Welcome to the Mental Health First Blog

Written By Annelise Crosswhite

Hi there, and welcome! I’m Dr. Annelise Crosswhite, a psychiatric nurse practitioner (DNP) and the founder of Mental Health First, a psychiatric clinic based in Washington State. I’m glad you’re here. This blog is a space where evidence-based medicine meets real-world experience. As a provider and someone who personally navigates the landscape of neurodiversity, I created this blog to share insights, support, and education around mental health diagnoses, neurodivergent experiences, and general psychiatry. Whether you're in Seattle, Tacoma, Bellevue, or anywhere nearby in the PNW, my hope is that this blog becomes a helpful resource for you or someone you care about.

Why This Blog Exists

Mental health can feel overwhelming, especially when you're trying to make sense of symptoms, treatment options, or even just the language used in psychiatry. My goal is to make these topics more approachable and relatable, without losing the clinical integrity that guides good care. I am hoping to share my own experiences with neuroversity as a human, clinician and parent. 

You’ll find posts here on:

  • ADHD, Autism, OCD, and other neurodivergent conditions

  • General psychiatry topics like depression, anxiety, insomnia, and bipolar disorder

  • Hormonal influences on mental health (like PMDD, menopause, and testosterone)

  • Medication insights (stimulants, non-stimulants, antidepressants, etc.)

  • Therapy approaches and why some may not feel right for neurodivergent folks

  • Anecdotal reflections from clinical practice and lived experience

Who This Blog Is For

This space is especially designed for folks with neurodiversity (diagnosed and undiagnosed), friends and family with neurodiverse people in their lives and those who want to learn more or are interested in mental health topics. This blog is not intended to be medical advice. You should always consult with your healthcare provider before making changes to your treatment plan. 

What’s Next?

Each week, I’ll be posting on a new topic, from ADHD and protein intake, to the overlap between OCD and eating disorders, to why your ADHD treatments might feel less effective during PMS. I’ll also share reflections on common themes I see in practice, and occasionally, what it’s like to live with neurodivergence myself.

If you’d like to stay updated, follow us on social media or subscribe to our newsletter. And if you’re looking for psychiatric care in Washington State, feel free to explore our services or reach out through our contact page on our website.

Thanks for being here. Let’s talk about mental health, with realness, compassion, humor and curiosity.

Warmly,
Dr. Annelise Crosswhite, DNP
Owner & Psychiatric Provider
Mental Health First

ADHD Quick Takeaways

  • This blog is for you if you're navigating mental health, especially ADHD, Autism, OCD, or general psychiatry—and want info that's both evidence-based and relatable.

  • Written by a psychiatric ARNP/DNP who also lives with neurodivergence and provides care in Washington State.

  • Expect weekly posts on topics like ADHD & hormones, meds, routines, nutrition, and therapy approaches that consider neurodiversity.

  • Big goal: Make mental health info accessible, reduce stigma, and help you feel seen. You can also consider connecting with care on our website.

  • Live in Wa State? This blog connects you to interesting info and people who understand your brain and themes that may show up in your neurodiverse world.

Disclaimer

This blog is intended for informational and educational purposes only. It does not constitute medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Please consult with a licensed medical or mental health professional before making any changes to your care, medications, or treatment plan. Every individual’s mental health journey is unique, and personalized guidance is essential.

Annelise Crosswhite