Marla Lepley-Starr

A Message from Marla Lepley-Starr

Welcome to Monarch! I am Dr. Marla P. Lepley-Starr, Doctor of Nursing Practice and Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (DNP, PMHNP-BC) at Monarch’s outpatient office in Gastonia, although I do see patients from all over North Carolina. I am what you would call a “doctor nurse” not a medical doctor. My goal is to care for your mind, body and spirit as we work together to help you better manage the issues you are struggling with.

I have spent the last 28 years working in healthcare in the community, specifically with families, women, and children. I believe in the importance of you understanding the medications and recommendations that your provider makes, probably because I am also a Nurse Educator. Making care easier to understand and simpler to manage is important to me. Although I see adults, I have a special connection with women who are pregnant/postpartum, children and LGBTQIA individuals.

There is a lot of negativity and stigma around getting care for mental health concerns. My philosophy is that this is “brain health” and it is the most valuable step a person can take for themselves. Anxiety, depression, ADHD and so on are not a choice, but a medical illness no different from diabetes or high blood pressure. We all deserve to be healthy and well.  I look forward to being on your journey towards feeling like you again!