Meet Our Virginia Beach Mental Health Providers

Our Virginia Beach mental health provider team offers compassionate, trauma‑informed care tailored to individuals, military and veteran families, and LGBTQIA+ communities throughout Hampton Roads. Each provider brings unique expertise in therapy, psychiatric medication management, and inclusive mental health support, ensuring every client feels heard, supported, and empowered. Whether you’re interested in our student program or seeking to schedule an appointment, our team is here to help you take the next step toward emotional wellness.

Our Practice Owners

Michelle Millspaw PMHNP-BC Virginia Beach psychiatric provider
Owner, PMHNP-BC

Michelle Millspaw

Michelle Millspaw, PMHNP-BC is a board-certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner and co-owner of Path to Serenity Mental Health, PLLC. With a background as a trauma emergency room nurse, Michelle brings extensive clinical experience to her work. She provides medication management services for ages five and up and specializes in serving veterans, active-duty military members, and military families. Michelle is also deeply committed to education and mentorship, bringing over a year of experience leading and developing PMHNP student training programs.

Michelle Millspaw, PMHNP-BC, is a board-certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner and co-owner of Path to Serenity Mental Health, PLLC. Her professional journey began in high-acuity medical settings, where she worked as a trauma emergency room nurse and developed a deep appreciation for the complex relationship between physical health, mental health, and access to timely, compassionate care—particularly during moments of crisis.

Recognizing significant gaps in mental health services, Michelle pursued advanced training in psychiatric care at Old Dominion University, earning her PMHNP credential. She now provides medication management for children, adolescents, and adults ages five and older, with a specialized focus on veterans, active-duty military members, and military families. Her clinical approach is collaborative, trauma-informed, and grounded in evidence-based practice, with an emphasis on thoughtful and individualized treatment planning.

In addition to her clinical work, Michelle is passionate about supporting the future of the mental health profession. She brings over a year of experience leading and developing PMHNP student training programs, providing structured supervision, mentorship, and hands-on learning opportunities. As a clinician and practice owner, Michelle is committed to fostering a practice culture rooted in quality care, education, and long-term impact.

Nicole Morin, EdD Virginia Beach Resident Therapist
Owner, Resident Therapist

Nicole Morin, EdD

Nicole Morin, EdD, is a resident therapist and co-owner of Path to Serenity Mental Health, PLLC. She holds a doctorate in Curriculum and Instruction with an emphasis in Special Education and brings a strong background in higher education, curriculum development, and psychology instruction to her clinical work. Nicole is a license-eligible clinician who has successfully passed her licensing examination and practices under clinical supervision in accordance with state requirements. She specializes in kink-aware therapy and provides affirming, nonjudgmental care for LGBTQIA+, military, and alternative lifestyle populations. Nicole also contributes to the development of the practice’s student training program.

Nicole Morin, EdD, Resident in Counseling, is a Resident in Counseling (Pending Summer Licensure 2026) and co-owner of Path to Serenity Mental Health, PLLC. She brings advanced doctoral training, academic leadership, and clinical expertise to her work with individuals navigating a wide range of emotional, relational, and life challenges. Nicole holds a Doctor of Education in Curriculum and Instruction with an emphasis in Special Education, a background that continues to shape her therapeutic approach through a commitment to individualized care, accessibility, and inclusive practice.

Before entering clinical residency, Nicole spent four years in higher education as a curriculum developer and psychology adjunct instructor. She specialized in designing evidence-based curricula, teaching psychological principles, and supporting diverse learning needs. During this time, she helped develop an ethical Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) program that emphasized client autonomy, dignity, and individualized care. Along with personal experiences, this work deepened her understanding of learning, behavior, and neurodevelopmental differences, perspectives that continue to inform her neurodiversity-affirming therapeutic approach today. These experiences also strengthened her ability to translate complex psychological concepts into practical, real-world strategies that clients can apply outside of session.

Nicole practices from an integrative, relational, mechanism-based, and neurodiversity-affirming framework. Rather than adhering rigidly to a single therapeutic model, she tailors therapy to each individual's unique experiences, strengths, goals, and circumstances. Her work is patient-led and context-driven, focusing on understanding the underlying factors contributing to distress while helping clients develop meaningful, sustainable change. She integrates cognitive, behavioral, attachment-based, acceptance-based, and mindfulness-informed interventions, selecting strategies based on the individual's needs rather than a predetermined treatment protocol. Depending on what a client is experiencing, she draws from a variety of evidence-based approaches to support growth, self-understanding, and improved quality of life.

Nicole specializes in working with adults experiencing anxiety, trauma-related concerns, neurodivergence, relationship challenges, identity exploration, life transitions, and interpersonal difficulties. She is particularly passionate about supporting ADHD and autistic individuals in understanding how their unique nervous systems interact with the demands of daily life, relationships, work, and self-concept. Her approach emphasizes self-awareness, self-acceptance, and practical skills that can be applied beyond the therapy room.

