Theresa “Tess” Searls

Dr. Theresa “Tess” Searls (she/her) is a board-certified Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner and Clinical Nurse Specialist who has worked in mental health for over 35 years, in hospital, residential and outpatient settings.  Tess has experience working in the public and private sector as a clinician, manager, and director.  Tess has taught at the college and university level for over 20 years and currently functions as a clinical faculty for NP students from Virginia Commonwealth University. Her experience includes working with children of all ages, adolescents, and adults.  She is a skilled public speaker and educator on topics specific to child mental health and has written for publication in professional journals.

Tess uses a client-centered paradigm in clinical practice, supporting clients to attain peace, joy and meaning in their lives as they define them. She is a conservative prescriber who views medications and therapy as a part of a system of mental health interventions that includes sleep, nutrition, nature, exercise and relationships.

Specialties

Tess’s areas of expertise include disruptive behaviors, trauma and abuse, children’s mental health, suicide prevention, crisis management and prevention as well as acute and chronic mental illness. She is skilled in Collaborative Problem Solving (livesinthebalance.org)  and understands that a lack of “skill not will” drives many problem behaviors.  Tess has been involved with Canine Companions for Independence for over 10 years and works with a canine therapy partner who provides interested clients with unconditional affection and affirmation.   Tess understands that everyone is on a distinct life journey and their experiences, values and preferences must be part of all mental health treatment.  Tess is LGBTQIA+ affirming.

Education

• Diploma in Nursing, Riverside Hospital, 1985
• Bachelor of Science, Christopher Newport University, 1989
• Master of Science, Virginia Commonwealth University, 1994
• Post-Masters Certificate, Virginia Commonwealth University 2004
• Doctorate, Old Dominion University, 2016

Licenses and Certificates of Completion

• Licensed Registered Nurse
• Certified Child and Adolescent Clinical Nurse Specialist
• Certified Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner

Professional Memberships

• International Society of Psychiatric Nurses
• American Psychiatric Nurses Association
• American Nurses Association
• Virginia Nurses Association
• American Academy of Nurse Practitioners