After witnessing the strain COVID-19 placed on mental health services, Madeline Rand knew she wanted to help meet the growing demand for care. The Chesterfield native now provides medication management through Advanced Practice Psychiatric Nursing, and also works alongside her sister at Insight Counseling of Chesterfield.
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Organization: Advanced Practice Psychiatric Nursing, LLC
Title: Board Certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner
Age: 37
Hometown: Chesterfield
Education: Master of Science in Nursing (MSN)
Interests / Hobbies: Reading my Kindle, making crafts with my “Girl Gang” craft group, spending quality time with my family and friends, and of course, enjoying time with my two cats, Cecelia and Penelope, and my dog, Willow.
What motivated you to get involved in this work/community/activity? Chesterfield is where I was born and raised. Once I became a nurse practitioner, I knew immediately that I wanted to serve my community and help address the worsening mental health crisis. There are simply not enough psychiatric medicine providers available to handle the masses of those in need, and it’s my goal to help as many people as I can. I was motivated to become a PMHNP after spending years as a bedside nurse. After seeing firsthand the psychological destruction that COVID-19 had on my community, I truly embraced the notion that this will not change unless there are enough providers to serve the population. Another motivating factor was my personal experience with mental health care. I like to tell people that I come from a very therapeutic family. I grew up with a mental health therapist for a father and as the younger sister of a mental health therapist. My father, who has since retired, practiced for 25+ years, and my sister has been in the field for over 15 years. They were both great sources of motivation for me to pursue psychiatry as a specialty, and I’m so glad I did! It’s a joy to work alongside my sister at Insight Counseling of Chesterfield and to continue a legacy as humbling as providing mental health care.
What values or principles guide how you show up in this role/community? I respect the value of treating each patient with deep respect. I see them as a whole person, not a diagnosis or a “case.” Their lived experience, culture, identity, and goals drive our work together. I also respect each patient’s wants and wishes; therefore, I prefer to practice through collaboration and shared decision-making. I don’t see treatment as something I “do to” them. Patients bring their expertise to their own lives; I bring clinical knowledge. We decide together—about medications, therapy options, and next steps—so their treatment plan is successful.
What’s the most enjoyable aspect? The absolute best part of my job is hearing a patient say they’re feeling better! It brings me so much joy to see their lives change in ways they’ve wanted for so long, and to be part of that change is not only an honor but a true gift. Seeing relief and light brought to their faces after being down for so long is indescribable. I sincerely cherish each moment.
Can you share an insight about this role that most people don’t know? The question I get most is whether or not nurse practitioners can prescribe medications, and whether I provide therapy/counseling. Nurse practitioners CAN prescribe medications; I am strictly a medication management provider for psychiatric illness. I offer very brief psychotherapy during sessions, but if a patient requires prolonged psychotherapy, then I refer to my colleagues at Insight Counseling of Chesterfield.
What’s the greatest challenge? The greatest challenge in my profession is helping people to overcome the stigma that mental health carries. I hear from patients all the time who wish they had sought mental health care sooner, but they were embarrassed, afraid of what others might think, or it was simply too intimidating for them. To those who are still looking for that special provider, I say please, please keep searching, because you will find a perfect match, and your world will change for the better. I guarantee it.
Where do you find inspiration? My purpose is to help people feel better! What else can you ask for other than feeling joy in seeing others achieve relief and happiness? It’s such a gratifying experience.
What are your future plans or ambitions? I hope to continue growing my private practice, providing the absolute best evidence-based care to as many patients as possible, and learning new and better ways to support my community.
