By Dr. Starr Montalvo, DNP, PMHNP-BC, CASAC Introduction In hospitals across the country, a subtle yet crucial transformation is taking place. As medical teams focus on treating physical illnesses, there's a growing recognition of the need to also address the emotional and psychiatric complexities of hospitalized patients. This is the realm of  Consultation-Liaison Psychiatry (C-L Psychiatry)  and increasingly,  Nurse Practitioners (NPs)  are stepping into this essential but

By Dr. Starr Montalvo, DNP, PMHNP-BC, CASAC Living with a chronic illness is hard—and not just physically. Whether you're managing cancer, heart disease, autoimmune disorders, or long hospital stays, the toll isn't only on your body. You may be experiencing anxiety, depression, sleep problems, fear of relapse, or just emotional exhaustion. This isn’t “all in your head”—it’s the very real intersection between mind and body . That’s where a Consultation-Liaison Psychiatry (CL-

By Dr. Starr Montalvo, DNP, PMHNP-BC, CASAC Introduction An "offbeat job" refers to a career that is unusual, unconventional, or not commonly known.When people think of psychiatric practice, they often imagine private offices, talk therapy, and outpatient med checks. But the reality for many Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioners (PMHNPs) is far more complex—and far more vital. Across hospital systems, two offbeat yet increasingly critical subspecialties are redefining

By Dr. Starr Montalvo, DNP, PMHNP-BC, CASAC Introduction: Bridging Two Worlds Consultation-Liaison Psychiatry (CL-Psychiatry)—previously known as psychosomatic medicine—is where psychiatry meets the medical floor. It’s a specialty built for those who thrive in fast-paced hospital settings, enjoy complex diagnostic puzzles, and are passionate about whole-person care. For Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioners (PMHNPs), CL-Psychiatry offers an offbeat and intellectually

By Dr. Starr Montalvo, DNP, PMHNP-BC, CASAC Introduction In the high-stakes environment of oncology hospitals, where patients confront the physical and emotional toll of cancer, the mind-body connection becomes not just apparent—but urgent. At the heart of this intersection is a rare and powerful role: the Consultation-Liaison Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner (C-L-PMHNP), leading Behavioral Rapid Response Teams (BRRTs) within psycho-oncology subspecialty care. It’s a role that

By Dr. Starr Montalvo, DNP, PMHNP-BC, CASAC Introduction Night Shift Notes: Consultation-Liaison Psychiatry doesn’t sleep, and neither do the psychiatric complexities of medically ill patients. As the PMHNP nocturnist on overnight duty, I’m the bridge between psychiatry and the rest of the hospital, covering everything from delirium, capacity to suicidal ideation. 5:45 PM – The Calm Before the Chaos : I clock in as the sun sets. Most of the hospital is winding down, but for t