About Marcie Phalen

Marcie Phalen, a Columbus, OH, Registered Nurse (RN) with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN), is a beacon of inspiration in mental health. She is pursuing her Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner Board Certification (PMHNP-BC) to specialize in assessing, diagnosing, and treating patients with a wide range of psychiatric needs. She is committed to mental health advocacy and works tirelessly to increase community-based resources and reduce the proliferation of mental health stigma.

Early Life

At an early age, Marcie exhibited a keen interest in the human mind and a high aptitude for science. Growing up in a household where both parents are highly respected Ph.D. psychologists with over 70 years of combined experience likely played a crucial role in her interest in psychiatry. They set the example for her patient care style, demonstrating an extraordinary ability to connect with others and an unyielding willingness to help anyone in need—a friend, neighbor, or client.

Marcie grew up in the close-knit community of Bexley, Ohio, a charming Columbus suburb with a highly ranked public school system. She was shaped and enriched by her parents’ private psychological practice. Their deep commitment to mental health care and desire to transform patients’ lives left an indelible imprint upon Marcie. She witnessed their dedication to mental health advocacy, patient well-being, and dignity prioritization. Marcie exhibits this same unwavering compassion and strong allegiance to medical ethics today. She often reflects on the lessons she learned from their example—especially her parents’ ability to make everyone feel heard and valued—and aspires to emulate that spirit of care in her career.

Education

Marcie’s desire to follow in her parents’ footsteps and her innate urge to help others with mental disorders led her to Aspen University in Phoenix, AZ, where she pursued a Bachelor of Science in Nursing. While there, she volunteered extensively at local mental health clinics, gaining invaluable experience and insight into patient care. In 2022, she earned her BSN and began her career as a registered nurse in a psychiatric unit at a local hospital in Columbus.

She earned her certification from the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC), which recognizes nurses and healthcare organizations for excellence in nursing. As she progressed in her RN role at a drug and alcohol rehabilitation facility in Ohio, she noticed a gap in mental health services that hindered many patients from accessing critical care. This observation spurred her to continue her education at Herzing University’s Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner Master’s program. She aims to expand her nursing skills while addressing the growing need for advanced mental health professionals in her community. She is expected to earn her Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) in April 2025, deepening her commitment and ability to bring meaningful change while providing a holistic approach to patient care.

Career

Marcie Phalen began her nursing career in 2009 as an LPN, working for Maxim Staffing to provide compassionate nursing care in hospice settings and clinics. She worked in various roles but excelled in hospice care, giving end-of-life support to patients and families. She continued in this capacity for a decade while completing her nursing studies, earning her RN license, and preparing to become a psychiatric nurse practitioner.

Marcie then took on the role of Registered Nurse at The Woods at Parkside, a drug and alcohol treatment center in Gahanna, Ohio. The facility is known for its personalized approach to dual diagnosis treatment, helping patients with co-occurring mental health and substance abuse disorders. Marcie provided comprehensive nursing care, prioritizing patient safety and recovery in a clinical setting.

In 2020, Marcie’s hard work and determination paid off when she took on an RN/BSN supervisory role at Rivervista Health and Wellness. At Rivervista, she conducts comprehensive assessments of incoming patients and develops tailored care plans, which may include psychiatric therapy and medications. She applies her expertise in multiple therapeutic interventions, such as cognitive-behavioral therapy, in close collaboration with interdisciplinary teams.

Personal Life

Marcie is an outspoken advocate for mental health awareness and education. She works to empower communities by volunteering at local mental health awareness events and advocacy campaigns. Her goal is to emphasize the importance of early intervention and preventative care to prevent disruptions in individuals’ quality of life.

Marcie is an avid reader who prioritizes self-care and holistic wellness in her spare time. She maintains a healthy work-life balance and practices yoga to relax her mind and body. She also enjoys exploring new culinary experiences and spending time with family and friends at trending dining establishments.

Marcie’s journey is one of perseverance, purpose, and passion. She envisions a future where mental health care is accessible, equitable, and stigma-free. Her long-term goals include working with adults who are navigating the challenges of mental illness and substance use, helping them regain stability and hope. Marcie’s commitment to academic excellence, her dedication to high-quality patient care and positive life-changing outcomes, and her unwavering respect for each person’s unique journey make her a valuable asset to the mental health and substance abuse treatment field.