About

Meet The Providers

Norman Psychiatry Is Here For You

By combining quality care with a compassionate spirit, Norman Psychiatry offers outstanding behavioral healthcare to our community. Please take a moment to explore our website to find out about our team of providers, educational resources, and information about our services.

At Norman Psychiatry we are committed to the highest quality of care. Our physicians, nurse practitioners, therapists, and staff work very closely with our patients in order to address their needs. It is our hope that this will ultimately translate to better lines of communication, satisfaction, and outcomes.

We believe:

  • That we must be a reliable, cost-effective provider for psychiatric care
  • That success requires integrity, trust, and knowledgeable caregivers
  • That we have an obligation to positively contribute to our community

Our Patients Have the Right to Expect:

  • Quality service
  • Full, prompt and courteous attention from our staff
  • Integrity and strict adherence to the highest medical ethics

Dr. Joseph M. Ripperger

Dr. Joseph Ripperger has practiced psychiatric medicine since 1993. After receiving his medical degree from the University of Oklahoma College of Medicine, he completed an internship at Griffin Memorial Hospital and a residency program at the Hayden H. Donahue Mental Health Institute in Norman, Oklahoma. Following his residency, he served as the Inpatient Psychiatric Residency Director at Griffin Memorial Hospital for two years.

He is board-certified in psychiatric medicine and the recipient of the 1994 and 2000 National Alliance of Mental Ilness (NAMI) Oklahoma Professional Award. The Consumer Research Council of America named him as one of America’s Top Psychiatrists from 2003-2010. He is a volunteer Clinical Assistant Professor at the University of Oklahoma College of Medicine and Vanderbilt University. He currently serves on the board of directors for Parents Helping Parents, a support group for parents that have children struggling with alcohol or substance abuse.

Dr. Ripperger is a longtime climber and teaches that an active lifestyle is directly related to positive mental health; exercise can relieve symptoms of depression and anxiety. Treating mental illness has become his life’s work, and outdoor adventures, such as climbing, biking, and skiing have always played a critical role in providing fuel for his work with helping patients.

Below you can read a brief article from Rock and Ice where Dr. Ripperger is quoted for his opinions on addiction, psychotherapy, and the importance of keeping positive outlets, such as climbing, in proper perspective (page 76).

Click Here

Amy Boggs,
APRN-CNP

Amy graduated from Vanderbilt University’s Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner program in 2010 with a Master’s Degree in Nursing. She completed clinical work for her program under the supervision of Dr. Ripperger, and also at Hope Community Mental Health Center in Oklahoma City, OK. She worked at Griffin Memorial Hospital as a Registered Nurse and provided in-patient psychiatric care prior to becoming a Nurse Practitioner. She graduated with Honors from the University of Oklahoma with a Bachelors of Arts and Sciences degree Major: Psychology and Minor: History in 2007. Before returning to school, she worked as a Registered Nurse for eight years in the hospital setting, and then as a school nurse.

As a Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, she is able to perform psychiatric diagnostic interviews, obtains and interprets laboratory tests, provides patient and family education, medication management, assessment and documentation, limited supportive therapy, and crisis intervention.

Amy became interested in mental health after seeing a therapist when going through a difficult time in her life. She found it so helpful that she decided that she wanted to be able to help others in the same way. She believes in a multi-dimensional approach to mental health care, which means she doesn’t just believe in medications alone. She strives to evaluate the patient and every aspect of their lives which negatively impact mental health status. She likes to incorporate interventions to improve sleep/rest cycle, interpersonal functioning, physical health, balance of work/play, spiritual health, etc.. into treatment plans when appropriate. She believes exceptional care is that which is individualized and strives to not only improve health, but fosters personal growth in the process.

Amy is a member of the American Psychiatric Nurses Association .

