Pioneering psychiatric care for UK HealthCare's heart patients
It’s not a sign of weakness to acknowledge that you may be having a tough time. Research indicates that up to 50% of people with cardiac related health problems may experience symptoms of depression or other mental illness.
Aaron Harris, DNP, APRN, is a psychiatric nurse practitioner with UK HealthCare’s Gill Heart & Vascular Institute. Read more to get to know Aaron and how he’s helped pioneer psychiatric care for our heart patients.
How did you end up in your current role?
Aaron Harris: It’s been a winding journey. I never thought I would end up in psychiatry — during my undergraduate nursing clinicals, instructors asked me if I was considering pursuing psychiatry but I always brushed it aside for the goal of intensive care unit work.
Once I began my nursing career in the cardiovascular intensive care unit (CICU) here at UK HealthCare, I assumed I would work there for a while before returning to school to become a critical care nurse practitioner. I loved the CICU and the opportunity to take care of some of the sickest patients, and I got to do it for over 10 years. But soon after beginning my bedside nursing career, it was apparent that we had an opportunity to provide better mental health support to this population of patients. I saw so many patients struggle with depression, anxiety and other mental health concerns, and felt frustrated about the lack of resources to support them.
I remember pitching the idea for this position to Lacey Buckler, who was the Chief Advanced Practice Officer, about eight years ago, and the excitement I felt when she shared that interest in developing this position. So, two years into my bedside nursing career, I started back to school, part-time, in the Doctorate of Nursing Practice Program in the Psychiatric Mental Health specialty track here at UK.
Multiple providers and members of leadership continued to support this initiative, and the position was created and finally posted for application in November 2022. I was overjoyed to be selected for this dream job and pioneer what I hope will be the first among many psychiatric providers with other medical services. I started my orientation at Eastern State Hospital in August 2023 and began working in at the Gill Heart & Vascular Institute in December 2023.
What kind of care do you provide?
Harris: I offer medication therapy for psychiatric conditions and have been trained to offer a cognitive behavioral therapy called COPE — Creating Opportunities for Personal Empowerment. COPE is conducted over six sessions and is workbook based, and provides patients with practical tools for managing depression and anxiety symptoms.
How long is a typical visit?
Harris: The first visit with me usually takes about an hour or so, and follow-up visits are about 30 minutes. During your first visit, I do a thorough history working to identify problems or concerns specific to you that we can work on together.
How can patients get access to the care you provide?
Harris: Patients with a history of, or on-going, cardiac issues can ask their UK providers to make a referral for cardio-psychiatry to see me. I am located in the Gill Heart & Vascular Institute but can see patients in Albert B. Chandler Hospital as well.
Do you offer telehealth appointments?
Harris: If possible, I prefer for your first appointment to be in person so that we can establish a good therapeutic relationship. However, if it is a hardship, I am happy to offer telehealth appointments for initial visits and follow-up appointments.
What first steps would you recommend to heart patients who are concerned about their mental health?
Harris: Please talk openly and honestly with your cardiovascular care provider about your mental health. You aren’t just a heart — the entire Gill team wants you to be at your best as a whole person.
