Valerie Brandt, ARNP, PMHNP-BC

Valerie is a board-certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner with a Master of Science in Nursing from Walden University, specializing in psychiatric nursing. She holds active licensure in the state of Washington and is certified by the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC). Valerie is dedicated to providing evidence-based, trauma-informed mental health care and values staying current with advancements in the field. Outside of her professional role, she enjoys hiking, scuba diving, and exploring the outdoors with her husband and their adventurous dog. Valerie is honored to support first responders, healthcare professionals, and community members, and is committed to making a meaningful impact in the lives of those she serves.

My Approach To Treatment

I approach psychiatric care from a trauma-informed, whole-person perspective—integrating evidence-based medication management with supportive psychotherapy and practical lifestyle strategies. My style is warm, collaborative, and grounded in compassion. I don’t believe in one-size-fits-all treatment or cold, clinical encounters. With me, you’ll meet a fellow human who understands the weight of stress, burnout, and trauma—especially for those in caregiving professions. Whether you're navigating anxiety, depression, trauma, or feeling overwhelmed by the demands of life, I offer a safe, judgment-free space to pause, reflect, and begin healing.

I tailor treatment plans to your unique needs and goals, drawing from the latest research and best practices in psychiatric care. We’ll work together to find what’s most effective for you—adjusting as needed, always with your voice at the center of the process. My goal is to support you in feeling empowered, respected, and understood, with the tools and clarity to take meaningful steps forward in your mental wellness.

Areas of Focus:

Trauma & Stress-Related Conditions: post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), acute stress disorder, first responder trauma, healthcare worker trauma
Anxiety Disorders: generalized anxiety disorder, panic disorder, social anxiety
Mood Disorders: major depressive disorder, dysthymia, bipolar disorder I & II
Life Adjustments & Transitions: grief and loss, major life changes, postpartum depression, postpartum anxiety
Neurodevelopmental Concerns: attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)

Innovative Psychiatric Care with Botulinum Neurotoxin

Valerie blends clinical expertise with innovative, evidence-based approaches to care. As a specialist in the mental health application of Botulinum Neurotoxin (commonly known as BOTOX), she offers a cutting-edge treatment option for individuals struggling with depression and anxiety. This novel approach is grounded in research highlighting the connection between facial expression, neurobiology, and emotional regulation.

With advanced training and certification in aesthetic medicine through Aesthetic Medical Educators Training, Valerie is uniquely qualified to administer Botulinum Neurotoxin as part of a holistic, integrative mental health care plan. Her treatment model is centered on enhancing emotional well-being, building resilience, and reducing the burden of mental health symptoms through this emerging modality.

How Botulinum Neurotoxin Supports Mental Health

Botulinum Neurotoxin is emerging as a promising treatment for depression and anxiety, offering a novel way to interrupt the physiological and emotional patterns that reinforce negative mood states. One of its most studied effects is its ability to disrupt negative feedback loops through the relaxation of facial muscles involved in frowning. These muscles are closely tied to emotional expression, and their tension can reinforce internal states of distress. By softening these expressions, Botulinum Neurotoxin may help shift the internal emotional experience, supporting emotional regulation and mood stability.

Beyond facial expression, Botulinum Neurotoxin appears to have an effect on deeper neurological processes. It may help modulate activity in the amygdala, a brain region central to emotional processing and often hyperactive in individuals experiencing anxiety or depression. By influencing this area, the treatment may enhance the brain’s ability to regulate emotional responses more effectively.

Emerging research also suggests a potential connection between Botulinum Neurotoxin and serotonin pathways, which are critical for mood regulation. There is preliminary evidence that the treatment may influence serotonin receptor activity, possibly contributing to mood stabilization and symptom relief. While more research is needed, these findings reflect the innovative and multifaceted nature of Botulinum Neurotoxin as a mental health intervention.

Contact

Front Desk: 360-819-0525

Email: tumwatertherapy@gmail.com

New Clients

New clients get started here.

Currently accepting new clients.

In person appointments are available in Tumwater, WA. Telehealth appointments are available anywhere in WA state.

Insurance & Fees

Accepting: Regence, Premera, First Choice, Kaiser Permanente (check network)

Session Fees: Intake $340, 30 to 60 Min Sessions $150 to $300

Botulinum Neurotoxin: Call for pricing, free consultation required prior to procedure