Meet your Provider

Joanna Makowski, PMHNP-BC, APRN, MSN is a board-certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner and the founder of Inner Balance Mental Health & Wellness. She earned her Bachelor of Science in Nursing, with a minor in Psychology, from Elmhurst College. Her early experience as a Registered Nurse included caring for individuals living with autism spectrum disorders, depression, anxiety, substance use disorders, trauma-related conditions, and other complex mental health concerns. While working within the Veterans Health Administration, she recognized the growing need for accessible, compassionate psychiatric care — a realization that inspired her to advance her education and specialize in mental health.

She went on to earn her Master of Science in Nursing from Walden University and completed her Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner certification.

Joanna provides personalized, evidence-based psychiatric care with a whole-person approach. She believes true wellness comes from addressing not only symptoms, but also the underlying stressors, experiences, and life transitions that shape each individual’s journey. Through secure telehealth services, she provides compassionate psychiatric care to children, adolescents, adults, and older adults throughout Illinois.

Outside of her professional life, Joanna enjoys spending time with her husband, four children, traveling, and embracing the outdoors — activities that help her maintain her own sense of balance and wellness.