Exploring Life & Business with Tina Fast of ABCD Psychiatry

Today we’d like to introduce you to Tina Fast.

Tina, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
Yes, Fast really is my last name—and with over 25 years of experience in healthcare, I’m proud to be a dual-certified Nurse Practitioner in Pediatrics and Psychiatric Mental Health.

From a young age, I felt called to care for others. I began volunteering in special education classrooms in elementary school, where I discovered my gift for compassion. By high school, I became a medical assistant, working first in OB/GYN and then in pediatrics—an experience that solidified my path. I shifted from pre-med to nursing, and never looked back.

I earned my RN in 2004, working in postpartum care before becoming a public health nurse with the Nurse-Family Partnership, a program supporting first-time moms from pregnancy through early childhood. Building relationships and providing support during their most vulnerable times was incredibly meaningful.

In 2010, I became a Nurse Practitioner and have since served in diverse settings, including child abuse programs, SANE (Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner) care, school-based clinics, public health, and private practice. Each experience has deepened my commitment to holistic, patient-centered care.

As a mother of four—including three neurodivergent children—I understand firsthand the challenges many families face. My personal and professional journeys have taught me that healing isn’t linear, and that everyone deserves compassionate support along the way.

Whether you’re here for your child, yourself, or your family, my goal is to walk alongside you with empathy, clinical expertise, and respect. We’ll work together to find the best path forward—tailored to your unique needs and goals.

I’m honored to be part of your journey.

We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Definitely not. Just like everyone else, I have had setbacks and hills to climb. I have had to work hard every step of the way, but it has all been worth it.
While I was in school to become an RN, I knew I wanted to continue in school for my master’s and become a Nurse Practitioner. I had the opportunity to return within a few years and jumped on it. It was very challenging being a single mother, working full-time, and attending school. I had amazing grandparents who helped me every step of the way. Before I even went back to school, I knew I wanted to be dual certified in Psych Mental Health, but there was a challenge: I was working 2 jobs and raising my son. I met my husband and was planning to return to school, but God had other plans, and I got pregnant right when I was accepted into the PMHNP program. I decided it wasn’t the right time and decided to wait. When my son was 3, I decided to try again and was starting to enroll in another program. Again, God’s timing gave me another pregnancy. This time, instead of going for my PMHNP, I ended up getting a new job and getting my school nurse credential. After a couple more years I was considering it one more time and one more time I was given a baby instead of a degree. We moved to Texas and when that sweet child was enrolled in school full-time, then I decided it was time for me to finally get the degree I had always hoped for. I enrolled in the University of Texas and finished my goal of becoming dual certified as a PMHNP and PNP.

Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know?
ABCD Psychiatry is committed to delivering compassionate, holistic mental health care to children and families. Our practice specializes in a comprehensive approach that combines traditional psychiatric medication management with evidence-based functional psychiatry. We prioritize the integration of biological, nutritional, and lifestyle factors to address emotional and behavioral health, aiming to foster emotional growth and overall well-being through personalized care.

Networking and finding a mentor can have such a positive impact on one’s life and career. Any advice?
I join groups that want to build each other up and help each other to be the best we can be for our clients. I am always learning new things and open to new ideas. I approach everything with an open mind and a willingness to grow and develop. I know I don’t know everything, and I know that there is new information being presented daily. I need to be willing to change my approach if evidence shows me that that is a better model.

Pricing:

• I accept most major insurances
• Cash Pay Initial Consults are $350
• Cash Pay Follow-ups are $175

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.abcdpsychiatry.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/abcdpsychiatry/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/17iAzXnxp5/
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/abcdpsychiatry/
• Twitter: https://x.com/ABCDPsychiatry
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@ABCDPsychiatry