She is also known for providing kink-aware, sex-positive, and LGBTQIA+-affirming care. Nicole is deeply committed to creating a therapeutic environment where clients can explore all aspects of themselves without fear of judgment. She has experience working with military members, alternative relationship structures, and individuals within kink and BDSM communities, providing a space that prioritizes authenticity, safety, and respect.

Clients often describe Nicole as warm, direct, insightful, and collaborative. She believes therapy should be both reflective and practical, balancing deeper exploration with actionable strategies that support lasting change. Her goal is to help clients better understand themselves, navigate challenges with greater confidence, and build lives that align with their values and goals. In addition to her clinical work, Nicole assists in the development of the practice's student training program, supporting mentorship and educational initiatives for future mental health professionals. As a practice owner, she remains committed to building a practice grounded in inclusivity, education, innovation, and high-quality care for the communities she serves.

Practice Clinicians — Therapy & Medication Management

Paige Cisar, PMHNP-BC, FNP, Virginia Beach psychiatric provider
FNP-BC, PMHNP-BC

Paige Cisar

Paige Cisar is a dual-certified Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP) and Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP), currently pursuing a Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) to further her clinical expertise. As the spouse of an active-duty military service member, she has a deep personal and professional connection to the military community, which strongly influences her clinical approach. She is especially passionate about serving veterans and individuals affected by trauma and PTSD. Her clinical practice is grounded in empathy, compassion, and respect, with a strong commitment to providing patient-centered, evidence-based care. She strives to create a safe, supportive space where patients feel heard, understood, and empowered in their healing journey.

Paige Cisar is a dual-certified Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP) and Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP), currently pursuing a Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) to further her clinical expertise. As the spouse of an active-duty military service member, she has a deep personal and professional connection to the military community, which strongly influences her clinical approach. She is especially passionate about serving veterans and individuals affected by trauma and PTSD. Her clinical practice is grounded in empathy, compassion, and respect, with a strong commitment to providing patient-centered, evidence-based care. She strives to create a safe, supportive space where patients feel heard, understood, and empowered in their healing journey.
Dale Sawyer, PMHNP-BC
PMHNP-BC

Dale Sawyer

Dale Sawyer is a board-certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP-BC) who understands that mental health is a journey and is passionate about walking alongside her patients on their path towards healing and wellness. As someone who understands the demands of balancing career, family, and mental wellness, she specializes in young adults and adults navigating major life transitions, particularly postpartum and early parenthood, who have complex mental health needs such as anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder, PTSD, or other psychotic disorders. By providing medication management and supportive psychotherapy, Dale helps patients find balance, resilience, and a more fulfilling life.

Dale Sawyer is a board-certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP- BC) who understands that mental health is a journey and is passionate about walking alongside her patients to help them find balance, resilience, and a more fulfilling life. With over a decade of nursing experience, she brings valuable insight into the complex relationship between physical and mental health. As someone who understands the demands of balancing career, family, and mental wellness, she specializes in young adults and adults navigating major life transitions, particularly postpartum and early parenthood, work-life stress, and complex mental health needs. Dale helps patients maintain functioning, identity, and overall well-being while managing the competing demands of caregiving, career, and daily life. She takes a holistic, patient-centered approach to care, while ensuring patients feel heard, supported, and understood. Dale provides individualized medication management and supportive psychotherapy for a wide range of mental health conditions, including anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder, PTSD, psychotic disorders, and more.

Our Path to Serenity PMHNP Student Interns

Darlene
PMHNP Student

Darlene Bateman

Darlene Bateman, BSN, RN is a psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner intern expected to graduate in late 2026. With a background in emergency and trauma nursing, she developed a passion for mental health care while supporting patients through some of life’s most vulnerable moments. Her clinical interests include trauma-informed care, anxiety and mood disorders, PTSD, ADHD, and healthcare worker burnout and stress. Darlene provides compassionate, patient-centered medication management focused on creating a safe, supportive, and nonjudgmental environment where individuals feel heard, respected, and comfortable being themselves.

Darlene Bateman, BSN, RN is a psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner intern expected to
graduate with her master's degree in late 2026. She brings a strong background in emergency
and trauma nursing, where she cared for patients during some of the most vulnerable and
high-stress moments of their lives. Known for remaining calm in chaos, her experience in
fast-paced emergency settings deepened her passion for mental health care and strengthened
her understanding of the connection between physical and emotional well-being.
After years of thriving in the unpredictability of emergency medicine, transitioning into psychiatry
felt like a surprisingly natural progression, just with fewer trauma alerts and more conversations
that truly matter. Her clinical interests include trauma-informed care, anxiety and mood
disorders, PTSD, ADHD, and healthcare worker burnout and stress. She provides thoughtful,
patient-centered medication management in a safe, supportive, and nonjudgmental environment
where individuals feel heard, respected, and comfortable being themselves.
Darlene values building strong therapeutic relationships grounded in empathy, trust, and
authenticity. Outside of clinical practice, she values personal growth, self-awareness, and
finding humor and lightness whenever possible. She strives to create a space where people feel
safe enough to be honest, imperfect, and completely themselves.
Vincent Moscato
PMHNP Student

Vincent Moscato

Vincent Moscato, BSN, RN, is a PMHNP student intern pursuing his goal of becoming a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner. With nursing experience in high acuity settings, including the NICU, he is passionate about providing compassionate, patient centered mental health care. Vincent is committed to creating a safe, inclusive, and nonjudgmental environment where individuals feel heard, supported, and empowered throughout their mental health journey. As a future PMHNP, he hopes to provide evidence based psychiatric care while improving access to quality mental health services across the lifespan.

