ABOUT

Dr. Allyce K. Jones
DNP, MSN, PMHNP-BC, APRN, CNE, NCMP, PMH-c

Dr. Jones is a psychiatric-mental health nurse practitioner specializing in women’s mental health. She provides specialty psychiatric care to women who are planning to conceive, pregnant, postpartum, or perimenopausal. She also provides services to women experiencing infertility, pregnancy loss, and premenstrual dysphoric disorder.

Clinical Experience

Dr. Jones has nearly 15 years of experience working in health care. She has worked as a certified nurse’s assistant, a license practical nurse, a registered nurse, and now as a nurse practitioner. She has worked in mental health for the past 7 years in a variety of settings. Most recently, she worked in OBGYN clinics and community mental health centers focusing on women’s mental health. She is excited to offer her services now in a private practice setting.

Education

Dr. Jones completed a post-graduate fellowship in Women’s Mental Health and Public and Community Psychiatry from Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine, University Hospitals Cleveland Medical Center. She received her Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) degree in the Psychiatric/Mental Health Nurse Practitioner specialty track at University of Utah. She completed a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) with an emphasis in education from Weber State University. She also has a Bachelor of Science degree in Nursing from Weber State University and in Family, Consumer, and Human Development from Utah State University.

Certifications

Dr. Jones is board certified as a psychiatric-mental health nurse practitioner (PMHNP-BC) from the American Nurses Credentialing Center. She is a NAMS Certified Menopause Practitioner (NCMP) from the North American Menopause Society demonstrating special interest and competency in the field of menopause. She has a certificate of completion in Perinatal Mood and Anxiety Disorders from Postpartum Support International. She completed the Master Psychopharmacology Certificate from Neuroscience Education Institute. She is a Certified Nurse Educator (CNE) from the National League for Nurses. She has also completed the Competency Based Training for Suicide Prevention from the American Psychiatric Nurses Association.

Professional Memberships

Dr. Jones is a member of multiple professional organizations including: International Society for the Study of Women’s Sexual Health, Marcé Society of North America, North American Society for Psychosocial Obstetrics and Gynecology, North American Menopause Society, Postpartum Support International, National League for Nursing, Sigma Theta Tau International, and the American Psychiatric Nurses Association.

Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder (PMDD)

Most women experience physical, psychological, or behavioral symptoms immediately before their menstrual cycle referred to as premenstrual syndrome (PMS). If these symptoms are severe enough that they impact your relationships or ability to function, contact us for a comprehensive evaluation for premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD).

Pregnancy and Mental Health

New or worsening depression or anxiety can occur during pregnancy. Often, postpartum mental health symptoms actually start during pregnancy. It is important to seek help promptly so that your symptoms can be monitored and treatment can be started. We recognize that taking medications during pregnancy is a personal decision and will provide information about any medications discussed and their impact on birth defects, pregnancy complications, and the fetus. To discuss treatment options during pregnancy, contact us for a comprehensive evaluation.

Postpartum Mental Health/Lactation

There are many different postpartum mental health concerns: postpartum depression, postpartum anxiety, postpartum obsessive compulsive disorder, postpartum post-traumatic stress disorder, postpartum bipolar disorder, and postpartum psychosis (postpartum psychosisis a psychiatric emergency and you should seek help immediately). Depending on the symptoms, treatments vary greatly. We recognize that breastfeeding is a personal decision and will provide information about any medications discussed and their impact on breastfeeding and the infant. To discuss treatment options for your specific symptoms contact us for a comprehensive evaluation.

Infertility

Infertility has been associated with increased depression and anxiety. Some treatments for infertility are also associated with depression and anxiety which can make it difficult to differentiate symptoms from side effects. If you are currently being treated for infertility, please let us know when scheduling so your appointment can be made around treatments if possible.

Pregnancy Loss

Miscarriage can result in anxiety, depression, and grief. Women often reports feeling alone during this time and relationship strain is common. If you are unsure if your symptoms require treatment contact us to schedule a comprehensive evaluation.

Perimenopause

Depression and anxiety are common during the menopause transition. Women with a history of depression, especially if associated with past reproductive changes (PMDD, postpartum depression) are at high risk of perimenopausal depression. Changes in sleep, cognition, and physical changes can also impact mental health during this time. Contact us for a comprehensive evaluation and ask to see Dr. Jones, a NAMS Certified Menopause Provider (NCMP), when scheduling.

We will work with you to develop an individualized treatment plan depending on your need and goals. Below are common elements of a treatment plan:

Medication

For moderate to severe symptoms, medication may be used prudently, allowing you to feel good enough to utilize the other treatment recommendations.

Psychotherapy

Depending on your needs and preferences, one or multiple therapeutic modalities may be used including: Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Motivational Interviewing (MI), Solution Focused Therapy (SFT), Interpersonal Therapy (IPT), and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT).

Bright Light Therapy

Is a bright light used for some sleep disorders and depressions. It is usually used daily or multiple times per week for adequate results. A bright light is available in the office, you can try out if you have a morning appointment (using in the afternoons or evenings can cause sleep disturbance).

Wellness

Address the eight dimensions of wellness include emotional, physical, occupational, intellectual, financial, social, environmental, and spiritual wellness.

Mindful Self-Compassion (MSC)

Focuses on decreasing your self-judgement and being kind to yourself, helping you feel more content.

Mindfulness & Meditation

Involves focusing on your awareness at the present moment and accepting your thoughts, feelings, and sensations without judgement.

DBT Skills

Can be used to regulate your emotions, manage distressing situations, and improve your interpersonal relationships.

Bibliotherapy

Using specific books (fiction or nonfiction) to help you understand and process a life event or your mental health.

Psychoeducation

Teaching you about your mental health condition, including the causes, symptoms, prognosis, and treatments, empowering you with knowledge.