I'm Alicia West, a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP), and the founder of West Ascent Psychiatry. The story of this practice is not just about a change in profession; it's about a fundamental shift in purpose, born from my time on the front lines of emergency medicine since 2013.

For years, I served as both Staff and Charge Nurse in the Emergency Room, witnessing the mental health crisis at its most raw and chaotic. I saw the limitations and trauma that seeking care in a crisis setting creates—especially for young people and their families. This profound experience became my catalyst.

The decision to found West Ascent Psychiatry was cemented during one long, difficult night. As a Charge Nurse, I stopped in to check on a suicidal teenager who had spent multiple days in the ER, waiting for a treatment placement that never seemed to come. She was exhausted, alone, and resigned.

She looked at me and said, "I don't matter. You have more important stuff to do than check on me."

That moment was everything. I explained to her that every life matters, and that she was important. But in that noisy, overwhelming environment, I knew my words were a temporary shield against a systemic failure. At that point, I knew I needed to leave the ER. I was determined to become part of a preventative solution—to build a safe, healing space outside of the hospital where people know they matter long before they reach their worst moment.

The name West Ascent symbolizes this commitment: it represents the journey toward improvement, elevation, and success.

My mission is to help people heal and move forward. As a PMHNP, I combine the rapid assessment skills of an ER nurse with the deep, holistic understanding of mental health, focusing on early intervention and collaborative care.

We specialize in giving children, adolescents, young adults, and families the tools to build a strong mental health foundation. By intervening early with conditions like ADHD, anxiety, OCD, and mood disorders, we can transform potential struggles into lifelong strengths.

Our Core Philosophy: You Are Not a Diagnosis

Holistic & Collaborative Care: You are not defined by your diagnosis, but seen as a unique person living with symptoms. Treatment is a partnership; we work with you to create a personalized plan focused on your most important symptoms, grounded in trauma-informed and solution-focused psychotherapy.

Family & Community Focus: As a mother, I am passionate about supporting families who are struggling to find care. West Ascent is a resource committed to your whole family and the community you thrive in.

I am dedicated to being a partner in your ascent toward mental wellness, providing compassionate, effective care that helps you and your family thrive right where you belong.