Prudence Psychiatry was founded with a simple but powerful belief: quality mental health care should be thoughtful, patient-centered, evidence-based, and grounded in both science and compassion. We recognize that seeking help can feel overwhelming, and we are committed to making the process as comfortable and clear as possible.
Our clinic provides comprehensive outpatient psychiatric services for a wide range of mental health concerns. We value collaboration, transparency, and education. Our goal is not only to treat symptoms, but also to help you understand your diagnosis, your medications, and your options, so you can make informed decisions about your care.
We aim to support emotional wellness, functional recovery, and long-term resilience by combining evidence-based treatments with genuine human connection.
Every person deserves to be treated with respect, empathy, and understanding.
We use current, research-supported approaches to diagnosis and treatment.
You are an active partner in your care. We work together to develop your plan.
We consider biological, psychological, social, and environmental factors.
Treatment is tailored to your specific needs, preferences, and goals.
Your confidentiality, safety, and trust are central to our work.
Prudence Psychiatry is led by a double board-certified psychiatrists with over 20 years of combined experience in delivering exceptional patient care.
Dr. Shanthi Gatla is a dual board-certified psychiatrist specializing in the care of children, adolescents, and adults. She provides compassionate, evidence-based treatment for patients ages six and older, with a focus on comprehensive, family-centered psychiatric care. Dr. Gatla has extensive experience evaluating and treating a wide range of mental health conditions affecting children, adolescents, and adults.
Dr. Gatla completed her residency training in Adult Psychiatry at the University of South Alabama in 2019, followed by a Child and Adolescent Psychiatry Fellowship in 2021. In addition to her clinical work, she is actively involved in medical education and serves as a core faculty member in a psychiatry residency program, where she has spent the past five years mentoring resident physicians and teaching medical students.
Outside of her professional work, Dr. Gatla enjoys traveling with family and friends, watching movies, and spending time relaxing with her favorite Netflix series.
Caitlin Hibbett, FNP, PMHNP, is a board-certified psychiatric nurse practitioner with several years of outpatient experience caring for children and adults. She focuses on medication management for ADHD, anxiety, depression, mood disorders, and behavioral issues, tailoring treatment plans to each child’s strengths, challenges, and family context.
Caitlin completed her Family Nurse Practitioner degree at the University of Alabama in Huntsville and earned her Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner certificate from the University of Cincinnati. She emphasizes clear communication with families, collaborative decision-making, and integrating developmental and behavioral perspectives into medication planning.
Warm and approachable, Caitlin aims to create a supportive environment where young patients and their families feel heard and empowered. Outside of work, she enjoys spending time with her family, pets and exploring the great outdoors.
Shyann Windham, PMHNP-BC, is a board-certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner with extensive experience in both outpatient psychiatry and long-term geriatric care settings. She specializes in the medication management of depression, anxiety disorders, mood disorders, schizophrenia, and ADHD, with a strong emphasis on evidence-based, individualized treatment planning.
Shyann earned her Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner certification from University of North Alabama. Her clinical approach is rooted in patient-centered care, recognizing that collaborative treatment planning is essential to achieving optimal outcomes.
She believes that clear, open communication forms the foundation of effective psychiatric care. Shyann is committed to fostering a supportive and respectful environment where patients feel heard, valued, and empowered throughout their treatment journey. Her goal is to create a positive, compassionate experience for every individual she serves.
Outside of her professional practice, Shyann enjoys spending quality time with her family and exploring new destinations through travel.
Mary-Francis Rice, PMHNP-BC, is a board-certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner with extensive inpatient psychiatric nursing experience. She specializes in the medication management of OCD, anxiety, depression, & mood disorders among other psychiatric conditions.
Mary-Francis is a Shoals native who earned her Master's degree in Nurse Education as well as her Post master's PMHNP here in Florence at the University of North Alabama. Her approach to care is rooted in compassion, collaboration, and shared decision-making. She believes patients should be active participants in their treatment, and she strives to create an environment where you feel comfortable, respected, and empowered.
Her goal is to meet you where you are, listen without judgment, and work alongside you to find a path toward feeling your best.
Micheala Nunnelly, LPC is a licensed professional counselor with several years of outpatient, geriatric, outreach and crisis counseling experience. Micheala provides talk therapy and works with a wide variety of diagnoses. Her specialties and areas of experience include Bipolar Disorder, schizophrenia, schizoaffective disorder, anxiety, depression, working with the LGBTQ population, OCD, personality disorders, autism, ADHD, adjustment difficulties, and trauma.
Micheala completed her Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology and her Master’s Degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling at the University of North Alabama. Micheala works in a person-centered approach and tailors her counseling to best meet the clients where they are in their healing journey. Micheala strives to foster a welcoming, safe, non-judgemental space for clients to explore and process feelings freely, while encouraging open communication to empower clients to play an active role in their individual healing.
Outside of her professional practice, Micheala enjoys spending time with family, traveling, spending time in nature, crocheting and other crafts.
Rachel Estes is the Office Manager at Prudence Psychiatry. She earned her degree in Healthcare Administration from Auburn University and has worked in the medical field since 2021.
Rachel is passionate about helping create an organized, supportive environment where both patients and providers feel comfortable and cared for. She focuses on practice operations, patient coordination, and ensuring the office runs smoothly so the clinical team can provide the highest quality mental health care.
Combined Years Exp.
Double Board-Certified MD
Patient-Centered
Prompt Scheduling
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