Kindly note: At this time, Lumina Psychiatry is a telehealth-only practice, providing care to residents across the states of Oregon, Idaho, and New York.
About tHE Owner
Kate Burris is a doctorally trained Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner with a robust academic and professional background dedicated to mental health. Dr. Burris earned a Bachelor of Science in Psychology from Oregon State University, followed by a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Duke University. She further specialized by obtaining a Doctor of Nursing Practice in Psychiatric Mental Health from Pacific Lutheran University.
From a young age, Kate was captivated by the complexities of the mind—so much so that she bought her first DSM at just 12 years old. In high school, she eagerly enrolled in every psychology elective offered, all while working as a pharmacy technician and volunteering with children facing mental health challenges in a hospital setting. All while being a 4-sport athlete!
Her passion for mental health only grew stronger in college, where she gained hands-on experience as a Child and Adolescent Treatment Specialist at a psychiatric residential treatment center and as a Mental Health Support Specialist at a transitional home for adults with psychiatric conditions. She also volunteered at a juvenile detention center and, during graduate school, dedicated time to supporting individuals in crisis through the Crisis Text Line.
While Kate always knew psychology was her calling, she wanted to explore the broader world of healthcare before fully committing to psychiatry. As a nurse, she dove into a variety of specialties, accumulating over a decade of bedside experience in areas like telemetry, neurology, trauma, transplant, and medical/surgical intensive care units. She even worked as a travel nurse in New York during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic. Her journey took her to some of the most prestigious hospitals in the country, including the Mayo Clinic, Duke Hospital, and New York Presbyterian Columbia Hospital. Though her heart ultimately led her to psychiatry, she values every moment spent in these diverse roles, knowing that her broad clinical background has shaped her into a well-rounded, empathetic psychiatric nurse practitioner.​
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​​When it came time to pursue graduate studies, Kate was meticulous. She researched top programs across the country, ultimately choosing Pacific Lutheran University for its innovative curriculum. The program stood out with courses like “Primary Care for Psychiatry” and an intensive, year-long focus on psychotherapy—features she couldn’t find elsewhere. Her program director and primary preceptor had recently been named the top psychiatric nurse practitioner in the nation, solidifying Kate’s confidence that she was in the right place to grow into the holistic, patient-centered provider she aspired to be.​​
​​For her doctoral project, Kate wanted to make a meaningful impact. She became a certified instructor for Mental Health First Aid and taught the curriculum to correctional officers at Monroe Correctional Facility. Her research analyzed both Mental Health Literacy Scale scores and Use of Force Incident reports before and after the training. The results? Statistically significant improvements across the board, proving that her hard work was not only challenging but also deeply rewarding.
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With her telehealth practice, Kate is committed to expanding access to quality psychiatric care, ensuring individuals can receive the support they need in a timely and effective manner. Her passion lies in helping people become the best versions of themselves. As a lifelong learner and dedicated educator, she enjoys finding creative ways to spark curiosity, inspire movement, and reintroduce joy and fulfillment into her patients' lives. Her approach blends evidence-based practices with a genuine desire to connect, motivate, and empower those she serves.
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Outside of her professional life, Kate loves to stay active. Whether she’s hiking, walking her dog, or engaging in a spirited game of pickleball, movement is a key part of her routine. She’s an avid reader with a soft spot for both murder mysteries and psychology books, and she enjoys playing the piano to unwind. Competitive board games like Monopoly and Scrabble are staples at family gatherings, often leading to laughter-filled, memorable moments. These hobbies not only bring her joy but also reflect the balance and holistic approach she brings to her practice—because mental health is about more than just clinical care; it’s about living a life that feels full and meaningful.