Expert Prescribing · Ongoing Monitoring · Personalized Care

Finding the right medication can change everything. Melody Higgins, MSN, PMHNP-BC provides thoughtful, evidence-based psychiatric medication management for children, teens, and adults in the Tampa Bay area.
Medication management is far more than writing a prescription. It is an ongoing, collaborative process between you and your provider to ensure your psychiatric medications are working safely and effectively.
At TellMel Mental Health, medication management begins with a thorough psychiatric evaluation to understand your symptoms, medical history, lifestyle, and treatment goals. From there, Melody develops a personalized medication plan tailored specifically to you. But the process does not end with a prescription. Regular follow-up appointments allow her to monitor your response, track side effects, adjust dosages, and coordinate with your other healthcare providers to ensure your treatment stays on track. This careful, ongoing approach is what separates quality psychiatric medication management from a one-size-fits-all approach.
Whether you are starting medication for the first time, looking for a second opinion on your current regimen, or transitioning from another provider, Melody provides the continuity and expertise you need to feel confident in your treatment.
Melody provides medication management for a wide range of psychiatric and mental health conditions affecting children, adolescents, and adults.
Antidepressants and mood stabilizers to address persistent sadness, low energy, and loss of motivation.
Targeted medications for generalized anxiety, social anxiety, panic disorder, and phobias that interfere with daily life.
Medications to reduce flashbacks, hypervigilance, and emotional distress caused by trauma.
Stimulant and non-stimulant options to improve focus, reduce impulsivity, and support daily functioning in children and adults.
Sleep medications and non-habit-forming alternatives to restore healthy, restorative sleep patterns.
Medication-assisted treatment and compassionate support for substance use and co-occurring mental health conditions.
Also managing:
A Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP) holds prescribing authority similar to a psychiatrist in the state of Florida.
A Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP-BC) is an advanced practice registered nurse with a graduate degree and specialized training in psychiatric care. PMHNPs complete rigorous clinical education in psychopharmacology, diagnostic evaluation, and therapeutic interventions.
Melody can prescribe the full range of psychiatric medications, including antidepressants, anti-anxiety medications, mood stabilizers, stimulants for ADHD, sleep aids, antipsychotics, and medications for substance use disorders. She can also order lab work and diagnostic tests to guide treatment.
In Florida, PMHNPs hold the same prescribing authority as psychiatrists for psychiatric medications. Both complete advanced training in psychopharmacology and mental health assessment. The key difference is their educational path — psychiatrists attend medical school while PMHNPs complete graduate nursing programs — but the scope of psychiatric care they provide is comparable.
Your medication management journey is a partnership. Here is how the process works from your first appointment through ongoing care.
Your first appointment is a 60-minute comprehensive evaluation. Melody will review your mental health history, current symptoms, prior medications, medical conditions, and your goals for treatment. This thorough assessment ensures an accurate diagnosis and a safe, informed medication plan. She may also order lab work if needed.
Based on your evaluation, Melody will discuss your treatment options, including which medications may be most effective for your condition, potential side effects, and what to expect in the first weeks. You will always be part of the decision-making process. Medication is started at the lowest effective dose and carefully titrated based on your response.
Follow-up visits (30 minutes) are scheduled regularly to monitor your response to medication, assess side effects, and make adjustments as needed. Early follow-ups may be scheduled 2 to 4 weeks after starting a new medication, then spaced further apart as your treatment stabilizes. Melody also coordinates with your therapist, primary care provider, or other specialists as part of your overall care plan.
Psychiatric medication management is available via secure telehealth for patients throughout Florida. Convenient, private, and effective care from the comfort of your home.
HIPAA-compliant video appointments allow you to meet with Melody from anywhere in Florida. Initial evaluations and follow-ups are both available via telehealth.
Telehealth medication management appointments include the same thorough evaluation, prescribing, and follow-up monitoring as in-person visits. Prescriptions are sent electronically to your pharmacy.
Whether you are in Oldsmar, Tampa, Clearwater, Safety Harbor, Palm Harbor, or anywhere else in the state, telehealth makes psychiatric medication management accessible.
Transparent, fair pricing for quality psychiatric medication management.
Currently accepting self-pay clients. A superbill is provided for insurance reimbursement.
We are in the process of becoming in-network with major insurance providers.
Your Right to a Good Faith Estimate: Under the No Surprises Act, uninsured or self-pay patients have the right to receive a Good Faith Estimate of expected charges before scheduling services. For questions or to request an estimate, call (727) 761-9713 or visit cms.gov/nosurprises.
Finding the right medication can be the turning point in your mental health journey. Whether you need a new evaluation, a second opinion, or ongoing medication management, Melody is here to help. Telehealth and in-person appointments are available.
Book Your AppointmentSecure, HIPAA-compliant booking through Headway