Michael Espelin, MSN, APRN, PMHNP-BC

Academia

University of Saint Joseph | M.Sc in Nursing

Central CT State University | B.Sc in Nursing

Lincoln Technical Institute | Practical Nursing

Organizations

Licenses, Registrations, and Certifications

Licensed Registered Nurse | CT | 127425

Licensed Advanced Practice Registered Nurse | CT | 7939

Controlled Substance Registration | CT | 69825

National Provider Identifier | 1790253995

Acupuncture Detoxification Specialist | 14473

Greetings! I am a psychiatric nurse practitioner and have achieved nursing experience in both the clinical setting and academic setting. This includes earning my bachelor's degree of science in nursing at Central Connecticut State State University in New Britain, CT and a master's of science degree in nursing at the University of Saint Joseph in West Hartford, CT. Many people ask me why I became a nurse and not a doctor, and you can thank my mom for that — who is also a psychiatric nurse practitioner. As a nurse, our training begins at the bedside directly treating and caring for people with an emphasis on compassion.

At USJ, I interned at the Veterans' Affairs Hospital in Newington, CT. I worked under the supervision of an experienced psychiatric nurse practitioner treating Veterans’ with mental health conditions like post-traumatic stress disorder, depression, bipolar disorder, anxiety, and schizophrenia spectrum disorders. I also interned at Community Health Resources in Enfield, CT where I worked with another experienced psychiatric nurse practitioner and psychiatrist in helping children, adolescents, and their families cope and heal with mental health issues. All of my experience has involved working with LGBTQIA+ individuals. I am passionate about being an ally and providing a safe space for services.

With the experience I gained in the inpatient setting as a nurse at the Institute of Living in Hartford, CT, and outpatient as a nurse practitioner at an addiction and substance use clinic in New Haven, CT, I possess a well-rounded experience in multiple settings that I am excited to carry into my practice.

I am a Connecticut native with European heritage and want to acknowledge the original habitants of the land I live on: the Hammonassets and Menunkatucks. I recognize myself as a privileged member of a white dominant world, and consistently try to challenge this norm. As a strong ally to marginalized communities, I do my best to promote inclusivity and improve access to psychiatric services.

My philosophy is an integrative approach in treating the whole person - including the biological, psychological, social, cultural, and spiritual factors. I emphasize education so you feel empowered and understand why medication may be necessary, what the medication is, and why you are taking it. While medications are an important part of treatment, they are often times not the long-term solution. We can carefully weigh the potential benefits and risks to find the best option for you.

My psychiatric research interests include:

• Brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) and its role in psychiatric and neurological disorders

• The endocannabinoid system and the benefits of cannabidiol (CBD) and other cannabinoids in psychiatric and neurological disorders

• Addiction medicine and medication assisted treatment (MAT) options, both conventional and integrative

• The gut microbiome and its connection to mental health

In my spare time I enjoy the natural beauty of the New England forests & landscapes. I also have a strong appreciation of art and cosmology. Maintaining a balanced ecosystem and connection to nature is not only crucial for the future of our planet, but also for strengthening our inner wellbeing.

I look forward to having the honor to work with you! Please feel free to contact us anytime.

Very respectfully,

-Michael