Friendly, thorough, nonjudgmental ADHD & full psychiatric services
OUR STORY
This kiddo is one of the things that makes me happiest in life. He was diagnosed with autism at 18 months but has really flourished in his ABA therapy the last several years At the end of the day when I walk in the front door, without fail he says, “Mom, you’re back!” He’s like my heart walking around outside my body.
Hello and thank you for visiting! My name is Amber Leonhardt and I’m a board-certified psychiatric nurse practitioner.
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I was raised in Northern Utah, which is maybe the prettiest place I’ve ever lived - but I just can’t do the frigid cold winters anymore! It’s hot as the blazing sun in Arizona, but as one of my patients told me, “You don’t have to shovel sunshine.” I’ve been married to my dear husband for nine years, which is long enough to understand a joke I heard once: “Love is waking up next to your partner and thinking, I can smother them or I can make breakfast. Sigh. Pancakes it is.” Just kidding, Husband, love you!
We have six children ages 22, 20, 18, 7-year-old twins, and 4, who keep our household busy, chaotic, and very, very loud. Our youngest kiddo has autism and he is the cutest little bug you’ve ever seen. I’m expecting my first grandbaby this fall, and I fully anticipate that I will love this grandchild more than any of my own children, since I can give him back when he’s fussy/poopy/hungry/sticky/etc.
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On a professional note, I’ve been in the mental health field for eight years and have had the privilege of working with a myriad of people and problems ranging from ADHD, depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, substance use, and everything in-between. I have a particular love for ADHD, having gone 40+ years with it undiagnosed myself.
Older pic but still one of my favorite family photos. You can’t see the baby in my belly. Remind me next time to not get pregnant at 39 years old, it’s kind of most terrible thing ever.
Not even joking - I used to say in my younger days that I wouldn’t wish twins on my worst enemy. Joke was on me! This is proof that sometimes IVF works a little “too” well. These twins are the reason I buy lots of hair dye to cover up all my grays.
I’ve had many patients complain how their last provider didn’t respond to phone calls, was unreachable for concerns, didn’t timely send refills, made treatment decisions unilaterally without their input, didn’t seem to listen, didn’t seem to care … the list goes on and on.
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I promise my patients one thing above all else: I listen and I care.
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I have a laminated quote on my computer that reads, “My job, from the first hello, is to ease people’s suffering, rather than to make a diagnosis.” It’s an adage I live by and try to embody in my practice.
I work hard to provide a respectful, warm, and trusting therapeutic environment where you can explore your feelings, thoughts, and experiences without any judgment. My goal is that you will feel accepted, empowered, and hopeful as we work together as a team towards your improved mental health.
When they leave my office, I want all my patients to feel a little lighter, more hopeful, less heavy, and altogether just “better.”
It would be a privilege to help you and your family with your mental health needs. Thank you and take care!
My kids are six of my seven favorite people in the world (#7 is the hubby but he wasn’t cute enough to make the picture lol).
ABOUT YOU!
I think it’s important to make mention who my ideal patient is, and who may be better served elsewhere.
This is the type of patient who will do well here:
You are motivated to feel better and are willing to put in some hard work to do so.
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You come to us with proper expectations of your treatment. Medications can help you concentrate you better, help lift low mood, help curb the tendencies toward irritability and anger. They will not solve all your life's woes, turn your child with severe behavioral problems into a perfect child, or fix your issues with your spouse/family/boss/coworkers/etc. You recognize to properly treat your psychiatric concerns, it requires some heavy lifting on your part too.
You attend scheduled appointments and don’t stand me up! It’s rude for a date and it’s rude to your provider - especially when I’ve reserved that time just for you. (Note we do have a no-show and late cancellation fee for more incentive to attend your appointments lol).
You realize that finding the right medication can take some trial and error. You are open to suggestions and trying new treatments.
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You are not looking for daily, high-dose benzodiazepines like Xanax or Ativan. You are okay with a slow taper if you come to me on them.
You do NOT yell or curse at me or my staff when you’re upset. We treat everyone with respect and we expect the same. You realize that my staff and I are human and make mistakes from time-to-time and so you treat us with patience and grace, the same way we always try to treat you. Abusive behavior will not be tolerated and will result in a dismissal from the practice.
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Bottom line ... We are nice so you be nice too!