Today we’d like to introduce you to Mya Lawrence.
Hi Mya, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
I am Mya Lawrence, MSN, APRN, PMHNP-BC, a board certified Psychiatric/Mental Health Nurse Practitioner.
I’ve proudly called Houston home since age six, having been primarily raised in the historic Acres Home community on the city’s northwest side.
Nursing is woven into the fabric of my family’s history. From LVNs to a nurse midwife who practiced long before degrees were common. Carrying on this tradition, I’m honored to be the first nurse practitioner in my family—a milestone that fills me with both pride and gratitude.
My nursing journey began at Blinn College-Brenham, where I became a Licensed Vocational Nurse (LVN) in 2013. I still remember my first clinical rotation—nervous but determined. Inspired, I returned to school, earning my Associate Degree in Nursing from Lone Star College–North Harris in 2017. Passing the RN licensure exam that year was a defining moment—I realized the sacrifices were worth it. My motivation to keep learning brought me to the University of Texas at Arlington, where I completed my Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) in 2019. Juggling full-time RN duties with my studies was challenging—I often spent entire nights studying and had no time for extracurricular activities. Sometimes, I even used my lunch breaks to catch up on coursework.
In 2021, I took another leap forward, completing my Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) as a nurse practitioner at the University of Texas Health Science Center–Houston (Cizik School of Nursing). Passing my board exam and becoming a board-certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner was not just a professional milestone—it was a deep personal victory, marking years of perseverance.
Throughout my career, moments with patients and in personal life have shaped my calling. With over a decade in psychiatry, my commitment to mental health care has remained constant through every shift in the conversation around wellness. The majority of my nursing experience has been concentrated in mental health care, including work in correctional facilities, as well as inpatient and outpatient settings, serving as an LVN, RN, and nurse practitioner. These professional roles motivated my pursuit of psychiatry. I am deeply interested in the intricacies of the mind and recognize the substantial influence that a supportive presence can have on individuals’ well-being.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
The path hasn’t always been smooth. My educational journey in nursing has been marked by steady progression and unwavering determination. Each step required dedication, and there were many moments when I questioned if I would make it to the finish line. Balancing rigorous academics, long work hours, and family responsibilities often felt overwhelming.
One of the biggest lessons for me has been realizing that nursing school prepares us so well clinically, but it does not always prepare us for the business side of private practice. As I’ve built my practice, I’ve had to learn so much along the way—operations, compliance, finances, leadership, and what it really takes to build a strong team. It’s been challenging, but it has also helped me grow in ways I never expected.
The emotional challenges along the way have been just as significant. I lost both my brother and my father—two of the people I loved most—three years apart, while also finishing my master’s degree and building my practice. It was an incredibly heavy season in my life, and there were times when I truly did not know how I was going to keep going. But my faith, along with my sense of purpose, carried me through. It reminded me why I do this work—to build trust, offer compassion, and walk alongside people as they heal. As painful as those losses were, they shaped me in lasting ways and gave me a deeper empathy for others facing their own struggles.
Looking back, I am grateful for both the struggles and the triumphs. The adversity I faced enables me to connect with patients in a meaningful way, especially those who are navigating their own hardships. My journey fuels my passion for psychiatric nursing and inspires me to advocate for mental health with greater compassion.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know?
As the founder of Path of Serenity, PLLC, I am dedicated to providing holistic psychiatric care for clients across Texas. My practice is built on a strong foundation, ensuring that I consider both physical and mental health in every treatment plan. I believe in true collaboration—engaging clients in shared decision-making and addressing the needs of the whole person.
What sets my approach apart is my commitment to not rushing appointments. For example, I always take extra time to explain medication options and answer questions, which helps clients make informed choices and improves their overall health literacy. This dedication creates a supportive environment where clients feel heard and empowered.
What means the most to me in this work is being able to walk alongside people on their mental health journeys. With specialized training in psychiatry, I assess, diagnose, and treat conditions like depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, and ADHD through medication management and brief therapy. I also support clients through stress, life transitions, insomnia, and postpartum and perinatal concerns. I try to make care as accessible as possible by offering evening and weekend appointments, accepting insurance, and providing self-pay options for those without coverage or with high-deductible plans. Because all of my appointments are virtual, clients can also access care in a way that is convenient and flexible for their lives.
If you had to, what characteristic of yours would you give the most credit to?
The qualities that have shaped my journey—faith, resilience, being a leader, and integrity—are the foundation of my success. My faith anchors me during uncertain times, reminding me that my purpose extends beyond myself and guiding me to serve others with compassion. Resilience has allowed me to persevere through setbacks and challenges, teaching me that growth often emerges from adversity. I’ve always done what felt right, regardless of popular opinion. I remember being in LVN school, expressing my interest in mental health, and many people thought I was strange for it. Yet here I am today. Integrity is the compass that directs my actions, ensuring I do what is right even when no one is watching.
Pricing:
- My office accepts most insurances including Aetna, United Healthcare, Blue Cross, Blue Shield, Cigna, and Oscar
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.mypathofserenity.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/pathofserenitytx/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MyaLawrenceNP/
