South Valley Psychiatry PLLC · Gilbert, AZ
Meeting people where they are
Compassionate, evidence-based psychiatric care from Shawn and Emily Nielsen — a husband-and-wife team of Psychiatric Nurse Practitioners with over a decade of experience across hospital, community, and emergency psychiatry. Serving patients ages 6 and up.
Takes just a few minutes — we’ll handle the rest.
Shawn Nielsen
PMHNP-BC Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner
Emily Nielsen
PMHNP-BC Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner“We strive to create an environment where patients feel heard, respected, and genuinely supported.”
Our Mission
Care that honors the whole person
Over the past decade, we’ve dedicated our careers to nursing and mental health care — working across hospital settings, community mental health, and emergency psychiatry. We’ve seen firsthand what happens when people don’t get the support they need, and it’s why we built this practice.
Our mission is simple: to meet people where they are, provide compassionate and individualized care, and equip them with the tools needed to achieve stability and long-term wellness.
Outside of work, we share life with our daughter Audrey, whose energy and joy remind us daily why this work matters so deeply to us.
Husband & Wife Team
Two board-certified PMHNPs under one roof means collaborative, consistent care with a personal touch you won’t find at larger practices.
Real-World Experience
We’ve worked in hospitals, emergency psychiatry, and community mental health — so we understand the full spectrum of care, not just the outpatient setting.
Collaborative Care
We actively partner with therapists and other mental health professionals in your life. Interdisciplinary care leads to better outcomes.
Gilbert-Based & Local
We’re part of this community. Telehealth Mon–Tue, in-office Fridays — flexible options built around your life.
Meet the Providers
The people behind your care
Shawn Nielsen
PMHNP-BC · Psychiatric Nurse PractitionerShawn Nielsen is a board-certified Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner and a proud Phoenix native who has spent his entire career serving the community he grew up in. With over a decade of experience across hospital settings, emergency psychiatry, and community mental health, Shawn brings a depth of real-world clinical knowledge to every patient he sees.
Shawn is passionate about working with individuals across a wide range of mental health conditions — from anxiety and depression to complex mood disorders, trauma, and ADHD. His approach is straightforward: take the time to truly understand each person, meet them where they are, and build a treatment plan that actually fits their life.
When he’s not in the clinic, you’ll find Shawn out exploring Arizona with his wife Emily, their daughter Audrey, and their dog Rufus — hiking, mountain biking, camping, or off-roading across the state they call home. He also enjoys music and cooking, and Audrey’s energy and curiosity remind him daily why this work matters so deeply.
Emily Nielsen
PMHNP-BC · Psychiatric Nurse PractitionerEmily Nielsen is a board-certified Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner who traded the Midwest for the Arizona sunshine nearly 20 years ago — and never looked back. What started as a new chapter in a new state became a decade-long career dedicated to mental health nursing across some of the most demanding clinical settings: hospitals, emergency psychiatry, and community mental health.
Emily sees patients across a wide age range — from children as young as six through adulthood — and is passionate about treating the full spectrum of mental health conditions, including anxiety, depression, trauma, mood disorders, OCD, and ADHD. Her ability to connect with younger patients and their families sets her apart, bringing the same patience and attentiveness to a six-year-old as she does to any adult in her care.
She brings a warmth and steadiness to her work that patients and families often notice from their very first visit. She believes that feeling genuinely heard is the foundation of any good therapeutic relationship, and she takes that seriously in every appointment.
Outside of work, Emily embraces everything Arizona has to offer — hiking, mountain biking, camping, and off-road adventures alongside her husband Shawn, their daughter Audrey, and their beloved dog Rufus. She also enjoys music and cooking, and as a mom herself, Emily brings an added layer of understanding to the families she works with every day.
What We Treat
Conditions we care for
We work with patients from age six through adulthood. Every treatment plan is individualized — built around who you are, not a checklist.
Anxiety Disorders
Generalized anxiety, panic disorder, social anxiety, and phobias create persistent worry and fear that interfere with daily life. We help you understand the patterns driving your anxiety and build tools to manage them effectively.
Depression
Major depressive disorder, persistent depression, and seasonal patterns can make even simple tasks feel overwhelming. We take a comprehensive approach to lifting that weight and restoring your sense of self.
Trauma & PTSD
Post-traumatic stress disorder and complex trauma affect how you experience the world long after the event. We offer compassionate, trauma-informed care to help you process, heal, and move forward.
OCD
Obsessive-compulsive disorder and related conditions involve intrusive thoughts and compulsive behaviors that can consume hours of your day. Evidence-based treatment can significantly reduce their hold on your life.
Bipolar Disorder
Bipolar I and II involve extreme mood episodes that affect relationships, work, and quality of life. With the right medication and support, stable, fulfilling daily functioning is achievable.
Mood Disorders
Mood dysregulation, cyclothymia, and related conditions exist on a spectrum. We work carefully to understand your unique presentation and tailor treatment accordingly.
