Welcome to Healthier You, LLC: A Personal Introduction
- Healthier You, P.C.
- Jun 24
- 6 min read
Updated: Jun 25
Hello and Welcome!
My name is Clarissa Juarez, and I’m a U.S. Navy Veteran, board-certified Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, and the founder of Healthier You, LLC (HY). I’m so glad you’ve found your way here!
My mother often says my journey into mental health began in childhood, when I was the kind of kid who sought out the friendless or bullied and offered myself as a companion. Apparently, I also picked up any neighborhood cat or dog that was mulling around outside and brought them home (oops).
Caring for others has always come naturally to me, and I feel grateful to work in a field where I can turn that into something meaningful. My approach to treatment is also grounded and practical. I respect each person’s autonomy and believe in supporting informed choices—stepping in with objection only when there’s a serious risk of harm or significant negative consequences.
Over the years, I’ve faced my own life transitions, which has allowed me to connect with my patients on a deeper level. As I often tell them, “No one gets out for free—life knocks all of us down at some point.” Pain and struggle are part of the human experience. Sadly, some people seem to carry more than their fair share. That’s why creating a safe and supportive space for healing is so important to me.
I’m especially passionate about helping individuals navigate life transitions, manage mood and attention disorders, and strengthen their sense of self through positive lifestyle changes. Outside of clinical work, I enjoy spending time in nature, learning new things, laughing with people, and exploring ways to live a healthier, more meaningful life—practices I encourage in my patients, too.
Why I Started Healthier You, LLC
I created Healthier You, LLC (HY) as a hybrid model of personalized mental health care—one that combines standard psychiatric treatment with holistic, lifestyle-based modalities that support the whole person, not just their symptoms. Whether you’re struggling with anxiety, depression, ADHD, trauma, or other challenges, my goal is to offer a safe, nonjudgmental space where you feel empowered to make choices that move you toward becoming a healthier you.
At HY, we can address your medication needs if that's your goal, but treatment doesn’t stop there. You'll also have the opportunity to explore other options, either in addition to or in place of conventional treatment. This might include:
Vitamin and supplement recommendations
Education and counseling on nutrition, sleep, stress management, exercise
Support in building healthy relationships and reducing substance use
Of course, there are times when prescription medication is necessary—and in those cases, I recommend a combination approach. But in many instances, lasting relief is only possible when we look beyond biology and address the full picture of a person’s life.
A Different Way to Think About Mental Health
My belief is that mental health is as essential to our well-being as nutrients are to the body, clean air is to the lungs, and connection to the natural world is to the spirit. The HY model is deeply personal to me, shaped by my experiences and by the stories of countless patients who’ve allowed me the privilege of walking with them through their darkest times and most painful experiences.
I’ve learned that healing happens best when care is a collaborative journey grounded in the reality of a person’s circumstances—not just a prescription pad. So I always ask: What’s really behind these symptoms? Is it purely biochemical? Is it trauma, chronic stress, fear, or social isolation that’s worn you down into depression or overwhelming anxiety? Or is it a combination? The truth is, we don’t always know at first—but if it isn’t purely biochemical, medication alone is unlikely to bring the relief you're hoping for.
What I Saw in the System—and Why I Had to Leave
Before founding HY, I spent years working in community mental health clinics and emergency psychiatric settings. Again and again, I saw the same pattern: a revolving door of patients being placed on more medications, with very few realistic exit strategies. Even when symptoms improved slightly, patients often didn’t report feeling any better in their lives.
I used to wonder what it must feel like to be a patient in that system. Over time, I came to realize the most valuable thing I could offer wasn’t a quick fix—it was presence. Simply sitting with people in their pain without judgment, without rushing to “fix” them, often did more than any prescription could.
But the system wasn’t built for that. Appointments were scheduled every 15 minutes. “Patient-centered care” became a hollow phrase. Providers were burned out. I was burned out. And patients—especially those who finally built trust with someone—were devastated each time a provider left.
Eventually, it became clear to me: the problem wasn’t the people. It was the system—one driven by productivity quotas and profit, not patient well-being.
The Turning Point
My breaking point came quietly and hit me in the heart ---it hurt!
One day, I was in session with a patient who had waited weeks to see me. The waiting room was full. I was behind schedule, as usual. And while my patient struggled to articulate how they were feeling, I found myself silently thinking: Please hurry up. That night, I couldn’t sleep. Not because I’d forgotten a medication order or a referral, but because I had violated my own core value: to be present with, and truly hear my patients. Those are the things I would never compromise. And somehow, without realizing it, I had let my guard down.
I felt sick inside. That was my wake-up call. The next morning, I sat on my porch with my coffee and decided, “I can’t stay there anymore.” A few months later, I left community mental health for good.
The Road to Healthier You
Two months before the Covid pandemic landed, I hit the road in early 2020 taking travel contracts in hospitals across several states. I kept HY alive in the background, by seeing a few patients here and there on weekends and evenings. But the real transformation began in 2023, when I ended my last contract and committed fully to building the kind of practice I had always envisioned.
Since then, I’ve worked hard to create a model that balances provider time (a precious commodity), patient needs (a precious trust), and the reality of provider burnout. I’ve learned that we can't—and shouldn't—try to be everything to everyone. That’s especially true in mental health care. HY now has two additional providers that share the commitment, compassion and calling to work in a model that provides real opportunity for patient's to make gains in their quality of life and overall health.
HY is designed for individuals who are struggling, but motivated to change. This model is ideal for people that are ready to look beyond (or in addition to medication), and examine how their lifestyle, habits, and patterns may be holding them back. We are not the right fit for people looking for quick, solutions, or for those expecting their provider will solve everything for them.
What You Can Expect at Healthier You, LLC
At HY, we strongly believe:
People are the leaders of their own lives.
They rise to the level of expectations set for them.
They usually already hold the best answers—even when overwhelmed.
Patients at HY are expected to show up prepared, present, and engaged. Providers do the same. We don’t offer crisis care or case management, but we do provide focused, collaborative, supportive psychiatric care.
We have a pretty straightforward no-show policy—not to be strict, but because your time and care really matter. It’s easy to let appointments slide when life gets busy, but showing up for yourself is a big part of making progress on goals. We don’t skip things like car repairs when we need to stay on the road, and your mental health deserves more attention than your vehicle.
We ask that you make your appointments a priority, show up on time, and come ready to check in on how things are going and problem solve together. You’re quality of life is worth that kind of effort and commitment and we need to see you in order to support you every step of the way.
You’re Welcome Here
We look forward to hearing from you—whether it’s with questions, feedback, or a topic you would like me to blog about. HY is still in infancy. We will continue to evolve into a more fluid balance between conventional and holistic healing. The journey begins with taking time to not just listen, but hear and try to understand your story, explore your strengths, and develop a treatment plan that reflects your values, goals and desired outcomes. We look forward to being part of your journey as you become a healthier you!
Thanks for getting to know me and HY a little better!
Take care,
Clarissa Juarez, PMHNP
Founder, Veteran & Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner
For more follow HY on Instagram: @healthieryou.work
I love the sentiment behind this blog. It's a stark reminder that providers are individuals too and and not exempt from emotions. Often times, as a patient, we look for clarity and particularly in mental health, we hope for understanding. Unfortunately, large healthcare facilities have become revolving doors for patients and simply do not allow proper 1 on 1 time due to scheduling. I personally witnessed this from my time working in cardiology. I, myself have become very reluctant towards receiving care and have neglected my physical health due to this very issue. Clarissa has provided care beyond what most patients could ever ask for. I feel a genuine sense of understanding and overall comfort in my treatment options. I…