Esther Harris APN, MSN, PMHNP-BC, FNP-BC

My name is Esther Harris and I opened Thrive Psychiatric Services in 2018. I am a board certified Nurse Practitioner in Psychiatric Mental Health and Family Practice.

I received my Master's Degree in Nursing as a Family Nurse Practitioner in 2012 and a Post-graduate Certificate as a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner in 2017.

I proudly began my career in family practice at the county health department serving the medically underserved and uninsured population. After five years in practice, I recognized that many of my patients who needed and deserved quality mental health care were unable to obtain it in a timely manner. Due to the shortage of psychiatric prescribers and those who accepted non-insured or medicaid patients, I decided to go back to school to specialize in psychiatry to be able to provide a comprehensive medical and psychiatric service to my patients.

I also train future Psychiatric Nurse Practitioners and will usually always have a student or two training with me each day, though you can opt to not have them present.

At Thrive Psychiatric Services, I provide mental health medication management, psychotherapy, substance abuse and addiction treatment.

I particularly enjoy treating depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, panic symptoms, PTSD, OCD, insomnia, add/adhd, substance abuse/addictions and schizophrenia. I treat children over the age of 6, teenagers and adults.

My mission is to provide patient-centered care to clients who want to THRIVE in life and engage in partnered and collaborative care. You will have longer, more comprehensive visits with a treatment plan tailored to meet your specific goals and symptoms.

Dr. Lisa L. Hengen, DNP, APRN, CRNP, FNP-BC, PMHNP

I am Lisa Hengen. I have been a nurse for almost 25 years and nurse practitioner since 2009. Starting mental health care can feel awkward, uncomfortable, or long overdue. My goal is to make that first step feel more like a conversation than a clinical performance. I work primarily with adults who want practical, straightforward care—without pressure to use therapy buzzwords or emotions that don’t feel authentic.

I’m a board-certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner with experience in the assessment and treatment of a broad spectrum of psychiatric conditions. While I see patients from childhood through older adulthood, my practice is largely focused on adults navigating stress, mood changes, focus issues, sleep problems, and the cumulative weight of work, relationships, and responsibility. My approach balances clinical precision with real‑world perspective. We focus on what’s actually getting in the way and what will help you function better—at work, at home, and day to day.

My style is informal but intentional. I use humor when it helps ease tension and build rapport, and I’m careful to know when it doesn’t. You’ll always be taken seriously. Sessions are calm, grounded, and focused—no forced vulnerability, no vague self‑help language, and no pressure to “process feelings” for its own sake.

Many people I work with are high‑functioning on the outside but worn down on the inside. Others are simply tired of pushing through irritability, stress, poor focus, or low motivation. If you’re skeptical about mental health treatment—or worried it will feel awkward, overly emotional, or abstract—you’re not alone, and you won’t be out of place here.
Care is collaborative and practical. We talk through symptoms, options, and next steps in plain language. Medication management is thoughtful and individualized, and decisions are made together. I respect your time, your autonomy, and your intelligence.

If you’re looking for competent, no‑nonsense psychiatric care with a human touch, I’d be glad to talk and see if we’re a good fit.

Melinda Edwards, APRN, MSN, PMHNP-BC

I am a psychiatric provider with over ten years experience in the field of mental health. I have both inpatient and outpatient experience as an RN and as a prescribing clinician. My goal as your practitioner is to provide a holistic treatment approach. We will work together to find a solution that allows you to easily cope with stressors, recognize potential and set goals, feel motivated, and have a physical and mental sense of well-being.

I believe the mind and body as a whole should be considered to achieve this possibility. I can use dietary and nutritional changes, investigation of hormonal imbalances and mineral deficiencies, therapy, and psychiatric medication to help you feel better.

I have experience working with all ages and have treated addiction, depression, anxiety disorders, bipolar disorder, personality disorders, ADHD, schizophrenia, other psychosis, and trauma. I am accepting new patients via telehealth and look forward to accomplishing better health with you today

Jessica Jacobs, APN, MSN, FNP-BC, PMHNP-BC

I am a board-certified nurse practitioner with a background in both emergency and psychiatric medicine for 10 years. I provide medication management for patients 6 years and up. My goal is to provide a caring, compassionate, holistic, and individualized care to each of my patients.

Our visits will be judgement free and my individualized treatment recommendations for each patient is based on their preferences. I work beside my patients to come up with the best plan that fits their needs. I provide a professional medical opinion that allows my patients to be the assessor on what works best for them. Working together and having an open & honest relationship is the best way to getting my patients to enjoy their lives again.

I truly enjoy seeing a patient who had been previously struggling, smile for the first time again. Living life to the fullest is not only possible, but something that everyone deserves to enjoy. I look forward to empowering you to take charge of your mental health and helping you reach your goals.

Archana Sood, APN, MSN, PMHNP-BC

My name is Archana Sood and have been a psychiatric RN since 2013 and a psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner since 2021. I am an empathetic and supportive provider that wants to help my client in their mental health treatment.

Coming from a psychiatric nursing background, I endeavor to provide client-focused care, which includes medications and/or therapy. I do my best to provide collaborative and holistic care, working with client's healthcare providers and family /support network. I am there to support them in identifying and achieving mental health goals in a supportive, non-judgmental and confidential environment.

I would describe my style attributes as warm, solution-oriented, humorous, affirming, inquisitive, empowering, participatory, holistic, and open-minded. I enjoy helping patients with but not limited too: depression, anxiety, and bipolar disorder.

Olena Kyrylenko, APN, MSN, PMHNP-BC

As a compassionate and dedicated Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP), I am committed to providing comprehensive and empathetic mental health care. With a Master of Science in Nursing specializing in PMHNP from Wilkes University, I possess a strong academic foundation and extensive clinical expertise in the field.

My professional experience encompasses five years of extensive psychiatric background, during which I have honed my skills in delivering exceptional care. My approach combines clinical excellence with genuine concern for my patients, ensuring that they receive tailored and holistic support. I am dedicated to advancing mental health care and adhering to a patient-centered philosophy, making me an invaluable resource for individuals seeking compassionate care.

Recognized for my exceptional communication, problem-solving, and collaborative abilities, I excel in working with multidisciplinary teams to provide seamless and effective mental health care. I am licensed as a PMHNP in Illinois and hold certifications in Basic Life Support (BLS) and Nonviolent Crisis Prevention (CPI).