ADHD
Adult ADHD often goes undiagnosed for years, affecting focus, relationships, work, and self-esteem. We provide thorough evaluation and personalized treatment — including medication management — to help you harness your strengths and manage challenges effectively.
How We Help
Our services
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Psychiatric Evaluation
A comprehensive initial assessment — typically 60 minutes — to understand your history, symptoms, and goals, resulting in an accurate diagnosis and individualized treatment plan.
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Medication Management
Ongoing, careful oversight of psychiatric medications with attention to how they’re working for you, any side effects, and adjustments needed over time.
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Telehealth Visits
Secure, HIPAA-compliant video appointments through CharmHealth — available Mondays and Tuesdays. Same quality care, from wherever you are in Arizona.
Our Approach
Evidence-based & individualized
We believe that the therapeutic relationship is the foundation of healing. That means we take the time to truly understand your history, values, and goals — not just your symptoms.
Our treatment plans combine the latest evidence-based practices with a genuine understanding of who you are as a person. Medication, when appropriate, is one tool — never the only answer.
We also actively collaborate with therapists and other providers involved in your care, because coordinated, interdisciplinary care leads to better outcomes for the people we serve.
What to Expect
Your first visit
We know reaching out for psychiatric care can feel like a big step. Here’s exactly what to expect so you can arrive feeling prepared and at ease.
Before Your Appointment
After registering in the patient portal, you’ll receive intake paperwork to complete online. This includes your medical history, current concerns, and any medications you’re taking. Completing this ahead of time means more time with your provider during the visit.
Your Evaluation
Your first appointment is approximately 60 minutes. Your provider will ask about your background, current symptoms, previous diagnoses, family history, and your goals for care. For younger patients, parents or guardians are encouraged to participate. This is a conversation, not an interrogation — go at your own pace.
Your Treatment Plan
By the end of your first visit, you’ll leave with a clear understanding of your diagnosis (if applicable), a proposed treatment plan, and next steps. We will discuss medication options, therapy recommendations, and any referrals we think would support your care.
Follow-Up Care
Follow-up visits are typically 30–45 minutes and are scheduled based on your individual needs. We’ll check in on how you’re responding to treatment, address any concerns, and adjust your plan as needed over time.
- Optum / United Healthcare
- Cigna
- Aetna
- Self-Pay Welcome
Common Questions
Frequently asked questions
Have a general question? Send us a secure message and we’ll respond within one business day. For clinical matters, use your patient portal.
Do you accept my insurance?
We are currently in-network with Optum/United Healthcare, Cigna, and Aetna. If your insurance is not listed, self-pay options are available. See our Financial Policy for self-pay rates.
How long is a new patient appointment?
Your initial psychiatric evaluation is approximately 60 minutes. This gives us the time needed to thoroughly understand your history, concerns, and goals before developing a treatment plan.
Can I do my appointments via telehealth?
Yes. Telehealth appointments are available Monday and Tuesday, 8:00 AM–5:00 PM, through our secure CharmHealth video platform. You must be physically located in Arizona at the time of your visit. In-office visits are available on Fridays.
What is your cancellation policy?
We require at least 24 hours notice to cancel or reschedule. A $100 fee applies to no-shows and late cancellations. See our Financial Policy for full details.
Do you prescribe controlled substances?
Yes, when clinically appropriate and in accordance with Arizona and federal law. All controlled substance refills require a scheduled appointment. We follow strict prescribing guidelines to ensure your safety.
Do you provide therapy as well as medication?
Our focus is psychiatric evaluation and medication management. We strongly support therapy as part of comprehensive care and actively collaborate with therapists. We are happy to coordinate with your existing therapist or provide referrals.
What happens if I’m in crisis?
If you are experiencing a psychiatric emergency, please call 988 (Suicide & Crisis Lifeline) or go to your nearest emergency room. Our practice is not equipped to handle acute crises. Telehealth is not appropriate for crisis situations.
How do I get started?
Simply click the Patient Portal button at the top of the page, create a free account, and submit a new patient request. We’ll reach out within one business day to confirm your appointment.
Begin your path to well-being
We’re currently accepting new patients. Choose the option below that best fits your needs.
Gilbert, AZ 85296
| Mon – Tue | 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM Telehealth |
| Friday | 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM In Office |
Have a question?
Not ready to book yet? Send us a secure, HIPAA-compliant message and we’ll respond within one business day.
Please do not include personal health information. For clinical matters, use the patient portal.
Send a Secure MessageWe’re glad you’re here.
Taking the first step toward mental health care takes courage. We make getting started as simple as possible — just a few clicks and we’ll take it from there.
- 1Click below to open our secure patient portal
- 2Create a free account — it only takes a few minutes
- 3Submit your new patient request — we’ll respond within one business day
All portal communication is encrypted and HIPAA-compliant. A valid payment method is required prior to your first appointment. View our Financial Policy for rates and billing details.