Sarina Helton, MSN, APRN, FNP-C, CAE-OM

Founder and Family Nurse Practitioner at Optima Vida Healthcare

Sarina Helton is a board-certified family nurse practitioner and the founder of Optima Vida Healthcare, a clinician-led telehealth practice providing individualized care in medical weight management, metabolic health, hormone-related concerns, sexual health, hair loss, acne, and select adult health conditions.

Her approach centers on evidence-based care, shared decision-making, clear patient education, and respectful treatment without shame or judgment. Evaluation begins with the individual—not a predetermined medication—and considers symptoms, medical history, current medications, relevant laboratory findings, treatment goals, potential risks, and available options.

Education and Professional Credentials

Master of Science in Nursing (MSN)
Advanced Practice Registered Nurse (APRN)
Board-Certified Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP-C)
Certificate of Advanced Education in Obesity Medicine (CAE-OM)
Licensed to provide care in multiple states, subject to current state-specific requirements

The CAE-OM reflects advanced professional education in obesity medicine. It should not be represented as physician board certification in obesity medicine.

Clinical Focus

Sarina’s professional interests include:

Obesity as a chronic, complex disease
Medical weight management and long-term weight maintenance
GLP-1 and other anti-obesity medications
Metabolic health and insulin resistance
Muscle preservation during weight reduction
Hormone-related symptoms in eligible men and women
Sexual health
Hair thinning and hair loss
Patient education and shared decision-making
Accessible, transparent telehealth care

The availability of individual services and medications varies according to the patient’s location, medical history, clinical needs, and applicable legal and regulatory requirements.

Approach to Patient Care

Sarina believes patients should understand their options and participate meaningfully in decisions about their health. Her role is to explain potential benefits, risks, alternatives, costs, monitoring requirements, and areas of uncertainty so each patient can make an informed decision.

Treatment and prescriptions are never guaranteed. Recommendations are based on medical appropriateness, clinical judgment, the information available during evaluation, and applicable state and federal requirements. When telehealth is not appropriate, patients may be directed to laboratory testing, in-person care, urgent care, emergency care, or another qualified healthcare professional.

2019

A Personal Understanding of Obesity Treatment

Sarina has personal experience with obesity and long-term weight management. She has lost approximately 150 pounds through bariatric surgery, medication, nutrition changes, and sustained weight-management strategies.

Her experience reinforced that obesity is not a failure of motivation or character. It is a chronic condition influenced by biology, genetics, environment, medications, health conditions, life circumstances, and other factors. Personal experience informs her empathy for patients, but clinical recommendations remain grounded in professional evidence, individualized evaluation, and patient safety.

Professional Memberships

Sarina participates in professional organizations related to advanced practice nursing, endocrinology, obesity care, and patient advocacy, including:

American Association of Nurse Practitioners
American Association of Clinical Endocrinology
Obesity Action Coalition
World Obesity Federation

Membership does not imply endorsement of Optima Vida Healthcare by these organizations.

2020

Health Education and Editorial Work

Sarina writes and clinically reviews patient education for Optima Vida Healthcare. Her articles translate medical evidence, prescribing information, regulatory updates, and professional guidance into clear language for patients and the public.

Each article should identify its author, publication date, last clinical review date, and supporting references when appropriate. Learn more in the Editorial and Medical Review Policy.

2022

Contact and Care Information

Optima Vida Healthcare provides telehealth services to eligible adults located in states where its clinicians are appropriately licensed and authorized to practice. Service availability varies by state.

Patient support: support@ovhmed.com
Existing patients: Use the secure patient portal for medical questions
New patients: Start an evaluation

This page provides general information about the provider and practice. It does not create a clinician-patient relationship or provide individualized medical advice.

2025

Sarina Helton, Always Me