We had the good fortune of connecting with Chris Lee PMHNP-BC and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Chris, what inspires you?
Working with my patients at DreamCloud is the greatest inspiration. Each day, I am captivated by their resilience, courage, and determination to overcome life’s challenges and achieve their dreams. Their heartfelt stories of hope and perseverance ignite a deep passion and sense of responsibility in me to deliver exceptional mental healthcare. Each individual journey is unique and impactful. Some of our patients have won Grammy awards or major league sports trophies, some are social media influencers or own established brands, and still some are recent newlyweds, college graduates, or first-time parents. Watching patients overcome barriers and reach their goals through hard work and dedication reinforces my commitment to my career as a psychiatric NP and fuels my drive for excellence. If I could help one more patient achieve their dreams, I would seize the opportunity. The triumphs of the human spirit that I witness each day are what inspire me. The deep, personal connections I build with patients make every day at DreamCloud not just rewarding but truly meaningful.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
What sets me apart is that I was one of the first psychiatric providers in Florida to start an independent practice that focused on integrating technology to deliver care. In addition to building a custom mobile app for patients, I began exploring telemedicine for follow-up care even before the pandemic made it a common household idea. Starting my business in Florida was like being a pioneer in the wild west at the time, because there were almost no other psychiatric NPs to follow or ask questions. Today, there are many more, but I am proud to be one of the leaders in the field. Professionally, it’s not the easiest path. Only 6.5% of nurse practitioners in the US are certified to practice psychiatry, so the competition can be stiff. My education and training at NYU was rigorous and demanding, but helped prepare me for higher-level complex care, for instance, while working in underserved communities of Brooklyn with patients who faced challenging problems with very few resources.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
If my friend were visiting, I’d ensure they have an unforgettable week in Miami. We’d kick off with shopping at Brickell City Centre and then the Miami Design District. We’d stop at Côte for lunch and Dior Cafe for coffee. For a scenic dinner, we’d head to Seaspice on the Miami River. Weekend brunch would be at Mila, with its delightful Mediterranean-Asian fusion in South Beach. For a crazy night out there’s Club Space, famous for its rooftop terrace and lively atmosphere. Then to relax, we’d spend the day at Tierra Santa Healing House, the spa at Faena Miami Beach. In the afternoon, I’d recommend walking through South Pointe Park in South Beach with our dogs, watching the huge cruise ships go out. This itinerary offers a perfect mix of luxury, relaxation, and excitement, capturing the vibrant essence of Miami.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
Adriana Serna LMHC, has been a tremendous inspiration to me and my work. As our licensed psychotherapist at DreamCloud, Adriana’s dedication to her patients is truly remarkable. She works with individuals, guiding them through their unique journeys with compassion and expertise. Her unwavering commitment to their well-being and her ability to foster a safe, supportive environment have profoundly impacted not only her patients but also our entire team. Adriana’s insightful approach and genuine care inspire me to continually strive for excellence in my own practice. Watching her navigate complex cases with grace and empathy is both humbling and motivating. Her presence at DreamCloud elevates the quality of care we provide and exemplifies the profound impact a dedicated therapist can have on the lives of others. The deep, personal connections Adriana builds with her patients and her unwavering passion for mental health make every day at DreamCloud more enriching and truly inspiring.

Website: https://dreamcloud.co

Instagram: dreamcloudpsychiatry

Linkedin: https://linkedin.com/in/dreamcloudpsychiatry

Twitter: @dreamcloudpsych

Facebook: https://facebook.com/dreamcloudpsychiatry

Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/dreamcloud-psychiatry-miami-3

Youtube: https://youtube.com/dreamcloudpsychiatry

Image Credits
Courtesy of Chris Lee/DreamCloud

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