Mental Wellness at Aptiva Health

Aptiva Health Mental Wellness brings psychiatric medicine, psychology, neuropsychology and trauma therapy together in a single practice — and integrates them with our orthopedic, spine, pain and concussion teams. That means patients dealing with depression alongside chronic pain, anxiety alongside a workers' compensation injury, or PTSD after a motor vehicle accident receive coordinated care from clinicians who actually talk to each other. Our team includes a board-certified psychiatrist, two psychiatric nurse practitioners, a fellowship-trained clinical neuropsychologist, a licensed psychologist, and two licensed psychological associates — serving patients in person across Louisville, Lexington and Northern Kentucky, and via telehealth across Kentucky and Indiana.

Schedule An Appointment Below

Mental Health Care That Connects to the Rest of Your Care

Most mental health practices operate as islands — therapy or psychiatry happens at one office, your physical injury or chronic pain happens at another, and the two clinical teams rarely talk to each other. For patients whose mental and physical health are connected — and that's most patients — this creates a real cost. Records get faxed (or don't). Diagnoses get duplicated. Treatment plans contradict each other. The patient becomes the integration layer between teams that should be coordinating directly.

Aptiva Mental Wellness is built differently. Our psychiatrists, psychologists, neuropsychologists and therapists sit inside an active orthopedic, spine, pain and concussion practice. We share charts. We share treatment planning. We share the same patient population. That means:

• A patient with chronic back pain and depression is seen by both an interventional pain physician and a psychiatrist who are coordinating directly on medication interactions and behavioral health components of the pain cycle.

• A workers' compensation patient with a workplace injury and post-traumatic symptoms is evaluated by both the orthopedic team for the physical injury and the mental wellness team for psychological aftermath — documented in a single workers' comp record.

• A patient recovering from spine surgery has access to pre-surgical psychological evaluation, post-surgical anxiety and depression management, and non-medication pain coping strategies — coordinated with the surgeon.

• A patient who suffered a concussion in a motor vehicle accident is assessed by Dr. Hannah Richardson (neuropsychology) for cognitive sequelae and by our trauma team for psychological symptoms — with both reports landing in the same chart.

For patients seeking standard outpatient psychiatry or therapy without a co-occurring physical condition, we provide that too. The integrated model is the differentiator; standalone mental health care is still the foundation of what we do.

Services We Provide

🧠 Psychiatric Evaluation & Medication Management Comprehensive psychiatric evaluation, diagnosis and ongoing medication management for depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, PTSD, ADHD, and other psychiatric conditions. Delivered by Dr. Angela Durham (Licensed Psychiatrist, MD) and our two Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioners — Amy Jones, APRN, PMHNP, FNP and Maryl Smith, APRN, PMHNP-BC. Telehealth and in-person options available.

💬 Individual, Couples and Family Psychotherapy Evidence-based talk therapy for adults, adolescents and (in select cases) children. Our therapists work with depression, anxiety, PTSD, life transitions, grief, relationship concerns, schizophrenia spectrum and personality disorders. Person-centered, collaborative, focused on practical progress. Modalities include cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), trauma-focused approaches, and supportive psychotherapy. Learn more about psychotherapy at Aptiva →

🔬 Neuropsychological Assessment Comprehensive neuropsychological evaluations performed by Dr. Hannah Richardson, a fellowship-trained Clinical Neuropsychologist. Used to assess and document cognitive functioning after traumatic brain injury (TBI), concussion with lingering cognitive symptoms, suspected dementia, learning disorders, stroke, or as part of pre-surgical evaluation. Standardized testing with detailed written reports for medical, legal or educational use. Learn more about neuropsychology at Aptiva →

🛡️ Trauma Services Trauma-focused psychotherapy and trauma-related psychological assessment for adults 18 and over recovering from motor vehicle accidents, workplace injuries, physical or sexual assault, military combat and PTSD, sudden loss of a loved one, emotional or psychological abuse, chronic illness and medical trauma, or natural disasters. Our team uses evidence-based trauma therapies and coordinates directly with the orthopedic, spine and concussion teams when trauma is connected to a physical injury.

