About A Better Day Psychiatry

A Better Day Psychiatry believes mental health is integral towards living a happy and fulfilling life, and it is something that requires careful tending. Wellness can be maintained in many ways such as through friends and family, exercise, and pursuing your passions.  Additionally, it can be important to address biological vulnerabilities, environmental influences, and the unique ways each individual copes with stress to fully enhance one’s ability to function.  The practice strives to alleviate suffering and focus on improving patients’ relationships, school or work-life balance, and ultimate acceptance of the self. Research consistently shows that the best way to achieve these goals are through the combination of medications and therapy. Providers have the preference to pursue wellness first through therapy, improving nutrition, exercise, and optimizing sleep patterns. However, medications may also be needed, and with my medical background providers can prescribe them using safety and the newest evidenced based practices are top priorities. Lastly, we feel  the therapeutic alliance, or the partnership between a psychiatrist and patient, is essential for an individual to receive the greatest possible benefits from the therapy.

Meet Your Providers

Dr. Jordan Gardner

Dr. Jordan Gardner is a Board Certified Adult and Child/Adolescent Psychiatrist. Dr. Gardner participated in the prestigious Medical Scholars Program, the 7-year combined B.S./M.D. program at the University of Miami Miller School of Medicine. He completed his residency and fellowship at the University of Colorado School of Medicine where he received the Dr. Judy Hu Award for leadership among residents as well as was recognized for outstanding service in the area of child advocacy.

Dr. Gardner lives in Golden, CO. He is passionate about travel, the outdoors, reading, advocating for increasing access to mental health care, and rescuing animals.

Accepts most Cigna and UnitedHealthcare plans in CO

Monique Carrera

Monique Carrera is a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner and avid supporter of improving the accessibility to mental health services in her community. She promotes a safe and judgement-free environment for clients to share their concerns. Monique places a strong emphasis on patient-provider collaboration, working with her clients to determine how to best achieve their goals.

She earned her Bachelor of Arts in Communication Studies in 2012 and her Bachelor of Science in Nursing in 2015. She pursued her graduate education at the University of Colorado Colorado Springs, earning a Master of Science in Nursing in 2021. She is board-certified by the American Nurses Credentialing Center.

Sunny Sim

Hello! I am a board-certified Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner dedicated to helping individuals overcome life’s challenges and achieve mental wellness. I am passionate about delivering compassionate, evidence-based care to those navigating their mental health journeys.

My approach is holistic and collaborative—I work closely with each patient to develop personalized treatment plans that honor their unique experiences and goals. Whether through therapy, medication management, or a combination of both, my aim is to empower you to take charge of your mental health and thrive.

Before becoming a nurse practitioner, I gained extensive experience as a nurse in diverse settings, supporting individuals from various backgrounds. I earned my Master’s in Nursing from the University of Pennsylvania, where I deepened my commitment to mental health care and evidence-based practices.

Outside of work, I enjoy continuous learning, exploring new cities, and building meaningful connections that create a positive impact. If you’re ready to take the next step in your journey toward healing and growth, I’m here to support and guide you every step of the way!

Meet Our Staff

Brittany Plaven
Lead Research and Content Writer 

Brittany is the content writer at A Better Day Psychiatry. She has a PhD in Health Promotion and Education and has authored a textbook for teens, The Teen Lifestyle Medicine Handbook: The Power of Healthy Living
Brittany is also a Professor at Metropolitan State University of Denver.

Sarah Neitzel
Practice Manager

Sarah is the office manager at A Better Day Psychiatry. She has a Master’s in Organizational Communication and manages everything from scheduling, to communication, to patient happiness. Sarah owns her own business and prides herself on being an attentive mom to her two littles.

FAQs

At A Better Day Psychiatry, we want you to be informed and empowered in understanding the clinical process of pediatric psychiatry. Below are answers to frequently asked questions.

Do you Take Insurance?

Insurance acceptance varies by provider at A Better Day Psychiatry (ABD). While we strive to have a provider for every insurance, we may also function as an out-of-network provider.  Most insurance companies will provide partial (60-80% reimbursement) or full coverage for services rendered by a Denver psychiatrist. You must check with your insurance company for specific benefits applicable to your plan. Additionally, psychotherapy and medication treatment is an allowable expense for your Health Spending Account (HSA) or Flexible Spending Account (FSA). We will provide an itemized bill that you can submit to your insurance company or HSA/FSA flexible for your entitled reimbursement.

Do you offer in-person psychiatry in Denver?

The practice offers tele video as an online telepsychiatrisy and in-office visits in Colorado.  
Our office location is:

1726 Cole Blvd
Suite 121
Golden CO 80401

Please contact us at info@abetterdaypsych.com to get on the waiting list for in person appointments.

Is what I tell you confidential?

The security of your sensitive information is of utmost importance to all providers, and we are bound by law to protect your confidentiality. Any disclosure of your treatment to others will require your explicit written consent. However, as a licensed psychiatrist,  we are  mandated reporters under certain situations. If indications of child abuse or planned bodily harm to oneself or to others come to light during treatment, we are  legally bound to report these to the appropriate authorities.

What are your prices?

Each provider has different rates based on years of experience. Please contact us for more detailed pricing.

Do you accept medicare or medicaid?

Unfortunately, A Better Day Psychiatry does not accept medicare or medicaid and we are not covered under those insurances.

Contact Us

If you have any inquiries or wish to book an appointment, you can contact us by emailing info@abetterdaypsych.com or calling us at (720) 213-6109. Our providers are available to assist you with any questions and scheduling needs.

Social media & sharing icons powered by UltimatelySocial