Today we’d like to introduce you to Alisha Fluker.
Hi Alisha, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
Greetings, I’m Alisha! Proudly serving as the owner of Peace of Mind Psychiatric Services, PLLC, a telepsychiatry practice extending its reach across multiple states.
I want to be transparent about my journey—it’s not the picture-perfect manifestation I once envisioned. Life led me to pivot a few times, sometimes due to my own decisions and other times due to circumstances beyond my control. Originating from Hattiesburg, Mississippi, my career path didn’t follow a conventional or linear trajectory.
I initially embarked on my professional journey by attending a vocational program, earning a license as a practical nurse (LPN). After a year in this role, I made the decision to return to school, opting for a faster route to becoming a registered nurse through a junior college. A few years later, armed with an associate’s degree, I set my sights on becoming a nurse practitioner.
My journey led me to Texas, where I enrolled at Texas Woman’s University to pursue my bachelor’s degree. Despite not having completed this degree, I applied and was accepted to graduate school, choosing to specialize in the women’s health nurse practitioner track. Undertaking full-time enrollment, I successfully completed the program in just over two years. While I thought this marked the end of my academic journey, life had more in store for me.
Several years down the road, a friend persuaded me to apply for yet another program—a doctoral program. This wasn’t in my original plan or career path, but looking back, I’m grateful for the shared journey because I seriously contemplated quitting during the entire first semester. Despite the challenges, I successfully completed the program. However, before I could hang up my doctoral gown and hood, I was contemplating enrolling in yet another program.
After careful consideration, I made the decision to enter a post-master’s program with the goal of becoming a psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner. This choice wasn’t out of the blue; my interest in mental health had been present since my days as an LPN years ago. Although not an easy decision, it was necessary because I felt unfulfilled in my current role and sensed a misalignment with my purpose. Completing the program in May 2016, I passed the certifying exam by July, and come August, I left my job of 10 years to embark on an entirely new journey. It was daunting, but for the first time, I felt a profound sense of purpose and fulfillment in my career.
Since then, I’ve earned two additional certifications, and in 2022, I ventured into entrepreneurship by establishing my own psychiatry practice. Reflecting on the dissatisfaction I once felt in my career, I never imagined that entrepreneurship would be my future. Every day, I am amazed that I not only get to do what I love but also do it on my own terms.
We all face challenges, but looking back, would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Absolutely not! I found myself pregnant at a young age, and in the midst of that journey, I lost sight of the goals and dreams I had while growing up. Friends turned their backs, I was met with a lot of criticism, mean stares, and negative comments, it was a difficult period. Internally, I struggled with self-worth issues and the stigma attached to being a teen mom. However, instead of succumbing to the low expectations and negative comments, I used them as fuel to fortify my determination not to become a statistic.
While my determination has always been a driving force, there were moments of frustration, anger, and confusion. Uncertainty about the next move and whether it was the right one lingered. I was fortunate to have supportive family members who came to my aid early on. Balancing the responsibilities of being a young mom, working, and attending college classes was undeniably challenging, and I am especially grateful for my mother and grandmother, whose support was instrumental in my success.
Lacking a business background, I’ve had to learn quite a bit about business on the fly and have taken on a “learn as you go approach”. Connecting with other private practice owners who generously shared their business challenges prevented me from repeating some of the same mistakes in the beginning.
Reflecting on my career journey, the experiences and challenges faced early on have become valuable assets now that I am an entrepreneur. I now understand why certain things happened; they prepared me for this very moment. One of my favorite scriptures, Romans 8:28, resonates deeply in my life.
I share my journey with the hope that it inspires other women—whether they are teen moms, currently pregnant, or anyone feeling like it’s too late to start over. Finding your passion may require multiple attempts, but the journey is worthwhile. You never know the impact you may have by continually showing up for yourself and taking steps of faith.
We’ve been impressed with Peace of Mind Psychiatric Services, PLLC, but for folks who might not be as familiar, what can you share with them about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
Peace of Mind Psychiatric Services, PLLC is a virtual psychiatry practice offering adults medication management services via telehealth throughout the states of Alaska, New Mexico, Texas, and Washington. The telehealth appointments are conducted via a secure HIPAA compliant platform. This means you can join your appointment from the comfort of your own home or office. All you need is an internet connection using your computer, laptop, or smartphone.
I specialize in providing comprehensive care for women facing challenges related to anxiety, depression, premenstrual mood fluctuations, and other anxiety-related symptoms. As a certified perinatal mental health professional, I have a particular focus on supporting women dealing with postpartum depression and anxiety. My approach involves personalized treatment modalities, encompassing medication management, lifestyle adjustments, supplement recommendations, and more. By tailoring interventions to individual needs, I aim to significantly reduce or even resolve troubling symptoms, thereby enhancing mood and alleviating anxiety to restore a sense of balance. My ultimate goal is to enhance the overall well-being and day-to-day functioning of my patients, empowering them to lead fulfilling and flourishing lives.
I utilize a person-centered, integrative, and evidence-based methodology to steer therapeutic interventions. My prescribing philosophy is conservative, and I collaborate with patients to formulate a customized treatment plan that aligns with their specific needs.
I am deliberate in dedicating time to listen attentively, creating an environment where patients feel genuinely heard rather than rushed. For insights into the experiences of my clients, you can explore my website or check out my Google reviews.
The Process: Begin by scheduling a complimentary phone consultation through a call to my office or by completing an assessment online. If we determine that we are well-suited to collaborate, we’ll proceed to schedule your initial appointment. This involves a thorough 60-minute evaluation, followed by subsequent 30-minute follow-up visits for ongoing medication management. At each encounter, I prioritize listening to your distinct concerns and, in partnership with you, craft a personalized treatment plan tailored to your specific needs.
As a business owner, my definition of success has evolved. To me, success is not just about prescribing medications, anyone can do that; it’s about witnessing my patients thrive and reclaim a state of mental wellness. I am deeply invested in making a meaningful impact on lives, and this is the aspect of being a practice owner that fills me with the most pride. I genuinely believe that this commitment sets me apart.
We’d be interested to hear your thoughts on luck and what role, if any, you feel it’s played for you.
I don’t attribute my accomplishments to luck at all. I firmly believe that everything I’ve achieved is solely due to the grace of God. My future endeavors will be guided by intentionality, surrender, and a profound awareness that it’s not about me but about Him.
Contact info:
- Website: https://peaceofmindpsychiatricservicespllc.com
- Instagram: peace__of_mindps
- Office: 469-770-7415
- Online assessment: https://app2.luminello.com/alishaflukeraprn/form