🏢 Workers' Compensation Psychological Support Psychological evaluation, ongoing therapy, return-to-work mental health support, stress management and resilience training, and mental wellness documentation for employers and insurance carriers. We accept referrals from employers, managed care organizations, third-party administrators and treating physicians, and we coordinate with adjusters and case managers to keep claims moving.

⚖️ Independent Psychiatric & Psychological Examinations (IMEs) Objective psychiatric, psychological and neuropsychological evaluations performed for legal, insurance or workers' compensation purposes. Services include comprehensive evaluation, detailed reports and documentation, expert testimony and consultation, and coordination with legal counsel and insurance entities. Our team has experience providing fair, unbiased examinations across a range of claim and case types.

🏥 Pre- and Post-Surgical Mental Health Support Pre-surgical anxiety management, mental preparation for surgery and hospital stay, non-medication pain coping strategies, post-surgical depression and adjustment support, and coordination with the surgical team throughout recovery. Coordinated directly with Aptiva's orthopedic and spine surgery teams.

Conditions We Treat

Mood & Anxiety

• Depression and major depressive disorder

• Acute anxiety disorder and generalized anxiety

• Panic disorder

• Pre-surgical and post-surgical depression

• Mood disorders

Trauma & Stress Disorders

• Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)

• Acute Stress Disorder (ASD)

• Trauma from motor vehicle accidents

• Workplace injury-related psychological trauma

• Military combat trauma

• Trauma from physical or sexual assault

• Trauma from sudden loss

• Medical and chronic illness trauma

Attention & Cognitive

• ADHD (adult and adolescent)

• Cognitive symptoms after traumatic brain injury or concussion

• Cognitive concerns related to suspected dementia

• Learning and attention concerns (assessment)

Other Mental Health Conditions

• Substance use concerns

• Adjustment disorders

• Life transitions, grief and bereavement

• Chronic pain-related psychological symptoms

View all conditions we treat across Aptiva →

Our Mental Wellness Team

Our Mental Wellness department is headed by our Director, Jeffery Mercer, LPA. He, and the Mental Wellness team, utilize their training, education, and experience to quickly triage, assess, diagnose, and treat patients suffering from neurological, psychological, psychiatric concerns often related to traumas. He is accompanied by Dr. Stelios Stylianou practicing psychology, Dr. Hannah Richardson, practicing neuropsychology, and Maryl Smith practicing nurse psychiatry.

Age Ranges Treated by Provider

• Jeffery Mercer, LPA: Age 18+

• Hannah Richardson, PsyD, HSP: Age 7+

• Stelios Stylianou, PsyD: Age 5+

• Maryl Smith, MSN, APRN: Age 18+

• Ian Holbrook, LPA: Age 13+

• Amy Jones, MSN, APRN: Age 18+

• Angela Durham, MD: Age 18+

How We Approach Care — The Mind, Body and Environment Model

Aptiva's mental wellness model takes three intersecting factors into account when planning your care:

🧠 Medical & Physiological Mental health symptoms often have physiological contributors — thyroid imbalances, hormonal shifts, sleep dysfunction, vitamin deficiencies, chronic inflammation, post-concussion changes. When clinically indicated, our prescribers screen for these factors alongside the psychiatric evaluation. Treating an underlying medical contributor can substantially improve psychiatric outcomes that medication alone wouldn't reach.

💭 Psychological The thoughts, emotions, behaviors and coping patterns that contribute to or maintain mental health symptoms. Our psychologists and therapists use evidence-based approaches — cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), trauma-focused therapies, supportive psychotherapy, person-centered approaches — to help patients understand and shift these patterns.

🌍 Environmental Work demands, family relationships, financial pressures, housing, social connection, recent life events. These are not "secondary" to mental health — they often drive it. We work with patients on practical strategies for changing what can be changed and building resilience for what cannot.

Most patients benefit from a combination of approaches. Medication may stabilize symptoms while therapy addresses underlying patterns. Therapy may reveal medical contributors that need a medication adjustment. A workplace evaluation may inform both. Care plans are built and adjusted collaboratively.

Telehealth and In-Person Options

Aptiva Mental Wellness offers both in-person and telehealth appointments. The right choice depends on what kind of care you need and what works for your life.

