Debra Wade, APRN, PMHNP-BC

Debra Wade, APRN, PMHNP-BC, is a Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner serving patients at Alleviant Integrated Mental Health in Fayetteville, Arkansas. With more than three decades of nursing experience and a passion for whole-person wellness, Debra is dedicated to helping individuals achieve improved mental health and overall well-being throughout every stage of life.

Debra began her nursing career by earning her Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) credential from Westark Community College in 1992. She later completed an Associate Degree in Nursing through Regents College in 2000, followed by a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Grand Canyon University. In 2018, she earned a Master of Nursing Science with a specialization in Psychiatric-Mental Health Nursing from Maryville University, allowing her to combine her extensive clinical background with advanced mental health expertise.

Before joining Alleviant in June 2026, Debra spent several years caring for veterans through Veterans Health Care of the Ozarks. Throughout her career, she has worked in a variety of mental health settings, including outpatient, inpatient, residential, primary care mental health, and crisis intervention services. Prior to becoming a nurse practitioner, she built a strong foundation in acute care nursing through roles in emergency medicine, intensive care, and cardiac catheterization laboratories.

After more than 20 years in acute care nursing, Debra was drawn to mental health care because of its holistic approach to healing and the opportunity to address the connection between mind and body. She has extensive experience working with individuals experiencing post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), particularly within the veteran population, and enjoys supporting patients across the lifespan as they work toward their treatment goals.

Debra believes Alleviant stands apart because of its integrative, patient-centered approach to mental health care and its welcoming, supportive environment. She finds great fulfillment in building meaningful connections with patients and celebrating their progress, describing positive outcomes as a source of both joy and purpose.

Patients often describe Debra as a compassionate provider who goes above and beyond to ensure they feel seen, heard, and supported. She understands the importance of caring for her own mental and physical health while helping others and values maintaining balance both professionally and personally.

Originally from West Virginia, Debra moved to Arkansas at the age of 10 and has proudly called the state home ever since. She and her husband have four adult children and eight grandchildren, ranging in age from 1 to 21 years old. Their family also includes Daisy May, a beloved dachshund who holds a special place in their hearts.

Outside of work, Debra enjoys camping, reading, riding her motorcycle, and spending quality time with family. A fun fact about her is that her grandchildren think it is both exciting and slightly embarrassing that their "Meme" rides a Harley-Davidson motorcycle.