About

Lesley Grzybowski, PMHNP-BC in a Virginia park leaning against a tree with a statue in the background

Hi, I’m Lesley Grzybowski, a board-certified psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner (PMHNP-BC). Here are a few things I believe..

  • Actionable strategies create real, lasting change. Every session should leave you with practical tools to navigate life’s challenges.

  • Your story matters. You deserve to be heard and to share your experiences in a safe, supportive space.

  • A personalized approach is essential. Each person is unique and deserves care tailored to their individual needs.

  • Growth comes from facing challenges, not avoiding them. Working through difficulties is how we build resilience and well-being.

  • Change is always possible. We have the power to influence our lives at any moment if we are committed to our health and open to transformation.

  • Integrative mental healthcare is the key to self-empowerment. By addressing the mind, body, spirit, and environment, we create a foundation for lasting wellness.

My Journey

My journey into psychiatry wasn’t planned – it found me. A couple of years into my nursing career, I was feeling burnt out while working as a traveling nurse for a vascular company. I decided to experiment with psychiatry short-term as a way to transition into hospital nursing and expand my knowledge of behavioral health. But what I thought would be a temporary learning experience turned into something much more: I had found my calling. I began working night shifts on a Behavioral Health Unit (BHU), eventually taking on a leadership role as a unit manager. The experience motivated me to further my education so I could serve as a psychiatric provider.

However, as I stepped into the role of a psychiatric provider, I quickly became frustrated by the limitations of the traditional medical model. I wanted to help my patients achieve true, lasting change, but I felt constrained by an approach that often focused solely on symptom management rather than whole-person healing. I pursued advanced training in integrative medicine, and through my research, I discovered the power of combining psychiatric care with nutrition, lifestyle changes, mindfulness and meditation.  I also gained training in advanced treatments like Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) and Spravato. I firmly believe that this integrative approach allows me to offer my patients the highest quality of care and the best possible outcomes.

My Holistic Approach

I have pursued extensive training to ensure my approach is both evidence-based and deeply personalized. My certification in TMS through Neuronetics and training in Spravato offer cutting-edge options for treatment-resistant depression options that I can educate my patients on and provide referrals for. My integrative training through Dream Practice Academy and the Institute for Brain Potential has deepened my belief that mental wellness is not separate from physical wellness. Our gut health, lifestyle, and habits play a significant role in mood, cognition, and overall emotional balance. By addressing these foundational elements, I help my patients achieve sustainable improvements in their mental well-being.

Lesley Grzybowski, PMHNP-BC headshot sitting on steps outside building
Green vibrant cliffs with trees and greenery over water, partly cloudy blue skies in Azores
Lesley Grzybowski's hound dog Duarte outside looking into camera cute

A Perspective Rooted in Life Experience

My passion for a holistic approach to care is also shaped by my multicultural background. My father immigrated from the Azores to pursue the American Dream at 17, and growing up with that perspective gave me a deep appreciation for different approaches to health and healing. I’ve seen firsthand how spiritual, environmental, and physical factors shape mental well-being, and I bring that awareness into my work.

I have also been deeply shaped by my personal life experiences. Having gone through divorce and remarriage, I understand both the challenges and the gifts that come with blending families. My husband is a disabled Army veteran who experiences chronic pain every day. Being his partner has given me firsthand insight into the emotional, mental, and physical toll that service-related trauma and chronic pain can have – not just on the individual but on the entire family. 

I know what it means to navigate complex relationships, support a loved one through suffering, and process my own experiences of trauma and loss. These experiences allow me to connect with my patients on a deeper level, offering not just clinical expertise but true empathy and understanding. I believe in the power of healing through connection and understanding, and I aim to be a guide for my patients as they work toward healing and wholeness.

Outside of the clinical setting

I am happily married to my childhood best friend, and together, we have six children. My family is the focal point of my life outside of medicine. We love to travel and enjoy adventures, whether it’s at the beach, hiking, or trying out new restaurants. When I’m not spending time with my family, I enjoy reading, a hot cup of coffee, watching movies, sitting in complete silence whenever I have the chance, and playing with Duarte, our hound dog. 

Those closest to me describe me as…

Kind + Hard-working + Stubborn + Real + Smart + Funny + A problem solver + Thoughtful + Loving + A good listener + "Where I go to for advice" + Strong-willed + In-tune with others + Compassionate + Straight-shooter

Kind + Hard-working + Stubborn + Real + Smart + Funny + A problem solver + Thoughtful + Loving + A good listener + "Where I go to for advice" + Strong-willed + In-tune with others + Compassionate + Straight-shooter

Lesley Grzybowski sitting on steps outside building reading a psychiatry book

My Credentials

  • Board-Certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner 

  • Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation Certification through Neuronetics

  • Transcendental Meditation Training

  • Spravato Training

  • Dream Practice Academy Integrative Training

  • Institute for Brain Potential: An Anti-Inflammatory Lifestyle Certification of Completion

  • Institute for Brain Potential: Understanding the Gut Brain: Stress, Appetite, Digestion and Mood Certification of Completion

  • Institute for Brain Potential: The Habits of Healthy People Certification of Completion

  • Master of Science in Nursing

  • Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Chamberlain University

  • Bachelor of Arts in Interdisciplinary Studies-Psychology, Biology, and Sociology from Virginia Tech

In my practice, I bring together years of training, clinical experience, and a deep understanding of human resilience to provide care that is compassionate, informed, and focused on achieving real, lasting change. 

If you’re seeking a provider who takes the time to listen and who will partner with you to achieve mental well-being, I’d be honored to work with you.