Denise Atkinson, FNP-C, PMHNP-BC

Denise Atkinson was raised in Thomasville, Georgia, and she completed a Bachelor of Science degree from Clemson University (1989) in Parks, Recreation, and Tourism Management with an emphasis on Travel and Tourism with a minor in Spanish. She went on to work as a cast member for Walt Disney World at their 5-star resort, The Grand Floridian.

She changed career paths and graduated from Armstrong State College (1995) with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (cum laude), Albany State University (2006) with a Master of Science in Nursing, Family Nurse Practitioner, and Georgia State University (2013) with a post-master’s certificate as a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner.

Denise has worked in neonatal intensive care, pediatric intensive care, mother-baby units, and inpatient surgery. In 1999, she went to work for the state psychiatric hospital in Thomasville and worked on the Adult Admissions Units as well as the Children and Adolescent Unit. After completing her FNP, she remained at the state mental health hospital and provided primary care services to the patients as well as meeting their mental health needs.

Denise has 2 adult children and 1 granddaughter who keeps her busy. She enjoys hiking, the outdoors, kayaking, and playing with her 2 dogs and 2 cats. Denise’s favorite hobbies are reading, traveling, the theatre/arts, and spending time with friends/family.

Denise’s clinical interests and experience include children/adolescent issues, mood disorders, schizophrenia, posttraumatic stress disorder, grief/bereavement, and rural health issues.