Sophia Scales
Board-certified PMHNP with over 17 years of experience in emergency and psychiatric nursing, specializing in medication management and trauma-informed care.
Role
Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner
Languages
English
About
I am a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP) with over 17 years of experience in emergency and psychiatric nursing, dedicated to providing compassionate, patient-centered mental health care. I earned my Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) in Psychiatric Mental Health and my Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) from Chamberlain University in Addison, Illinois. Throughout my career, I have worked in fast-paced emergency departments and acute psychiatric settings, supporting individuals during some of their most vulnerable moments. I currently practice at Hartgrove Hospital in Chicago, where I complete comprehensive psychiatric assessments, guide patients through crisis stabilization, and collaborate closely with multidisciplinary teams to create thoughtful, individualized treatment plans. I emphasize therapeutic communication, safety, and trust to help patients feel heard and supported. As a nurse practitioner, I completed clinical training at Sunshine Psychiatry, where I provided psychiatric evaluations, diagnosed mental health conditions, and prescribed medication using a holistic approach. My training also includes experience with CBT, DBT, trauma-informed care, and substance use treatment. I am licensed as an RN and APRN in Illinois, board-certified as a PMHNP, and committed to helping individuals move toward healing, stability, and long-term wellness.
Practice Details
Insurance Accepted
- bcbs
- aetna
- optum
- cigna
- unitedhealthcare
- self-pay
Age Groups
Treatment Approaches
Education
Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) in Psychiatric Mental Health
Chamberlain University, Addison, IL,
Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN)
Chamberlain University, Addison, IL,
Services Offered
Medication Management
A psychiatrist or psychiatrist nurse practitioner can work with you to decide if medication is the right option for you and get the right prescription to your pharmacy.
Individual Therapy
One-on-one therapy sessions tailored to address your unique mental health needs and personal goals.
ADHD Testing and Evaluation
Comprehensive assessment for Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder using standardized tools.
Psychological Testing & Assessment
Comprehensive evaluation of cognitive functioning, personality, and emotional well-being.
Bipolar Disorder Testing & Evaluation
Thorough evaluation for bipolar disorder and related mood conditions.
Chemical Dependency & Substance Abuse Assessment
Evaluation of substance use patterns and addiction severity.
Depression Screening & Evaluation
Comprehensive assessment of depression symptoms and severity.
Eating Disorder Testing & Evaluation
Thorough assessment of eating patterns and related behaviors.
Testing & Evaluations for 504/IEP Accommodations
Educational assessments for academic accommodations and support.
Psychiatric Evaluation
Comprehensive mental health assessment for diagnosis and treatment planning.
Independent Medical Examination (IME)
Objective medical evaluation for legal or insurance purposes.
Health Psychology Evaluation
Assessment of psychological factors affecting physical health.
School-Based Assessment
Educational and psychological evaluations within the school setting.
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
Evidence-based therapy focusing on changing thought patterns and behaviors.
Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)
Skills-based therapy for emotion regulation and interpersonal effectiveness.
Exposure Therapy
Gradual exposure to feared situations to reduce anxiety.
Grief Counseling
Support for processing loss and navigating the grieving process.
Solution-Focused Therapy
Brief therapy focusing on solutions rather than problems.
Trauma-Focused CBT
Specialized CBT approach for addressing trauma.
Anxiety Disorder Treatments
Comprehensive treatment approaches for various anxiety disorders.
Alcohol Addiction Treatments
Specialized treatment for alcohol dependency and recovery.
ADHD Treatment
Comprehensive treatment for attention deficit hyperactivity disorder.
Depression Treatment
Comprehensive treatment approaches for depression.
Anxiety Medication Management
Specialized medication management for anxiety disorders.
Borderline Personality Disorder Treatment
Specialized treatment for BPD using evidence-based approaches.
Bipolar Disorder Treatment
Comprehensive treatment for bipolar disorder management.
Depression Medication Management
Specialized medication management for depression.
Personality Disorders Treatment
Specialized treatment for various personality disorders.
Substance Abuse Treatment
Comprehensive treatment for substance use disorders.
Certifications
- Board-Certified PMHNP
- Licensed RN - Illinois
- Licensed APRN - Illinois