Empowered Choices

Hi there,  my name is Dr. Estrella “Star” Evangelista.  I am excited to work with you to overcome any challenges you may be facing. I am a doctorally prepared and board certified Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner who is also passionate about health, prevention and overall wellness.

I consider myself a learning learner. I have a background in education, leadership, informatics, acute care and of course psychiatry. I am also a certified yoga instructor and a Reiki provider. I am constantly focused on updating myself with the best possible treatment modalities that would help with wellness and health maintenance. I consider myself fulfilled and a huge part of that sense of fulfillment are the two most important people in my life, my sons, Ben and Seth.

I wasn’t always this positive. Like many of of you, I have experienced many struggles. Witnessing patients suffer at the Burn Unit, seeing people lose their lives and limbs at the Trauma Center and many years in the ER took a toll on me. I never realized I was exhibiting signs of complex work related trauma that affected my personal life.

My prolonged divorce led me to a dark period. Because I do not want to appear weak, I kept up a good front of all smiles and laughter. In reality, I was depressed with thoughts of “maybe if I am gone, I won’t be in pain anymore.” I developed a rash that spread all over my body. I had this constant stabbing pain on my chest that felt like a huge knife was slicing me on the inside. After a panic attack that led me to the ER, I had to admit that I was overwhelmed and needed help. I practiced yoga daily, read all the self help books I can find, and started my day with meditation. ” The Body Keeps Score, ” is one of those books that gave me a really good insight of how I responded to situations around me: a Kundalini awakening!

I just woke up one day, my heart no longer hurts. My day starts with gratitude and a new found purpose. I realized that I, all humans, have the capacity to heal themselves. With the right guidance,  people can be free of what holds them back from living their best lives.

Empowered Choices came from my need to create a different approach to mental health treatment. Integrative psychiatry uses a holistic approach to mental wellness. I believe that through creating a partnership with my clients not only empowers them to take charge of their health,  but also develop new behaviors that will maintain a desired state of wellness.

I believe that together, we can create a personalized plan that combines different treatments like therapy, medication management, physical exercise, nutrition and mindfulness to help you achieve your goals. I am also offering specialized care to those who suffer from different types of trauma.

My approach focuses on understanding both the biological and social factors that contribute to mental health conditions, and I believe in taking a holistic path to healing. Drawing from years of experience helping people cope with daily mental health challenges, mood disorders, anxiety, and trauma, I am confident that we can overcome anything that comes our way.

I,  through the work of others, I was able to heal.  I consider myself a messenger who can help translate the basic philosophies of Western and Eastern medicine so you can be on your way to healing and recovery. 

Namaste’.