Dr Uloma Okundaye, PMHNP - Psychiatric NP at Grow Therapy

Dr Uloma Okundaye

Dr Uloma Okundaye

(she/her)

PMHNP
25 years of experience
Virtual

I am Dr. Uloma Okundaye, a Board-Certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP-BC) dedicated to helping individuals and families achieve mental wellness. With a compassionate and holistic approach, I provide evidence-based care that combines psychotherapy and medication management to address a wide range of mental health concerns. My practice is centered on understanding your unique needs and creating personalized treatment plans to help you overcome life’s challenges. Whether you are dealing with anxiety, depression, trauma, or other emotional struggles, I work with you to develop strategies that promote healing, resilience, and overall well-being. I believe in a collaborative approach, where we work together to empower you in navigating the complexities of mental health, improving relationships, and enhancing emotional regulation. I integrate a variety of therapeutic modalities, including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), and trauma-focused therapies, tailored to your specific situation. Alongside psychotherapy, I offer medication management when necessary, ensuring that each aspect of your care is thoughtfully coordinated and aligned with your goals. I am passionate about providing care that addresses not just symptoms, but also the underlying factors that contribute to mental health struggles. My aim is to help you not only feel better but also develop the tools and insights necessary to thrive in your everyday life. Whether you are seeking support for yourself or for a family member, my goal is to create a safe, supportive space where you can grow, heal, and achieve lasting positive change. Together, we can work towards building a more fulfilling, balanced life. I am here to help you take the first step on your journey to mental wellness.

What can clients expect to take away from sessions with you?

In your first session with me, you can expect a warm, welcoming, and supportive environment where we will begin to build a therapeutic relationship based on trust and open communication. Here’s what typically happens during the first session: Introduction and Background: We’ll start with an introduction where I’ll explain my approach to care and how we can work together to address your mental health needs. I’ll also ask you to share some background information about your emotional and mental health history. This includes discussing your current challenges, any past experiences with therapy or medication, and any relevant family or medical history. Assessment of Current Needs: During the first session, I will conduct an initial assessment to better understand your specific concerns. For children and adolescents, this will also include understanding the dynamics within the family and gathering information on how they are coping at home, school, or socially. This assessment helps me understand the specific challenges you're facing, whether it’s anxiety, depression, trauma, behavioral issues, or other mental health concerns. Setting Goals: We will discuss your goals for therapy and mental health treatment. For instance, you might want to reduce anxiety, improve mood, develop better coping skills, or address trauma. Setting clear, collaborative goals helps us stay focused on what matters most to you during our work together. Developing a Treatment Plan: Based on what we discuss, I will begin outlining a treatment plan that includes the appropriate therapeutic approaches, such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT), medication management, or other holistic interventions. For children and adolescents, I may also discuss how family involvement or Child-Parent Psychotherapy (CPP) might support progress. Addressing Any Questions or Concerns: I understand that beginning therapy can feel intimidating or overwhelming, so I’ll take time to answer any questions you have about the process, confidentiality, treatment options, or anything else that concerns you. Next Steps and Scheduling: At the end of the session, we’ll outline the next steps in your care plan and schedule any follow-up appointments. If medication management is part of your treatment, we’ll discuss any necessary steps for evaluation and prescription, if appropriate. The first session is an opportunity for us to get to know each other and start bui

Explain to clients what areas you feel are your biggest strengths.

As a provider, I believe my greatest strengths lie in my compassion, holistic approach, and ability to build strong, collaborative relationships with my clients. Compassion and Empathy One of my core strengths is my ability to truly listen and empathize with my clients. I understand that mental health struggles can be deeply personal and often difficult to talk about. I create a safe, non-judgmental space where clients can openly share their thoughts, feelings, and concerns. This helps build trust and allows clients to feel supported in their journey toward healing. Holistic, Integrative Care I take a comprehensive approach to mental health, addressing not only the psychological aspect but also the physical and emotional well-being of my clients. I incorporate evidence-based therapies like Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT), alongside medication management, mindfulness, and other holistic techniques. This allows me to treat the whole person, rather than just focusing on symptoms. Specialization in Child and Adolescent Mental Health I have a strong specialization in child and adolescent mental health, which allows me to work effectively with young clients and their families. My approach includes developing emotional resilience and coping strategies, addressing trauma, and improving family dynamics through approaches like Child-Parent Psychotherapy (CPP). I understand the unique challenges that children and adolescents face, which enables me to offer tailored support that promotes healthy emotional development. Collaborative and Personalized Care I strongly believe in a collaborative approach with my clients, where we work together to set goals and develop a treatment plan that aligns with their needs. I also involve families when appropriate, especially with children and adolescents, ensuring that treatment is holistic and well-supported in all areas of their lives. Commitment to Lifelong Learning I am committed to staying up-to-date with the latest research, treatment approaches, and best practices in mental health care. This ensures that my clients receive the most effective, evidence-based treatment available. My passion for learning and continuous improvement helps me provide the best possible care for each individual I work with. These strengths allow me to create a therapeutic relationship that fosters trust, healing, and growth, enabling clients to navigate their mental health challenges

Describe the client(s) you are best positioned to serve.

