Here at Kenosis, we are passionate about meeting the diverse needs of everyone who walks through our doors. That’s why we were thrilled to have Krystal Lewis, a board-certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP-BC), join our team last fall. Based in the greater Indianapolis area, Krystal now provides much-needed psychiatric medication management services for our clients.
Medication management is a crucial service for many individuals who live with mental health challenges. Put briefly, medication management allows a person to supplement counseling with psychiatric medications that can help them manage their symptoms more effectively. We have dreamed of offering this service at Kenosis for over a decade, and we are elated to have this vision finally come to life.
In this blog, we’ll give you a brief introduction to Krystal, including her history as a psychiatric nurse practitioner, how she got connected to Kenosis, and what it’s like to work with her as a client. In addition, we’ll explain how medication management management can support you during counseling and throughout your mental health journey.
Krystal’s Path to Kenosis
Krystal Lewis’ journey to becoming a psychiatric nurse practitioner wasn’t one she had originally set out to make. But as the path unfolded in front of her, she found herself following it with a sense of calling and clarity.
In 2021, Krystal was training in the field of adult gerontology when a clinical rotation in a women’s health program changed her trajectory. “There was a huge need for providers to help with the medication component, and also therapy,” she recalls. The physician who was supervising Krystal noticed her growing passion for this practice and encouraged her to pursue a career in psychiatry.
At first, she wasn’t convinced. “Honestly, I was not thinking about going back to school,” she admits. But then came a timely email from her school inviting her to continue with psychiatric specialization, and she decided to take the offer. “They said at the end that it would only take one year, and I thought, ‘OK, I think I could do one more year.’ “
That decision set Krystal on a path that eventually led her to Kenosis. While searching for a place where she could complete her rotation in psychotherapy, she discovered Kenosis and sent a message online. Fortunately for everyone, we were able to take her on. “It was such a huge relief, because with the program, you had to find your own preceptor,” she explained. “That was the most challenging part.”
Krystal quickly felt at home here. “Everyone was so welcoming, and Christine is of faith, so it felt like I was over at a friend’s house, just chit-chatting a lot of times.” Her time as a student at Kenosis gave her the opportunity to work with a wide variety of clients and diagnoses, and when the opportunity arose for her to officially join the team, it felt like a natural fit.
How Krystal Does Medication Management with Clients
Medication management can sound intimidating to those unfamiliar with it, but Krystal’s approach is warm, personal, and grounded in compassion. At its core, medication management means assessing a person’s mental health symptoms, reviewing their medication history, and working together to decide if a psychiatric medication might help as part of a broader wellness plan.
Although Krystal can write new prescriptions, she often works with individuals who are already taking medication but need ongoing care due to a retiring provider or other barriers. “Honestly, I hear this story weekly, even daily,” she says. “It’s so hard finding psychiatrists that are even accepting patients.”
That’s where she steps in to offer a safe, supportive, and understanding space. “When I meet them, it’s a no-judgment zone,” Krystal says. “We’re just sitting down and having a conversation. I want people to feel at ease.”
A typical evaluation with Krystal begins with a thorough exploration of a client’s mental and emotional health: “How are they feeling currently? How long have they had these symptoms? How is their concentration? How are they eating? How are they sleeping? Are they having suicidal thoughts?” From there, Krystal looks at social behaviors, substance use, and family history to build a complete picture. She also takes time to explore whether other family members have responded well to particular medications, which can help guide treatment decisions.
And if a client decides to move forward with medication? “We go over side effects, we go over general education of the medication,” Krystal explains. “And I encourage people to continue therapy, because it’s proven that medication and therapy can help the patient the most.“
How Medication Management Can Help Counseling Clients Succeed
One of the most rewarding aspects of Krystal’s work is seeing clients grow into more empowered, hopeful versions of themselves. “Once they start the medication, they feel more motivated, they have more clarity,” she shares. “I can see the difference. The patient has a smile on their face, they’re more energetic, they are able to be engaged with the community and with family.”
This transformation is exactly why medication management can be so powerful when combined with therapy. For clients who feel stuck or aren’t seeing the results they hoped for from counseling alone, the right medication can be a meaningful turning point.
Still, Krystal emphasizes that medication is just one piece of a larger wellness puzzle. “I focus on the whole person—the mind, body, and spirit,” she says. “It’s very important. It’s not just about the therapy, it’s not just about the medication. The client has to do their work as well.”
That might mean exercising, getting out in nature, reflecting through journaling, or even just relaxing with music. “Just be present in the moment and enjoy,” Krystal says. “Whatever you like to do, I encourage you to do it, even if you only have 10 minutes.”