Today we’d like to introduce you to Lilia Becerra Hatcher.
Hi Lilia, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I began my healthcare journey in 1990 as a surgical tech, while also working as a nurse assistant and secretary in labor & delivery. After years of experience in various clinical roles, I became a registered nurse at the age of 40, with a background spanning ICU, Emergency Department, Med-Surg, psychiatric nursing, and leadership. My passion for mental health and patient-centered care continued to grow, leading me to pursue my Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner degree, which I completed in November 2024 at the age of 62. Today, in September 2025, I am proud to run my own psychiatric practice, bringing personalized, holistic mental health care to our community.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
The road has definitely not been entirely smooth, but every challenge has shaped my journey. Returning to school and advancing my career later in life came with its own set of obstacles—balancing family, work, and studies, and facing the doubts that often come with pursuing something at my age. Transitioning across multiple specialties from ICU to Med-Surg, Emergency Department, psychiatric nursing, and leadership required constant learning and adaptation. But each experience strengthened my skills, resilience, and commitment to providing compassionate, patient-centered care. Those struggles made the achievement of opening my own psychiatric practice this year even more rewarding.
We’ve been impressed with Consoling Minds Psychiatry PLLC, but for folks who might not be as familiar, what can you share with them about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
Our practice is a patient-centered psychiatric private practice in Garner, NC founded with the goal of providing individualized, holistic mental health care. We specialize in psychiatric evaluations, medication management, ADHD assessments, and innovative treatments like Spravato (Esketamine) for treatment-resistant depression. We also integrate personalized approaches, including pharmacogenomic testing through GeneSight, to help guide medication choices and improve outcomes.
What sets us apart is our combination of clinical expertise, compassion, and accessibility. There are very few Spravato certified practices in Johnston County, and we bring this advanced treatment to patients who may otherwise have limited options. Our team emphasizes creating a warm, supportive environment where patients feel heard, empowered, and involved in their care.
We are most proud of building a practice that blends cutting-edge treatment with genuine human connection. Our readers should know that we are dedicated not just to managing symptoms, but to helping individuals reclaim their quality of life and achieve wellness through personalized, evidence-based care.
Are there any important lessons you’ve learned that you can share with us?
I have learned it is never too late to pursue your passion and make a meaningful impact. From surgical tech to Registered Nurse in ICU, ED, Med-Surg, Psychiatry, and leadership, every step taught me resilience and the importance of putting patients first.
As a former teen mom and former single parent, I know challenges are part of the journey, but pursuing goals that fulfill us is always possible.
Running a family-owned practice alongside my husband, also a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner, has made this dream a reality, allowing us to provide personalized, compassionate mental health care to our community.
Contact Info:
- Website: consolingminds.com
- Youtube: https://youtu.be/RGqWmAgKeLo?si=fiSQZDbel7M_wgwI
