Dual Minds Integrative Psychiatry: Provider Spotlight

Dr. Emily K. Cabrera, EdD, MSN, CAGS, PMHNP-BC

Healing Minds, Empowering Lives:

A Holistic Approach to Mental Wellness

Integrative Psychiatric Approach

At Dual Minds Integrative Psychiatry, I provide care that honors the full complexity of human experience. As the visionary founder and co-owner of the practice, I helped build Dual Minds Integrative Psychiatry from the ground up to reflect a truly integrative and trauma-informed model of care. My approach is grounded in the belief that mental health is inseparable from physical and emotional well-being. I work with individuals across the lifespan, including those navigating perinatal mood and anxiety disorders, nurses and frontline workers coping with burnout and trauma, and anyone seeking support through life’s transitions. My goal is to create a space where people feel safe, understood, and empowered to heal in mind, body, and spirit.​​

Philosophy of Psychiatric Nursing Practice

Psychiatric nursing is, for me, a deeply relational and restorative practice. It’s not just about treating symptoms; it’s about listening, connecting, and walking alongside people as they navigate their healing journeys. I believe that trauma-informed care is essential, not only in psychiatric settings but across all areas of healthcare. Every person deserves to be seen and heard, and every nurse should be prepared to care for the whole person. I strive to meet each client with empathy and respect, honoring their lived experiences and helping them rediscover their resilience.

Educational Journey

My educational path has been shaped by a deep commitment to both clinical excellence and transformative learning. I hold a Graduate Certificate in Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner Studies from Chamberlain University. I earned a Doctorate in Education with a focus in Higher Education Teaching and Learning from Regis College. My Master of Science in Nursing with a focus in Nursing Education is from Framingham State University, and I earned both an Associate and a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Anna Maria College. I also hold a graduate certificate in Legal Nurse Consulting. My healthcare journey began with an Associate of Science in Dental Hygiene from Quinsigamond Community College.

Professional Experience

With nearly two decades of nursing experience, I’ve worked in a variety of clinical settings, including critical care, emergency departments, medical-surgical units, interventional radiology, and intensive care float pools. These roles exposed me to the emotional toll that healthcare work can take, especially in high-stress environments. I’ve witnessed firsthand how the demands placed on nurses and frontline workers can lead to burnout, compassion fatigue, and trauma. These experiences have shaped my understanding of the urgent need for mental health support within the healthcare workforce.

In addition to my clinical work, I’ve spent many years in nursing education as a Lab/Clinical Instructor, Nursing Faculty Member, Director of RN-BSN/MSN programs, and Dean of Nursing & Health Sciences. In this role, I advocated for trauma-informed education and mental health awareness, ensuring that future nurses are equipped to care for patients - and themselves - with compassion, competence, and resilience.

Personal Journey and Inspiration

My commitment to psychiatric nursing is deeply personal. Prior to earning my nurse practitioner degree, as an adult critical care bedside nurse, I witnessed countless moments of suffering, loss, and trauma. I saw families in crisis, patients in their most vulnerable states, and colleagues pushed beyond their limits. These experiences left a lasting imprint on me. I carry those memories into my practice today, with a deep desire to support the very nurses and frontline workers who continue to serve under incredibly difficult circumstances. I understand the emotional weight they carry because I’ve carried it too.

After giving birth to identical twin girls, I experienced postpartum depression. Recovering from childbirth while caring for two newborns who depended on me completely was overwhelming. I found it difficult to ask for help, and the emotional challenges I faced during that time further deepened my empathy for others. Later, I was diagnosed with cancer while my daughters were still very young. Facing my own vulnerability and fear during treatment helped me understand the healing power of being truly seen and supported. These personal experiences have shaped my practice and strengthened my resolve to help others navigate their own healing journeys with dignity and compassion.

As I transitioned into nursing education, I quickly realized that many students were carrying personal challenges alongside their academic responsibilities. I taught across a variety of programs and worked closely with individuals from diverse backgrounds, each bringing unique strengths and struggles to the classroom. Academic success is not simply about mastering content. It is also about feeling safe, supported, and understood. Many students face invisible burdens such as anxiety, trauma, and self-doubt, which often intersect with neuropsychological needs like ADHD, dyslexia, and other learning differences. These challenges can affect how students absorb information, manage time, and engage with their studies. My training in psychiatric nursing has given me a deeper understanding of these realities and allows me to approach education with empathy and insight. I strive to create learning environments where students feel seen and valued, and where their mental health and cognitive needs are recognized as essential to their academic journey.​​

Current Practice

In my psychiatric practice, I provide psychopharmacologic and therapeutic care for individuals navigating a wide range of mental health challenges. I am licensed to practice as a nurse practitioner in Massachusetts. My clinical focus includes supporting those affected by the emotional toll of working in high-pressure environments, particularly nurses and frontline healthcare professionals who have experienced trauma, burnout, and compassion fatigue. These individuals often carry invisible wounds from their work, and I am committed to helping them find healing and resilience.​I am trained to manage a broad spectrum of psychiatric conditions, including trauma-related mental health disorders, peripartum mood disorders and other mood disorders, bipolar disorders, and depressive disorders. My clinical practice is especially attuned to the needs of caregivers and those navigating significant life transitions.

Ready to Begin Your Healing Journey?

Your mental health matters and you do not have to navigate it alone! At Dual Minds Integrative Psychiatry, we combine evidence-based care with compassion to help you restore balance and resilience. Explore our services, meet our team, and take the first step toward a healthier, more empowered you!

Visit us today at www.dualmindspsychiatry.com