Vincent Moscato, BSN, RN, currently serves as a PMHNP student intern while pursuing his goal of becoming a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner. Through his nursing experience and continued education, he has developed a strong clinical foundation and a deep commitment to providing compassionate, patient centered care. Vincent currently works in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU), where he cares for newborns requiring specialized medical support while supporting families during some of the most emotional and vulnerable moments of their lives. Working in a high acuity environment has strengthened his ability to remain calm under pressure, communicate effectively, and build meaningful connections with patients and families. His passion for psychiatry comes from a genuine desire to help individuals feel heard, supported, and understood throughout their mental health journey. Vincent believes in treating the whole person, not just the diagnosis, and is committed to creating a safe, respectful, inclusive, and nonjudgmental environment for every patient. He is especially passionate about mental health advocacy and providing affirming care to diverse populations, including members of the LGBTQIA+ community. As a future PMHNP, Vincent hopes to provide compassionate, evidence based psychiatric care across the lifespan while improving access to quality mental health services.
Vinny DiCristo
PMHNP Student

Vinny Dicristo

Vinny DiCristo, BSN, RN is a future Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner graduating soon who brings nearly a decade of nursing experience to his practice. He is passionate about creating a supportive, affirming, and judgment free space where patients feel genuinely heard and understood. His clinical interests include pediatrics, the LGBTQIA+ community, ADHD, mood disorders, anxiety and depression, postpartum mental health, medical weight management, burnout, and NICU parent support. He also provides a sex positive and affirming space to discuss relationship challenges, intimacy, sexual wellness, and diverse relationship dynamics. Outside of healthcare, he enjoys spending time with his 3 pups.

Vinny DiCristo, BSN, RN is a future Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner graduating soon. He brings nearly a decade of nursing experience that has shaped both the provider and person he is today. For the past 5 years, he has worked in the NICU caring for critically ill newborns and supporting families. His nursing career also included caring for patients in New York during the COVID-19 pandemic, an experience that strengthened his compassion, adaptability, and understanding of how deeply mental and physical health are connected.
These experiences helped shape his passion for psychiatric mental health and his goal of creating a space where patients feel safe, supported, and genuinely heard without judgment. As a future PMHNP, he is especially passionate about working with pediatrics, the LGBTQIA+ community, ADHD, mood disorders, anxiety and depression, medical weight management, postpartum mental health, burnout, and supporting parents navigating the emotional challenges that can come with having a baby in the NICU. He also provides a sex positive, affirming, and judgment free space to discuss relationship challenges, intimacy, sexual wellness concerns, and diverse relationship dynamics. He believes mental health care should feel approachable, down to earth, and human. Outside of healthcare, he enjoys spending time with his 3 pups, including 1 goldendoodle and 2 yorkies, who completely run the household.

Practice Support Team

Medical Operations Coordinator

Melody Dejesus Garcia

Melody is a dedicated and compassionate Clinical Medical Assistant with 10+ years of experience in the medical field, providing high-quality patient care and administrative support in fast-paced healthcare settings. Passionate about mental health advocacy and committed to supporting individuals with disabilities through empathetic, patient-centered care. Known for strong communication, professionalism, and creating a welcoming environment that helps patients feel valued, understood, and supported.

Melody is a dedicated and compassionate Clinical Medical Assistant with 10+ years of experience in the medical field, providing high-quality patient care and administrative support in fast-paced healthcare settings. Passionate about mental health advocacy and committed to supporting individuals with disabilities through empathetic, patient-centered care. Known for strong communication, professionalism, and creating a welcoming environment that helps patients feel valued, understood, and supported.
She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology and brings a genuine passion for helping people feel comfortable and confident as they navigate their care. Isabella assists patients with scheduling, questions about services, and general office coordination, always striving to ensure clear communication and a positive experience. She values connection and approachability and welcomes patients to reach out with any questions or concerns.

Training Future Providers — Student Program

We believe in investing in the future of mental health care. Our student program provides emerging clinicians with meaningful clinical experience, close supervision, and mentorship from licensed providers. This program allows us to contribute to the profession while maintaining a strong standard of care for the individuals and families we serve.

Help shape the future of mental health care—apply to our student program today.

Join Our Team of Professionals

At Path to Serenity Mental Health, PLLC, we’re always looking for skilled, compassionate clinicians to join our growing practice. Experienced therapists and PMHNPs will find a collaborative, supportive environment where they can focus on delivering high-quality care, mentor emerging providers, and contribute to a values-driven, inclusive practice.

If you’re passionate about client-centered care and professional growth, we’d love to hear from you.