Leading the Way: Dr. Amy Nygaard on Expanding Psychiatrist-Led Mental Health Care in Minnesota
As Compass Health Center prepares to open in Golden Valley, Minnesota, Medical Director Amy Nygaard, MD, shares how a psychiatrist-led model will expand access to evidence-based PHP and IOP care across the state—pairing same- or next-day intakes with data-informed treatment, coordinated family involvement, and close collaboration among psychiatry, primary, group, and specialized therapists. Drawing on decades of clinical and systems leadership, Dr. Nygaard discusses addressing rising anxiety, depression, and trauma in adolescents and adults, offering thoughtful (and never mandatory) medication management, and using both in-person and virtual programs to reach urban, suburban, and rural communities—helping patients stabilize safely, avoid unnecessary hospitalization when appropriate, and return to daily life with durable skills.
This interview has been lightly edited for grammar and flow. The speaker’s original meaning and intent have not been changed.
Q&A with Dr. Amy Nygaard, Medical Director, Compass Health Center – Minnesota
Britt Teasdale (BT): I’d love to learn about your professional background in psychiatry and what led you to Compass.
Dr. Amy Nygaard (AN): I grew up in Minnesota, so having Compass services here is really exciting to me. I’ve spent my career at the intersection of clinical psychiatry and systems-level mental health care. My background includes inpatient, outpatient, and specialty programs, including residential, PHP, and IOP. I served as Department Chair of Behavioral Health at a large multi-specialty organization in Minnesota and as Medical Director of a national telehealth system. In all of these roles, I’ve focused on adolescents and adults facing complex psychiatric challenges, with an emphasis on evidence-based, compassionate care.
What drew me to Compass is the commitment to accessible, collaborative, evidence-based care that never compromises on quality. Compass’s integrated model—psychiatrist-led medical care combined with collaborative therapy and family involvement—aligns with how I believe psychiatric care should be delivered.
BT: Why did you choose psychiatry? What drew you to the field?
AN: I can actually remember two early moments that drew me to psychiatry. First—this will date me—the dad on the ’80s show Growing Pains was a psychiatrist, and I thought it was such a wise and meaningful way to help people. Then, in fifth grade, friends would come to me to talk about their problems, and I remember thinking, “I might be good at this—is this a real job?”
As I moved through my education, I explored many areas of medicine, but I kept coming back to psychiatry—and especially child and adolescent psychiatry. It’s always felt like a calling for me. Working with young people and families during moments of vulnerability and growth allows me to blend science and human connection in a way that feels deeply purposeful.
BT: There’s a nationwide shortage of psychiatrists. What are your thoughts?
AN: I spent many years in outpatient psychiatry and loved the relationships, but it was frustrating to hear “I’ve been waiting months, sometimes years, to see you.” That didn’t feel right. One of the things that excites me about Compass is immediate access for people with the highest needs. We can get patients in within 24–48 hours, and they see a psychiatrist within 24 hours. PHP and IOP allow us to deliver intensive services when needed, and elevating psychiatry within a collaborative team means we can help more people. We may not quickly increase the number of psychiatrists in this country, but this model provides access to those who need it most.
BT: Our PHP and IOP programs are psychiatrist-led. Could you speak to that?
AN: Compass was started and continues to be led by two child and adolescent psychiatrists. This matters because decisions are made with medical and psychiatric care at the center. Patients don’t have to wait weeks or months for an initial psychiatric evaluation. We see them within 24 hours for evaluation or medication adjustment. As Medical Director in Minnesota, with 20+ years of experience, I help guide and oversee the clinical integrity of the care we provide.
BT: How do you ensure care remains evidence-based and medically rigorous?
AN: Two main ways. First, oversight and collaboration: I supervise medical staff, collaborate with therapists and nursing, and guide treatment planning to ensure thoughtful, individualized, evidence-based care. Second, measurement: We engage patients in the use of standardized tools—the PHQ-9, GAD-7, PCL-5, Y-BOCS, BPRS—along with daily functioning feedback. We combine metrics with qualitative input from patients, families and clinical observations to track progress, refine plans, and hold ourselves accountable to meaningful, sustained improvement—not just short-term symptom reduction.
BT: Within that, what’s the role of medication management at Compass?
AN: Medication can be critical, but it’s never the only tool. We prescribe thoughtfully, always alongside therapy. If patients arrive with current prescriptions, we review them from day one: Are they helpful? Any side effects? Are doses optimized? Is there unnecessary polypharmacy? Other patients come with no medication history; we complete a careful assessment, confirm a working diagnosis, and discuss options based on their goals. We provide psychoeducation and, because we see patients frequently in PHP and IOP, we can monitor side effects and benefits in real time. We know many people stop medications within the first month; frequent follow-up helps them get through early challenges and reach benefit—if medication is part of the plan.
BT: Is medication required?
AN: Not at all. Many patients don’t want medication, and that’s fine. We discuss goals, assess symptoms, educate on indications, risks and benefits of medication versus not taking medication, and provide therapy in sessions as appropriate. Medication is never mandatory.
BT: Can you talk about the importance of collaboration within the Compass team?
