Meet Anne Koomen, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner 

Offering psychiatric services in Port Townsend and across WA

You’re not asking for too much. You’re asking to be heard.

You’ve spent months—or maybe years—trying to make sense of what’s happening. You’ve pushed through the brain fog, the emotional swings, the disorganization, and the exhaustion. You’ve read all the books, played the blame game with yourself, and have started to wonder if this is just how life has to feel now.

You’ve likely been told it’s stress, time to exercise harder, hormones, or just a “rough patch.” But deep down, you know something else is going on—something that deserves more than vague reassurance or quick fixes.

Above all, you want to feel like yourself again. You need someone who doesn’t just throw medication at a symptom, but who listens to you, understands, and can be an expert partner in figuring out what to do next.

How I Work

There’s a reason you’re feeling this way. We can find it together.

I start with a thorough, thoughtful evaluation that looks at the full picture—your mind, your body, your life.  What comes next is based on what fits your unique needs: what you value and what you want to see change. That might mean medication. It might mean therapy. (Often, it’s a mix of both.) I also provide real, useful strategies that can bring you both relief and momentum (after all, you still have responsibilities, relationships, and a life!). And because you need tools that can help today, not just sometime in the future.

For me, it’s all about the “why.”

  • Why has your focus disappeared? 

  • Why does your anxiety keep getting worse? 

  • Why is there a fog or a sense that something isn’t right? 

  • Why does it seem like has everybody else figured it out and you’re still stuck? 

When we start answering those questions, things begin to shift—the fog lifts, the blame gives way to understanding, and you start to see patterns that actually make sense. From there, we can build a plan that’s clear, doable, rooted in science, and aligned with your life. This is about helping you feel steady, focused, and more like yourself, with care that moves at your pace and honors what matters most to you.

MY GUIDING PRINCIPLES

Clarity over confusion

 You deserve answers that make sense—not rushed appointments or vague explanations. I take the time to help you understand why you’re feeling the way you are.

One size never fits all

 Your care plan should match you—your values, your history, and your goals. I’m here to help you figure out what works, not push a formula.

The full picture matters

Mental health isn’t separate from hormones, trauma, relationships, or medical concerns. We’ll look at everything that might be contributing, and treat what actually needs attention.

Respect is foundational

You are the expert on your lived experience. My job is to listen, clarify, and offer options—not to override your voice.

Judgment has no place here

 Whether you’re nervous to start meds, unsure if your ADHD is real, or just feel like things are falling apart—I’ll meet you with curiosity, not criticism.

Diagnosis isn’t the end

 Labels can be helpful, but they’re not the whole story or a definition of who you are. I use them as tools for understanding and guidance for next steps.

LEARN MORE ABOUT MY SPECIALTIES

What is whole-person care?

Inside a chrysalis, a caterpillar doesn’t just grow wings—it dissolves completely before becoming something new. From the outside, it looks like stillness, but inside, there’s a deep, unseen transformation. I believe mental health often works the same way. When everything feels like it’s falling apart, it’s not proof you’re broken—it’s the beginning of becoming more fully yourself.

Whole-person care honors that process. This means I don’t just look at your symptoms—I look at the full context of your life. Your hormone levels, sleep, nutrition, trauma history, relationships, daily stressors, and medical history—all of it matters. And by starting with a thoughtful diagnostic process and lab work when needed, we get the clearest possible picture of what’s actually going on.

Whole-person care is support that’s both clinical and compassionate—more than just “feeling better,” but more like you.

Here’s what that looks like in practice:

  • Recommending lab tests to rule out biological contributors like thyroid issues or nutrient deficiencies

  • Talking through your medical, emotional, and relational history with respect and care

  • Exploring medication only when it feels aligned (and always at the lowest effective dose)

  • Supporting therapy, lifestyle changes, and emotional skills alongside any medical treatment

  • Helping you understand what’s happening in your body so you feel more informed, not more overwhelmed

  • Making space for your personal values and goals to guide every part of your care

My Credentials

I bring both medical training and a whole-person approach to psychiatric care. Staying current in the field is deeply important to me, and I regularly pursue ongoing education to ensure my work reflects the latest research and best practices. Alongside continuing training in my specialty areas, here’s a snapshot of the education, experience, and recognition that shape my practice.

    • Board-Certified Family Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (ANCC)

    • M.S. in Nursing, Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner — University of California, San Francisco

    • B.A. in Psychology with Honors — University of Vermont

    • Intramural Research Training Fellowship — National Institutes of Child Health and Human Development (NICHD/NIH)

    • Community-Based Integrated Care Fellowship — University of Washington, Department of Psychiatry

    • Master Psychopharmacology Program — Neuroscience Education Institute

    • Association of Advanced Practice Psychiatric Nurses (AAPPN)

    • American Psychiatric Nurses Association (APNA)

    • Former Interim Medical Director, Peninsula Behavioral Health

    • Former Director of Program Development, Jefferson Healthcare Primary Care Integrated Behavioral Health

    • Former President, AAPPN

    Awards:

    • Nurse of the Year, AAPPN (2015)

    • Provider of the Quarter, Jefferson Healthcare (2020)

    • Outstanding Senior Award, University of Vermont Psychology Department

    • Battagin Scholarship for Academic Achievement, UCSF

    • Phi Beta Kappa, University of Vermont

It’s time for answers that explain what’s going on, not just a label.

Psychiatric services available in Port Townsend and across WA.