Meet our therapists
Deb Partee
Get to know Debra Partee, MSN, APRN-BC
What is your role at The Refuge Center?
I am the Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner at The Refuge Center. I’m extremely proud that our med management services are offered on the same sliding scale as our counseling fees. I provided 419 hours of client visits in 2018. I see clients from about 15 years old to 65 years old. Most of the presenting issues that bring clients to my office include depression, anxiety/panic attacks, bipolar disorder, insomnia, and post-partum depression.
I also held this position from 2010-2014 while I was Assistant Professor at Vanderbilt University School of Nursing plus practicing at other clinics. I returned in July 2016 when I retired from Vandy. As the only Psych Nurse Practitioner at Refuge Center, I both prescribe meds and am happy to be a resource when medical questions arise. The first time I meet a client (I have already read the intake paperwork, the last few therapy notes, and PHQ9GAD) – I take history, (psychiatric and medical) make the assessment and DSM5 diagnosis, evaluate if medication is needed. To prescribe medication, I need to determine which one(s) and what dosage, check for any interactions, explain how they work and side effects, and schedule a return to monitor and assess again and redo the PHQ9GAD. I chose to be at The Refuge Center because of the supportive caring atmosphere and staff, clients- most whom are truly grateful to be there due to limited options/long wait times, teaching and working alongside interns/therapists, and an office filled with fossils, candles, plants, and God’s grace.
Tell us a little bit about yourself?
I never know what to say when asked about myself- which is why the enclosed 3 pictures. One is me traveling in Cambodia a year ago (the most amazing trip ever), the beach is my favorite place to be- especially with all my immediate family (Al, my husband, our four children, two in-laws, two and 1/2 grandchildren), and my FOO (four brothers, parents married 63 years, Dad has Lewy Body Disease). I like learning, meeting people, being outdoors ( I have diagnosed myself with NDD – Nature Deficit Disorder), traveling, church, and looking for fossils. I have never regretted choosing to be a nurse — I love the diversity, opportunities, and people are always really nice to you when you say you’re a nurse, especially right before they pull up a sleeve and ask you about a skin rash, wounds, symptoms, etc…!! (I am happy to respond to friends and family- it’s the seatmate on a plane that can get weird).
What is your favorite thing to do in Nashville/ Franklin?
My favorite thing to do in Nashville is shopping at The Flea Market – especially when they are selling rocks! I also love biking and hiking.
One interesting fact people might not know about you?
Interesting fact not known by many -(I had to ask my family this) — I play the piano well and studied at The Cleveland Institute of Music.
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The Refuge Center for Counseling is a 501c3 nonprofit organization (20-3831943). We are also a United Way of Williamson County Partner Organization.
Meet our Therapists
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