Levis E. Apana, DNP, APRN-CNP, PMHNP-BC
Levis Apana, DNP, APRN-CNP, PMHNP-BC (He/Him) is a doctorate-prepared, board-certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner practicing with Lakewood Health System in Staples, Minnesota. With over seven years of nursing experience beginning in 2019, Dr. Apana specializes in the treatment of depression, bipolar disorder, anxiety, trauma-related disorders, and other complex psychiatric conditions across the lifespan. Known for his calm, grounded presence and patient-centered philosophy, he combines evidence-based medication management with psychotherapeutic interventions, crisis stabilization, and recovery-oriented care to ensure each patient feels heard, safe, and actively involved in treatment planning. Dr. Apana’s journey into psychiatric nursing began in his teenage years while working at Target, but his calling became clear when he transitioned into group home settings supporting individuals with traumatic brain injuries and major depressive disorder. Witnessing the profound impact of compassionate mental health care—alongside inspiration from his father, a physician assistant—solidified his commitment to the field. He earned his Bachelor’s degree from Aspen University in 2022, his Master’s degree from Purdue University in 2024, and completed his Doctor of Nursing Practice degree at Purdue University in 2025. His clinical training included rotations at St. Luke’s Hospital and Nystrom & Associates, where he refined his skills in comprehensive psychiatric evaluation, differential diagnosis, and complex medication management. Beyond clinical practice, Dr. Apana is deeply committed to reducing mental health stigma within his community, where depression and other disorders are often misunderstood or minimized. He is a member of the American Psychiatric Nurses Association (APNA) and serves as an educator to undergraduate nursing students, helping to shape the next generation of healthcare professionals. Passionate about leadership, advocacy, and community impact, he envisions establishing a private practice dedicated to expanding access to high-quality mental health care for underserved populations while fostering greater awareness and understanding of psychiatric wellness.
• Bachelor's - Aspen University - 2022
• Master's - Purdue University - 2024
• Doctorate - Purdue University - 2025
• DNP
• APRN-CNP
• PMHNP-BC
• APNA (American Psychiatric Nurses Association)
• Minnesota Nurses Association
• American Nurses Association of Nurse Practitioners
• National Society of leadership and Success
Areas of Specialization/Expertise
- Depression
- Bipolar
- Anxiety
- schizoaffective disorder
- ADHD
- OCD
- PTSD
- Schizophrenia
What do you enjoy most about practicing medicine?
One of the things I really love about being a psychiatric nurse practitioner is the pleasure I get after initiating a medication, and then two weeks or four weeks later, seeing a patient return to my office super excited about where they find themselves and how they're feeling. That gives me a lot of relief, a lot of pleasure - I really like that feeling. If I could sum it up, I would say I love the fact that I'm able to help and support people when they're struggling. It's a very rewarding job, and I do love it.