Nicole Chittum, MSN, APRN, PMHNP-C
Founder & Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner
Meet Our Providers
A Note From Our Founder
Why I Founded Fortitude
“I wanted to create a different kind of psychiatric care—one where patients feel genuinely known, supported, and cared for over time.”
My background in nursing has deeply shaped the way I approach mental health care. Nursing taught me to pay attention to the details, notice subtle changes, and look at the whole person rather than a single symptom or diagnosis.
It also taught me the importance of following concerns over time and making sure meaningful details do not fall through the cracks. That mindset remains at the heart of how I care for my patients today.
I created Fortitude to offer a place where patients do not feel rushed or left to navigate their care alone—a place where someone is truly paying attention to how they are doing, what has changed, and what may need a closer look.
I believe patients deserve thoughtful follow-through, continuity, and a provider who keeps their best interests at the center of every decision.
The name Fortitude reflects the courage it takes to seek support, face life's challenges, and keep moving forward. My goal is to provide a space where patients feel heard, understood, and supported on their path toward greater stability and well-being.
Warmly,
Nicole Chittum
Founder, Fortitude Mental Health Group
MSN, APRN, PMHNP-C
Thoughtful psychiatric care
Centered around the whole person
Why I Founded Fortitude
” I founded Fortitude Mental Health Group because I wanted to create a different kind of psychiatric care—one where patients feel genuinely known, supported, and cared for over time.
My background in nursing has deeply shaped the way I approach mental health care. Nursing taught me to pay attention to the details, notice subtle changes, and look at the whole person rather than a single symptom or diagnosis. It taught me to follow concerns over time and make sure important details don’t fall through the cracks. That mindset remains at the heart of how I care for my patients today.
I wanted to create a practice where patients don’t feel rushed or left to navigate their care alone—a place where someone is truly paying attention to how they’re doing, what’s changed, and what may need a closer look. I believe patients deserve thoughtful follow-through, continuity, and a provider who keeps their best interests at the center of every decision.
The name Fortitude reflects the courage it takes to seek support, face life’s challenges, and keep moving forward. My goal is to provide a space where patients feel heard, understood, and supported on their path toward greater stability and well-being. “
Nicole Chittum, MSN, APRN, PMHNP-C, Founder of Fortitude Mental Health Group
Meet Our Clinical Team
The Providers Behind Fortitude
Meet the clinicians who support Fortitude’s commitment to thoughtful, personalized psychiatric care.
Jayanta K. Pal, MD
Collaborating Psychiatrist
The Providers Behind Fortitude
Meet the clinicians who support Fortitude’s commitment to thoughtful, personalized psychiatric care.
Nicole Chittum, MSN, APRN, PMHNP-C
Founder & Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner
Our Values
Compassionate Care
We listen with empathy and treat every patient with dignity, respect, and understanding
Thoughtful & Attentive
We pay attention to the details, monitor changes over time, and follow through on concerns that deserve a closer look.
Collaborative Approach
We partner with you to create personalized treatment plans aligned with your needs, preferences, and goals.
A Safe Space to Feel Heard
We understand that seeking mental health care takes courage. That’s why we’ve created a welcoming, judgment-free environment where you can speak openly about your experiences and challenges.
- A welcoming, judgment-free environment
- Thoughtful attention to the details that matter
- Respect for your voice, preferences, and goals
- Respect for your autonomy and goals
Start Your Journey
We’re here to support you every step of the way.
Take the first step toward greater balance and empowerment.