Beyond Symptoms: The Next Frontier in Psychiatric Care

From Mindful Moments with Pedro Morante · 1:02:51

Show by Pedro Morante

What does meaningful recovery look like beyond symptom reduction? And how can psychiatric care better address the challenges that affect a person's everyday life? In this episode of Mindful Moments with Pedro Morante, host Pedro Morante, DNP, PMHNP-BC, welcomes Justin Ray, MSN, PMHNP-BC—a psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner, educator, retired U.S. Navy veteran, and founder of psychiatric practices in Virginia. Together, they explore the evolving understanding of schizophrenia, including the often-overlooked effects of cognitive difficulties on memory, attention, independence, and quality of life. They discuss how clinicians can measure meaningful treatment outcomes, navigate complex treatment decisions, and evaluate emerging approaches in psychopharmacology. The conversation also examines the importance of community-based psychiatric care, shared decision-making, and translating neuroscience into evidence-based clinical practice. Beyond his professional expertise, Justin shares his perspective on maintaining mental well-being while caring for others—a reminder that healthcare professionals need to prioritize their own wellness, too. In this episode, we discuss: Understanding schizophrenia beyond hallucinations and delusions Cognitive functioning and its impact on everyday life Measuring recovery beyond symptom reduction Emerging treatments and evolving approaches to psychiatric care Reassessing treatment when patients aren't improving as expected The role of psychiatric nurses, PMHNPs, and community-based care Personal mental wellness and caring for the caregiver Whether you're a psychiatric nurse, PMHNP student, healthcare professional, or someone seeking a deeper understanding of mental health, this conversation offers valuable perspectives on the science, practice, and humanity of psychiatric care. About our guest Justin Ray, MSN, PMHNP-BC, is a psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner whose professional interests include serious mental illness, cognitive functioning in schizophrenia, psychopharmacology, and emerging psychiatric treatments. He also contributes to psychiatric education through his teaching and writing. Follow Justin's professional work and educational resources through his Linked In and https://www.southchesapeakepsychiatry.com/ About Mindful Moments with Pedro Morante Mindful Moments brings together nursing leaders, psychiatric professionals, educators, and advocates for meaningful conversations about mental health, clinical practice, and the people behind healthcare. Hosted by Pedro Morante, DNP, PMHNP-BC, our mission is simple: Nursing the Mind, the Nurse Way. Follow Mindful Moments with Pedro Morante on Spotify and our other platforms for more conversations that inform, inspire, and advance mental health awareness and nursing education. #MindfulMoments #PsychiatricNursing #Schizophrenia #MentalHealth #Psychopharmacology #PMHNP

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