
Matthew Laird, MSN, PMHNP-BC
Psychiatrist | Psychiatry
2 N Central Ave ste 1800 Phoenix AZ, 85004About
I am a Board Certified, Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP-BC) licensed and currently accepting new patients across Arizona and Oregon. After many years working in the medical field I became acutely aware of the profound role mental health has on us all. If you're feeling hopeless, anxious, depressed, unable to concentrate or sleep I can relate and want to quickly find solutions. I pledge to provide nonjudgmental trauma informed care to you during your greatest times of need while quickly finding solutions to live your best life regardless of race, gender, age, nationality, or orientation
I have experience working with adolescents and adults. My focus areas are anxiety, depression, OCD, mood disorders, ADHD, as well as genetic testing evaluation. I believe each individual is unique and will provide compassionate and respectful care in a safe environment. It's my personal mission to be with you as you take the courageous first step.
Life is stressful enough which is why Friday, Weekend, and Monday appointments are provided with your best interest put first. It is my firm commitment to be here for you. I offer super billing as an out of network provider as well as cash pay and Care Credit if helpful as we mutually collaborate to regain your highest level of Mental Health and wellbeing.
Education and Training
Walden University, Minneapolis, MN Master of Science in Nursing, PMHNP 2021
George Mason University, Fairfax, VA Bachelor of Science in Nursing, (BSN) 2006
Northern Virginia Community College, Annandale, VA Core Nursing Pre-requisites 2004
Maricopa Community College, Maricopa County, AZ Core Nursing Pre-requisites 2004
Board Certification
Certified Autism Specialist (CAS) Certified
Board Certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP-BC)
Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (ANCC Board Certified)
Certified Autism Specialist (CAS)
Management of Aggressive Behavior (MOAB) Certified
Advanced Care Life Support (ACLS) Certified
Crisis Behavioral Intervention (CBI) Certified
X-Waiver (8 hr.) Certificate
Provider Details
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Matthew Laird, MSN, PMHNP-BC's Expert Contributions
Adult ADHD in 2024: The Rise in Diagnosis and Stimulant Use
Attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is often thought of as a condition that affects children, but what many people don’t realize is that ADHD can persist into adulthood. In fact, many adults go undiagnosed until their 30s or 40s, and this delay in diagnosis has significant...
“I Love You, But Stay Off My Phone"
How Technology Is Affecting Our Relationships and Mental HealthWe live in an age where staying connected to others is as simple as picking up our phones. But with this convenience comes a whole set of challenges. Smartphones and digital devices, while making it easier to stay in touch, can also...
What lifestyle changes can I make to improve my heart health?
Eat a balanced diet, remember to get in the greens for their micronutrient rich benefits, exercise daily, manage stress, meditate. As you keep a healthy diet, talk to your Provider about your blood lab results and if they agree to begin taking a supplemental O-Mega 3 fish oil. Hope that helps! Matthew READ MORE
How is the daily work different for a nurse and nurse practitioner?
A nurse Registered Nurse will be expected to manage multiple tasks simultaneously. Taking orders, providing patient care, answering calls, consoling patients, and hopefully delegating through mutual collaboration with other Colleagues while making time to take small breaks throughout the day. Conversely, a Nurse Practitioner is also very busy, but more on an interpersonal and intellectual level. Their role is also to care for the patient, but delegation is critical. The daily needs of patients are assumed by others, as the NP is responsible for the oversight of all licensed personnel under which their assigned patients are currently being cared. Depending on the scope of practice, this can be a challenging and rewarding. Mainly, after rounds, as an NP you are able to leave, find quiet refuge, finish charting, and take calls. Once you feel comfortable having your own practice, you then form an LLC, get malpractice insurance, choose an EHR, and learn about networking as you advance your career to full autonomy (if you practice in a full authority state), or seek an attending MD to supervise you in your practice. The bottom line is; be as professional as you can, make lots of great contacts, be a lifelong learner, and above all, always know your worth. All the Best! Matthew READ MORE
What medication helps a heart attack?
Aspirin, nitroglycerin, and EKG to determine if there is blockage. Proceed immediately to local emergency room or dial 911 for evaluation. READ MORE
How normal is life after a stent?
With proper diet and consistent medical care from your cardiologist, life can be very good and quality of life with increased longevity greatly improved. READ MORE
Is an MRI scan safe?
They are safe, you may not have any metal in your body or with you, consult with your radiologist before having procedure. READ MORE
What are the causes of bad breath?
There are many reasons, including cavity, tooth decay, gingivitis, as well as excessive bacteria on tongue. If it is the bacteria on your tongue, a tongue scraper is an excellent tool to incorporate into your dental hygiene. READ MORE
How long after the heart stent can you drink alcohol?
