Dr. Leigh Powers
DNP, MSN, MS, APRN, PMHNP-BC
Dr. Powers is board certified Psychiatric Mental-Health Nurse Practitioner. She graduated from Vanderbilt University in Nashville, TN with her master’s degree in 2004 and doctorate degree in 2012. She has also received a bachelor’s of science in biology from American University in Washington, DC and a master’s degree in applied biology/mi
Dr. Powers is board certified Psychiatric Mental-Health Nurse Practitioner. She graduated from Vanderbilt University in Nashville, TN with her master’s degree in 2004 and doctorate degree in 2012. She has also received a bachelor’s of science in biology from American University in Washington, DC and a master’s degree in applied biology/microbiology from Georgia Institute of Technology in Atlanta, GA.
Dr. Powers has been serving the mental health community since 2004, working in both community mental health centers and private practice for over 20 years. Her focus includes the assessment, diagnosis, and treatment of depression, anxiety, ADHD, PTSD and all other psychiatric disorders. She has also served as the administrative medical director at LifeCare Family Services. In addition to her clinical practice, Dr. Powers has continued to educate future clinicians. She was an Assistant Professor at the University of North Florida, Brooks College of Health and served as an Instructor in the Department of Psychiatry with the Edward Via College of Osteopathic Medicine (VCOM). She sees patients age 14 and older.
Kristen Peterman
MSN, APRN, PMHNP-BC
Kristen Peterman is a board certified Psychiatric Mental-Health Nurse Practitioner. She completed her Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree at the University of Texas-Arlington and graduated with her master’s degree from Wilkes University.
Kristen has over ten years of nursing experience and is certified to treat patients across the life
Kristen Peterman is a board certified Psychiatric Mental-Health Nurse Practitioner. She completed her Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree at the University of Texas-Arlington and graduated with her master’s degree from Wilkes University.
Kristen has over ten years of nursing experience and is certified to treat patients across the lifespan including children, adolescents, adults, and geriatrics. Her focus includes the assessment, diagnosis, and treatment of depression, anxiety, ADHD, PTSD and other psychiatric disorders. Kristen sees patients ages 5 and older.
Tara Kidd
MSN, APRN, PMHNP-BC
Tara Kidd is a board Certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner. She provides care to patients struggling with mental health problems such as anxiety, depression, ADHD, PTSD, and other behavioral and mood disorders. Tara is a Marine Corps veteran, having served in Operation Enduring Freedom and Operation Iraqi Freedom. Af
Tara Kidd is a board Certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner. She provides care to patients struggling with mental health problems such as anxiety, depression, ADHD, PTSD, and other behavioral and mood disorders. Tara is a Marine Corps veteran, having served in Operation Enduring Freedom and Operation Iraqi Freedom. After that, she spent 15 years as an ER trauma nurse. Tara Graduated from the University of Texas at Arlington with a Master’s of Science in Nursing.
She is a member of the American Nurse Association, American Psychiatric Nurses Association, The American Association of Nurse Practitioners, and International Association of Forensic Nurses. Tara is inspired to make a significant impact in the lives of patients with mental health issues by making it her mission to speak up for patients who find it difficult to be heard or appreciated, and to manage their care with empathy, comprehension and compassion. She treats patients 5
and older.
Grace Francis
MSN, APRN, PMHNP-BC
Grace provides psychiatric evaluation and medication management services for pediatric, adult, and geriatric populations, Grace offers expertise in medication management according to each individual’s needs, medical concerns, and preferences.
Patients can expect a confidential, non-judgmental, and safe environment for treatment. Grace sees patients 5 and older.
Christopher Totten
MSN, APRN, PMHNP-BC
Christopher Totten is a board certified Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner with more than 5 years of mental health experience. He completed his bachelor’s in nursing from the University of Colorado and graduated with his master’s degree from Graceland University. Prior to becoming a psychiatric nurse practitioner, he was an
Christopher Totten is a board certified Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner with more than 5 years of mental health experience. He completed his bachelor’s in nursing from the University of Colorado and graduated with his master’s degree from Graceland University. Prior to becoming a psychiatric nurse practitioner, he was an ER trauma nurse for 5 years. Christopher also served in the Army completing a tour of duty in both Iraq 2006 and Afghanistan 2008 as a surgical technologist on a specialized trauma team.
