A Trauma-Informed Approach to Depression: Meet Kayla Sharpe, PMHNP-BC

When you’re battling depression, anxiety, or PTSD—and nothing seems to work—finding the right provider can feel like a miracle. At Axis Integrated Mental Health, Kayla Sharpe, PMHNP-BC, is that miracle for many of our patients.

Kayla’s background is as diverse as her approach: neuroscience floors, bone marrow units, correctional psychiatry, and child/adolescent inpatient care. Her superpower? Knowing that no two patients are the same.

"Every patient deserves a plan that fits them—not a one-size-fits-all script."

From Nurse to Psychiatric Provider: Kayla’s Journey

Kayla’s path to becoming a board-certified PMHNP wasn’t linear—but that’s exactly what makes her care so deeply human. She started in neuro-based inpatient settings, observing how physical trauma and emotional health collided. Her career led her into bone marrow transplant units, where the connection between chronic illness and mental distress was impossible to ignore.

This real-world foundation gave her a unique lens—one that sees the whole person, not just a diagnostic label.

Specialties That Go Beyond the Basics

Kayla specializes in:

• Treatment-resistant depression

• Postpartum and perinatal mental health

• Complex trauma and PTSD

• OCD and anxiety disorders

• Dual diagnosis and correctional psychiatry

Her toolbox includes more than medication. She’s trained in trauma-informed care and often weaves in complementary methods like breathwork, vagus nerve stimulation, somatic awareness, and nervous system regulation.

Kayla’s Treatment Philosophy

At the heart of Kayla’s work is a belief in co-creating healing. She collaborates deeply with patients to understand not just what they’re experiencing—but why.

Her sessions often include:

• Trauma-informed assessment and psychoeducation

• Gentle integration of lifestyle interventions

• Strategic med management (including deprescribing when helpful)

• Emotional validation and boundary building

“You don’t need to be ‘sick enough’ to deserve care. If you’re struggling, that’s enough.”

What Patients Say About Working With Kayla

Patients often describe Kayla as both grounding and energizing. She’s known for helping clients feel seen—not just clinically but personally. She brings clarity to chaos, and her plans feel actionable rather than overwhelming.

One common thread in patient feedback? Kayla listens because she's been in your shoes. As someone who has suffered from OCD and neurodivergence, she knows how powerful it can be to find someone who understands without judgment. And for many, that’s the first step toward recovery.

Why Kayla Joined Axis

Kayla chose Axis because it aligns with her values: longer appointments, integrated care, insurance access, and a team that thinks holistically. She was drawn to the clinic’s commitment to those with complex needs—not just the easy cases.

“At Axis, we take time. We go deeper. We don’t push quick fixes. And we certainly don't believe that tolerance of meds is the same thing as wellness.”

How to Book With Kayla

Whether you’re searching for the best psychiatric provider in Denver or just someone who won’t give up on you, Kayla is here. Axis accepts most insurance plans and offers both virtual and in-person care.

Book a consultation with Kayla at AxisMH.com and take the first real step toward healing.

FAQs

• What is trauma-informed psychiatric care and how does it help with depression?

• How does Kayla Sharpe treat treatment-resistant depression differently?

• Can I get medication management and therapy in one place?

• What are the benefits of vagus nerve stimulation for anxiety and PTSD?

• Does Kayla Sharpe accept insurance or Medicaid at Axis Integrated Mental Health?