Laurie Woodward, MSN, FNP-BC, PMHNP-BC

Laurie Woodward is a board-certified Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP) and Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP) with a strong foundation in both physical and mental healthcare. Laurie earned her MSN with dual concentration in FNP and PMHNP from the University of Alabama in May 2025. Ms. Woodward’s academic path also includes a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) from George Washington University (2018) and a Bachelor of Science in Food and Nutrition from the University of Alabama (2017), both earned with distinction. 

 Laurie’s nursing career began in labor and delivery at George Washington University Hospital, where she cared for high-acuity patients through every phase of childbirth from 2018 to 2022. Since 2022, Laurie has served as an adult psychiatric nurse at Winchester Medical Center, working with patients facing serious mental health challenges and providing care for those undergoing ECT. 

During her graduate training, Ms. Woodward completed over 1,000 hours of clinical rotations across the lifespan in primary care, psychiatry, pediatrics, and women’s health. Laurie provided psychopharmacologic and psychotherapeutic care in both rural and underserved communities and developed holistic, evidence-based treatment plans that reflect my commitment to patient-centered care. 

 With her background in nursing, psychiatry, and nutrition, Laurie brings a well-rounded and compassionate approach to care, particularly for vulnerable and underserved populations. 

As a board-certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP-BC), Ms. Woodward specializes in outpatient and telehealth care for adolescents (16+), adults, and older adults. Her clinical focus includes:  mood disorders (e.g., major depressive disorder, bipolar disorder),  anxiety disorders (e.g., GAD, panic disorder, social anxiety),  trauma-related disorders, including PTSD and complex trauma,  obsessive-compulsive and related disorders,  psychotic disorders and schizophrenia spectrum,  substance use and co-occurring disorders,  grief, loss, and life transitions,  perinatal and postpartum mental health,  sleep disturbances,  burnout, caregiver stress, and adjustment disorders. Also including mental health support for LGBTQ+ populations aligned with culturally sensitive and trauma-informed care.  Laurie also integrates her background in nutrition and women’s health to offer a holistic, patient-centered approach to mental wellness. 

What Laurie hopes her patients know about her is that she genuinely cares. Laurie approaches each person with empathy, curiosity, and respect, and is committed to creating a safe, nonjudgmental space where they can speak freely and feel heard. One of Ms. Woodwards goal is not just to manage symptoms—but to partner with her patients in understanding the root causes of their struggles and supporting their long-term wellness. 

 Laurie has a deep belief in holistic, integrative care and often incorporates discussions around nutrition, sleep, movement, and stress management into our treatment plans. Laurie’s background in both physical and mental health allows her to consider the full picture when it comes to healing and growth. 

 Outside of work, Laurie is passionate about food and travel. She holds a degree in nutrition and a culinary background and loves exploring new flavors, whether it’s cooking a rustic meal at home or discovering authentic local cuisine while traveling. Laurie also enjoys spending time in nature, tending to her garden, and being with her family and two senior rescue dogs, who bring her a lot of joy and perspective. 

Woodward

Professional Background and Expertise

Licenses & Certifications

  • FNP-BC (Family Nurse Practitioner – Board Certified by ANCC)
  • PMHNP-BC (Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner – Board Certified by ANCC) pending
  • Registered Nurse, Multi-State License – Virginia (License #0001304571)
  • BLS (Basic Life Support)
  • SANE Training (Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner – Adult)

Education Honors

  • Magna Cum Laude – BSN, George Washington University
  • Magna Cum Laude – BS in Food and Nutrition, University of Alabama
  • Magna Cum Laude – AS in General Studies, Motlow State Community College
  • GWU Hospital Nursing Scholar – Competitively selected

Professional Organizations

  • Sigma Theta Tau International Honor Society of Nursing
  • American Psychiatric Nurses Association (APNA)
  • American Association of Nurse Practitioners (AANP)
  • Nurse Practitioner Association of the District of Columbia
  • Virginia Council of Nurse Practitioners
  • Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics (AND)
  • Northern Virginia Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics

She is a board-certified Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP) and Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP) with a strong foundation in both physical and mental healthcare. She earned her MSN with a dual concentration in FNP and PMHNP from the University of Alabama in May 2025. Her academic path also includes a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) from George Washington University (2018) and a Bachelor of Science in Food and Nutrition from the University of Alabama (2017), both earned with distinction.

Her nursing career began in labor and delivery at George Washington University Hospital, where she cared for high-acuity patients through every phase of childbirth from 2018 to 2022. Since 2022, she has served as an adult psychiatric nurse at Winchester Medical Center, working with patients facing serious mental health challenges and providing care for those undergoing ECT.

During her graduate training, she completed over 1,000 hours of clinical rotations across the lifespan in primary care, psychiatry, pediatrics, and women’s health. She has provided psychopharmacologic and psychotherapeutic care in both rural and underserved communities and developed holistic, evidence-based treatment plans that reflect her commitment to patient-centered care.

With her background in nursing, psychiatry, and nutrition, she brings a well-rounded and compassionate approach to care, particularly for vulnerable and underserved populations.

More About Laurie Woodward, MSN, FNP-BC, PMHNP-BC

What she hopes her patients know about her is that she genuinely cares. She approaches each person with empathy, curiosity, and respect, and she is committed to creating a safe, nonjudgmental space where they can speak freely and feel heard. Her goal is not just to manage symptoms, but to partner with her patients in understanding the root causes of their struggles and supporting their long-term wellness.

She believes deeply in holistic, integrative care and often incorporates discussions around nutrition, sleep, movement, and stress management into treatment plans. Her background in both physical and mental health allows her to consider the full picture when it comes to healing and growth.

Outside of work, she is passionate about food and travel. She holds a degree in nutrition and a culinary background, and she loves exploring new flavors—whether it is cooking a rustic meal at home or discovering authentic local cuisine while traveling. She also enjoys spending time in nature, tending to her garden, and being with her family and two senior rescue dogs, who bring her a lot of joy and perspective.

Ages:

Adolescents (13-17), Adults (up to 40), Adults (41-64), Geriatric (65+)

Gender & Ethnicity:

Female White

States licensed in:

APRN license pending in VA

Specified areas:

As a board-certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP-BC), she specializes in outpatient and telehealth care for adolescents (16+), adults, and older adults. Her clinical focus includes Mood disorders (e.g., major depressive disorder, bipolar disorder), Anxiety disorders (e.g., GAD, panic disorder, social anxiety), Trauma-related disorders, including PTSD and complex trauma, Obsessive-compulsive and related disorders, Psychotic disorders and schizophrenia spectrum, Substance use and co-occurring disorders, Grief, loss, and life transitions, Perinatal and postpartum mental health, Sleep disturbances, Burnout, caregiver stress, and adjustment disorders, Mental health support for LGBTQ+ populations, and culturally sensitive and trauma-informed care. She also integrates her background in nutrition and women’s health to offer a holistic, patient-centered approach to mental wellness.

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