Reri Uku
I am a board-certified, doctoral-prepared Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP-BC) dedicated to providing compassionate, client-centered mental health care. I earned my Doctor of Nursing Practice from Azusa Pacific University and completed my psychiatric training, including child and adolescent psychiatry, at National University. I also hold a master’s degree in Nurse Education and Advanced Community/Public Health from California State University, San Bernardino, where I have served as faculty since 2014. My clinical experience includes specialized training in post-traumatic stress disorder at VA Long Beach Healthcare System, and I am a certified trauma-informed specialist. I provide comprehensive, evidence-based care, integrating medication management with psychotherapy, including medication-assisted treatment for substance use and co-occurring mental health disorders.
My expertise lies in the ability to provide quality, compassionate, and comprehensive mental health services including medication-assisted treatment in combination with counseling for chemical dependency and substance use disorders.
I am committed to delivering personalized, compassionate, holistic care while also serving as an educator, advocate, and partner in each client’s journey toward improved mental wellness.
First session
The first session, a psychiatric evaluation, usually lasts between 45 to 60 minutes. We will start with brief introductions, as getting to know you is imperative for client-focused care. During this time, I will ask questions about your mental and physical health, as well as your family history, to gain a comprehensive understanding of your background. This will be followed by a discussion of your current symptoms, specific concerns, and the challenges you are experiencing. Based on this information, I will provide a clinical impression or hypothesis as to what may be contributing to your symptoms (such as a diagnosis), and we will begin to explore appropriate treatment options together. As part of a thorough evaluation, baseline labs, an EKG, or relevant medical reports may be requested when appropriate to ensure safe and effective care. Throughout the session, you are encouraged to ask questions and share at your own pace. My goal is to create a supportive, collaborative environment where you feel heard, respected, and actively involved in your treatment plan.
Strengths
What stands out about my therapeutic approach is my commitment to truly individualized, client-centered care. I recognize that each person’s experience is unique, so I take the time to understand your story, challenges, and goals in order to develop a tailored treatment plan that supports meaningful and lasting change. My approach is both holistic and evidence-based, integrating medication management with psychotherapy when appropriate. I often utilize Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) interventions, relaxation techniques, mindfulness practices, and Internal Family Systems (IFS) in my work. At the same time, I remain flexible and may incorporate a variety of therapeutic modalities to best support your needs. I practice through a trauma-informed lens and have extensive experience working with individuals with co-occurring mental health and substance use disorders, including the use of medication-assisted treatment to support recovery and stability. Clients often describe my style as calm, supportive, and nonjudgmental, creating a space where they feel safe to be open and heard. I also incorporate principles inspired by Brené Brown into my practice, emphasizing the importance of vulnerability, courage, and authenticity in the healing process. As she states, “Vulnerability sounds like truth and feels like courage. Truth and courage aren’t always comfortable, but they’re never weaknesses.” My goal is not only symptom relief, but helping clients navigate the complexities of mental health with confidence, build insight, resilience, and sustainable coping strategies that lead to meaningful, lasting improvement in their overall well-being.
Ideal clients
I am best positioned to serve adolescents and adults navigating a wide range of mental health concerns, particularly those facing depression, anxiety, trauma-related disorders, and co-occurring substance use challenges. I have extensive experience working with individuals with dual diagnoses and supporting clients through detox and recovery using a compassionate, evidence-based approach. I work well with clients who may feel overwhelmed, stuck, or uncertain about where to begin, as well as those seeking deeper insight, emotional regulation skills, and long-term stability. I also support individuals experiencing life transitions, relationship challenges, and stress-related concerns. My approach is especially beneficial for clients who are open to a collaborative process that may include both psychotherapy and medication management. Whether you are new to treatment or have tried therapy before, I strive to meet you where you are and support you in building resilience, clarity, and meaningful progress toward your goals.
Treatment methods
Cognitive Behavioral (CBT)
I have extensive experience utilizing Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) as a core component of treatment for a wide range of mental health conditions, including depression, anxiety, trauma-related disorders, and substance use. My approach to CBT is practical, collaborative, and goal-oriented, helping clients identify and understand the connection between their thoughts, emotions, and behaviors. In our work together, I guide clients in recognizing unhelpful thought patterns, challenging cognitive distortions, and developing healthier, more adaptive ways of thinking. I also incorporate skill-building techniques such as behavioral activation, problem-solving, and coping strategies to support real-life application outside of sessions. I tailor CBT interventions to each individual’s needs, ensuring the process feels relevant and manageable. When appropriate, I integrate CBT with other modalities such as mindfulness, DBT skills, and trauma-informed care to provide a more comprehensive and effective treatment approach. My goal is to empower clients with practical tools they can use independently to improve their emotional well-being and maintain long-term progress.
