Behind every meaningful treatment experience is a team of people deeply committed to helping others heal, grow, and rediscover their sense of possibility. At Thira Health, our clinicians, mentors, and staff bring both professional expertise and personal passion to the work they do every day.
In our Meet Our Team series, we highlight the individuals who make our program so special. Through these conversations, you will learn more about their roles at Thira Health, what inspires their work in the mental health and recovery field, and the experiences that shape their approach to supporting clients and families.
In this edition, we are excited to introduce Linda Matthews, DNP, PMHNP-BC who shares insights into her role, her perspective on the recovery journey, and what continues to motivate her in this field.
Q: Tell us about your role! What do you do at Thira Health and what do you love most about your job? What specialties or therapeutic approaches do you bring to your work?
A: My Doctor of Nursing Practice education strengthens my clinical leadership, critical thinking, and ability to integrate research into practice, ensuring high-quality and ethically grounded care. I work with adolescents ages 12 and up as well as adults experiencing eating disorders, depression, anxiety, OCD, ADHD, PTSD, and mood disorders. My approach is holistic, patient-centered, and trauma-informed. I value collaboration and shared decision-making, working closely with patients, their families, and therapists. I integrate evidence-based medication management with psychoeducation and supportive therapeutic techniques to address the whole person—not just symptoms.
Q: What is your “why?” What motivated or inspired you to be in this field?
A: My motivation comes from a deep desire to reduce suffering and help people feel heard and understood during some of the most vulnerable moments of their lives. Mental health care has the power to restore functioning, dignity, and hope, and being part of that process is both humbling and meaningful to me.
Q: In your opinion, what does Thira Health do better than others in this field? What makes them unique?
A: Thira Health truly prioritizes individualized, compassionate care. The team takes the time to understand each patient’s story and creates treatment plans that are tailored rather than one-size-fits-all. The strong collaboration among providers and the emphasis on safety, respect, and clinical excellence set Thira Health apart.
Q: What makes you excited to be a part of the Thira Health Team?
A: I am excited to work alongside professionals who are deeply committed to ethical, high-quality mental health care. Thira Health fosters a culture of teamwork, open communication, and continuous learning, which allows providers to deliver the best possible care while also growing professionally.
Q: What is your hope for the future of Thira Health?
A: My hope is that Thira Health continues to expand its reach and remain a leader in compassionate, evidence-based mental health treatment. I look forward to seeing continued innovation, growth, and advocacy that improves access to quality mental health care for individuals and families.
Q: What do you wish more people knew about your profession?
A: I wish more people understood that psychiatric nurse practitioners are highly trained clinicians who provide comprehensive mental health care. Our role extends beyond prescribing—we assess, educate, collaborate, and support patients in a holistic and deeply relational way.
Q: Is there a personal philosophy or guiding principle that shapes the way you approach care?
A: I believe healing happens when patients feel genuinely heard, respected, and involved in their care. I approach every patient with empathy, curiosity, and nonjudgment, recognizing that each individual’s experience is unique.
Q: Do you have any professional publications, honors, awards or other highlights that we can feature? If so, please share details and any relevant links below.
A: I am a proud member of Sigma Theta Tau International Honor Society of Nursing, recognizing excellence in nursing scholarship, leadership, and professional practice.