Telehealth (video) appointments work well for:

• Ongoing medication management visits

• Most psychotherapy sessions

• Patients who live more than 30 minutes from an Aptiva location

• Patients with mobility, transportation, or scheduling constraints

• Patients who prefer the privacy of being seen at home

In-person appointments are usually preferred for:

• New patient psychiatric or psychological evaluations

• Comprehensive neuropsychological assessments (some testing must be done in person)

• Workers' compensation IMEs and legal IMEs

• Pre-surgical psychological evaluations

• Patients who simply prefer face-to-face care

Our intake team will help match you with the right appointment type when you call.

Locations

We treat patients in-person at 10100 Linn Station Road, Louisville, KY 40223. We also offer telehealth and virtual patient care across Kentucky, Indiana, and in up to 40 different states. To see if you can be seen from the convenience of your own home, call us today! 1-866-439-6698

Insurance, Self-Pay and Referrals

Aptiva Health Mental Wellness accepts most major commercial insurance plans, Medicare, Medicare Advantage plans, and workers' compensation coverage. We also offer cash-pay options for patients without insurance or for services not covered by their plan.

Specific plan participation can vary by provider — please call 502-465-8254 before scheduling to confirm coverage for your specific plan and the specific clinician you want to see.

Commonly accepted plans include:

• Aetna

• Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield

• Cigna

• Humana

• UnitedHealthcare

• Medicare & Medicare Advantage plans

• Some Medicaid Plans (Please Call to Confirm)

• Workers' compensation carriers

Referrals welcome from:

• Patients (self-referral) — most plans don't require a referral, but some do; call to confirm

• Primary care physicians and specialists

• Trauma centers, hospitals and rehabilitation centers

• Employers and HR departments

• Managed care organizations and third-party administrators

• Military Organizations and the Veterans Administration

  Download new patient paperwork →

What to Expect at Your First Visit

Knowing what's coming makes the first visit easier. Here's the rough shape of a new patient evaluation:

Before your visit:

• Complete the new patient paperwork (paper or fillable PDF — we'll send instructions when you schedule)

• Gather any prior records, medication lists, or relevant documentation

• For telehealth: test your video connection ahead of time so the first few minutes aren't spent troubleshooting

At your first psychiatric evaluation (60-90 minutes):

• Discussion of current symptoms, history, prior treatment and goals

• Review of medical history and current medications

• When relevant, screening for physiological contributors (thyroid, sleep, etc.)

• Initial diagnosis and treatment recommendations

• If medication is appropriate, prescription and follow-up scheduling

At your first psychotherapy session (45-60 minutes):

• Discussion of current concerns, history, and what brings you in now

• Review of goals — what would "better" look like for you

• Initial treatment plan and session frequency

• Questions about therapy, the process, and what to expect over time

At a neuropsychological assessment (multi-hour, sometimes multi-session):

• Detailed clinical interview

• Standardized cognitive testing across multiple domains (attention, memory, executive function, language, processing speed, visual-spatial)

• Behavioral observation

• Written report (typically returned within 2-3 weeks of testing)

• Feedback session to review findings and recommendations

Mental Wellness Frequently Asked Questions

FAQ #1

Question: What mental health services does Aptiva Health offer?

Answer: Aptiva Health Mental Wellness provides psychiatric evaluation and medication management, individual and family psychotherapy, comprehensive psychological and neuropsychological assessments, trauma-focused therapy, workers' compensation psychological evaluations, Independent Psychiatric and Psychological Examinations (IMEs), and pre-surgical and post-surgical mental health support. Care is delivered by a multidisciplinary team that includes a board-certified psychiatrist (MD), two psychiatric mental health nurse practitioners (APRN, PMHNP), a fellowship-trained clinical neuropsychologist, a licensed psychologist, and two licensed psychological associates.

FAQ #2

Question: Do you offer telehealth psychiatry and therapy appointments?

Answer: Yes. Most Aptiva Mental Wellness providers offer telehealth appointments for medication management and psychotherapy across Kentucky and Indiana. Telehealth is available for both new patient evaluations and ongoing visits. In-person appointments are also available at our Louisville, Lexington and surrounding locations. Call 502-465-8254 to discuss which option fits your needs.

FAQ #3

Question: Do I need a referral to see a psychiatrist or therapist at Aptiva?

