Meet the Prescribing Provider at Urban Counseling Collective

Alvin De La Cruz Marquez, DNP, APRN, PMHNP-BC
Dr. Alvin Marquez is a board-certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner who received his Doctorate of Nursing Practice from the University of Florida. He holds a Bachelor in Nursing from the University of Central Florida and bachelor in biology from UC Berkeley. He specializes in the management of mood and anxiety disorders and problems related to emotional dysregulation and impulsivity.
He utilizes an evidence-based approach that integrates pharmacological with mindfulness-based CBT frameworks. Alvin believes the process of recovery is predicated upon the development of a strong therapeutic relationship and an understanding of the unique sociocultural factors that influence mental health. His goal is to provide evidence-based treatments within a trauma-informed and culturally competent framework to improve quality of life and to empower patients to become active participants in recovery. Ages served: 7+
What does DNP, APRN, PMHNP-BC mean?
Doctor of Nursing Practice, Advanced Practice Registered Nurse, Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner – Board Certified
What is a Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner?
A Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner (Psychiatric NP) is an Advanced Practice Registered Nurse with years of additional training and expertise in the branch of medicine devoted to the diagnosis, prevention, study, and treatment of mental health disorders.
How can a Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner help?
A Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner can help clarify your mental health concerns in the context of your broad medical history and, if appropriate, prescribe medication to support your progress and improvement.

What to expect when meeting with your psychiatric med provider for a psychiatric evaluation:
A Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner may request some questionnaires and paperwork be completed prior to your visit, including your medical history and past experiences with medications. This is most often done in the comfort of your home with the opportunity to collect information from family members. It is important to provide as much information about your mental health and medical history as possible to help your Nurse Practitioner formulate the most appropriate diagnosis and consider the best treatment options.
During the initial appointment, your Psychiatric NP will complete a psychiatric evaluation including asking many questions to collect information about behavioral or emotional distress that you may be experiencing, Additionally, the Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner will ask clarifying questions and seek to understand your medical, mental health, and social history in depth. Your family members may also be involved with your permission to help understand your concerns and history. Toward the end of the appointment the Psychiatric NP will discuss a diagnosis and seek to collaborate and create an individualized treatment plan. Your treatment plan may include Psychiatric medications or other recommendations including Therapy to support your progress and reduce emotional and behavioral difficulties.
How long will the appointment last?
An initial appointment with a Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner typically lasts for 60 minutes.
When will I be seen again?
You and your Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner will discuss an appropriate plan for follow up based on your specific needs, medications, or medication changes. consistent with your treatment plan. Some people are seen more frequently for a period of time, and others only need intermittent follow up.
Concerns Commonly Treated:
- Depression, anxiety, mood swings
- Bipolar disorder
- Recurrent unwanted thoughts
- OCD (Obsessive Compulsive Disorder)
- Sleep difficulties and insomnia
- Anger, irritability, grief
- Attention, concentration, ADHD
- Phobias
- PTSD (Posttraumatic Stress Disorder)
Please visit these trusted websites for more information on Nurse Practitioners:
https://www.apna.org/pmh-aprns-position-statement/
https://www.aanp.org/
https://nursinglicensemap.com/advanced-practice-nursing/nurse-practitioner/psychiatric-and-mental-health-nurse-practitioner-pmhnp/