Christopher is passionate about providing quality, compassionate, and comprehensive mental health services. His focus includes the evaluation, diagnosis, and treatment of depression, anxiety bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, addiction, ADHD, trauma, and all other psychiatric disorders. He provides psychiatric care utilizing an integrated and personalized approach to treatment that incorporates evidence-based therapies such as medication, lifestyle changes, and aspects of psychotherapy. Patients will be provided a relaxed, caring, and safe environment during their treatment. Christopher sees patients ages 14 and older.
Dr. Karen Reed
DSW, LCSW
Dr. Karen P. Reed is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with over 23 years of experience in mental health. She earned her Master of Science in Social Work from the University of Tennessee in 2003 and her Doctorate in Social Work Practice in 2014. Three years ago, Dr. Reed moved to Niceville from the suburbs of Memphis when her husband
Dr. Karen P. Reed is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with over 23 years of experience in mental health. She earned her Master of Science in Social Work from the University of Tennessee in 2003 and her Doctorate in Social Work Practice in 2014. Three years ago, Dr. Reed moved to Niceville from the suburbs of Memphis when her husband accepted a position as a nurse practitioner at an ENT clinic in Fort Walton Beach. She has been in private practice for over 12 years and previously worked in a variety of settings, including rural community mental health and psychiatric hospitals. Dr. Reed employs a person-centered and strengths-based approach with her clients, striving to create a safe and comfortable environment for therapeutic healing. Therapy sessions aim to focus on identifying client needs and learning coping skills, problem solving techniques, and ways to achieve desired goals. Dr. Reed has extensive experience working with adolescents and adults dealing with depression, anxiety, mood disorders, and life stressors.
Mariah Boyer
MSW, LCSW
Mariah is a compassionate and skilled therapist with a Master's in Clinical Social Work from Boston University (2022). With experience in both non-profit, intensive outpatient programs (IOP) for teens and their families, and private practice settings. Mariah has dedicated her career to empowering individuals, families, and teens to overc
Mariah is a compassionate and skilled therapist with a Master's in Clinical Social Work from Boston University (2022). With experience in both non-profit, intensive outpatient programs (IOP) for teens and their families, and private practice settings. Mariah has dedicated her career to empowering individuals, families, and teens to overcome life's toughest challenges with empathy, understanding and resiliency skills.
She specializes in providing holistic therapeutic support for issues such as trauma, PTSD, anxiety, depression, and complex family conflicts. Her expertise also extends to parenting challenges, including postpartum struggles, connection-based parenting and attachment wounds.
Mariah’s personal journey, growing up in rural Appalachia and navigating life as a military spouse, gives her unique insight into the stressors faced by military families. She knows firsthand the emotional toll of frequent separations, deployments, and the pressures of military life. Mariah is the mother to three rambunctious boys, enjoys the “boy mom” life, and being outdoors as much as possible to enjoy the Florida weather.
Dana Wallace
MSW, LCSW
Dana Wallace is a Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker with over 7 years of experience in the mental health field. Dana specializes in helping individuals build confidence and self-esteem while navigating the challenges of anxiety, depression, and relationship issues with family and peers. She also supports parents and caregivers
Dana Wallace is a Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker with over 7 years of experience in the mental health field. Dana specializes in helping individuals build confidence and self-esteem while navigating the challenges of anxiety, depression, and relationship issues with family and peers. She also supports parents and caregivers struggling to connect with their teenagers, offering insight, compassion, and practical guidance during these often difficult years. She is passionate about helping both women and men who are living with PTSD stemming from various forms of trauma, including abuse, loss, accidents, or life-threatening events.
Dana earned a Master‘s in Social Work from the University of Alabama and is known for her empathy and active listening. Through a compassionate and trauma-informed approach, she helps clients process their experiences, regain a sense of safety, and work toward lasting healing.
Brian Pullam
MSN, APRN, FNP, PMHNP-BC
Brian Pullam is no longer practicing at Bluewater Behavioral Health.