As a Board-Certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP-BC), I specialize in providing compassionate, evidence-based care for individuals and families, with a strong focus on child and adolescent mental health. My approach integrates psychotherapy, medication management, and holistic strategies to support emotional wellness, resilience, and healing. I work closely with clients across a wide spectrum of mental health challenges, tailoring treatment to the unique needs of each individual. Supporting Children and Adolescents: Children and adolescents face unique mental health challenges, and I am particularly well-positioned to help young clients navigate these difficulties. Anxiety and Depression: Anxiety and depression are prevalent among children and adolescents. I use Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) to help young clients recognize and reframe negative thought patterns. For more severe cases, I also provide medication management to enhance treatment. My goal is to help children and teens manage their emotions, reduce symptoms, and improve their overall well-being. Trauma: Trauma can deeply affect young people's emotional and psychological development. I specialize in Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT), which helps children and adolescents process traumatic experiences in a safe, supportive environment. Through TF-CBT, I help clients rebuild emotional resilience and reduce trauma-related distress. Behavioral and Emotional Regulation: Children and adolescents often struggle with emotional regulation, which can lead to behavioral issues. I utilize techniques like Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) and Parent-Child Interaction Therapy (PCIT) to help children and their families address these challenges. These therapies focus on improving emotional regulation, communication, and behavior management. Child-Parent Psychotherapy (CPP): To foster emotional healing, I often work with both children and their parents using Child-Parent Psychotherapy (CPP). This approach strengthens the emotional bond between children and their caregivers, helping families heal from trauma and improve communication and relationships. General Mental Health Support: While my primary focus is child and adolescent mental health, I also provide care for individuals of all ages. My approach addresses a wide range of mental health concerns. Anxiety and Depression in Adults: I provide therapy and medication management for adults dealing with anxiety,

About Dr Uloma Okundaye

Identifies as

Serves ages

Children (6 to 12)Teenagers (13 to 17)

Licensed in

Address

13625 Beechnut St, Houston, TX 77083, Suite C

Appointments

Virtual & in-person

My treatment methods

Cognitive Behavioral (CBT)

I have extensive experience using **Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)** with individuals, groups, and families to treat various mental health conditions, including anxiety, depression, PTSD, and OCD. In my practice, I focus on helping patients identify and reframe unhelpful thoughts, engage in meaningful activities, and develop healthier coping mechanisms through techniques like cognitive restructuring, behavioral activation, and exposure therapy. I integrate CBT with medication management when appropriate, use collaborative goal-setting, and reinforce progress with homework assignments. This structured, evidence-based approach consistently helps patients build skills to manage their symptoms and improve their overall well-being.

Trauma-Focused CBT

I have significant experience using **Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT)** to help individuals, particularly those with PTSD, process and manage trauma-related symptoms. This evidence-based approach combines cognitive restructuring, gradual exposure to trauma memories, and coping skills like relaxation and emotional regulation. I work collaboratively with patients to create a safe environment for exploring their experiences, challenge unhelpful beliefs, and develop resilience. TF-CBT is often integrated with psychoeducation and stress management techniques to empower patients in their recovery journey.

Attachment-based

I have experience using **Attachment-Based Treatment** to support individuals and families in addressing relational challenges rooted in attachment disruptions. This approach focuses on strengthening emotional bonds, fostering secure attachment patterns, and improving communication within relationships. I work collaboratively to help clients explore past attachment experiences, develop trust, and create healthier dynamics. This method is particularly effective for individuals with trauma histories, attachment injuries, or difficulties in interpersonal relationships.

Dialectical Behavior (DBT)

I have extensive experience using **Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)** to help individuals, particularly those with emotional dysregulation, borderline personality disorder, or self-harming behaviors. This evidence-based approach focuses on teaching skills in mindfulness, distress tolerance, emotion regulation, and interpersonal effectiveness. In my practice, I create a supportive environment to help clients balance acceptance and change while working toward their goals. DBT empowers individuals to manage intense emotions, improve relationships, and build a life aligned with their values.

Child Parent Psychotherapy

I have experience using **Child-Parent Psychotherapy (CPP)** to support young children and their caregivers in strengthening their relationship and addressing the impact of trauma. This evidence-based approach focuses on promoting secure attachment, improving communication, and helping both the child and caregiver process difficult experiences. I work collaboratively with families to create a safe, nurturing environment where they can rebuild trust, enhance emotional regulation, and foster resilience. CPP is particularly effective for addressing behavioral challenges and trauma-related symptoms in young children.