Expanding Mental Health Care at Vitae

By Christine Sagan, MSN, APRN, FNP-BC

Founder Friday

 Every Friday, our founder pulls back the curtain and shares something close to her heart—whether it’s a lesson learned, a personal story, or a behind-the-scenes glimpse into our journey. These posts are part inspiration, part reflection, and always written to connect, encourage, and spark conversation. It’s a chance to see some of the “why” behind what we do, straight from the person who started it all.

From the very beginning of my career, I was taught that nursing meant caring for the whole person. This was the 1990s, long before “holistic” became a buzzword. We were taught to see patients as physical, emotional, and spiritual beings, deeply connected to their families and communities. That way of thinking shaped me.

As a young nurse, I was drawn to natural medicine. I saw dysfunction in the hospital system and knew I wanted to participate in medicine differently. So, I went back to school with the vision of practicing in a way that honored the whole person. Over time, I realized I could never separate the mind from the body—mental health had to be strong in order for lasting healing to occur.

Later, research validated what we already sensed: the gut is our “second brain,” brain inflammation is real, and emotional well-being is inseparable from physical health. And then COVID hit. We took deeply social creatures and placed them in isolation, wrapped in fear. The impact on our adrenals, immunity, and mental resilience was profound. While we are slowly recovering, the lasting effects are undeniable.

My own journey deepened in 2018 when I read Michael Pollan’s How to Change Your Mind. I began attending conferences with researchers, psychiatrists, and integrative practitioners to explore new options. I read Johann Hari’s Lost Connections and reflected on how much our mental state is a reaction to the world around us. Later, The Good Life reminded me that community, connection, and purpose are at the very heart of health and longevity.

I searched widely for answers—from neuroscience to mystics, from retreats at Zen centers to teachings from spiritual leaders. The message always returned to the same truth: love is the answer. To have love, we must be love. Love doesn’t take—it gives, and the more we give, the more whole we feel.

This journey influenced how I live and how I practice medicine. I work on my mindset: staying neutral, willing, and aligned with my truth. Martha Beck’s The Way of Integrity taught me that integrity itself is a spiritual goal—to live in full alignment with who you are. I cultivate this through self-care, creating “ordinary perfect days,” prioritizing nature, quiet, reading, listening to intuition, meditation, and making space.

At Vitae, this philosophy translated into action. We introduced ketamine as an option for patients struggling with depression, anxiety, or trauma, and the positive responses have been remarkable. To support integration, counselor Sunny McKellar joined us part-time, offering therapy and guidance. I also launched EVOLV, a retreat company, because retreats transformed my own life. Stepping away to be curious, meet new people, and reconnect with myself was a turning point—and I wanted to bring that gift to others.

Now it is time for the next step. In the new year, I’m excited to announce that we will be adding a full-time psychiatric nurse practitioner and a licensed professional counselor to our clinic. These additions reflect our commitment to truly holistic care—healing body, mind, and spirit together.

At Vitae, we believe mental health isn’t separate—it is central. And by expanding our team, we are creating more pathways for our patients to experience connection, resilience, and wholeness.

Meet Tiffini Lasch, PMHNP-BC

Tiffini is a board-certified psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner with over 15 years of experience helping individuals restore balance and resilience. She blends psychotherapy and medication management with a warm, integrative approach—treating depression, anxiety, PTSD, bipolar disorder, ADHD, and more. A lifelong learner and advocate for reducing stigma, Tiffini believes mental health can always be renewed with care and compassion.

Tiffini will be joining Vitae early in the new year! Be on the lookout for an announcement about scheduling your appointment with her.

Read her full bio here.