Makesa Toure
I’m Makesa Toure, a board-certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP-BC), and I believe effective mental health care begins with feeling heard, understood, and respected. I strive to create a safe, judgment-free environment where you can openly discuss your concerns and feel involved in your treatment. I provide psychiatric evaluations, diagnosis, medication management, and supportive therapy for adolescents and adults experiencing concerns such as anxiety, depression, ADHD, PTSD, bipolar disorder, and substance use disorders. My approach is compassionate, collaborative, and individualized because I understand that everyone’s experiences, needs, and treatment goals are different.
The decision to start her own practice was driven by a combination of factors, including a shortage of healthcare providers in her community and a desire for continuity of care, as expressed by her patients.
My clinical experience spans hospitals, outpatient clinics, rehabilitation centers, long-term care, and addiction treatment settings. I earned my Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Immaculata University in 2017 and my Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner degree from the University of Pennsylvania in 2022. I founded Maksam Health & Wellness Center with a commitment to providing accessible, personalized psychiatric care and the continuity of care that many individuals need. I work collaboratively with each client to understand their symptoms, identify treatment goals, and develop a plan that fits their needs and preferences. Whether you’re seeking help for the first time, considering medication management, or feeling that your current treatment is no longer meeting your needs, I’m here to support you. My goal is to help you gain a better understanding of your mental health, find effective treatment, and work toward greater stability and overall well-being. Taking the first step can be difficult, but you don’t have to navigate it alone.
First session
In your first session with me, you can expect the following: Introductions: We’ll start by getting to know each other briefly so that I understand a bit about you and your background. Discussion of Challenges: We'll then delve into the specific issues or challenges you're facing. This helps me gain insight into your situation. Assessment: I’ll gather information about your concerns, goals, and any relevant history. This helps in understanding your needs and how we can best address them. Plan Development: Based on our discussion, I’ll outline a plan tailored to your needs and goals. This will guide our work together in future sessions. Questions and Clarifications: You’ll have the opportunity to ask any questions you may have about the process, my approach, or what to expect next. The aim is to create a supportive environment where we can work collaboratively towards your goals. We know that your journey to better mental health is deeply personal, and we are honored to be a part of it. Our team of experienced professionals is here to provide the support, guidance, and treatment you need to navigate your challenges and achieve your goals. We offer a range of services designed to meet you where you are, providing flexible options that fit your lifestyle and preferences.
Strengths
One of my greatest strengths is my ability to listen without judgment and create a space where clients feel comfortable being open and honest about what they are experiencing. I understand that reaching out for mental health support can feel vulnerable, and I strive to make each session a safe and welcoming experience. I bring a compassionate, patient, and collaborative approach to care. Rather than taking a one-size-fits-all approach, I take time to understand each client’s unique experiences, concerns, goals, and preferences. I believe clients should be active participants in their treatment, and I work with them to develop realistic and individualized plans that support their needs. My diverse clinical experience across hospitals, outpatient settings, rehabilitation, long-term care, and addiction treatment has also helped me develop a well-rounded perspective on mental health. I recognize that emotional well-being can be influenced by many factors, including relationships, stress, physical health, life transitions, and environment. As a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner, I combine clinical knowledge with genuine empathy and practical support. I focus on helping clients understand their symptoms and treatment options so they can make informed decisions about their care. I also value open communication and believe that trust is an essential part of the therapeutic relationship. I want clients to feel comfortable sharing when something is not working, asking questions, or expressing concerns about their treatment. What I believe sets my approach apart is that I see the person before the diagnosis. My goal is not simply to manage symptoms, but to understand the individual as a whole and work collaboratively toward meaningful, sustainable improvement.
Ideal clients
At Maksam Health & Wellness Center, you are more than a patient; you are a valued individual with a unique story, experiences, and needs. We are committed to supporting your mental health journey, whether you seek symptom management, recovery from addiction, emotional wellness, improved coping, or greater peace and stability. Our goal is to provide compassionate, personalized, and evidence-based care.
Treatment methods
Cognitive Behavioral (CBT)
Conducting Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) appears quite simple: I explain to the client how their thoughts influence their emotions. You then explore their beliefs and demonstrate how these beliefs may be distorting their thoughts, which in turn causes negative feelings. Finally, I work with the client to modify their thought patterns.
Solution-Focused Brief Treatment
In my practice, I use SFBT to empower clients to recognize their own strengths, resources, and past successes to build actionable steps toward their goals. Here’s how I incorporate this method: Establishing Clear Goals: At the beginning of therapy, I collaborate with clients to define specific, achievable goals. For example, instead of focusing on reducing stress in general, we might aim to create a manageable daily routine that promotes relaxation. Highlighting Strengths and Resources: I encourage clients to identify times when they’ve successfully navigated similar challenges. For instance, I might ask, “Can you recall a time when you felt more in control? What was different then?” Scaling Questions: I often use scaling techniques to help clients assess their progress and clarify what small steps could bring them closer to their goals.
Faith-based therapy
As a provider, I have found faith-based therapy to be a powerful approach for individuals seeking to integrate their spiritual beliefs into their mental health journey. I have worked with clients from various backgrounds who find strength, hope, and purpose in their faith, and I aim to create a therapeutic space where those values can be honored and utilized in the healing process. Incorporating Spiritual Beliefs into Treatment Goals I work with clients to explore how their faith can be a source of resilience, guidance, and inner peace during challenging times. We discuss how their beliefs align with their mental health goals and develop coping strategies rooted in their spiritual values. Addressing Faith-Related Struggles Some clients struggle with guilt, doubt, or spiritual conflicts that impact their mental health. I provide a nonjudgmental space to navigate these issues while reinforcing a message of grace and healing. I combine faith-based therapy with evidence-based modalities like Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT). My goal is to empower clients to draw from both spiritual and psychological tools to improve their emotional well-being, manage anxiety and depression, and strengthen their sense of purpose. While faith-based therapy is available for those who request it, I respect each client’s personal beliefs and tailor treatment accordingly.
Location
Virtual sessions
In-person sessions283 N Dupont Hwy, Dover, DE 19901, suite c