Conversations with Barbara Schulte

Today we’d like to introduce you to Barbara Schulte.

Hi Barbara, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
I began my career in mental health in 2009 as a psychiatric registered nurse (RN), working in a variety of clinical settings and caring for patients across the lifespan. Over time, I developed a strong passion for psychiatry and decided to further my education, earning my Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) degree from Arizona State University in 2016 and transitioning into the nurse practitioner role.

Throughout my career, I have worked in hospital, consult-liaison, and outpatient settings, which gave me a broad perspective on how mental health care is delivered. I often noticed how patients felt rushed or unseen in traditional systems of care, and I wanted to create something different. That vision led to the creation of Embrace Behavioral Health, a fully virtual psychiatric practice offering thoughtful, personalized, and culturally sensitive care for children, teens, and adults. Services are available in both English and Spanish, reflecting my belief that mental health care should be accessible, compassionate, and centered on each person’s story.

I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
It definitely hasn’t always been a smooth road. Like many entrepreneurs in healthcare, I’ve faced challenges with balancing the demands of business ownership, clinical work, and family life. There were times when contracts fell through, systems failed, or progress felt painfully slow. Building Embrace Behavioral Health from the ground up required learning how to navigate credentialing, insurance logistics, and the financial realities of running a practice while staying true to my purpose as a clinician.

There have also been personal challenges along the way, including being a single mother and the primary provider for my family while growing a new business. Those experiences have strengthened my empathy for patients and fueled my determination to create a practice that offers stability, compassion, and hope. Every obstacle has ultimately shaped the way I approach both my work and my life—with resilience, gratitude, and a deep respect for the human experience.

Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I am a psychiatric nurse practitioner and the founder of Embrace Behavioral Health, a virtual mental health practice based in Arizona. My work focuses on providing comprehensive psychiatric care for children, adolescents, and adults through a thoughtful and personalized approach. I also specialize in consult-liaison psychiatry, mood and anxiety disorders, ADHD, and complex cases that require collaboration across medical and psychological systems.

I am bilingual in English and Spanish, which allows me to serve a diverse population and make mental health care more accessible to families who might otherwise face language barriers. What I am most proud of is creating a practice where patients feel genuinely heard and cared for. My goal is always to combine evidence-based treatment with empathy and cultural understanding.

What sets me apart is the time I take with each patient and my commitment to treating the whole person, not just the diagnosis. I believe healing begins with connection, and that philosophy guides everything I do at Embrace Behavioral Health.

How do you think about luck?
I feel that luck has played an important role in my journey, especially when it comes to the people and experiences that have shaped me. I was fortunate to grow up with my father, Dr. Lauro Amezcua-Patiño, MD, FAPA, who is a psychiatrist. Being around the field from a young age gave me early exposure to the world of mental health and a deep appreciation for the human mind. That perspective has guided my work and influenced the compassionate approach I take with patients.

Of course, not everything has been easy or “lucky.” There have been plenty of challenges, setbacks, and unexpected turns along the way. But even those experiences have served a purpose. I’ve learned that what may feel like bad luck in the moment often leads to growth, resilience, and clarity. In many ways, I think luck is about being ready to make the most of the opportunities that appear and staying grounded through the ones that don’t.

Pricing:

• Initial Psychiatric Evaluation: $350.00
• Follow-Ups: $250.00
• Insurance credentialing is in process

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.embraceBH.com
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/barbara-schulte-dnp
• Other: https://www.linkedin.com/company/embrace-behavioral-health/