric Associates, is located in middle Tennessee near Vanderbilt University.

Given her dual board certification as a Family and Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, she will take into careful consideration how other medical conditions will affect your mental health. Her philosophy includes medication management when appropriate, as most psychiatric illnesses respond best when treated with medications when indicated.

She will focus on you, the individual, to tailor your treatment to meet your needs, goals, and personal preferences. She looks forward to working with you and providing you with therapeutic mental health solutions.

In order to make an appointment, call 615-807-0784, and please leave a message with your name, date of birth, call back number, and the reason for your call. Dr. Nelson will call you back personally to discuss your needs with you.

“My work is not just about treating illness;  it is also about instilling hope and resilience.”

-Dr. Pamela Nelson

Nelson & Adams (2020), Role of primary care in suicide prevention during the COVID-19 pandemic. Journal for Nurse Practitioners. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.nurpra.2020.07.015

Rodriguez (2021). Interview: Interventions and other suicide prevention measures employed or adapted in the context of COVID-19. https://www.psychiatryadvisor.com/features/interview-prevention-in-the-context-of-covid-19/

AMA: Suicide prevention: How-to-guide. (2024).

https://www.ama-assn.org/system/files/bhi-suicide-prevention-how-to-guide.pdf