Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner Janet Hunter, PMHNP joins Waukon Medical Clinic for expanding local mental health care

Janet Hunter, Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner, joined the Veterans Memorial Hospital (VMH) and Clinics health care team last week, expanding mental services locally. Hunter will be seeing patients in the Waukon Clinic four days a week, in addition to Tara Fink, who began these local services three years ago. Because of the overwhelming need for mental health care, Hunter has joined the team, with one more Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner, Angela Taylor, also joining the team at the end of this month.

Hunter grew up in the small town of Malcom, Iowa where she developed a strong sense of community and connection that continues to shape her work today. 

“My path to becoming a healthcare provider started during my undergraduate studies. While I was taking a women’s health course, my sister was diagnosed with cancer. Sharing what I was learning with her sparked a deep interest in health promotion, particularly in women’s health, and ultimately led me to change my major. As part of that program, I completed an internship with the wellness department at Luther College, which grew into a 20+ year partnership addressing student health issues. Mental health quickly emerged as the most pressing need,” explains Hunter. “I saw students waiting months - sometimes a year - to see a provider for medication management. Too often, that delay meant they weren’t able to thrive academically or personally and sometimes had to step away from school. Those experiences motivated me to pursue my PMHNP licensure so I could combine my passion for prevention with the ability to provide treatment. Becoming a healthcare provider felt like the most direct way to remove barriers, support students and communities, and help people thrive.”

Hunter is excited to bring more focus to mental health and wellness in the area communities. She states, “Too often these are overlooked in primary care, yet they have such a profound impact on overall health. Offering integrated support - whether through screening, counseling, or connecting patients to resources - feels like an essential service for the community.”

Hunter, like Fink, will work with anyone of any age. Typically in the first appointment with Hunter, she will conduct roughly an hour-long assessment to formulate a diagnosis after which the patient will receive psychoeducation and treatment options including suggestions for natural treatments and lifestyle changes as well as prescribed medication, when needed. 

“I had the opportunity to work alongside Tara Fink during two of my PMHNP semesters, and through that experience I was able to see firsthand how warm, welcoming, and collaborative the clinic and hospital staff are. It immediately felt like a supportive environment and truly a place I could call home,” explains Hunter about her decision to join the local team.  “I’d like to share how excited I am to begin this new chapter with VMH and to continue serving the community in a meaningful way. My career has always been grounded in supporting health and wellness, and I look forward to building strong relationships with patients and working collaboratively with the care team. I truly feel grateful to be part of such a welcoming community and hospital.”  

“We’re thrilled to welcome Janet Hunter to our clinic team! With her on board, we’re expanding our behavioral health services to better meet the needs of our community,” states Laura Baxter, Clinics Director.  “It quickly became clear after opening that this was a vital area of care, and we feel incredibly fortunate to have connected with Janet during her clinical time with Tara. We look forward to the impact she’ll make and the support she’ll provide to our patients and clinic team.” 

Hunter is available now to begin meeting with people of any age who are seeking help and advice.  Patients can self-refer to see Janet Hunter by calling the Waukon Clinic at 563-568-5530 to set up their first appointment.