Chelisa Crabtree, DNP, APRN, PMHNP-BC

Chelisa Crabtree, DNP, APRN, PMHNP-BC, is a board-certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner and the founder of Crabtree Mental Health Services, PLLC, in collaboration with Willow Tree Counseling and Consultation. She is a highly experienced mental health clinician with over 20 years of progressive experience in nursing, psychiatric care, and healthcare leadership. Her clinical expertise includes psychiatric assessment, medication management, and psychotherapy, with a strong focus on delivering patient-centered, evidence-based care that promotes long-term mental wellness and stability.

Throughout her career, Chelisa has remained committed to expanding access to quality mental health services for individuals across diverse populations and care environments. Her practice is built on the belief that comprehensive psychiatric care should be accessible, compassionate, and individualized. She integrates clinical expertise with a holistic understanding of patient needs, ensuring that treatment plans support both immediate stabilization and long-term recovery.

Chelisa’s professional journey reflects a steady and intentional advancement through multiple levels of nursing and advanced practice education. She began her healthcare career as a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) in 2004, later becoming a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) in 2007 and a Registered Nurse (RN) in 2009. She earned her Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) from Arkansas State University in Jonesboro in 2018, followed by advanced graduate training at Liberty University in Lynchburg, Virginia, where she completed her Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner certification (PMHNP-BC) in October 2024 and her Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) in August 2025.

In addition to her clinical practice, Chelisa has held a variety of leadership roles, including Director of Nursing, where she gained extensive experience in psychiatric services and long-term care settings, including her work with Supportive Care of Arkansas. Her professional focus is strongly shaped by both clinical experience and personal motivation, having been inspired early in life by witnessing a family medical crisis that shaped her dedication to improving healthcare access and outcomes.

An active member of the American Nurses Association (ANA) and the Arkansas Nurses Association (ARNA), Chelisa continues to advance her mission through her private practice and professional advocacy. She is especially passionate about addressing gaps in mental health care for underserved populations and long-term care communities. Through her leadership, compassion, and clinical expertise, she remains dedicated to supporting individuals and families on their mental health journey with integrity and excellence.

• DNP, Liberty University, 2025
• PMHNP, Liberty University, 2024
• RN, University of Community College Batesville, 2009
• LPN, University of Community College Batesville, 2007

• PMHNP-BC
• DNP
• APRN

• ANA
• Arkansas ANA

• Stride for a Cure (breast cancer awareness)
• Suicide awareness walks
• Preemie babies initiatives
• 5K events

Providing Evidenced Based Practice Interventions to Direct Care Providers in Long-Term Facilities to Increase Knowledge of Mental Health Care in Older Adults: An Educational Toolkit