Trauma-Focused CBT
I utilize a trauma-informed approach to Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), recognizing that past experiences can significantly influence current thoughts, emotions, and behaviors. My goal is to create a safe, supportive, and nonjudgmental environment where clients feel empowered to explore their experiences at their own pace. In practice, I use CBT to help clients identify and understand how trauma may shape negative thought patterns, core beliefs, and emotional responses. We work collaboratively to gently challenge cognitive distortions, reduce self-blame, and develop healthier, more adaptive ways of thinking. I am mindful to approach this process with sensitivity, ensuring that interventions do not feel overwhelming or re-traumatizing. I often incorporate grounding techniques, relaxation strategies, and mindfulness alongside CBT to help regulate the nervous system and build emotional stability. When appropriate, I pace treatment carefully, focusing first on safety, coping skills, and resilience before processing deeper trauma-related material. My approach is flexible and individualized, integrating CBT with other modalities such as DBT and Internal Family Systems when beneficial. The goal is not only symptom relief, but helping clients regain a sense of control, build self-compassion, and move forward with greater confidence and resilience
Child-Parent Psychotherapy
I have experience utilizing Child-Parent Psychotherapy (CPP) to support young children and their caregivers in strengthening attachment, improving emotional regulation, and addressing the impact of trauma or stress on the parent-child relationship. My approach is grounded in a trauma-informed, developmentally appropriate framework that recognizes the importance of the caregiver-child bond in a child’s emotional and psychological well-being. In sessions, I work collaboratively with both the child and caregiver to understand how past experiences, environmental stressors, and relational patterns may be affecting the child’s behavior and emotional responses. I help caregivers gain insight into their child’s needs while also supporting them in developing nurturing, consistent, and responsive interactions. I incorporate play, modeling, and guided interactions to help children express emotions in a safe and developmentally appropriate way, while empowering caregivers with practical strategies to support their child both in and outside of sessions. I also emphasize creating a sense of safety, trust, and predictability within the therapeutic space. My approach is flexible and individualized, often integrating principles from trauma-informed care, attachment theory, and evidence-based modalities such as CBT when appropriate. The goal is to strengthen the parent-child relationship, and support healthy emotional and developmental outcomes for the child.
Mindfulness-Based Therapy
I incorporate mindfulness-based therapy as an integral part of my approach to supporting emotional regulation, stress reduction, and overall mental well-being. I have experience using mindfulness techniques with individuals experiencing anxiety, depression, trauma-related symptoms, and substance use challenges, helping them become more aware of their thoughts, emotions, and physical sensations without judgment. My approach to mindfulness is practical, accessible, and tailored to each client’s needs. I introduce techniques such as breath awareness, grounding exercises, body scans, and present-moment focus to help clients develop a greater sense of calm and control. These skills are especially helpful in reducing reactivity, managing distress, and interrupting unhelpful thought patterns. I often integrate mindfulness with other evidence-based modalities such as CBT, DBT, and trauma-informed care to enhance treatment effectiveness. For clients with trauma histories, I apply mindfulness carefully and at an appropriate pace, ensuring that practices feel safe and supportive rather than overwhelming. My goal is to help clients build sustainable skills that they can use in their daily lives to improve focus, increase self-awareness, and respond to challenges with greater clarity, balance, and resilience.
Psychoeducation
Psychoeducation is a foundational component of my practice and an essential part of empowering clients in their mental health journey. I have extensive experience providing psychoeducation across a range of conditions, including depression, anxiety, trauma-related disorders, and co-occurring substance use disorders. My approach is collaborative, clear, and tailored to each individual’s level of understanding. I focus on helping clients gain insight into their symptoms, diagnoses, and the underlying biological, psychological, and social factors that may be contributing to their experiences. This includes education on how thoughts, emotions, and behaviors are interconnected, as well as how medications work, expected benefits, and potential side effects. I also provide practical guidance on coping strategies, relapse prevention, stress management, sleep hygiene, and lifestyle factors that support overall mental wellness. When appropriate, I involve family members or caregivers to enhance understanding and support within the client’s environment. I integrate psychoeducation throughout treatment rather than as a one-time intervention, reinforcing learning over time and encouraging questions. My goal is to help clients feel informed, confident, and actively engaged in their care, ultimately improving adherence, outcomes, and long-term stability.
Location
Virtual sessions
In-person sessions9655 Monte Vista Ave, Montclair, CA 91763, 402A
Identifies as
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Licensed in
- CaliforniaLicense 95013210