Elkins, W.Va. – Jennifer Abel, Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP-BC), is now providing outpatient mental health treatment by appointment at Davis Medical Center (DMC) in Elkins and at Buckhannon Medical Care in Buckhannon.

In response to a growing need for more mental health treatment options, DMC chose to use Abel’s vast experience in the field to create access for outpatient care. 

“Jennifer contributes to the care of patients in our geriatric behavioral health unit, Laurel Place,” said Davis Health System Chief Medical Officer Catherine Chua, DO. “She is qualified in treating a range of mental health conditions, and outpatient care is a great option for people with symptoms of depression, anxiety and other disorders.

According to the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI), as many as one in five adults will experience some form of mental illness.  The pandemic, which forced social isolation on individuals and families, may be to blame for an increased demand for mental health care. 

Through evaluation, Abel can determine the nature of a person’s mental health condition and determine what kind of treatment is needed. 

General conditions include bipolar disorder, eating disorders, major depression, obsessive-compulsive disorder, panic disorder, personality disorders, phobias, post-traumatic stress disorder and schizophrenia.

Abel received her Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Mountain State University (Beckley, WV); her Master of Science in Nursing, Family Nurse Practitioner from Wheeling Jesuit University (Wheeling, WVV) and a Post-Masters Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner Certification from Wilmington University (New Castle, DE).

She has over seven years of experience as a nurse practitioner with inpatient and outpatient care, and eighteen years of experience in the nursing field.

Abel has worked in various West Virginia care settings including the William R. Sharpe Jr. Hospital, St. Joseph’s Hospital, United Hospital Center, and the Myers Clinic.  In addition, she holds various certifications in advanced practice registered nursing, medication assistance therapy, basic life support, and DEA certification.

For more information about Davis Medical Center outpatient mental health care or to make an appointment call 304.637.3894.