Shelby Center, APRN, Joins St. Claire Counseling

Within just a few moments of speaking with Shelby Center, APRN, anyone would know her true passion. Center thrives on providing support for the mental health disorders that many people in Eastern Kentucky face every day.

UK St. Claire (SCH) is excited to announce that Center will be carrying her passion to care for the community to St. Claire Counseling.

“I was born and raised in Mt. Sterling and now reside in Owingsville,” said Center. “I feel so lucky to have the opportunity to continue my career so close to home. Kentucky is saturated with mental health disorders that often go untreated. I hope I can make a difference in that.”

Center earned her bachelor’s degree in nursing from Morehead State University and a master’s degree in psychiatric nursing practice from Eastern Kentucky University. She also holds credentials as a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner through Eastern Kentucky University’s Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner program.

“My original plan was to solely study psychology because it always intrigued me. I later found that I was drawn to the clinical experience of psychology and later switched to nursing,” said Center. “I honestly didn’t even realize how much psychology is involved in nursing until I started nursing school.”

Center began her nursing career as a technician in a behavioral health unit and grew to love the profession. Her career path later led her to work in a Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) for clinical experience.

“I’ve always loved babies, so I was naturally drawn to working in the NICU. I found myself favoring babies that were suffering from neonatal abstinence syndrome (NAS), babies that are born with substance addiction,” said Center. “My compassion for these babies and their families led me to be a part of opening a NAS NICU. That was a really rewarding point in my career.”

Serving the parents and families of those babies was the stepping stone Center needed to lead her to the career she is starting at SCH.

“I’m excited to now be offering counseling services at St. Claire Counseling,” said Center. “I’m ready to support the people in my community and build trusting relationships with my patients.”

St. Claire Counseling offers treatment through a team of nurses, licensed therapists, and psychiatrists who work with individuals to address their unique problems and needs. Virtual or in-person appointments are available at St. Claire Counseling by calling 606.783.6805. You can also request an appointment online at www.st-claire.org/appointment.