Answer: Most patients can self-refer and do not need a primary care referral to schedule a psychiatric or therapy appointment at Aptiva Health. Some insurance plans (particularly HMOs and certain Medicare Advantage plans) may require a referral. Call 502-465-8254 to confirm your plan's specific requirements before scheduling.

FAQ #4

Question: Do you prescribe psychiatric medication?

Answer: Yes. Aptiva's prescribing providers include Dr. Angela Durham (Licensed Psychiatrist, MD) and two Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioners (Amy Jones, APRN, PMHNP, FNP and Maryl Smith, APRN, PMHNP-BC). All three can evaluate, diagnose and prescribe medication for depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, PTSD, ADHD and other psychiatric conditions. Medication management is often combined with therapy provided by our psychologists or psychological associates.

FAQ #5

Question: What ages do you treat?

Answer: Age ranges vary by provider. Children as young as 5 can be seen by Dr. Stelios Stylianou (psychology) and as young as 7 by Dr. Hannah Richardson (neuropsychology). Adolescents 13 and older can be seen by Ian Holbrook, LPA. Adults 18 and over can be seen by Dr. Durham (psychiatry), Jeffery Mercer (psychology), Amy Jones (psychiatric nursing), and Maryl Smith (psychiatric nursing). When scheduling, our team will match you or your family member with the right provider based on age and presenting concern.

FAQ #6

Question: What conditions do you treat?

Answer: Aptiva Mental Wellness treats a broad range of mental and behavioral health conditions including depression, generalized and acute anxiety disorders, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), acute stress disorder, bipolar disorder, ADHD, mood disorders, substance use concerns, schizophrenia spectrum disorders, personality disorders, pre-surgical and post-surgical depression, chronic pain-related psychological symptoms, and the psychological aftermath of trauma including motor vehicle accidents, workplace injuries, military combat, sudden loss, physical or sexual assault, and chronic illness or medical trauma.

FAQ #7

Question: What is neuropsychological assessment and when is it needed?

Answer: Neuropsychological assessment is a comprehensive evaluation of brain-behavior relationships - including attention, memory, executive function, language, processing speed and visual-spatial skills. It is typically recommended after a traumatic brain injury (TBI), concussion with persistent cognitive symptoms, suspected dementia or cognitive decline, learning disorders or attention concerns, stroke, or as part of pre-surgical evaluation. At Aptiva Health, neuropsychological assessment is performed by Dr. Hannah Richardson, a fellowship-trained Clinical Neuropsychologist.

FAQ #8

Question: Does Aptiva Health perform workers' compensation psychological evaluations?

Answer: Yes. Aptiva Mental Wellness provides workers' compensation psychological evaluations, therapy, return-to-work psychological support, and related documentation for employers, insurance carriers, and case managers. We accept referrals from employers, managed care organizations, third-party administrators, and treating physicians. Contact 502-465-8254 to discuss workers' compensation referrals.

FAQ #9

Question: Does Aptiva Health perform Independent Psychiatric and Psychological Examinations (IMEs)?

Answer: Yes. Aptiva Mental Wellness performs Independent Psychiatric Examinations and Independent Psychological Examinations for legal, insurance and workers' compensation purposes. Services include comprehensive psychiatric, psychological, and neuropsychological evaluation, detailed reports and documentation, expert testimony and consultation, and coordination with legal and insurance entities. Contact 502-465-8254 for IME referrals.

FAQ #10

Question: What insurance plans does Aptiva Health Mental Wellness accept?

Answer: Aptiva Health accepts most major commercial insurance plans, Medicare, Medicare Advantage plans, and workers' compensation. Specific plan participation may vary by provider, particularly for psychiatry and psychology. Call 502-465-8254 to confirm coverage for your plan and provider before scheduling. Cash-pay options are available for patients without insurance or for services not covered by their plan.

FAQ #11

Question: What should I do if I am in a mental health crisis right now?

Answer: If you are in immediate crisis, having thoughts of suicide, or are concerned about your or someone else's safety, please get help right now. Call or text 988 to reach the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline. Text HOME to 741741 to reach the Crisis Text Line. Call 911 if there is a medical emergency. Veterans can press 1 after calling 988 to reach the Veterans Crisis Line. Aptiva Health is not an emergency service and our offices have limited hours - please use the resources above for any urgent situation.

Tour our Mental Wellness Office

Questions? Call us today! 502-909-0772