Nick Bahner, MNSc, APRN, PMHNP
Nick is a psychiatric nurse practitioner at Alleviant’s Bentonville location who treats adults and adolescents. He earned his master’s degree in nursing from UAMS in 2023 after a quarter century in emergency services and health care.
“Having spent the last 25 years as a firefighter, paramedic, and RN helping heal the body, I found myself becoming more interested in the brain and the intricate mechanisms that underlie mental health,” Nick said. “This growing interest led me to become a psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner. I find great joy in helping someone on their journey toward wellness and recovery. I firmly believe in the boundless potential of every individual and am guided by the philosophy that you can get to anywhere from anywhere. There is no better feeling than seeing another person recover and get better.”
He chose Alleviant because it is constantly evolving and adjusting its practices to model the latest evidence and best practices in mental health.
“Alleviant looks at the whole person—body and mind—and believes that a person’s mental, emotional, physical, and spiritual health are intertwined,” he said. “For this reason, Alleviant offers therapies that treat both body and mind. Spravato, Ketamine, and TMS are just some of the new treatments providing options previously unavailable to individuals suffering from mental illness.”
Nick said the most enjoyable part of his job is working with individuals to create the right treatment plan.
“Psychiatry is an art. Every patient requires a special touch. Providing excellence to each patient every time demands all of a person’s faculties. But, the fact is, I really enjoy people. I love learning about all the details of their lives.”
Originally from Orange County, Calif., Nick said his family moved back and forth between California and Arkansas, but once his family reached a certain size and stage in life, they felt it was time to make northwest Arkansas their home and put down roots.
“We are blessed to have been married for 20 years. We have three children and a labradoodle, Shepherd. Like many families, ours is messy and imperfect, but we are always striving to grow closer and improve together.”
Away from work, Nick enjoys staying active, having fun, and laughing.
“I enjoy running, lifting, practicing Jiu-Jitsu, fixing and building things around the house, organizing, cleaning, and doing anything outside,” he said. “Northwest Arkansas offers so much that I love to do, such as riding mountain bikes on the incredible OZ trails, boating at the lake, hiking, exploring, and enjoying great food. I also love walking the dog and working on my faith and spirituality.”