Stanton Hugger, MSN, PMHNP-BC
Florida Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner Specializing in Medication Management & Addiction
About Stanton
Stanton Hugger is a Board-Certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP-BC) and Advanced Certified Addictions Registered Nurse (CARN-AP). As a trusted psychiatric provider in Florida, he offers comprehensive psychiatric evaluation, diagnosis, and medication management for children, teens, and adults. Stanton works with clients both in-person and through convenient telehealth appointments, making psychiatric care accessible across the state. His approach is collaborative, non-judgmental, and holistic—viewing each client's mental health journey as unique and evolving over time.
Credentials & Education
Board-Certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP-BC) — Florida | License #APRN11024065
Advanced Certified Addictions Registered Nurse (CARN-AP)
M.S.N. in Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner from the University of North Dakota
Licensed to practice psychiatric care across Florida via telehealth and in-person appointments
Who Stanton Supports
Stanton works with:
Children and teens with ADHD — providing psychiatric evaluation, medication management, and support for focus, impulse control, and emotional regulation
Young people with autism spectrum conditions — addressing co-occurring mood regulation challenges and behavioral support
Adults navigating anxiety disorders — including generalized anxiety disorder (GAD), social anxiety, and panic disorder
Individuals experiencing depression and mood disorders — managing symptoms through evidence-based medication management and psychiatric support
People struggling with PTSD — addressing trauma-related symptoms with psychiatric care integrated with therapy
Clients and families facing substance use disorders — supporting recovery decisions, managing co-occurring mental health conditions, and providing addiction-focused psychiatric care
Adults experiencing major life transitions — managing mental health symptoms during significant change or stress
Families seeking coordinated psychiatric care — partnering with therapists, schools, and primary care providers for comprehensive treatment
Florida clients value Stanton's collaborative, patient-centered approach, his nursing background that grounds care in holistic wellness, and his commitment to both immediate symptom relief and long-term mental health.
Stanton’s Approach to Psychiatric Care
Stanton integrates evidence-based psychopharmacology with a holistic, collaborative approach. His care is patient-centered, comprehensive, and focused on empowering clients to understand their mental health and make informed choices.
He focuses on:
Conducting comprehensive psychiatric assessments — evaluating biological, psychological, and social factors before making treatment recommendations
Providing evidence-based medication management — prescribing for anxiety, depression, ADHD, PTSD, and substance use disorders with careful monitoring and adjustment
Collaborating with therapists, families, and primary care providers — creating continuity of care and ensuring integrated treatment
Using motivational interviewing — helping clients find their own reasons and confidence to make positive changes
Considering holistic factors — lifestyle, sleep, nutrition, stress, and family systems alongside medication
Offering flexible care options — in-person and telehealth appointments for accessibility across Florida
Stanton believes each client's mental health journey is unique, like painting a picture together and adding new details over time. While clients set the direction, Stanton provides medical expertise, a holistic perspective, and evidence-based treatment options to guide the process toward balance and control.
What Stanton Helps Clients With
Stanton supports Florida clients experiencing:
Anxiety disorders including GAD, social anxiety, and panic disorder
PTSD and trauma-related symptoms
Substance use disorders and addiction recovery
Autism spectrum conditions with co-occurring challenges
Mood regulation difficulties
Life transitions and adjustment
Co-occurring mental health and addiction concerns
Stanton’s Background & Training
Stanton's clinical experience includes:
Working as a psychiatric nurse practitioner with children, adolescents, and adults across outpatient psychiatry, addiction treatment, and telehealth settings
Comprehensive psychiatric assessment and psychopharmacology
Evidence-based medication management with a focus on integrating medical and psychological care
His specialized training includes:
Board Certification as a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP-BC)
Advanced Certification in Addictions Nursing (CARN-AP)
Master of Science in Nursing from the University of North Dakota
Expertise in supporting children and teens with ADHD, autism spectrum conditions, and mood regulation
Experience with adults navigating anxiety, depression, PTSD, and major life transitions
Special focus on substance use disorders and recovery
Stanton's nursing background grounds his psychiatric care in a holistic, patient-centered approach, emphasizing both immediate symptom relief and long-term mental wellness.
A Message From Stanton
"Mental health care should feel collaborative, not prescriptive. My goal is to partner with you—whether you're seeking medication management, support through a difficult time, or help navigating a diagnosis—so you can understand your mental health, make informed choices, and regain a sense of balance and control."
Ready to work with Stanton?
immediate access to compassionate and integrated psychiatric care
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the difference between a psychiatrist and a psychiatric nurse practitioner?
Both psychiatrists (MDs) and psychiatric nurse practitioners (PMHNPs) can diagnose mental health conditions and prescribe medication. The main difference is training background—psychiatrists attend medical school, while PMHNPs come from nursing backgrounds with specialized psychiatric training. As a Board-Certified PMHNP, Stanton has the same prescriptive authority as a psychiatrist in Florida and brings a holistic, patient-centered nursing perspective to psychiatric care. Many clients appreciate the collaborative, accessible approach PMHNPs offer.
Do I need therapy too, or is medication management enough?
Medication can be highly effective for managing symptoms of anxiety, depression, ADHD, and other conditions—but it works best when combined with therapy for most people. Medication addresses the biological aspects of mental health, while therapy helps you develop coping skills, process experiences, change thought patterns, and address root causes. Stanton works collaboratively with therapists to provide integrated care, ensuring you receive both psychiatric support and therapeutic intervention tailored to your needs.
How do I know if medication is right for me?
During your initial psychiatric evaluation, Stanton will assess your symptoms, history, current functioning, and goals to determine whether medication might help. Not everyone needs medication, and it's always a collaborative decision. Factors like symptom severity, impact on daily life, previous treatment attempts, and personal preferences all play a role. Stanton provides education about options, risks, benefits, and alternatives so you can make an informed choice about your care.
Can you prescribe ADHD medication for adults?
Yes. Stanton provides comprehensive ADHD evaluation and medication management for both children and adults. Many adults discover they have ADHD later in life after years of struggling with focus, organization, impulsivity, or emotional regulation. Treatment may include stimulant or non-stimulant medications, along with recommendations for therapy, coaching, and lifestyle modifications to support executive functioning and overall wellbeing.
What does medication management involve after the initial appointment?
Medication management involves regular follow-up appointments to monitor how medication is working, adjust dosages if needed, manage side effects, and ensure you're getting the intended benefits. Early on, appointments may be more frequent (every 2-4 weeks) as medication is adjusted. Once stable, follow-ups typically occur every 1-3 months. Stanton works collaboratively with you and your therapist to ensure coordinated, responsive care as your needs evolve.
Do you work with people in recovery from addiction?
Yes. As an Advanced Certified Addictions Registered Nurse (CARN-AP), Stanton specializes in supporting clients and families navigating substance use disorders and recovery. This includes managing co-occurring mental health conditions (like anxiety, depression, or PTSD) that often accompany addiction, providing medication-assisted treatment when appropriate, and collaborating with therapists and recovery programs to support sustainable, whole-person healing.