Laurie Ray, PA-C, CAQ Psychiatry, LCSW
Laurie Ray is the founder of Advanced Practice Mental Health Associates and one of Oklahoma City's most experienced psychiatric physician assistants. She holds a Certificate of Added Qualification (CAQ) in psychiatry — a credential that reflects advanced, specialized training in psychiatric care beyond standard PA licensure — as well as licensure as a Clinical Social Worker (LCSW).
This dual credential makes Laurie uniquely positioned to care for patients from both a medical and a psychosocial perspective. She doesn't just manage medications — she understands the full human context of mental illness and brings that understanding to every patient interaction.
Approach to care
Laurie believes that great mental health care starts with genuinely listening. She takes time to understand each patient's history, goals, and challenges before developing a treatment plan. Her approach is collaborative — patients are partners in their own care, not passive recipients of a prescription.
Conditions treated
Laurie has extensive experience treating ADHD, anxiety disorders, major depression, PTSD, and bipolar disorder in adults and adolescents. She also offers weight loss management services.
Maris Heigle, MHS, PA-C
Maris Heigle is a certified physician assistant (PA-C) with a Master of Health Science (MHS) who provides psychiatric medication management at Advanced Practice Mental Health Associates in Oklahoma City. She brings a thoughtful, evidence-based approach to psychiatric care and is committed to helping patients find real, lasting relief from their mental health symptoms.
She is passionate about reducing barriers to mental health treatment and takes pride in making patients feel heard and respected from their very first appointment.
Approach to care
Maris takes a whole-person approach to psychiatric medication management — taking into account not just symptoms, but lifestyle, goals, and patient preferences. She believes in open, honest communication and works collaboratively with patients to find treatment plans that truly fit their lives.
Conditions treated
Maris has experience treating ADHD, anxiety, depression, PTSD, and bipolar disorder.
Christine Dao, PA-C
Christine Dao PA-C is dedicated to helping individuals in Oklahoma navigate a range of psychiatric conditions. With her extensive experience in diagnosing and treating mental health disorders, Christine provides comprehensive medication management to support her patients’ mental and emotional well-being.
Approach to care
Christine’s compassionate approach and expertise in psychiatric care ensure that her patients receive individualized, effective treatments tailored to their unique needs. Christine also serves diverse populations including first responders, military veterans, and the LGBTQ+ community. She is dedicated to providing inclusive care. Her goal is to help each patient develop the tools they need to lead fulfilling lives, regardless of the challenges they face.
Conditions treated
Christine focuses on fostering long-term mental health stability for those struggling with ADHD, depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, and PTSD/trauma among other conditions. She is committed to helping adults thrive despite their challenges.
When not working, Christine enjoys traveling, creating art, and spending time with her friends and family. She remains dedicated to the mental health needs of her community in Oklahoma, continuing to help patients find healing and stability.
Miguel Reyes, PA-C
Miguel Reyes is a board-certified Physician Assistant (PA-C) dedicated to providing compassionate, individualized psychiatric care. He believes that true healing begins with every patient feeling heard and validated on a personal level. By prioritizing high-quality, intentional initial dialogues, Miguel takes the time to understand every nuance of a patient’s story, allowing him to fine-tune a customized and highly effective management plan.
Approach to care
A strong advocate for a holistic approach to mental health, Miguel emphasizes the powerful role that lifestyle adjustments play in psychiatric care, recognizing that treating the whole person is often a key driver for sustainable, positive change.
To further enhance the patient experience, Miguel utilizes the latest clinical research and advanced AI technology to streamline care, ensuring his full, undivided attention remains focused on genuine, meaningful patient interaction.
Jennifer Birch, PA-C
Jennifer graduated with Distinction from The University of Oklahoma with a Master of Health Sciences degree in 2004. She has specialized in Psychiatry for 19 years and has experience in both inpatient and outpatient settings. She has proficiency in treating children and adults with severe mental illness, behavior problems, and addiction. Jennifer is a competent and compassionate provider and is currently accepting new patients.