9 Questions with Erin Lutchkus, Founder of Mae Mental Wellness
We asked Erin Lutchkus, founder of Mae Mental Wellness and board-certified psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner, to answer nine questions that give new and prospective patients a closer look at her approach to mental health care. Mae Mental Wellness is a dynamic telepsychiatry practice dedicated to helping individuals across Florida, Colorado, Montana, and New Hampshire find their path to better mental health.
What inspired you to found Mae Mental Wellness?
Firstly, the desire to help others with their mental wellness was what drove me to create Mae Mental Wellness with my co-founder Carol Milliken. I also wanted to be able to manage my patients directly without the restrictions often found in larger healthcare systems. I also wanted to create a space where patient care could be truly individualized, where holistic approaches are valued, and where patients feel heard and supported throughout their mental health journey. I believe we accomplish that at Mae Mental Wellness.
With over 16 years in various nursing specialties, how have these experiences shaped your approach to psychiatric care? Mae Mental Wellness emphasizes a holistic approach to mental health. Can you elaborate on what this entails and how it's implemented in patient care?
My experience across many nursing specialties has shown me how deeply connected physical and mental health are. At Mae Mental Wellness, we take a holistic approach by looking at the whole person—not just their mental health symptoms, but also their physical health, lifestyle, and environment. Every patient is unique, so we create customized care plans that address their specific needs. This approach allows us to provide more comprehensive, effective, and personalized care that truly supports long-term wellness.
Telepsychiatry/virtual psychiatry is central to your practice. What are the advantages and challenges you've encountered with virtual mental health services?
While virtual care offers incredible accessibility, it does come with occasional challenges, such as internet connectivity issues or video platform glitches. At Mae Mental Wellness, we proactively address these by having backup internet services, alternative devices, and additional phone systems to ensure that patient care is never disrupted.
We also maintain multiple secure communication channels like patient portal messaging, text messaging, and HIPAA-compliant email, allowing patients to easily reach us and stay informed.
Overall, the challenges are minimal compared to the significant benefits. Virtual psychiatry allows us to offer flexible, convenient, and timely mental health care to patients who might otherwise struggle to access it. It truly removes barriers and helps us meet patients where they are.
Mae Mental Wellness services span multiple states, including Florida, Colorado, Montana, and New Hampshire. How do you ensure consistent and personalized care across these diverse regions?
Virtual visits are a key part of how we deliver consistent, high-quality care to patients across Florida, Colorado, Montana, and New Hampshire. Telepsychiatry breaks down geographical barriers, allowing us to connect with individuals who may not have easy access to specialized mental health services. Every care plan is personalized to address the unique needs of each patient. We hold ourselves to the highest standards of communication, privacy, and patient care, ensuring that every patient receives the same level of attention and support. Regularly scheduled check-ins help us maintain continuity of care and allow us to adjust treatment as needed to ensure the best possible outcomes.
Patient testimonials often highlight your compassionate and attentive care. How do you foster such strong therapeutic relationships in a virtual setting?
Using video visits really helps us recreate that in-person connection, which is so important in building trust. Being able to see each other makes conversations feel more personal and genuine, even when we're miles apart. We also make privacy, clear communication, and quick response times a top priority. I want every patient to feel heard, supported, and comfortable reaching out whenever they need to. Even though we're connecting virtually, the goal is to make sure it never feels distant.
How have your academic achievements influenced your leadership and clinical practices?
Education has been a crucial foundation for both my leadership and clinical practice. It provides the knowledge and critical thinking skills needed to deliver safe, effective, evidence-based care. However, I believe education alone isn't enough—it must be combined with real-world experience. Over the years, my hands-on experience across various specialties has helped me apply what I learned in meaningful ways, adapt to each patient's unique needs, and lead with both confidence and compassion. Together, education and experience shape the holistic, patient-centered approach that defines Mae Mental Wellness.
Mae Mental Wellness offers treatment for a wide range of conditions, from anxiety and depression to PTSD and ADHD. How do you tailor treatment plans to address such varied mental health needs?
Every treatment plan at Mae Mental Wellness is personalized to fit the unique needs of each patient. While insurance companies often require a specific DSM-V diagnosis, real-life mental health rarely fits neatly into a box. I take the time to get to know my patients, understand their symptoms, and look at their overall health to rule out any underlying medical issues. This thorough, individualized approach ensures that each patient receives care that addresses their full mental and physical well-being, not just a label.
Beyond your professional life, you're active with your family and three dogs. How do these personal interests contribute to your approach to mental wellness and patient care?
One of the biggest lessons I’ve learned through both my professional and personal life is that maintaining a healthy work-life balance is vital to both mental and physical wellness. Staying active, eating well, spending quality time with family, and nurturing positive relationships are all essential parts of my own well-being; they’re values I bring into my holistic approach to patient care.
Looking ahead, what are your aspirations for the future of Mae Mental Wellness and the broader field of telepsychiatry?
As we continue to grow, my goal for Mae Mental Wellness is to evolve with the ever-changing needs of our patients. One area I’m particularly excited to explore is the integration of functional approaches to mental health, including bioidentical hormone therapy and plant-based supplements. These treatments have shown great potential in supporting mental health, and I believe they can be a valuable addition to our holistic care model. Beyond that, I see telepsychiatry becoming an even more critical part of the mental health landscape, breaking down barriers and providing accessible, high-quality care to those who need it most.
To book an appointment at Mae Mental Wellness, you can fill out this form or call (561) 231-0233. Learn more about services we offer and which insurance we accept.
