Marcie Phalen

Marcie Phalen, MSN, RN, is a mental health advocate and nurse pursuing PMHNP-BC certification, dedicated to expanding access to care, ending stigma, and helping patients achieve stability, dignity, and hope. Marcie Phalen, MSN, RN, is a Columbus, OH–based mental health advocate and registered nurse whose career reflects deep compassion, clinical expertise, and a relentless drive to improve psychia

tric care. She is currently pursuing her Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner Board Certification (PMHNP-BC) to specialize in assessing, diagnosing, and treating a wide range of psychiatric conditions. Her passion for psychiatry took root early. Growing up in Bexley, OH, in a household led by two highly respected Ph.D. psychologists with over 70 years of combined experience, Marcie witnessed first-hand the transformative power of mental health care. From them, she learned the art of listening without judgment, the skill of connecting deeply with patients, and the unwavering ethic of prioritizing dignity and compassion. Her academic journey began at Aspen University, where she earned her Bachelor of Science in Nursing in 2022. While studying, she volunteered extensively at local mental health clinics, gaining critical insight into patient care. She later earned certification from the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC). In her nursing roles—ranging from hospice care to psychiatric units—Marcie identified gaps in mental health services that inspired her to continue her education at Herzing University’s Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner Master’s program. Marcie’s career began in 2009 as an LPN with Maxim Staffing, where she provided compassionate hospice care for over a decade. She transitioned to mental health and addiction treatment, working at The Woods at Parkside in Gahanna, OH, where she cared for patients with dual diagnoses of mental illness and substance use disorders. Her current role as an RN/BSN Supervisor at Rivervista Health and Wellness allows her to conduct comprehensive psychiatric assessments, develop tailored care plans, and collaborate with interdisciplinary teams to deliver evidence-based interventions like cognitive-behavioral therapy. Outside of clinical work, Marcie is a dedicated advocate, volunteering at mental health awareness events and promoting early intervention and preventative care. She is an avid reader, yoga enthusiast, and lover of culinary exploration—values that reflect her commitment to self-care and holistic wellness. Marcie’s story is one of perseverance, purpose, and passion. She envisions a future where mental health care is accessible, equitable, and stigma-free. Her dedication to education, patient-centered care, and positive life-changing outcomes makes her a vital force in the field of mental health and substance abuse treatment.