About Heather

I believe that Psychiatry = Science + Art

I am a psychiatric nurse practitioner with a passion for helping others live meaningful and joyful lives. My holistic practice is informed by the latest evidence blended with clinical expertise and incorporating the unique individual needs of the client. I have a particular passion for working with older adults experiencing life transitions. As an integrative practitioner, I assist my patients by providing therapy, medication management, coaching, and more.

I believe in treating the whole person, not just the symptoms. Medication, while sometimes necessary, is just one part of the equation. Lifestyle modifications, such as diet, exercise, and sleep, play a crucial role in mental well-being. I strive to empower my patients to make manageable, incremental changes that lead to significant improvements in their overall health.

My Qualifications

I completed my nurse practitioner training in 2010 at the University of Arizona College of Nursing, where I now serve as an Associate Clinical Professor. I hold three national board certifications as an NP (Psychiatric Mental-Health, Family Practice, and Adult-Gerontology Acute Care) and am also an Advanced Certified Hospice and Palliative Nurse Practitioner. My clinical experience includes tertiary hospitals, in-patient hospice and palliative care (at the Tucson VA), rural critical access hospitals, sub-acute rehabilitation facilities, residential treatment facilities, out-patient clinics, home visits, and telehealth.

In addition to my nurse practitioner training and experience in multiple settings, I have completed specific training in psychedelic therapies, end-of-life care, and multiple therapy modalities. I am uniquely qualified to provide mental health services like ketamine therapy, which require both psychotherapy skills and medical competency to ensure patient safety.

Credentials

PhD in Geography from the University of California, Berkeley
Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) from the University of Arizona, College of Nursing
Board-Certified Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP)
Board-Certified Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP)
Board-Certified Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner (AGACNP)
Certificate in Palliative Care from California State University San Marcos
Integrative Nursing Fellowship (INF), University of Arizona, College of Nursing
Certificate in Integrative Psychiatry from the Institute for Integrative Psychiatry (IPI)
Certificate in Psychedelic Therapies and Research (CPTR) from the California Institute of Integral Studies (CIIS)
Training in Ketamine-Assisted Psychotherapy from Polaris Insight Center
Training in MDMA-Assisted Therapy from the Multidisciplinary Association for Psychedelic Studies (MAPS)
Training in End-of-Life Psychedelic Treatment through EOLPC
Level 1 training in Accelerated Experiential Dynamic Psychotherapy (AEDP)
Certificate from the Beck Institute in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
Training in Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)
Member of the American Society of Ketamine Physicians, Psychotherapists, and Practitioners
Associate Clinical Professor at the University of Arizona, College of Nursing
Medical Director, Cathexis Psychedelics

Heather Carlisle, PhD, DNP, PMHNP, FNP

Founder & Clinical Director

How did I get here?

I have a rich and diverse background in both clinical practice and life experiences. Before embarking on my nursing career, I earned a PhD in Geography from the University of California, Berkeley, and spent a decade living in Central Asia, working in humanitarian aid. This global experience, combined with a stint at the World Health Organization in Geneva, Switzerland, provided me with a broad perspective on health and human resilience.

After settling in Tucson, Arizona, to be near my family, I pursued nursing, which allowed me to care for patients with serious illnesses in multiple practice settings. My career has spanned various specialties, including gerontology, pain management, palliative care, and hospice, which deeply influenced my holistic approach to psychiatry.

The turning point in my career came during the COVID-19 pandemic. Working as a hospitalist in a rural critical access hospital, I faced the harrowing impact of the virus on unvaccinated populations. The emotional toll led me to seek treatment for depression, eventually discovering the profound benefits of ketamine-assisted psychotherapy (KAP). My personal experience with ketamine therapy inspired me to offer this life-changing treatment to my patients, leading to the establishment of Wily Wellness in 2021.

Outside of my professional life, I am an empty nester living with my husband and two cats in Tucson. Our adult son lives nearby, and we cherish the time we spend together as a family. I'm still passionate about travel, though my adventures are now closer to home, with the Sierras and Maui being favorite destinations. At home in Tucson, I enjoy hiking Tumamoc Hill and taking long walks on the UA campus while listening to contemporary fiction audio books.

Claudia

Charlie

Cody, RIP ❤️

How My Experiences Shaped Me

My work with veterans at the VA healthcare center, many of whom suffered from PTSD and substance abuse disorders, was a significant influence on my decision to specialize in psychiatry. Growing up with a father who was a Vietnam War veteran, I saw firsthand the impact of PTSD on individuals and their families. These experiences, combined with my love for working with older adults, led me to a career where I could make a meaningful difference in people's lives.

I am dedicated to helping my patients achieve optimal mental health through a personalized, integrative approach. If you’ve read this far, and you're seeking a provider who listens deeply and offers a comprehensive, compassionate approach to care, I look forward to working with you.