Learn more about Behavioral Health at Reliant

 
Dr. Kowalczyk started her career in medicine as a family nurse practitioner (FNP). She received her FNP degree from Massachusetts College of Pharmacy and Health Science. In 2019, she received her doctorate from the University of Massachusetts Amherst as a psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner (PMHNP).

From her education and research, Dr. Kowalczyk has learned how loneliness affects and magnifies mental health disorders, such as major depressive disorder, in older adults living in the community. “As the population of older adults in the United States is steadily increasing, the number of these adults experiencing chronic disease and mental health disorders, along with their complications, is increasing proportionally as well. As a mental health care provider working with older adults, I understand that mental health disorders such as depression, memory loss, and prolonged grieving are not a normal part of aging and should be diagnosed and treated,” she explains. “Evidence shows that treating mental health disorders prolongs the individual’s capacity to remain independent, increases the ability to take the lead in personal decision making, increases lifespan, and also reduces healthcare costs.”

In her practice at Reliant Dr. Kowalczyk provides evidence-based care to individuals with mental health disorders while remaining culturally competent, sensitive to religious beliefs, and respectful to individuals from different backgrounds. Additionally, Dr. Kowalczyk has worked with educating the community in removing the stigma around mental health disorders. Furthermore, Dr. Kowalczyk has been working in the community as a volunteer at the Shrewsbury Free Medical Clinic, and has been the voice for those that cannot speak for themselves.

In her spare time Dr. Kowalczyk enjoys spending time with her loved-ones, visiting Cape Cod, and gardening.