Maxim Badea

As a psychiatric nurse practitioner at Auburn Psychological Wellness Center (APWC), I treat patients 13 years and older with a wide range of mental health concerns. These are some areas of expertise:

Seeking mental health care can feel overwhelming, but you do not have to navigate it alone. My goal is to provide a welcoming, judgment-free environment where you feel comfortable discussing your concerns, challenges, and goals. Together, we will take time to understand your unique experiences, explore effective treatment options, and develop a plan tailored to your individual needs. Whether you are struggling with anxiety, depression, life transitions, stress, or other mental health concerns, I am committed to helping you move toward healing, recovery, and improved well-being.

Our initial appointment for your comprehensive psychiatry services is 60 minutes and focuses on understanding your background, current concerns, symptoms, and treatment history. We will review any current or past medications, explore treatment options, and work together to develop a personalized plan tailored to your needs. This may include medication management when appropriate, along with recommendations and resources designed to support your progress and help you achieve your treatment goals.

Follow-up appointments are 30 minutes and provide an opportunity to assess progress, address concerns, and make adjustments to treatment as needed. My approach is collaborative and patient-centered, with an emphasis on open communication, trust, and individualized care. I want every patient to feel heard, respected, and confident that their treatment plan reflects their unique goals and circumstances.

My Approach to Higher Risk Medications

Your physical and psychological safety is important to me. At this time in my work with APWC, I do not prescribe substances with a high potential for abuse or dependence. These medications include stimulants (including stimulants for ADHD symptoms), benzodiazepines, some anxiolytics, and sedative-hypnotics. I am happy to discuss alternatives for managing your symptoms of concern. If you already have prescriptions for these higher risk medications when you establish care with me, we will determine a plan to decrease your risk of withdrawal while reducing or eliminating these medications. In some cases, we may determine that maintaining this prescription under another provider is the right medical choice for you.

About Me

I am originally from Snellville, Georgia, and earned my undergraduate degree from Georgia College & State University. I later completed my Doctor of Nursing Practice degree with a Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner specialty at The University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB).

Throughout my education and training, I have developed a strong passion for mental health care. In addition, I have had the opportunity to work in a variety of healthcare settings, including UAB Hospital and Piedmont. These experiences have allowed me to care for individuals facing a wide range of mental health concerns and have reinforced my commitment to providing compassionate, evidence-based treatment.

Outside of work, I enjoy gardening, fishing, and spending time outdoors whenever I can.