In September of 2022, we embarked on a new journey by opening our sister organization Help in the Home Clinical Services (HITHCS). The vision for HITHCS has always been to have the ability to provide comprehensive, concierge, wrap-around support to individuals and families with complex mental health needs. In the beginning, HITHCS offered in-home psychotherapy and had a consulting partnership with Dr. David Pickar and his protégé, Hawa Fofana, PMHNP-BC, CRNP-BC. As of April of this year, we officially began to offer psychiatric assessments and medication management, and hired Hawa onto the HITHCS team! Check out our interview with Hawa below to learn more about her experience, treatment philosophy, and holistic approach to medication management.
Q: WHY DID YOU DECIDE TO PIVOT YOUR CAREER INTO MENTAL HEALTH?
“I decided to pivot my career towards mental health due to both professional experiences and personal motivations. As a dually certified Nurse Practitioner in family and mental health, I spent many years in primary care, primarily serving underserved populations. During this time, I witnessed firsthand the critical shortage of mental health providers, with some of my patients facing long waits just to secure an initial appointment. This gap in care often meant I was already managing mental health disorders within my family practice role.
The final impetus for my career shift came from a deeply personal place. I lost a family member to a serious mental illness, which profoundly impacted me. Hearing the struggles of my patients alongside this personal loss made it clear that mental health was my calling. I felt compelled to focus on this area to help bridge the gap in care and support individuals in navigating their mental health challenges more effectively.“
Q: CLOZARIL CAN BE A VERY CHALLENGING MEDICATION TO PRESCRIBE. WHAT INSPIRED YOU TO TAKE ON THIS CHALLENGE?
“Prescribing Clozaril initially seemed daunting due to its complexities, including the Clozapine REMS monitoring program, frequent blood work requirements, potential side effects, and necessary dosage adjustments. Many providers view it as cumbersome, and I shared that sentiment at first. However, my perspective changed profoundly after meeting Dr. David Pickar.
Dr. Pickar demonstrated the transformative potential of clozapine, particularly for treatment-resistant patients. Witnessing his work, I saw patients who were previously struggling with schizophrenia make significant strides—attending school, working, and regaining control over their lives. This experience was eye-opening and inspiring, showing me the profound impact clozapine could have on improving quality of life for these individuals.
Since then, I have embraced prescribing and recommending clozapine as the drug of choice for treatment-resistant schizophrenia. The positive outcomes I have witnessed reaffirm my commitment to overcoming the challenges associated with this medication, knowing the substantial benefits it can offer to my patients.”
Q: WHAT INSPIRED YOU TO TAKE ON THIS CHALLENGE? WHAT IS YOUR PHILOSOPHY REGARDING CLIENT CARE?
“My philosophy regarding client care centers on respect, kindness, and empathy. I believe that treating every individual with respect is foundational to building trust and fostering a therapeutic relationship. In the realm of mental health, kindness is crucial; it conveys empathy and ensures that patients feel heard and valued. This approach facilitates honest and open dialogue, where patients can comfortably share their experiences and concerns.
As a provider, demonstrating genuine care and commitment to my work is essential. By embodying these values, I strive to create a safe and supportive environment where individuals feel empowered to engage in their mental health journey. Ultimately, my goal is to provide holistic and compassionate care that acknowledges each person’s unique experiences and needs.”
Q: WHAT IS A FUN FACT ABOUT YOU THAT YOU WOULD LIKE TO SHARE WITH OUR AUDIENCE?
“A fun fact about me is that I have a passion for cooking and have even considered the idea of owning a restaurant someday. I love experimenting in the kitchen and trying out new recipes almost every week. It’s a creative outlet for me and a way to explore different cultures and flavors.”
We are so thrilled to have someone with such incredible warmth, compassion, and expertise officially join the Help in the Home family. We hope you’ll join us in welcoming Hawa to the team!
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