Sandra Walker Nichols

Sandra Walker Nichols, PhD, APRN, FNP-BC, GNP-BC, PMHNP-BC, is a highly accomplished psychiatric nurse practitioner with a diverse educational background and extensive clinical experience. She serves patients at Panacea Behavioral Health & Wellness Center, which has offices in Virginia, Arizona, and Florida.

Raised in Monticello, Florida, Sandra pursued her undergraduate and graduate studies at Florida State University in Tallahassee. She holds a bachelor’s degree in political science and English (1989), a master’s degree in English (1991), a doctoral degree in higher education (2004), a bachelor’s in nursing (2005, cum laude), a master’s degree in nursing with a concentration in nursing education (2006), and a post-masters certificate as a family nurse practitioner (2008).

In December 2015, Sandra expanded her expertise by completing a post-master's certificate as a psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner (PMHNP) from Northern Kentucky University in Highland Heights. Currently, she serves as the program director for the PMHNP Program at Old Dominion University in Norfolk, Virginia. 

Sandra's clinical practice interests include grief therapy, bereavement, hypnotherapy, cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), dialectical behavior therapy (DBT), and the treatment of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and borderline personality disorder (BPD).

Sandra is dedicated to both her professional and personal life. She is married to Captain Todd Nichols and is a proud mother of three adult children, all alumni of Florida State University. Her hobbies include reading and writing (both fiction and nonfiction), researching family history and genealogy, cooking, canning and preserving fresh produce, traveling, and spending time with friends. She also enjoys recreational walks with her two Australian Shepherd dogs.