AMY'S HANDOUTS

Click Here

Nicole Holzer, APRN-CNP

Nicole Holzer, APRN-CNP

Nicole Holzer, APRN-CNP graduated from Oklahoma State University with a Bachelor’s in Business Management and Marketing.  She realized after working in the field of business that she had the heart of a servant.  She wanted to focus on giving....not just the “bottom line.”  In 2007, she attended the University of Central Oklahoma’s Nursing Program and graduated with her Bachelor”s of Science in Nursing and became a Registered Nurse.  Eventually, she went back to school again and earned her Master’s Degree in Nursing from Kaplan University and became a Family Nurse Practitioner.  She found her niche in behavioral health and was inspired by the collaborative thought, research, and innovation that was deeply ingrained in the field.  Her desire to serve in a more specialized way led to her earning a post-master's certification and becoming a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner.    She is board certified with the AANP and ANCC.  Her extensive experience includes inpatient care, home health, hospice, intensive outpatient programs, rural community mental health, inpatient substance use treatment, and outpatient care.  She states, “As an APRN-CNP, PMHNP-BC, I proudly work at Norman Psychiatry with the best colleagues anyone could ask for.  We support and collaborate with each other.  I feel like we are a leader in the field and point the way.” 

In her free time, she likes to spend time with her family, close friends, and her beloved English Bull Terrier.  She enjoys traveling, both international and domestic, and attending live music events.”   

Click Here

Laura Hall,
APRN-CNP

Laura is a board certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner with Norman Psychiatry. She received her Master of Science in Nursing from the University of Texas Arlington. As a Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, she will interview, assess, diagnose, and treat mental health disorders throught the lifespan of the client. She provides patient and family psychoeducation and medication management. Helping children and adolescents has been a lifelong passion. She also sees adults.

Prior to becoming a Certified Nurse Practitioner, Laura provided inpatient care as a psychiatric nurse, working at St. Anthony's Hospital in Oklahoma City and Children's Medical Center in Tulsa, prior to that. She earned her Bachelor of Science in Nursing from the University of Tulsa. Laura enjoys antiquing and decorating, horses, and West Highland White Terriers.

Laura is a member of the American Psychiatric Nurses Association.

"Many suffer from mental health problems, but I believe healing, growth, and recovery are possible. My hope is you will find support and help. I encourage you to become informed through education, be active in your own treatment, and share in decision-making."

Click Here

Shelby Lucas, PA-C

Shelby Lucas PA-C is a board-certified Physician Assistant who graduated from the University of Oklahoma Physician Associate program in 2003.  She has experience in Family Medicine, Urgent Care, and Psychiatry.  She has had a passion for mental health and each patient's overall well-being.  Shelby can perform Psychiatric diagnostic interviews along with medication management and obtaining and interpreting laboratory tests.  She states, "I believe in listening to my patients and educating them on their treatment so they can be successful in their journey and treatment."  Shelby is a member of the Oklahoma Academy of Physician Associates.  

Click Here

Nicole Bush, LCSW

Nicole Bush is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker. She has been practicing over sixteen years in diverse settings. Nicole provides therapy for patients who are experiencing difficulty in life transitions. She specializes in treating clients experiencing trauma, grieving a death or loss, and individuals experiencing PTSD symptoms. Nicole has had the opportunity to work for nonprofit agencies providing outpatient mental health counseling to children, adults, and the geriatric population. She held a position as a contract therapist at Tinker Air Force Base for several years allowing her to gain increased knowledge and training related to PTSD. Nicole has also worked in the medical field providing counseling and other resources for clients and their families.

Nicole graduated from Southwestern Oklahoma State University in 2002 with a Bachelor Degree in Social Work and a Minor in Child Development. She graduated from The University of Oklahoma in 2004 with a Master Degree in Social Work.

From Nicole:  We are experiencing so many changes in our world at this time. This is causing feelings of anxiety and depression. Our normal day to day lives however are still happening. Good mental health is a journey not a destination. I believe in the importance of emotional wellness.
 
I have over 19 years of experience in the mental health field. My specialty areas include trauma based therapy, anxiety, depression, broken relationships and other internal issues you may be struggling with. I have a vast knowledge base of working with children, adults and golden-agers.
 
I am currently providing therapy to the adult and older adult populations. I provide counseling to individuals on Medicare if you are searching for a provider that accepts your insurance.
Click Here

Maggie Hoffmann, LPC, LADC

Maggie Hoffmann, LPC, LADC graduated from East Central University in 1995.  She has over 27 years of experience in mental health and substance abuse.  She has also worked with clients having experienced domestic violence and sexual assault.  She worked with Ada Drug Court and then, Norman Drug Court.  She served for many years at Central Oklahoma Community Mental Health Center in Norman. 

