Additional Accolades
- American Psychiatric Association (Fellow)
- American Society of Addiction Medicine
- American Academy of Addiction Psychiatry
- American Medical Association
- Florida Psychiatric Association
- National Alliance on Mental Illness.
Our facility has a higher success rate than other similar treatment facilities.
Meet Our Medical Director at Banyan Sebring & Banyan Tampa
Dr. Narissa Etwaroo MD, FAPA
Dr. Narissa Etwaroo is a board-certified psychiatrist and addiction specialist dedicated to transforming mental health and addiction care. She earned her Bachelor of Science in Biomedical Sciences from the University of South Florida and her Medical Degree from the American University of Antigua. She completed her psychiatry residency at Louisiana State University and an Addiction Psychiatry fellowship at the University of South Florida.
As a medical director, Dr. Etwaroo leads with compassion, expertise, and a commitment to reducing stigma around mental illness and substance use. She believes in empowering patients through education, evidence-based care, and personalized support, helping them reclaim balance and fulfillment in their lives.
Dr. Etwaroo is an active member of the American Psychiatric Association (Fellow), American Society of Addiction Medicine, American Academy of Addiction Psychiatry, American Medical Association, Florida Psychiatric Association, and the National Alliance on Mental Illness.
When she’s not guiding clinical teams or shaping programs for patient care, she’s a devoted mom and active member of her community, living proof that with dedication, balance, and compassion, we can all make an impact.
Learn more about Banyan Sebring & Banyan Tampa >
Below is a list of the various types of addiction specialists and doctors that are normally on staff in a rehab facility.
An Advanced Registered Nurse Practitioner (ARNP) is a registered nurse who completed graduate-level education and has the primary responsibility of caring for the patient. The roles of licensed ARNPs include:
- Examining patients and establishing diagnoses according to client history, physical examination, and other forms of care
- Admitting, managing, and discharging patients to and from health care centers
- Ordering, collecting, performing, and interpreting diagnostic examinations
- Managing health care by identifying, developing, implementing, and evaluating a care plan for the individual
- Prescribing therapies and medical equipment for treatment
- Prescribing medications, when necessary
Substance abuse nurse practitioners offer addiction recovery medical services to treat clients in our facilities. Nurses on our staff have a combination of advanced degrees and certifications in mental health and substance abuse nursing to ensure our clients receive the best care possible.
Medical directors have years of experience managing health care facilities. Their qualifications must address the various responsibilities of the role.
Like other addiction treatment facilities, Banyan involves a hierarchy of professional addiction specialists in leadership roles. At the top of this hierarchy is the medical director (MD).
Our medical director provides oversight on all our facilities’ medical-related duties. They ensure that all medical staff members follow guidelines, protocol, and provide high-quality care to clients while ensuring their team members’ needs are being met.
Typical roles of a medical director in addiction treatment include:
- Enforcing an environment in which medical professionals can safely and effectively work
- Developing policies and protocols that match the health care institution’s guidelines to ensure client safety and treatment efficacy
- Supervising and evaluating medical staff operations
- Working with institutional leadership to meet the health care system’s goals
- Staying up-to-date on the latest medical advancements and changes through continuing education
- Managing all medical departments of their facility
- Ensuring that medical staff members meet institutional expectations, including certifications
- Recruiting and managing medical team members