Contact Us

What We Treat

Conditions We Treat in Minnesota

Mental health conditions rarely look the same from one person to the next, and they often overlap. Depression shows up alongside anxiety. Trauma affects sleep, mood, and focus. A diagnosis that looks like depression may turn out to be bipolar disorder. Getting the right treatment starts with understanding exactly what you are dealing with.

At Psychiatric Pathways in Bloomington, Brenna Christie, FNP-C, PMHNP-BC, treats adults across Minnesota living with depression, PTSD, anxiety, OCD, and bipolar disorder. Every plan begins with a careful evaluation and draws on three therapies under one care team: psychiatric medication management, Spravato (esketamine), and IV ketamine therapy. Our practice focuses especially on adults whose symptoms have not improved enough with traditional treatment alone.

If you are having thoughts of suicide or feel unsafe, call or text 988 (the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline) or call 911 if there is immediate danger.

Depression

Depression is more than sadness. It can bring hopelessness, numbness, fatigue, brain fog, changes in sleep and appetite, and a loss of interest in things that used to matter. The National Institute of Mental Health estimates that about 21 million U.S. adults, or 8.3% of all adults, had at least one major depressive episode in 2021. We treat clinical depression, postpartum depression, and treatment-resistant depression, which is depression that has not improved enough after trying at least two antidepressants. Care may include medication management, Spravato, which is FDA-approved for treatment-resistant depression and often covered by insurance, and IV ketamine, which may bring relief within hours or days for some patients.

Learn More

PTSD

Trauma changes the way the mind and body respond to the world, and its effects can last long after the event itself. PTSD may show up as intrusive memories, nightmares, flashbacks, hypervigilance, emotional numbness, avoidance, and trouble sleeping, often while a person still appears to be functioning on the outside. Treatment may include medication management with the FDA-approved PTSD medications sertraline or paroxetine, support for nightmares and sleep, and IV ketamine, which has growing research support for PTSD. Spravato may be considered when PTSD occurs alongside treatment-resistant depression. Many patients find these treatments make it easier to engage in trauma-focused therapy.

Learn More

Anxiety

Anxiety is a brain-based condition, not a personal weakness. According to the National Institute of Mental Health, about 19.1% of U.S. adults experience an anxiety disorder each year. We treat generalized anxiety disorder, panic disorder, and social anxiety disorder, with symptoms that range from persistent worry and racing thoughts to muscle tension, a pounding heart, and avoidance of everyday situations. Treatment often starts with medication management, focusing on long-term relief through options like SSRIs, SNRIs, and non-habit-forming medications. When anxiety has not responded to standard medications, IV ketamine may be considered, and Spravato may be an option when anxiety occurs alongside treatment-resistant depression.

Learn More

OCD

OCD is not about being neat or organized. It is a cycle of unwanted intrusive thoughts and the compulsions people use to relieve the distress they cause, from repeated checking and cleaning to mental rituals like counting. About 2.3% of U.S. adults will experience OCD at some point, and intrusive thoughts are a symptom of the condition, not a reflection of who you are. OCD treatment typically combines medication management, often with SSRIs at higher doses or clomipramine, with Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP) therapy. Because many people only partly respond to SSRIs, IV ketamine may be considered alongside ERP, and Spravato may help when OCD occurs with treatment-resistant depression.

Learn More

Bipolar Disorder

Bipolar disorder involves shifts between depression and periods of mania or hypomania, such as unusually high energy, less need for sleep, and racing thoughts. We treat bipolar I, bipolar II, and cyclothymic disorder. An accurate diagnosis matters here more than almost anywhere else, since antidepressants alone can make bipolar disorder worse. Treatment centers on medication management with mood stabilizers like lithium, lamotrigine, and divalproex, along with other medications and lab monitoring where needed. For bipolar depression that persists despite a well-managed plan, IV ketamine may be considered while you continue your mood stabilizer, with your mood monitored closely throughout.

