Francette Dubuche Bernard, APRN

Dr. Francette Dubuche Bernard, DNP, PMHNP-BC, FNP-C, is a distinguished dual-certifiedpsychiatric mental health and family nurse practitioner with over 15 years of diverse clinical experience across behavioral health, addiction medicine, medical-surgical care, and community-based services. A leader in holistic, culturally responsive psychiatric care, Dr. Bernard is deeply committed to improving mental health outcomes through evidence-based practice, compassion, and collaborative care.

Dr. Bernard earned her Doctor of Nursing Practice from Chamberlain University and completed post-master’s certification in Psychiatric Mental Health from Washburn University. Her academic path also includes a Master of Science in Nursing (FNP) from Walden University and a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Clayton State University. Prior to her transition to healthcare, Dr. Bernard trained in philosophy, linguistics, and education at the State University of Haiti, enriching her ability to serve diverse populations with empathy and cultural fluency—she is fluent in French and Haitian Creole, with working knowledge of Spanish.

Her career spans extensive work in inpatient psychiatric facilities, outpatient mental health clinics, and substance abuse recovery centers, including long-term roles at Twin Lakes Recovery Center, Lakeview Behavioral Health, Riverwoods Behavioral Health, and Ridgeview Institute. She is known for her clinical precision in psychiatric assessment and diagnosis, detox protocol initiation, 1013 emergency evaluations, and development of comprehensive treatment plans for children, adolescents, and adults facing complex mental health conditions.

Dr. Bernard has also served as a psychiatric consultant for numerous private mental health practices throughout Georgia and is credentialed with Piedmont Healthcare. Her experience includes leading multidisciplinary teams, supervising nursing personnel, and preparing patients for transitions in levels of care. Her professional excellence is matched by her dedication to maintaining safety, compliance, and optimal therapeutic outcomes in every setting.

With unwavering dedication to mental health advocacy, trauma-informed care, and patient empowerment, Dr. Bernard continues to be a pillar in the Georgia behavioral health community, championing access to quality care for vulnerable and underserved populations.