A TaraVista Nurse Leader Shares Why Psychiatric Nursing Was Her Calling
By Michelle Mascitti, RN, BSN, Associate Chief Nursing Officer at TaraVista Behavioral Health Center
I always loved psychiatric nursing and knew early on it was where I was meant to be. I was drawn to the human side of behavioral health nursing — helping people through difficult moments, creating calm during chaos, and reminding patients they were not alone.
Still, nearly a decade into my nursing career at TaraVista Behavioral Health Center, a thank you note from a patient stopped me in my tracks.
“The kind of patience and kindness you gave me was rare. Thank you for being the safe place in the storm when I needed it most.”
Those words stayed with me because they capture what mental health nursing is truly about.
Patients entering inpatient behavioral health treatment are often overwhelmed, emotionally exhausted, anxious, or hopeless. As behavioral health nurses, we help patients feel safe, supported, stabilized, and hopeful again. Sometimes the most meaningful care comes through consistency, compassion, teamwork, and simply showing up for someone when they need it most.
Behavioral health nursing goes far beyond clinical tasks. It is communication, observation, collaboration, empathy, and human connection. It challenges you professionally while also giving you the opportunity to make a lasting difference in someone’s life.
What many nurses discover when they enter this field is how deeply rewarding behavioral health nurse jobs can be.
You spend time talking with patients. You learn their stories. You work alongside multidisciplinary teams to support recovery and healing. You celebrate progress — sometimes in very small but meaningful ways. There is tremendous fulfillment in watching someone regain confidence, reconnect with loved ones, or begin believing things can improve.
I began my journey at TaraVista Behavioral Health Center when the hospital first opened its doors nearly 10 years ago. Over the years, I have had the opportunity to grow alongside the organization through the challenges of the pandemic, the growing mental health crisis, and the increasing need for accessible inpatient behavioral health care in Central Massachusetts.
What has kept me here is the culture and the people.
At TaraVista, behavioral health care is truly team-based care. Nurses work closely with mental health counselors, therapists, social workers, psychiatrists, and leaders who value collaboration, mentorship, and professional growth. We support one another, learn from one another, and recognize the unique strengths each person brings to patient care.
For nurses considering behavioral health nursing careers for the first time, my advice is simple: keep an open mind.
This specialty may not always receive the same visibility as other areas of healthcare, but it offers something incredibly powerful — the opportunity to connect deeply with patients while helping address one of the most important healthcare needs of our time.
Mental health care is health care.
And the nurses who choose this work are helping lead the future of compassionate, patient-centered care.
If you are looking for a nursing career where teamwork matters, leadership is accessible, and purpose drives the work, behavioral health nursing may be exactly where you belong.
Explore careers with Team Tara at TaraVista Careers!
About Michelle
Michelle Mascitti, RN, BSN, has been part of TaraVista Behavioral Health Center since the very beginning, joining the hospital when its doors first opened nearly 10 years ago. Her career as both a nurse and leader has grown alongside TaraVista through the challenges of the pandemic and the growing mental health epidemic facing communities across the country.
Known for being steady, reliable, and deeply invested in her team, Michelle leads by example each day. Her calm presence, strong clinical knowledge, and commitment to supporting both patients and staff have made her a trusted mentor and role model throughout the organization.
To hear more about Michelle’s journey and perspective on behavioral health nursing, check out her conversation here:
Meet Michelle, Building Careers and Compassion at TaraVista.