Learn More

How Our Therapies Fit Each Condition

Every condition we treat can involve one or more of our therapies. Here is a quick look at how they are commonly used. Your evaluation will determine what is right for you.
Condition Medication Management Spravato Ketamine Therapy
Depression SSRIs, SNRIs, bupropion, mirtazapine, and combinations FDA-approved for treatment-resistant depression Strongest research support, especially for treatment-resistant depression
PTSD Sertraline or paroxetine, plus support for nightmares and sleep Considered when PTSD occurs with treatment-resistant depression Growing evidence, including controlled trials
Anxiety SSRIs or SNRIs, plus non-habit-forming options like buspirone Considered when anxiety occurs with treatment-resistant depression Early research; considered when standard medications have not helped
OCD SSRIs at higher doses or clomipramine, alongside ERP therapy Considered for co-occurring treatment-resistant depression Early research; used alongside ERP therapy
Bipolar Disorder Mood stabilizers and atypical antipsychotics Not approved for bipolar disorder; case-by-case review only Used for bipolar depression with a mood stabilizer, never during mania

When Conditions Overlap

Many of our patients are living with more than one condition. Depression often accompanies PTSD, anxiety, and OCD, and bipolar disorder can look like depression until the full history comes into view. Treating each piece separately, at different clinics, can lead to conflicting medications and missed connections.

At Psychiatric Pathways, your entire plan is managed by the same provider. Brenna’s background as a dual board certified Family Nurse Practitioner and Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner means physical health, sleep, hormones, and other medications are always part of the picture, so your care fits together as a whole.

Our Approach to Care

  • A thorough evaluation first. We review your symptoms, history, past medications, and medical health before recommending anything.
  • An accurate diagnosis. Conditions like bipolar disorder, PTSD, and thyroid problems can look like depression or anxiety but need different treatment.
  • Advanced options in one place. When standard medications fall short, Spravato and IV ketamine are available under the same care team.
  • Measurement-based care. Structured check-ins help guide decisions with real data, not guesswork.
  • Coordination with your other providers. We work with your therapist, primary care provider, and other specialists so your care stays aligned.

How to Get Started

  1. Book a free consultation. A short call to talk through what is going on and whether our practice is a good fit.
  2. Complete a comprehensive evaluation. An in-person visit covering your symptoms, history, and goals.
  3. Build your plan. Together, we choose the right mix of medication management, Spravato, or ketamine for your condition.
  4. Follow up and adjust. We track your progress and refine your plan as you go, with many follow-up visits available by telehealth.

Insurance and Cost

Psychiatric Pathways is in-network with Optum (including UnitedHealthcare, Medica, and UMR), Aetna, and Humana. Medication management and Spravato are often covered by insurance. IV ketamine is used off-label and is usually self-pay. We accept HSA and FSA payments and can provide a superbill that may help with out-of-network reimbursement. Visit our insurance page for details.

Serving Adults Across the Twin Cities

Our clinic is located at 3601 Minnesota Dr #510 in Bloomington, serving adults throughout the Twin Cities, including Minneapolis, Edina, Richfield, Eden Prairie, and surrounding communities, with telehealth medication management available for adults located anywhere in Minnesota.

Frequently Asked Questions

What if I am not sure which condition I have?

That is very common, and you do not need a diagnosis to reach out. Your evaluation is designed to sort out what is going on, including when more than one condition is involved.

Yes. Many patients are managing depression alongside anxiety, PTSD, or OCD. We build one coordinated plan rather than treating each condition in isolation.

That is the situation our practice focuses on. We start by reviewing everything you have tried, including doses and how long you took them, and advanced options like Spravato and ketamine may help.

Most patients can schedule directly. Some insurance plans require a referral, and providers can refer patients through our referral page.

Our focus is psychiatric evaluation, medication management, and advanced treatments. We encourage therapy alongside medication and are happy to coordinate with your therapist or help you find one.

Take the Next Step

Whatever you are facing, you do not have to keep searching on your own. Brenna Christie and our team are here to help you understand your options and find a treatment that fits.

Call (952) 592-5421 or schedule your free consultation today.