Consult your cardiologist for their recommendation and guidelines. READ MORE
Areas of expertise and specialization
Faculty Titles & Positions
- PMHNP-BC Headlight Mental Healthcare, PLLC 2024 - Present
- PMHNP-BC Waterfall Community Health Center 2023 - 2023
- Behavioral Health Registered Nurse St. Luke’s Behavioral Health 2021 - 2023
- Out-Patient Detox Registered Nurse The Guidance Center 2022 - 2022
- In-Patient Registered Nurse Haven Health 2021 - 2022
- Pre-Op/ PACU Registered Nurse Valley View Medical Center, Fort Mohave, AZ 2020 - 2021
- Behavioral Health Registered Nurse Aurora Behavioral, Tempe, AZ In-Patient Adult Voluntary 2016 - 2019
- Cerner Certified Clinical Trainer and System Analyst CETA Consultants, Cerner EMR Global Healthcare Conversions 2014 - 2016
- Emergency Registered Nurse Gilbert Hospital 2013 - 2014
- Registered Nurse Concentric Healthcare Staffing 2008 - 2013
- Level I Critical Care Registered Nurse Banner Good Samaritan 2007 - 2008
- Level I Critical Care Registered Nurse Scottsdale Healthcare 2006 - 2007
Awards
- Presidential Scholar 2016 President of the United States of America
- Top Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner 2024 Today's Nurse
Professional Memberships
- Arizona Nurse Practitioner Counsel (AzNPC)
- NGLCC Certified Business Enterprise Certified
- Greater Phoenix Equality Chamber of Commerce
- Oregon Nurses Practitioners (ONP)
- NEI Global Psychopharmacology Member
- American Association of Nurse Practitioners (AANP)
- American Psychiatric Nurses Association (APNA)
- Arizona Nurses Association (AzNA)
- American Association of Critical Care Nurses
- Diversity Committee, Banner Good Samaritan
- Shared Leadership, Banner Good Samaritan
- Community Outreach, Banner Good Samaritan
- ECCO Wellness Program, Banner Good Samaritan
- Compass Mentor Program, Banner Good Samaritan
- Equipment Super User, Banner Good Samaritan
- Student Nurses Association, George Mason University, 1st Vice President
- Presidential Scholar, Northern Virginia Community College
Charities and Philanthropic Endeavors
- American Red Cross
Treatments
- Medication management, online evaluation, with tele-health and solution and person centered therapy.
Professional Society Memberships
- AANP, ONPA, ANA, ANCC, AAPA
Professional Affiliations
- National LGBTQ chamber of commerce (NGLCC), Greater Phoenix Equality Chamber of Commerce (GPECC)
What do you attribute your success to?
- Following direction and guidance from older generations and being open to guidance and insight from all walks of life while finding value in every interaction in person I meet.
Areas of research
- Autism, LGBTQ+, inter relational family dynamics, attachment disorders
Awards
- Presidential Scholar
Philanthropic Initiatives
- HRC partner
Teaching and speaking
- 2024 ASU suicidal awareness symposium presentation presenter/mental health psychopharmacology medication management.
Favorite Place to Vacation
- Anywhere near water and mountains.
Hobbies / Sports
- Hiking, mountain biking, spending time with family and friends.
Areas of research
Mens Health, ADHD, LGBTQ+, autism and inter relational family dynamics and their correlation with attachment styles.
Matthew Laird, MSN, PMHNP-BC's Practice location
Headlight Mental Healthcare PLLC
2 N Central Ave ste 1800 -Phoenix, AZ 85004Get Direction
Headlight Mental Healthcare, LLC
555 SE MLK Blvd Unit 105 -Portland, OR 97214Get Direction
Matthew Laird, MSN, PMHNP-BC's reviews
Write ReviewMedia Releases
Empowering Mental Wellness and Expanding Access to Care Across Arizona
Phoenix, Arizona – Matthew Laird, MSN, PMHNP-BC, a Board Certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner with over 18 years of experience in critical care, emergency medicine, and behavioral health, proudly announces the launch of Headlight Mental Healthcare. This innovative practice is dedicated to supporting individuals with ADHD, Autism, LGBTQ+ identities, Veterans, and those navigating complex PTSD. With a commitment to accessibility, Dr. Laird offers both in-person and secure online services, ensuring that care is available where and when it is needed most.
Dr. Laird believes that mental health is fundamental to overall well-being. His approach is centered around creating a safe and supportive environment where individuals feel understood and empowered. “After many years working in the medical field, I became acutely aware of the profound role mental health has on us all,” states Dr. Laird. “If you’re feeling hopeless, anxious, depressed, unable to concentrate or sleep, I can relate and want to quickly find solutions. I pledge to provide nonjudgmental trauma informed care to you during your greatest times of need while quickly finding solutions to live your best life regardless of race, gender, age, nationality, or orientation.”
Headlight Mental Healthcare is committed to maintaining the highest standards of privacy and security. Dr. Laird uses HITRUST Certified HIPAA-compliant communication equipment and secure encrypted networks, ensuring patient confidentiality and trust. His environmentally conscious practice employs paper-light methods to minimize ecological impact, reflecting his commitment to both patient care and the planet.
Dr. Laird completed his Core Nursing Prerequisites at Maricopa Community College and Northern Virginia Community College in 2004. He earned a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from George Mason University in 2006 and a Master of Science in Nursing, specializing as a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner, from Walden University in 2021. He is also a Certified Autism Specialist (CAS), awarded through The International Board of Credentialing and Continuing Education Standards.
Dr. Laird’s focus is on breaking down barriers to care through comprehensive psychiatric evaluations, tailored treatment options, and personalized medication management. “I believe each individual is unique and will provide compassionate and respectful care in a safe environment,” he emphasizes. “It’s my personal mission to be with you as you take the courageous first step.”
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Nearest Hospitals
BANNER - UNIVERSITY MEDICAL CENTER PHOENIXl
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1800 EAST VAN BUREN STREET PHOENIX AZ 85006