Ashley Hughes, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner

Ashley Hughes

(She/Her/Hers)

Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner

Accepting clients
Updated today
19 years in practice

Psychiatric provider offering diagnosis and treatment including medication management via Telehealth or in person- same week appointments available.

Hi, I’m Ashley Hughes, a board-certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner with over 19 years of healthcare experience. I work with college students and young adults navigating challenges such as anxiety, ADHD, OCD, depression and mood disorders, stress, burnout, and major life transitions. Offering in person or Telehealth, same week visits available. My approach is thoughtful, personalized, and collaborative. I take the time to understand you as a whole person—not just your symptoms. While medication management is available when appropriate, my focus goes beyond prescriptions to include sleep, nutrition, stress, lifestyle patterns, and other underlying factors that can significantly impact mental health. Together, we create a plan that is both effective and realistic for your day-to-day life and consistent with your goals. Many of my clients come to me feeling overwhelmed, mentally drained, struggling with focus, or simply not feeling like themselves. You may be managing academic pressure, social stress, relationship challenges, or uncertainty about the future. My goal is to provide a supportive, non-judgmental space where you feel heard, understood, and empowered to move forward with clarity and confidence. What sets my practice apart is my integrative approach. In addition to traditional psychiatric care, I offer a more in-depth option that explores potential root contributors such as nutrition, gut health, and targeted testing when appropriate. This can be especially helpful for individuals who feel stuck, are sensitive to medications, or are looking for a more comprehensive approach to their mental health. I prioritize accessibility, flexibility, and privacy. Appointments are designed to fit into busy schedules while maintaining a high level of individualized care. My goal is to help you feel better, think more clearly, and function at your highest level—academically, emotionally, and personally. If you’re looking for a more intentional and personalized approach to your mental health, I’d love to support you.

Remote / In-person
Speaks English
Emergency number not available
Treats suicidal ideation
WhiteCisgender Woman

Practice hours (EDT)

Sun
closed
Mon
8:30 am 5:00 pm
Tue
8:30 am 5:00 pm
Wed
1:00 am 7:30 pm
Thu
8:30 am 5:00 pm
Fri
8:30 am 5:00 pm
Sat
closed

Accepts new patients after hospitalization for

  • Manic episodes
  • Severe depression
  • Self-harming behavior
  • Suicidal intent or a plan
  • Altered mental status or delirium
  • Psychosis (delusions and hallucinations)
  • Escalating reckless or impulsive behavior
  • Suicide attempt
  • Eating disorders
  • Severe emotional stress or trauma

Reserves times throughout the week for new clients after discharge from the hospital.

Adjusts scheduling to accommodate new clients after their hospitalization.

Areas of focus

Areas of expertise

  • Anger Issues
  • Anorexia Nervosa
  • Anxiety
  • Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)
  • Autism
  • Binge-Eating Disorder
  • Bipolar Disorder
  • Burnout
  • Depression
  • Excoriation Disorder (skin picking)
  • Grief and Loss
  • Insomnia
  • Life Transitions
  • Loneliness/Isolation
  • Medication Concerns
  • Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD)
  • Panic
  • Paranoid Personality
  • Peer Difficulties
  • Perfectionism
  • Performance Anxiety
  • Phobia
  • Physical Stress
  • Postpartum Depression
  • Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
  • Psychosis
  • Schizoaffective
  • School Concerns
  • Self-Esteem
  • Self-Harm
  • Sleep Concerns
  • Social Anxiety
  • Trauma
  • Trichotillomania (hair pulling)

Age groups

  • Preteens (10-12)
  • Teens (13-17)
  • Young adults (18-30)
  • Adults (31-64)
  • Seniors (65 or older)

Special groups

  • Active duty military
  • Adult children of alcoholics
  • Athletes
  • Body positivity
  • Immigrants
  • Neurodivergent people
  • People in the foster care system
  • People of color
  • People who are bisexual
  • People who identify as gay
  • People who identify as lesbian
  • People who identify as non-binary
  • People who identify as queer
  • People with disabilities
  • People with HIV or AIDS
  • Professional Healthcare Providers
  • Transgender
  • Veterans

Treatment specialties

Therapeutic modalities

  • Assessment/Evaluation
  • Medication Management

Treatments

  • ADHD Evaluation
  • Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) Coaching
  • Brief Psychotherapy
  • Medication Management

Location

  • Compass Counseling and Wellness

    Office Building

    18121 West Catawba AvenueCornelius, NC 28031

    Open map

    Accommodations

    Entering the practice

    • Flat path to the front door
    • Disabled parking spot (8ft / 2.4m)
    • Step-free entry

    Getting around

    • Elevators
    • Wide hallways (36” or 90cm)

    Settling in

    • Storage for mobility aids (e.g. wheelchair, scooter)
    • Wide entry to clinician space

Remote options

  • Video

Payment options

Insurance

In-network coverage provided for the following insurance companies

  • Aetna – North Carolina
  • Blue Cross Blue Shield – North Carolina
  • Cigna – North Carolina
  • Medicare – North Carolina
  • Optum – North Carolina
  • United HealthCare – North Carolina
  • Documentation provided for patient filling
  • Single case agreement
  • In-network insurance
  • Out-of-network insurance
  • Out-of-pocket
  • I offer a free consultation

Payment methods

  • Cash
  • Check
  • Credit Card
  • Debit Card
  • Online

Credentials

Licenses

  • Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner

    North Carolina Board of Nursing

    5019090, North Carolina

Certificates

  • Family Nurse Practitioner

    ANCC

    Family Nurse Practitioner in addition to Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner

Other