10 Questions with Emily Colasante, Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner at Livingston HealthCare
- Why did you decide to become a Behavioral Health Nurse Practitioner?
I've always been drawn to the human side of medicine, understanding people's stories, not just their symptoms. After spending years in the emergency department as a nurse, I realized that some of the most impactful moments weren't always treating physical emergencies, but helping people through mental health struggles, crisis, grief, anxiety, life transitions, and ultimately the challenges we don't see reflected in labs or diagnostic images. Becoming a Behavioral Health Nurse Practitioner felt like a natural way to bridge the gap between the art and science of human healing.
- What’s one health habit you wish everyone would start today?
Getting outside more. Fresh air, sunlight, movement, and even a few quiet minutes in nature can make a huge difference for both mental and physical health. It doesn't need to be a mountain hike; even a short walk with some deep breaths outside can help reset your nervous system.
- If you weren’t a PMHNP, what would you be doing?
Probably something creative or outdoors related. Maybe photography, travel writing, or working with wildlife somehow. I love anything that combines people and nature.
- How do you recommend patients prepare for an appointment to get the most out of it?
There's no perfect way to prepare, but it helps to think about what's been impacting your daily life most lately; sleep, stress, mood, focus, relationships, energy levels, etc. Writing down symptoms, questions, or goals beforehand can also make appointments feel less overwhelming.
- What’s the most memorable patient interaction you’ve ever had (without revealing identities)?
There's too many to count, but one interaction that comes to mind was from my days in the emergency department. There was an attempted homicide against a father and daughter, but with lifesaving interventions we were able to save both of them, and I don't think I'll ever forget that night.
- What’s the most challenging part of your job — and most rewarding?
The hardest part is knowing you can't always instantly take away someone's pain, anxieties, or struggles. Healing takes time. The most rewarding part is getting to walk alongside patients through that process and seeing the progress they may not even recognize in themselves yet.
- Do you have any personal health habits you struggle to maintain yourself?
Absolutely - balance. Like many people, I can get caught up in work, responsibilities, and staying busy. I have to intentionally make time to slow down, unplug, and recharge by spending time doing things I enjoy.
- What’s your guilty-pleasure food?
This is the hardest question yet (just kidding)...I'm Italian and I'd have to say some type of pasta with a glass of red wine and a piece of cheesecake to top it off.
- What’s the one thing you wish patients knew about you as a person?
That I'm human too. I genuinely care about my patients and want appointments to feel collaborative, not intimidating. My goal is for people to feel heard, comfortable, and never judged.
- If you could prescribe one thing to make everyone happier, what would it be?
More connection - to other people, community, and to the outdoors. We're not meant to do life completely isolated from one another, and I think many people underestimate how healing simple connection(s) can be.