Sonia Nikolova, ARNP is a board certified Adult Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner with expertise in the diagnosis and management of psychiatric problems. She pursued additional education and certification as an Adult Nurse Practitioner to gain knowledge of diagnosis and treatment of medical conditions as well. This broadened perspective enriches her psychiatric practice with a more holistic approach, while placing strong emphasis on the mind-body connection and health promotion.
Her professional interests include integration of medication and psychotherapy in treatment for optimal outcomes. She has completed extensive post graduate coursework and after rigorous testing and evaluation achieved Diplomate status or "ACT" at the Academy of Cognitive Therapy. She also has certification in TEAM therapy by The Feeling Good Institute founded by Dr. David Burns, Author of the book "Feeling Good".
She has been providing care to clients in community outpatient mental health clinics for the last twelve years, the last five of which have been in the capacity of an ARNP.
She came to the US from Bulgaria on a scholarship twenty years ago to pursue a BA in Human Physiology with a Minor in Psychology at SIU. She lives in Seattle. She enjoys hiking, music, jewelry making, her orchid collection and two cats, and being a mom.
Education
Certified Cognitive Therapist. Cleveland Institute of Cognitive Therapy, Beck Institute. Diplomate Status Achieved through Academy of Cognitive Therapy. 2014.
Master of Nursing. Dual specialization in Adult Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner and Adult Nurse Practitioner. Summa Cum Laude. University of Washington. Seattle, Washington. Dec 2009.
Bachelor of Science in Nursing. Summa Cum Laude. University of Washington. Seattle, Washington. Aug 2007.
Bachelor of Arts in Physiology. Minors in Chemistry and Psychology. Cum Laude. Southern Illinois University at Carbondale. Carbondale, Illinois. May 1999.
What is an Advanced Registered Nurse Practitioner?
In Washington State an Advanced Registered Nurse Practitioner (ARNP) can diagnose mental health and medical issues and prescribe medications for them, like a medical doctor. To become an ARNP, one has to be a Registered Nurse (RN) first, a total of six years post secondary education.
A psychiatric nurse practitioner is licensed and trained to provide psychotherapy services like a psychiatrist, psychologist, counselor, or clinical social worker and, like a medical doctor or a psychiatrist, is trained to prescribe medications.
Affiliations and Professional Organizations
Academy of Cognitive Therapy
American Nurses Credentialing Center
Association of Advanced Practice Psychiatric Nurses
Neuroscience Education Institute
Feeling Good Institute