Lanessa Hensley

Lanessa Hensley is a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner passionate about the connection between mental health, brain chemistry, and overall well-being. She earned her Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Missouri State University in Springfield, after completing her Associate of Science in Nursing and Associate of Arts in General Studies at Missouri State University–West Plains. Lanessa began her career as a registered nurse at Cox Health, where she worked in the Cardiovascular Observation Unit caring for patients before and after cardiac procedures, provided telemetry monitoring, and gained valuable leadership experience serving as a charge nurse. She has also worked as a travel nurse in orthopedic, neurological, and medical-surgical settings, building a well-rounded clinical foundation that informs her compassionate, whole-person approach to care today.

Lanessa became a psychiatric nurse practitioner because she has always been fascinated by how mental health and brain chemistry shape the way we feel. Working with psychotropic medications allows her to combine science with the deeply personal, human side of care, helping patients find the right balance so they can feel more like themselves again. What she enjoys most is building genuine connections with people and helping them feel comfortable enough to be themselves. In psychiatry, even small changes can make a huge difference in someone's daily life, and Lanessa finds it incredibly rewarding to be part of that process, as she works collaboratively with each patient to find the treatment approach that fits them best.

Above all, Lanessa is committed to creating a space that feels supportive, approachable, and never judgmental. She prioritizes clear, honest communication, explaining her reasoning, any uncertainties, and the available treatment options, so patients always understand what is recommended and why. Through shared decision-making, she ensures that care plans are guided by medical evidence and each patient's unique values and preferences.