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what does SODA mental health do?
what does SODA mental health do?
Together, Sara and Dan - the founders and clinical leads at SODA Mental Health, bring more than 50 years of NHS mental health experience, combining advanced clinical practice, prescribing expertise and broad understanding of, and expertise in ADHD.
Through SODA Mental Health, they are committed to providing high-quality, evidence-based ADHD assessment and support that is professional, compassionate and genuinely person-centred.
Having worked extensively with children, young people, adults and families in community and inpatient settings during their NHS careers, Sara and Dan recognise that receiving a diagnosis is often just the beginning of the journey. Too many individuals and families are left with limited access to practical support after diagnosis.
SODA Mental Health was founded to help bridge that gap through personalised coaching, psychoeducation, guidance and ongoing support, empowering people to better understand ADHD, build on their strengths and develop strategies that help them thrive at home, in education, at work and in everyday life.
Their shared belief is that every person deserves to feel understood, supported and empowered, with access to the knowledge, tools, support and encouragement needed to achieve their full potential.
our mental health professionals
our mental health professionals
Dan O'Mara
Registered Mental Health Nurse
Non-Medical Prescriber
Systemic Family Practitioner
Sara Armstrong
Registered Mental Health Nurse
Non-medical prescriber
Meet Dan
Co-Founder • Advanced Nurse Practitioner • Independent Nurse Prescriber • Systemic Therapy Practitioner
With over 30 years of experience of NHS mental health services, Dan brings a wealth of clinical expertise, therapeutic knowledge and compassionate care to SODA Mental Health. Much of his career has been spent working within Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services (CAMHS), supporting children, young people, young adults and families across a range of mental health and neurodevelopmental pathways.
As an Advanced Nurse Practitioner, Independent Nurse Prescriber and qualified Systemic Therapy Practitioner, Dan combines evidence-based assessment with a warm, collaborative and person-centred approach. He is passionate about helping people better understand themselves, make sense of their experiences and identify practical ways to move forward.
Dan has undertaken specialist training in ADHD assessment and treatment and has experience prescribing ADHD medication within NHS services. He has a particular interest in ADHD and neurodevelopmental assessment, helping individuals gain a deeper understanding of both their strengths and the challenges they may experience.
Alongside his professional expertise, Dan also brings personal experience and understanding of ADHD. This helps him appreciate the real-world impact that ADHD and neurodiversity can have on education, work, relationships, family life and wellbeing.
Alongside his work with SODA Mental Health, Dan continues to hold a senior leadership role within NHS mental health services, helping to improve the quality, accessibility and effectiveness of care for the communities he serves. His practice remains grounded in current evidence, professional standards and a genuine commitment to helping people thrive.
"I believe that a good assessment is about more than reaching a diagnosis. It is about understanding the whole person, recognising their strengths as well as their difficulties, and helping them find practical ways to move forward with confidence. My aim is to ensure that every individual feels heard, understood and supported throughout their journey."
Meet Sara
Co-Founder • Advanced Nurse Practitioner • Independent Nurse Prescriber
With more than 20 years of experience across NHS mental health services, Sara brings extensive clinical expertise, leadership experience and compassionate care to SODA Mental Health. She has worked in senior nursing roles across specialist Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services (CAMHS), with a speciality in eating disorders, supporting children, young people and families through assessment, treatment and ongoing care.
More recently, Sara has worked as an Advanced Practitioner within an adult psychological therapies service, further developing her expertise in supporting adults with a range of mental health and neurodevelopmental needs.
As an Independent Prescriber and Advanced Practitioner, Sara combines evidence-based practice with a warm, approachable and collaborative style. She is passionate about helping people feel heard, understood and supported, while providing clear guidance tailored to their individual circumstances and goals.
Sara has considerable experience and understanding of ADHD, delivering assessment, pre-diagnostic information gathering, psychoeducation and post-diagnostic support. She understands that obtaining a diagnosis is only one part of the journey and is committed to helping individuals and families develop practical strategies that make a meaningful difference in everyday life.
Alongside her professional expertise, Sara also brings personal experience and understanding of ADHD. This helps her appreciate the unique strengths, opportunities and challenges that can accompany neurodiversity, both for individuals and for the families who support them.
In addition to her work with SODA Mental Health, Sara has held senior leadership roles within NHS services, being recognised nationally in receiving a Royal College of Psychiatrists Team of the Year Award and being shortlisted in the HSJ Awards for excellence and innovation in healthcare delivery.
"I believe that every individual deserves to feel listened to, understood and valued. My aim is to create a supportive environment where people can gain a better understanding of themselves, recognise their strengths and develop practical strategies that help them and their families thrive."
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