AN: It’s essential. We prioritize communication with daily rounds. Psychiatry, primary therapists, group and specialized therapists, nurses, education specialists, and our PCCs—everyone has a voice. No single provider sees the full picture. A front-desk check-in might alert us early that someone is struggling, and we adjust quickly. Throughout care, psychiatry might be adjusting a medication, the primary therapist may be processing trauma, and the family therapist might be building communication skills. Frequent touchpoints—rounds, consults, quick updates—keep us coordinated so patients progress faster and more sustainably.
BT: Would you say that’s the “magic” of PHP and IOP at Compass?
AN: Absolutely. Patients have a whole team around them. The therapist shares high-level updates so I know when to hold on medication changes and let therapy lead or vice versa. In other settings, those communications are much harder than when your colleague is right next door.
BT: If someone isn’t sure whether PHP or IOP is right for them, how do we assess that?
AN: We start with an intake. We review symptoms, goals, and level of impairment. If someone has high suicidal ideation and no distress tolerance skills, we conduct a thorough safety assessment: Do they have plan and intent, indicating possible need for hospitalization? Or are they struggling with thoughts but can be safely treated with rapid intake, a strong safety plan, and coping skills? Typically, PHP and IOP fits when mental health is impacting multiple areas—work or school, relationships, daily functioning.
BT: How do we ensure safety and stabilization without hospitalization, when appropriate?
AN: Whether at intake or during program, we do frequent safety check-ins. If distress escalates, we perform a real-time assessment, create a clear safety plan, and increase team communication, including with family or community supports. In programming we do daily check-ins and risk assessments and develop crisis response plans.
BT: What would you tell someone hesitant about PHP or IOP because of group therapy?
AN: We start by listening: Is it stigma, a prior bad experience, or the idea of group? We address their concerns and answers their questions. We explain what actually happens in group and what the schedule looks like. Much of what they need is psychoeducation and clarity about skills and what they can take away when they graduate from our program. When possible, we do intakes in person so patients can see the space and reduce unknowns. Group is a microcosm of life; communication and relationship challenges surface and can be worked through. We’ve seen people who were unsure at first later say they learned a lot from others’ perspectives. That realization of “I’m not alone” can be profoundly healing.
BT: If the first few days of group are tough, how do we support patients?
AN: We individualize. Early on, patients have many individual sessions—orientation, time with their primary therapist, psychiatrist, and family therapist—so it’s less group-heavy at the start. We make sure each patient has a go-to person. We listen and support, and we also gently challenge anxiety when it’s getting in the way. We’re not forcing anything; we’re helping patients build tolerance and confidence.
BT: From your perspective, what psychiatric challenges and trends are you seeing in Minnesota, and how will Compass help?
AN: We’re seeing increased anxiety, depression, and trauma-related disorders, especially among adolescents and young adults, and a growing need for culturally competent care. We’re building a diverse team with the expertise to meet those needs. Our programs focus on mood disorders, complex anxiety, OCD, and trauma—exactly where demand is high. Another disparity is access in rural and underserved communities. Alongside our in-person Golden Valley site, we’ll launch virtual care in Minnesota so people who can’t travel can still access PHP and IOP.
BT: What are your priorities as Medical Director in the first year?
AN: Three priorities: (1) Build a strong multidisciplinary team rooted in collaboration and compassion. (2) Establish clinical excellence from day one—training, onboarding, and outcomes measurement. (3) Build trust with providers, schools, families, and the community so Compass is recognized as a reliable, high-quality resource.
BT: What do you hope patients feel when they enter the site—or join virtually?
AN: The space is beautiful and welcoming, which matters when we are feeling anxious or depressed. I hope patients say, “I felt heard. I felt safe. I finally got the help I needed.” Our goal is that every patient and family leaves with renewed hope, better tools, and a clear path forward.
BT: Is there anything I didn’t ask that you’d like to add?
AN: For patients and families who are struggling: you’re not alone. Help is available and hope is real. At Compass, we listen, act quickly, and walk with you through the hardest parts. Don’t be afraid to reach out. We’ll be here when you’re ready.
Bios
Amy E. Nygaard, MD, is the Medical Director at Compass Health Center in Minnesota and a board-certified Child, Adolescent, and Adult Psychiatrist. She completed her medical training, residency and fellowship at the University of Minnesota, where she also served as Chief Resident in Child and Adolescent Psychiatry. Throughout her career, Dr. Nygaard has cared for children, teens, and adults in outpatient, PHP, IOP, residential, and telehealth settings, with a focus on depression, anxiety, OCD, eating disorders, and ADHD. She is passionate about meeting each patient and family with compassion, humility, and respect, creating a safe and supportive space for healing and growth. In addition to her clinical work, Dr. Nygaard has led teams across health systems to expand access to care, develop new programs and collaborative treatment models, and support clinicians in providing high-quality, patient-centered services. She is dedicated to walking alongside individuals and families on their mental health journey, helping them feel understood, empowered, and hopeful about the future. Dr. Nygaard’s dedication to integrative care, mentorship, and strategic leadership continues to inspire meaningful progress in mental health and well-being throughout the communities she serves
Britt Teasdale is a writer, photographer, and creative strategist. As Associate Director of Brand and Content at Compass Health Center, she has spent nearly a decade shaping narratives that translate complex clinical ideas into stories that resonate, reduce stigma, and help families access care. She holds a degree in Broadcast and Investigative Journalism, MFA in Creative Nonfiction Writing, and began her career as a reporter. She is also co-host of Compass’s forthcoming podcast, You Only Know What You Know.
