Today we’d like to introduce you to Judgette Green.
Hi Judgette, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
My passion for mental health stems from both personal experience and professional observation. I was born and raised in Jamaica, where mental health is often misunderstood and heavily stigmatized. Growing up, I saw how individuals struggling with depression, anxiety, or trauma were usually judged or dismissed rather than supported. That early exposure planted a deep desire in me to change how we talk about and treat mental health, especially in communities where stigma keeps people from seeking care.
When I came to the United States, I began my nursing career in the emergency room. Working in the ER gave me a firsthand look at how many people come in seeking help for mental health crises because they don’t have access to ongoing care or can’t get an appointment for months. I saw the same cycle over and over, patients in distress, waiting hours to be seen, only to be discharged without consistent follow-up support. Those experiences pushed me to specialize in psychiatric and mental health care, where I could be part of the solution rather than just the response.
Today, as a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner and the founder of Breath of Life Mental Health & Wellness, I’m focused on breaking barriers to access, providing compassionate care, and creating a safe space for healing. My goal is to empower individuals to seek help early, reduce stigma, and make mental wellness part of everyday life. Every patient I meet reminds me why I started, to give hope, to listen without judgment, and to help others breathe a little easier on their journey toward healing
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
The journey definitely hasn’t been smooth, but it’s been incredibly rewarding. Starting a private mental health practice comes with many challenges, especially when it comes to navigating the business and administrative side of healthcare. One of the biggest hurdles has been negotiating contracts with insurance companies. The process can be long, technical, and sometimes discouraging, but staying persistent was key because I wanted my services to be accessible and affordable for those who truly need them.
Another challenge has been building strong referral networks and establishing a visible presence in the community. Mental health is still surrounded by stigma in many places, so earning trust and helping people understand that seeking help is a sign of strength takes time. I’ve learned the importance of connecting with other providers, schools, and community organizations to create a supportive circle of care for our patients.
Through all of this, I’ve grown not only as a clinician but as a business owner and advocate. Each obstacle taught me resilience and reinforced my commitment to making mental health care more approachable, compassionate, and community-driven
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know?
Breath of Life Mental Health & Wellness was created to provide compassionate, evidence-based psychiatric care in a welcoming and stigma-free environment. We offer comprehensive medication management, diagnostic evaluation, and ongoing mental-health support for children, adolescents, and adults across North Carolina—through both in-person and tele-health services.
Our practice specializes in treating anxiety, depression, ADHD, bipolar disorder, and PTSD among others, but what truly sets us apart is the way we care for the whole person—not just the diagnosis. We take a holistic, patient-centered approach, combining clinical expertise with genuine compassion and cultural understanding.
As an organization led by a provider with over 18 years of psychiatric and emergency-care experience, we understand how critical timely access to care is. We’re proud to reduce barriers by maintaining flexible scheduling, telehealth access, and partnerships with local schools, clinics, and community providers.
Brand-wise, we’re most proud of being known for our personalized, judgment-free approach—where every client feels heard, respected, and supported. At Breath of Life, we believe mental health is not a privilege but a fundamental part of overall wellness, and our mission is to help every person breathe easier and live with renewed hope and balance.
We love surprises, fun facts and unexpected stories. Is there something you can share that might surprise us?
Something that often surprises people is that I started my career in emergency medicine, not psychiatry. Working in the ER for many years shaped my perspective on mental health, it’s where I saw firsthand how deeply emotional distress and physical health are connected. Many patients came in during moments of crisis, not because they didn’t want help, but because they didn’t have access to consistent mental health care.
Another thing people don’t always realize is how much my Jamaican roots influence my work. Coming from a culture where mental health conversations were often avoided, I’m passionate about breaking that silence and normalizing care, especially within minority and immigrant communities. My goal has always been to bring compassion, cultural understanding, and advocacy into every interaction, so people feel seen and supported no matter where they come from.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://breathoflifementalhealth.org
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/breathoflifementalhealth?igsh=bno2MXQxaXcweHRq
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/people/Breath-Of-Life-Mental-Health/61575654712286/
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/breath-of-life-mental-health
