Meet J. Havah E. Michaels, DNP, PMHNP-BC 

Havah, DNP, PMHNP-BC is a doctorally prepared, board-certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner who is deeply committed to providing compassionate, thoughtful, and evidence-based care. 

From Irvine, California, Havah brings a rich and multidisciplinary academic background to her practice, holding undergraduate degrees in Business Administration, Psychology, and Nursing. She earned both her Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) and Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) from Duke University, where she received advanced training in psychiatric assessment and treatment across the lifespan.

Throughout her training and career, Havah has worked in leading academic and hospital settings, including Duke University Hospital, University of Virginia Medical Center, and Boston Children's Hospital. These experiences strengthened her clinical expertise in caring for diverse patient populations across different stages of life and levels of acuity.

Her doctoral project focused on the importance of provider training in cultural awareness and cultural sensitivity in health care. This work reflects her deep commitment to inclusive, respectful practice and strengthening therapeutic relationships across diverse communities. Her research is currently in production for publication.

Her approach to care is holistic and highly individualized — blending the latest research with a deep respect for each person’s unique story, strengths, culture, and goals. She has experience treating a wide range of conditions, including ADHD, anxiety disorders, mood disorders, and dementias.

Having personally lost her grandmother to Alzheimer’s disease, Havah feels a deep calling to support individuals and families navigating cognitive decline. She has a particular interest in conducting comprehensive assessments to identify underlying dementias and uncover potential contributing factors. With compassion and clarity, she guides families through what can often feel like an overwhelming journey — helping them understand their diagnosis, explore appropriate treatment options, and connect with meaningful community resources and ongoing support every step of the way.

In addition to her work with older adults, Havah is deeply passionate about supporting children and families. As a mother herself, she understands firsthand the many roles, responsibilities, and competing demands parents face — as well as the importance of balance and self-care. She enjoys partnering with children and their parents to help optimize each child’s ability to thrive academically, emotionally, and socially. Her approach is holistic and individualized, incorporating lifestyle strategies, therapeutic interventions, and medication management when appropriate to best support each child’s unique needs.

Outside of her professional work, Havah most cherishes time with her husband and their three children. She enjoys attending live events, exploring new restaurants, reading, dancing, and continually learning new skills — she is currently learning to play the violin. These pursuits reflect her belief in lifelong growth, curiosity, and the importance of nurturing joy and balance in everyday life.

She is currently accepting new patients ages 5 and older and looks forward to partnering with you in your care.