Portia Risper, DNP, FNP-BC, PMHNP-C

Portia Risper, DNP, FNP-BC, PMHNP-C, is a double board-certified family and psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner with more than 26 years of professional nursing experience. Her career reflects a deep commitment to compassionate, patient-centered care, leadership, and lifelong learning.

Risper, DNP, began her nursing career as a licensed practical nurse (LPN) in 2000, practicing in that role for 11 years before earning her Associate Degree in Nursing from Columbus Technical College in 2012. She later obtained her Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) from Columbus State University in 2013.

While serving as director of nursing and successfully managing a 162-bed nursing and rehabilitation facility, Risper, DNP, pursued advanced education with determination and passion. She earned her Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) with a specialization in family nurse practice from Walden University.

During the initial inception of the SilverCare Behavioral Health Unit at Upson Regional Medical Center, Risper, DNP, served for several years as the primary nurse practitioner, providing specialized care to geriatric patients with complex medical and psychiatric needs. She later transitioned into outpatient mental health services, caring for patients across the lifespan.

In 2020, during the COVID-19 pandemic, Risper, DNP, completed her Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) degree at Walden University. She successfully developed and defended her doctoral capstone project titled, Staff Education Program for Nurses Caring for Patients with Medical Decline on a Geriatric Psychiatric Unit, which is published through ProQuest.

Driven by a longstanding passion for mental health advocacy and holistic patient care, Risper, DNP, continued her education by earning a post-master’s certification as a psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner from The University of Alabama in 2022.

Risper, DNP, previously owned and operated Revive Integrative Health and Wellness before returning to inpatient psychiatric and mental health services. Throughout her career, she has practiced in numerous specialty areas, including mobile primary care, emergency nursing as an ER charge nurse, long-term geriatric care, infection control, wound care, and behavioral health.

Her dedication to treating the whole patient by integrating both mental and physical healthcare continues to fuel her passion for lifelong learning, improving patient outcomes, and delivering high-quality, compassionate care that enhances quality of life for the individuals and communities she serves.