TUPELO, Mississippi—Vernisa Kilgore, PMHNP-BC, recently became a psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner with North Mississippi Health Services’ Behavioral Health Center. 

Kilgore earned her bachelor’s degree in nursing from Mississippi University for Women. She completed her master’s degree in nursing and nurse practitioner training with the University of South Alabama in 2024.

Kilgore joined the Behavioral Health Center in 2016 as a registered nurse and became a nursing supervisor in 2018. She served in that capacity until 2025, when she transitioned into the nurse practitioner role. 

“I chose a career in health care because caring for others has always been natural for me. It allows me to combine compassion with clinical skill to make a direct and meaningful impact,” she says. “Mental health has a profound influence on every part of a person's life, and I want to be part of improving access, breaking stigma and supporting people through their most vulnerable moments.”

Kilgore added that she is grateful to practice in an environment where “mental health is treated as an essential part of overall health and healing.”
Outside of work, she enjoys traveling, exploring new hobbies and spending time with family and friends.

Kilgore accepts appointments at the Behavioral Health Center, located at 4579 S. Eason Blvd., between 8 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday-Friday. For appointment information, call (662) 377-7590.