
Mental Flex LLC.

In Person and Virtual Sessions offered

About Us
Mental Flex LLC. Is a nurse practitioner owned, psychiatric practice designed to help strengthen your mental health. Kristen and Nichole are two NJ based Board Certified Psychiatric Nurse Practitioners who met several years ago while working as staff nurses in a busy emergency room and after witnessing first hand, much of what is lacking in mental healthcare, we decided together that we wanted to help reduce stigma and help improve access to quality mental health care. Together, we attended Monmouth University's PMHNP program, graduating in May of 2021. Since then we have worked in our respective locations building our experience to be able to provide the best care to our clients.
If you are interested in nurse driven, evidence based, up to date psychiatric care, look no further than Mental Flex LLC. Where we are committed to help you strengthen your mind.
Currently we are booking virtual appointments
Our Services
At Mental Flex, we are dedicated to providing comprehensive psychiatric care to patients in need 13 and over. Our team of experienced psychiatric Nurse Practitioners offer a wide range of services to help you achieve optimal mental health.
Psychiatric Evaluations
Our psychiatric evaluations are thorough and personalized, allowing us to gain a deep understanding of your unique needs and challenges. Through a comprehensive assessment, we can develop an individualized treatment plan tailored to your specific situation.
Medication Management
Our medication management services are designed to ensure that you receive the most effective and appropriate psychiatric medications. Our Nurse Practitioners closely monitor your progress, make necessary adjustments, and provide ongoing support to help you achieve the best possible outcomes.
Genetic Testing
We offer genetic testing for psychotropic medications to help determine the most suitable treatment options for you. By analyzing your genetic profile, we can identify potential genetic factors that may affect your response to certain medications. This personalized approach allows us to optimize your treatment and minimize the risk of adverse reactions.
Meet the Team


Nichole Perez is a board certified Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner. She is a graduate of Monmouth University where she received her Masters in the Science of Nursing. She is a member of the American Nurse Association and American Psychiatric Nurses Association.
Prior to becoming a Nurse Practitioner, Nichole spent more than a decade working as a registered nurse in NJ, starting on a telemetry floor before transferring to the Emergency Room. It was during this time that her love for psychiatry developed. She felt she was able to make a difference in the whole health of her patients, and was able to understand the importance of mental health in patients across their lifespan.
Nicholes passions include decreasing generational stigma attached to mental health, early intervention for mental health, decreasing domestic violence, and trauma recovery.
Outside of work Nichole loves to travel, enjoys the outdoors and being a mom of three. She loves watching sports and having family adventures.
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner
Co-Owner
Nichole Perez PMHNP-BC
Kristen Deeken PMHNP-BC
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner
Co- Owner
Kristen Deeken is a board certified Psychiatric Nurse Practioner with over 4 years in the field. She is a graduate of Monmouth University and received her Masters in the Science of Nursing. Kristen is a member of the American Nurses Association, American Psychiatric Nurse Association, and Society of Psychiatric Advanced Practice Nurse.
Kristens background is in emergency department care, where she developed a deep compassion for individuals living with mental illness. Through firsthand experience, she witnessed the stigma surrounding psychiatric conditions and the barriers many face in accessing quality mental health care. These experiences inspired her to pursue a career focused on making compassionate, evidence-based mental health services more accessible while working to reduce stigma.
Kristen specializes in the treatment of substance use disorders, trauma, anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder, and schizophrenia. She is committed to providing patient-centered care in a supportive, nonjudgmental environment. Outside of work, Kristen enjoys spending time with her three-year-old daughter and her dog, Lucy.

Arianne Shapiro DNP PMHNP-BC
With over 28 years of nursing experience, I have dedicated my career to providing
compassionate, patient-centered care across a variety of healthcare settings. Emergency nursing
was my passion for much of my career, where I developed strong clinical skills, critical thinking
abilities, and a deep commitment to supporting patients and families during some of life's most
challenging moments.
As my professional journey evolved, I discovered a profound interest in psychiatric nursing and
the transformative impact of mental health care. This passion led me to advance my education
and become a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP).
Today, I specialize in the treatment of grief, anxiety, depression, substance use disorders,
recovery, and more. I am committed to creating a supportive, nonjudgmental environment where
individuals feel heard, respected, and empowered in their healing journey. My approach
combines clinical expertise with empathy, helping patients develop the tools and resilience
needed to achieve improved mental wellness and a better quality of life.
Drawing on nearly three decades of nursing experience, I strive to provide comprehensive,
evidence-based care that addresses the unique needs of each individual while fostering hope,
growth, and lasting recovery.
Joanne Brennan
LCADC
As a Licensed Clinical Alcohol and Drug Counselor (LCADC) dedicated to helping individuals navigate life's challenges with compassion, understanding, and evidence-based care, I believe that every person possesses the strength, resilience, and insight needed to create meaningful, lasting change. Rather than providing all of the answers, I view my role as walking alongside my clients—offering guidance, support, and practical tools while empowering them to discover the solutions that already exist within themselves.
I believe that clients are the experts on their own lives and that healing occurs through collaboration, trust, and self-discovery. I strive to create a safe, nonjudgmental environment where individuals feel heard, respected, and empowered to take an active role in their recovery and personal growth. My therapeutic approach is individualized, recognizing that no two journeys are the same.
As a Licensed Clinical Alcohol and Drug Counselor, I have extensive experience working with individuals facing substance use disorders, co-occurring mental health conditions, anxiety, depression, trauma, life transitions, and other emotional challenges. I am certified in Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT), a highly effective, evidence-based treatment for trauma and post-traumatic stress, helping clients process difficult experiences and develop healthier, more adaptive beliefs.
Whether someone is seeking support through recovery, healing from trauma, or simply working toward becoming the best version of themselves, I am committed to providing compassionate, client-centered care that fosters hope, resilience, and lasting change.
Christie
January 26, 2024
'She is absolutely amazing!!! Very caring and respectful to your needs. Takes the time to make you feel appreciated. I enjoy my conversations thank you ?'
Sarah
February 3, 2024
'I feel like Kristen takes her time and listens to me. In the past there have been experiences with providers where the appointment felt rushed and I did not feel like that at all! I was hesitant to take medication and Kristen walks me through what the medication side effects might be and how to properly take them.'
Insurance
We are in network with the following insurance plans
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Aetna
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Blue Cross Blue Shield of Massachusetts
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Blue Cross Blue Shield of NJ
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Cigna
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Horizon NJ Health
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Oscar Health
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Oxford
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United Healthcare
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Contact
Feel free to reach out to us with any questions or concerns. At Mental Flex we are here to help you to strengthen your mind.
1 Bethany Road
Suite 30
Hazlet, NJ 07730
To schedule your appointment online please click the link:
https://d2oe0ra32qx05a.cloudfront.net/?practiceKey=k_1_103901
Phone:
732-860-8732
732-540-3514
Email:
KristenDeeken@mentalflex.net