She uses techniques of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and Motivational Interviewing.  She believes in the philosophy of the 12 Step Program for Alcoholics Anonymous, whether for codependency issues or addiction.  She says, "Really you can apply these steps to anything you are struggling with!"  

Her hobbies include spending time with her dogs, horses, and cats.  She is an animal and outdoors lover.  She also enjoys art, music, and yoga.

 

Click Here

Bob Moore,
LPC

Bob Moore, LPC is a retired veteran police officer with over 30 years of service, and he is the recipient of numerous local, state, and national awards for his work within his community. Bob has served as a school safety and resource officer, a certified defensive tactics instructor through the State of Oklahoma Council of Law Enforcement Education and Training, a Behavioral Rehabilitation Specialist, a Licensed Professional Counselor and Supervisor, and an adjunct professor in Psychology, Criminal justice, and Human relations. He is currently a practicing counselor, an adjunct professor at the University of Oklahoma, and is the CEO of My Body...My Life...LLC.

Bob holds a Bachelor of Science Degree in Human Resources from Souther Nazarene University and a Master Degree in Human Relations from the University of OKlahoma, with additional post-graduate work in counseling and psychology. In the past two decades, Bob has worked extensively in the area of family therapy, adolescent and adult male development, marital therapy, crisis therapy, and critical incident response. He has a special interest in treating Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, but also treats all other types of mental health difficulties. He enjoys helping others to understand themselves and their environment and facilitates development and growth in individuals, couples, and families.

Click Here

Brooke Braziel, LPC

Brooke Braziel is a Licensed Professional Counselor. She graduated from Oklahoma Baptist University in 1994 with a Bachelor of Science in Education. She received her Master of Education in Guidance and Counseling from the University of Central Oklahoma in Edmond. Brooke worked in public education for 15 years as a teacher and school counselor. She has also provided counseling services to women at the City Rescue Mission in Oklahoma City. Her experience includes individual and group counseling to children, adolescents, and adults.

Click Here

Paula Rother, APRN-CNP

 Paula is a licensed and board certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP).  She graduated from Southern Oklahoma State University in 2015 with her Bachelor's of Science in Nursing.  Then, she earned her Master's Degree from the University of South Alabama in 2017.

As a PMHNP, she has training and experience in interviewing, evaluating, diagnosing and treating mental health disorders across the lifespan, including children, adolescents and adults. This also includes providing medication management and patient/family education. She strives to provide quality, compassionate and comprehensive care while working alongside families, parents and other health professionals. She believes in identifying different aspects of life which may negatively impact mental health and focuses on ways to improve both mental and physical health.

Prior to continuing her education and becoming a PMHNP, Paula provided care as a Registered Nurse in both inpatient and outpatient mental health settings for 13 years. When not in the office, she enjoys spending time with family and friends, attending live music and sporting events and traveling.

“Instead of saying, I’m damaged, I’m broken, say I’m healing, I’m rediscovering myself, I’m starting over.” Anonymous

 

Click Here

Oshani Pieris-Steelman

Oshani Pieris-Steelman, APRN-CNP is a board-certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner.  She received her Bachelor’s of Science in Nursing from the University of Central Oklahoma in 2006.  She worked as a Registered Nurse for several years in various acute care hospital settings including Mercy Hospital Intensive Care Unit before furthering her career.  She graduated with Honors with her Master’s of Science in Nursing from the University of Cincinatti, Ohio, and became a Family Nurse Practitioner.  She obtained her Post-Master's certification from Oklahoma City University and became a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner.   

Oshani has worked as a Nurse Practitioner since 2017.  She understands that it takes a lot of courage to seek help for mental health-related problems, including substance use disorders.  Her goal is to utilize current evidence-based practice guidelines to safely manage the symptoms, ease suffering, and help her patients navigate life to reach their potential.  As a Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, she is trained to perform psychiatric diagnostic interviews, diagnose mental health disorders, outline the treatment plan, prescribe medications, evaluate patient response, obtain and interpret laboratory tests, and provide patient and family education, and supportive therapy.    

Click Here

Have Any Questions?
Give Us A Call

Call Us (405) 579-4111
Scroll to Top