Hello! My name is Lorena Salazar (she/her), and I am an advanced-practice registered nurse practitioner (ARNP), with board certification in the specialty area of Psychiatry and Mental Health (PMHNP-BC). I specialize in the care of children, adolescents, and young adults. I am enthusiastic about exploring and understanding factors that may predispose clients to mental health concerns such as genetics, life traumas, early life experiences, relationships, cultural, and race related concerns, and current coping methods. My aim at every encounter is for my clients to feel empowered, supported, seen, and understood; to enhance my understanding of their mental health concerns, and to provide motivational counseling in a culturally competent, stigma-free environment. I provide services in both English and Spanish.

Pronouns

She/her/hers

Who I Best Work with and Services

I enjoy the care and management of children, adolescents, and young adults ages (6-21) with Developmental Disorders, Mood Disorders, Anxiety Disorders, Autism Spectrum Disorders, ADHD, OCD, Personality Disorders, and LGBTQIA-related concerns. The treatment modalities I provide include in-person and telehealth comprehensive psychiatric evaluations, supportive therapy, and medication management. I also order laboratory testing and EKGs to rule out other medical conditions. I believe in creating a holistic, and individualized plan of care that values client and family involvement, interprofessional collaboration, and evidence-based practice. Additionally, I partner with families, therapists, and schools to develop a tailored treatment approach to meet the client’s needs.

Specialty Training:

I received my Master’s and Doctor of Nursing Practice degree at Gonzaga University and my Bachelor of Science in Nursing from the University of Victoria in BC. I have over 20 years of nursing experience in intensive care, acute care settings, community nursing, population health, long-term care, health and wellness coaching, and mental health services. Additionally, I have obtained certifications in Trauma Informed Care, Motivational Interviewing, Mindfulness, Professional Health and Wellness Coach, and training in the care of individuals with autism spectrum disorders through the Washington State Autism ‘Center of Excellence’ (COE). I continuously seek ways to enhance my knowledge through interdisciplinary consultations, 

Who I am Outside of Work:

I was born in El Salvador and grew up in Belize and Canada. Thus, I enjoy the diverse range of natural landscapes of the PNW and the closeness to Canada. When I am not at work, I enjoy cooking, traveling, trying new food, and exploring the outdoors. I also enjoy a good Telenovela during downtime.