Meet Brianna Dawson | Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner Specializing in Women’s Mental Health

We had the good fortune of connecting with Brianna Dawson and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Brianna, we’d love to hear more about how you thought about starting your own business?
Starting Behavioral Wellness for Women was driven by my desire to create a high-touch, elevated mental wellness experience that truly prioritizes the needs of women. In traditional psychiatric settings, I saw how rushed and impersonal care could feel—quick appointments, limited support between visits, and a lack of focus on whole-person wellness. Women, especially those juggling careers, motherhood, and personal aspirations, deserve more than just medication management—they need compassionate, thoughtful care tailored to their unique needs.

I wanted to build a boutique practice that emphasizes personalized, concierge-style psychiatric care, where women feel truly seen and supported. My goal was to eliminate the stress and barriers often associated with mental health treatment by streamlining the experience, offering luxury-level support, and integrating holistic elements like supplement recommendations, wellness tools, and proactive care planning.

At the heart of my business is a commitment to helping driven, goal-oriented women regain their confidence, clarity, and peace of mind—without feeling like their mental health is just another task on their to-do list.

Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?
Behavioral Wellness for Women is a luxury boutique mental wellness practice designed to provide high-level, personalized psychiatric care for women navigating anxiety, depression, and perinatal mood disorders. What sets my practice apart is the elevated, concierge-style experience that prioritizes a woman’s entire wellness journey—not just prescribing medication, but truly understanding her as a whole person and supporting her in a way that feels empowering, compassionate, and seamless.

Unlike traditional psychiatric practices that can feel rushed and impersonal, my approach is high-touch, exclusive, and thoughtfully designed to offer an unparalleled level of care. I integrate medication management, supplement recommendations, lifestyle modifications, and mental wellness tools to create a comprehensive plan tailored to each client’s unique needs. The goal is not just symptom relief, but helping women feel strong, capable, and in control of their mental health.

One of the things I’m most proud of is that my practice is truly changing the way women experience mental health care. Women come to me feeling overwhelmed, exhausted, and like they’ve tried everything—but through our work together, they gain clarity, confidence, and a renewed sense of well-being. Seeing those transformations is what excites me the most!

I’m also incredibly excited about the growth of my practice as I continue to refine my services, elevate the client experience, and reach more women who are seeking a more supportive, intentional, and empowering approach to their mental health.

Getting to where I am today has not been easy, but it has been deeply rewarding. Transitioning from working in structured clinical settings to a unique private practice model has been a learning experience in every way—especially as I stepped into the entrepreneurial side of things.

One of the biggest challenges has been navigating the financial ups and downs of private practice, particularly as I transitioned away from an insurance-heavy model. It’s required patience, persistence, and a willingness to adapt my business strategy to attract and serve aligned clients.

Another major lesson I’ve learned is that confidence in your value is everything. Women’s mental health care is so deeply needed, and I’ve had to remind myself that what I offer is not just about appointments—it’s about life-changing support that women deserve. Stepping into that confidence and setting boundaries around the type of care I provide has been key to growing my business the right way.

Behavioral Wellness for Women isn’t just about treating symptoms—it’s about empowering women to take control of their mental wellness in a way that feels aligned and truly transformative. I want women to know that their mental health is worth investing in, that they deserve high-quality, compassionate care, and that they don’t have to navigate this journey alone.

I built this practice because I believe women deserve better—better access to specialized care, better experiences in mental health treatment, and better support in balancing their wellness with the demands of their lives. My mission is to continue elevating what’s possible in women’s mental health care and ensure that every woman who walks through my doors feels supported, seen, and empowered every step of the way.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
If my best friend were visiting Philly, I’d make sure it was an unforgettable mix of movement, wellness, luxury experiences, and fun—all while spending time with the people (and pets!) I love most. We’d start with a visit to Longwood Gardens, taking in the breathtaking scenery, fresh air, and open space to set the tone for a relaxing and inspiring trip. I’d also make sure we got plenty of movement in, whether that’s taking a Pure Barre class together, going for a run along Kelly Drive, or finding a fun adult dance class—likely hip hop or salsa—so we could let loose and just enjoy ourselves. Exploring Chestnut Hill’s charming boutiques and plant shops would be a must, followed by a luxurious dinner at Panorama or Autograph, both of which offer an incredible dining experience with top-notch service.

Of course, no visit would be complete without stopping at CC Creamery for my favorite ice cream, and since we love learning and indulging in high-quality experiences, we’d take a trip to a winery to explore fine wines. If we were in full wellness mode, I’d plan the ultimate self-care day—complete with full-body massages, facials, red light therapy, and IV therapy at some of the best wellness spots in Philly. And after all that, we’d slow down with a cozy night in, spending time with my partner and my cat—two of my absolute favorite beings to be around.

To round out the trip, we’d take a beach day at Belmar Beach, soaking up the ocean air, enjoying fresh seafood, and simply unwinding. There’s something so rejuvenating about the water, and I know it would be the perfect way to reflect on our time together. Before heading home, we’d have a slow morning with coffee, a home-cooked breakfast, and some quiet moments to soak in the week’s memories. This mix of adventure, relaxation, and meaningful connection would be the ultimate way to experience Philly and beyond—on my terms, with the best company.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
Absolutely! My journey wouldn’t have been possible without the incredible support, mentorship, and encouragement I’ve received along the way.

First and foremost, I want to recognize the women I serve—my clients, past and present—who trust me with their mental wellness and inspire me every day. Their resilience, determination, and willingness to prioritize their mental health remind me why I do this work.

I also want to give a huge shoutout to Postpartum Support International (PSI) and the PSI PA Chapter, where I’ve had the privilege of connecting with other passionate professionals dedicated to perinatal mental health. Their advocacy, resources, and sense of community have been invaluable.

And I can’t express enough gratitude for my amazing partner—my rock, my cheerleader, and someone who has been an unwavering source of support in so many ways. He believes in my dreams as much as I do, encourages me to keep pushing forward, and adapts alongside me as my business continues to grow and evolve. His faith in my abilities and our shared vision for the future mean the world to me.

I truly wouldn’t be where I am today without this incredible circle of support, and I’m so thankful for each of them!

Website: https://www.behavioralwellnessforwomen.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/behavioralwellnessforwomen/

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/behavioralwellnessforwomen/

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