Denna Zayed, MSN, APRN, PMHNP-BC

Telehealth, Behavioral Health

Why did you become a healthcare provider?

Mental health has always been personal to me. I’ve had loved ones struggle with mental health challenges, and I often wished I had the knowledge and tools to truly help them. That desire to understand and support the people I care about led me into this field—and the more I learned, the more I realized how critical mental health is, not just for others, but for myself as well. I’ve come to understand that mental health is the foundation of everything—our relationships, our work, our ability to cope with life. It’s just as important as physical health, if not more. Through this journey, I’ve also learned to prioritize and care for my own mental well-being, and I believe that makes me a more empathetic and grounded provider.

Do you have hobbies or a way you like to spend your time away from work?

Outside of work, I love to travel and play tennis. Traveling gives me a chance to step out of routine, explore new cultures, and reset mentally—it’s like a recharge for the soul. And tennis is my favorite way to stay active; it keeps me focused, competitive, and it’s a great stress reliever after a long week

What do you enjoy or find most fulfilling about caring for patients?  


What I find most fulfilling about caring for psychiatric patients is being able to witness real human resilience. Even in moments of deep struggle—when someone is battling depression, psychosis, trauma, or anxiety—there’s a spark of hope, and being part of the process that helps reignite it is incredibly powerful. I also value the deep connections that come from listening without judgment.

Psychiatric care requires presence, patience, and empathy, and when a patient feels seen and safe enough to open up, that trust is a gift. Helping someone reclaim their sense of self, even slowly, is incredibly rewarding. It’s not always easy—progress can be non-linear—but the moments when someone starts to feel better, gain insight, or even just feel less alone… those are the moments that make it all worthwhile