South Valley Psychiatry PLLC
The people behind your care
We are Shawn and Emily Nielsen — a husband-and-wife team of board-certified Psychiatric Nurse Practitioners dedicated to compassionate, individualized mental health care in Gilbert, Arizona.
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.
“We strive to create an environment where patients feel heard, respected, and genuinely supported.”
— Shawn & Emily NielsenOur Space
A place where you can breathe
We designed our suite to feel nothing like a typical clinical office. Warm lighting, comfortable seating, and a calm atmosphere — because the environment matters as much as the care itself.
Our office is located at 633 E Ray Rd, Suite 134 in Gilbert, AZ. In-office visits are available on Fridays. Telehealth visits are available Monday and Tuesday from the comfort of your own home.
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.
Why South Valley Psychiatry
What makes us different from larger practices and mental health clinics.
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.
Ready to take the first step?
We’re currently accepting new patients. Getting started takes just a few minutes through our secure patient portal.
Request an Appointment →