Chanel Zelaya, DNP, FNP-BC, PMHNP-BC
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner

Ages Served
Children (under 12), Adolescents & Teens, Adults (up to 40), Adults (41-64)
Expertise
Anxiety and Trauma Disorders, Adolescent and Child Disorders, Behavioral Disorders, Impulse Control Disorders, Mood Disorders, Personality Disorders, Psychosis, Thought Disorders
Services Offered
Adult Psychiatry, Adult Therapy/Counseling (Individual), Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Child and Adolescent Therapy/Counseling, Medication Management, Perinatal Mental Health
Treatment Approach
Acceptance and Commitment (ACT), Coaching, Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Compassion-Focused, Culturally Sensitive, Humanistic, Interpersonal, Motivational Interviewing, Multicultural, Person-Centered Therapy, Psychopharmacological Treatment, Solution-Focused Brief (SFBT), Trauma-Focused Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy
Specialties
Addiction, ADD/ADHD, Adolescent/Child Issues, Alcoholism, Anger Management, Anxiety, Behavioral Issues, Bipolar Disorder, Career Counseling, Chronic Illness, Chronic Impulsivity, Codependency, Coping Skills, Depression, Developmental Disorders, Domestic Abuse / Violence, Dual Diagnosis, Family Conflict, Life Transitions, Medical Professional Burnout, Oppositional Defiance (ODD), Parenting, Peer Relationship Issues, Pregnancy, Prenatal, Postpartum, Psychosis, Racial Identity, Relationship Conflicts / Divorce, School Issues, Self-Esteem, Sexual Abuse, Spirituality, Sports Performance, Stress, Substance Use, Suicidal Ideation, Teen Violence, Trauma and PTSD, Women's Issues
About
In her role as a liaison for a Global Telehealth Solutions Company, Chanel successfully integrated innovative telehealth solutions into healthcare systems, improving accessibility and quality of care. As an administrative leader at Mary Washington Hospital at Snowden, an Inpatient Psychiatric facility, she showcased her ability to lead and manage teams effectively, resulting in improved patient experiences and care quality. Chanel's healthcare journey reflects a commitment to continuous growth, evident in her academic pursuits and diverse professional experiences. Her goal is to leverage her extensive background to drive positive changes in patient care, contribute to innovative healthcare solutions, and assume influential leadership roles in the field.
Chanel boasts a distinguished healthcare career spanning two decades, showcasing her excellence and transformative influence. With expertise in psychiatry since 2010, she offers holistic care across diverse mental health settings. As a professor at George Washington and George Mason Universities, she shapes innovative learning for students and elevates patient care. Chanel's commitment extends to community health through the Virginia Health Department and advocacy against human trafficking. Her involvement with the American Association of Nurse Practitioners and collaborations with key organizations emphasize her dedication to driving change in healthcare. Dual-certified as a nurse practitioner, Chanel's journey embodies excellence, advocacy, and continuous learning. Her impact resonates in patient care, academia, and community health initiatives, maintaining her position at the forefront of healthcare advancements.
Chanel's healthcare journey is defined by a dual commitment: advocating for psychiatric patients' well-being and addressing healthcare disparities for Black and Latino populations. With a patient-centric approach, she recognizes the transformative impact of stabilization on individuals with psychiatric conditions, empowering them for improved quality of life. Chanel's advocacy extends through education and collaboration to bridge knowledge and practice. Moreover, she's driven to rectify healthcare inequities. Chanel champions culturally tailored mental health care for marginalized communities. By dismantling barriers and raising awareness, she strives for a more just and accessible healthcare system, ensuring equitable mental health support for all. Chanel's forthcoming presentation at Inova Health Systems, titled "Human Trafficking Education Process & Protocol Implementation," showcases her leadership and educational commitment. This initiative underscores her dedication to equipping healthcare professionals to combat human trafficking and highlights her passion for patient care and societal well-being.
Education & Experience
Chanel Zelaya boasts a solid foundation in nursing and advanced practice nursing, underscored by a series of rigorous academic achievements. She secured a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Georgetown University in 2002, followed by a Family Nurse Practitioner Master's degree from George Mason University in collaboration with George Washington University Medical School in 2012.
Languages Spoken
English
Licensed In
Virginia
Gender
Woman
Ethnicity
Mixed Race
A Little Bit About Me
"My hobbies include traveling abroad with my family and scuba diving. Beyond my professional endeavors, I find immense joy and solace in embracing the tranquility of the beach. The endless expanse of the sea, the soothing sound of waves, and the gentle touch of sand underfoot create a sanctuary that revitalizes my spirit and provides a much-needed respite from the demands of everyday life. Among the countless beaches that I have traveled, Puerto Rico and St. Thomas in the United States Virgin Islands hold special places in my heart, they are my second home, a place where I've forged lasting memories and found a deep sense of belonging."
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