About Us - Kathleen Prendergast, APN

Kathleen Prendergast is a psychiatric advanced  nurse practitioner, board certified by the American Nurses Credentialing Association in adolescent and  adult psychiatry/ mental health.  She graduated cum laude from Jersey City State University with a Bachelor of Science degree in Nursing. She then went on to receive a Master of Science in nursing  from Rutgers University with the specialty of Adult Psychiatry and Mental Health.

Ms. Prendergast had worked for over 30 years as a Registered Professional Nurse in a variety of areas including psychiatry, substance abuse and detox.  As a nurse practitioner, Ms. Prendergast has worked with individuals and their families in outpatient settings dealing with many diverse conditions and disorders including stress, anxiety, mood disorders, ADHD, low self esteem, crises, school difficulties and OCD.  Ms. Prendergast has served on the faculty of Rutgers University.  Ms. Prendergast has been a Clinical Expert on the Scholarly Review Committee for the American Psychiatric Nurses Association.  She is also a Board Member of the New Jersey Society of Psychiatric Advanced Practice Nurses.

Focus of Treatment

Ms. Prendergast will evaluate each patient as an individual by providing a psychiatric consultation.  Relevant medical, social and family history will be reviewed.  Specific psychological/ emotional issues that are of concern to the patient will be addressed.  Laboratory tests will be ordered if necessary to rule out any medical conditions that may be contributing to symptoms or behaviors for which the patient is seeking help.  Psychotherapy will be provided, in conjunction with psychiatric medications if necessary.   Like Dr. Rudominer, Ms Prendergast is able to treat the “whole patient” with medication and/or psychotherapy  as needed.  Referrals will be made to medical or psychological specialties as deemed necessary.

Therapeutic Approach

Nurse practitioners view the patient  from a holistic, biopsychosocial perspective.  An APN has knowledge about your mental health concerns, as well as your physical and social needs. Ms. Prendergast integrates an effective mix of therapeutic modalities including medication management in an effort to instill hope and promote recovery and wellness. She offers genuineness, empathy and respect for her patients. These personal traits and treatment modalities  add to her excellent fit with Dr. Rudominer’s practice.