Kristen Hunkin, NP

Kristen Hunkin, PhD, MSN, PMHNP-BC, is a dual board-certified Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner and Family Nurse Practitioner, though she prefers to go by Erica. Growing up in rural Tennessee, Erica developed a deep sense of resilience and grounding from caring for animals, traits that have shaped her approach to healthcare today.

Erica’s academic path is both broad and impressive. She earned a Bachelor of Arts in Biological Sciences and a Master of Science in Marine Chemical Ecology from The University of Mississippi. Her passion for understanding the biological basis of behavior led her to pursue a PhD in Behavioral Neuroendocrinology at North Carolina State University. During her doctoral research, she focused on how hormones influence brain function and behavior, a natural extension of her lifelong curiosity about human behavior. She later transitioned into nursing, earning a Master of Science in Nursing from the University of Hawaii at Manoa, and a Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner certificate from Johns Hopkins University.

Erica has provided evidence-based, holistic care for children, adolescents, and adults in multiple settings, including community-based clinics, telehealth, and work with active-duty military personnel, reservists, and veterans. Her expertise covers a wide range of mental health concerns, including neurodevelopmental conditions such as autism spectrum disorder and traumatic brain injuries, as well as mental health diagnoses like depression, anxiety, adjustment disorder, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, ADHD, trauma, and PTSD. Erica is an advocate for a multi-disciplinary, team-based approach, believing this collaborative method leads to the best care outcomes for her clients.

At the heart of Erica’s practice is a person-centric approach. She is dedicated to meeting clients where they are and guiding them through their mental health challenges with compassion and accountability. Her primary focus is psychotherapy-first, creating individualized treatment plans that promote lasting, positive change. While comfortable recommending pharmacotherapy if needed, Erica is committed to holistic care and empowering clients to achieve mental wellness.

When not working, Erica enjoys outdoor activities like hiking, paddleboarding, tennis, yoga, and walking her dogs. She also pursues creative hobbies, such as pottery and acrylic and watercolor painting, and she has a passion for travel. Her diverse interests and compassionate nature reflect her belief in the importance of balance, creativity, and self-care in a fulfilling life.