Stella E Okah, DNP, MSN, PMHNP - Psychiatric NP at Grow Therapy

Stella E Okah, DNP, MSN

Stella E Okah, DNP, MSN

(she/her)

PMHNP
4 years of experience
Virtual

Hi, My name is Stella E. Okah, I'm a psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner Board certified. My goal is to support you in achieving better mental health and well-being. As a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner, I am trained to provide advanced specialty medical care with a dual emphasis on intervention through psychotherapy and psychopharmacology. I am proficient in the art and science of psychotherapy and physical assessment, and my role allows me to intervene with vulnerable populations and promote mental health across the lifespan. Specialized ADHD, Addiction program/Detox, Anger Management, Anxiety, Depression, Dissociative Disorders, Eating Disorders, Family Conflict, Grief, LGBTQIA+, Mood Disorders, OCD, Personality Disorders, Trauma & PTSD, Suicidal Ideation, School Issues, Racism, Self Esteem, Self-Harming. Additionally, I work with children, adolescents, adults, and older persons. Are struggling with mental health, behavioral and addiction problems,

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

Our first session is about building a foundation for our work together and ensuring that we’re aligned in our goals and approach. My aim is to provide a supportive and collaborative environment where you feel heard and understood. 1. Introduction and Setting the Stage: Warm Welcome: I’ll start by introducing myself and creating a welcoming and comfortable environment. It’s important to me that you feel at ease. Confidentiality Overview: I’ll explain how confidentiality works in therapy, including the limits of confidentiality and situations where information may need to be shared. 2. Understanding Your Concerns: Initial Discussion: We’ll talk about why you’re seeking therapy and what you hope to achieve. This helps me understand your primary concerns and goals. Background Information: I’ll ask about your personal, medical, and psychological history. This includes discussing any previous therapy experiences, relevant life events, and current stressors. 3. Assessment and Exploration: Current Issues: We’ll explore the specific challenges you’re facing, such as symptoms of anxiety, depression, or other mental health concerns. Strengths and Resources: I’ll also inquire about your strengths and resources that can support your journey, including coping strategies you’ve used in the past. 4. Setting Goals: Collaborative Goal Setting: Together, we’ll establish clear and realistic goals for our work together. This might involve defining what success looks like for you and setting short-term and long-term objectives. 5. Introduction to the Therapeutic Process: Approach and Methods: I’ll provide an overview of my therapeutic approach and methods. This may include explaining the techniques and strategies I use and how they might benefit you. Session Structure: I’ll outline how future sessions will be structured, including any potential assignments or activities we might do. 6. Addressing Your Questions: Open Dialogue: You’ll have the opportunity to ask any questions you have about the therapy process, my qualifications, or anything else on your mind. It’s important that you feel informed and comfortable. 7. Planning Next Steps: Scheduling: We’ll discuss the frequency and scheduling of future sessions. Consistency is key in therapy, so we’ll aim to find a schedule that works for you. Initial Steps: I might suggest some initial steps or exercises to work on between sessions, depending on your needs and goals. 8. Conclusion and Follow-Up: Wrap-Up: We’ll review what we’ve

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

My unique combination of skills, knowledge, experience, and passion that you can offer to your ideal clients. My greatest strength is my problem-solving skills. I pride myself on being able to quickly and efficiently analyze and solve complex problems by considering different perspectives. This skill allows me to remain effective even in a stressful situation

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

Children aged 6 to adults 65+ Are Seeking Support for Specific Mental Health Concerns: Anxiety and Depression: Clients experiencing symptoms of anxiety or depression, whether situational or chronic, can benefit from evidence-based therapeutic approaches like medications, CBT or ACT. Trauma and PTSD: Individuals dealing with trauma or post-traumatic stress can find support through trauma-informed care and therapies such as EMDR or trauma-focused CBT. Mood Disorders: Those with mood disorders, including bipolar disorder, can receive help managing their symptoms and developing coping strategies.

About Stella E Okah, DNP, MSN

Specializes in

ADHDBipolar DisorderDepressionAddictionAnxietyChild or AdolescentObsessive-Compulsive (OCD)Trauma and PTSD

Serves ages

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

Licensed in

Address

121 Grant Ave, Jersey City, NJ 07305

Appointments

Virtual & in-person

My treatment methods

Supportive

Supportive Therapy: My Experience and Practice Approach In my clinical practice, I frequently utilize supportive therapy as a foundational approach, particularly when working with clients experiencing acute stress, chronic mental health conditions, or life transitions. Supportive therapy is rooted in creating a safe, empathetic, and validating therapeutic environment. Its goal is to enhance self-esteem, strengthen coping mechanisms, and reduce distress without delving deeply into unconscious processes or long-term psychodynamic work. My experience with supportive therapy spans various settings, including outpatient mental health clinics, crisis intervention services, and long-term care. I've found this method especially effective for clients who may not yet be ready for insight-oriented therapy, those with limited insight capacity, or individuals seeking a more stabilizing and affirming experience. In practice, I apply supportive therapy by: Building a strong therapeutic alliance: I emphasize warmth, active listening, and genuine concern to create a space where clients feel heard and respected. Reinforcing strengths: I help clients identify their existing skills and resources and use them more effectively. Providing psychoeducation: I explain symptoms, diagnoses, and treatment processes in a clear and supportive way, which empowers clients and reduces anxiety. Encouraging adaptive coping: I work collaboratively with clients to strengthen positive coping strategies and problem-solving skills. Normalizing experiences: I help clients understand that their emotional responses are valid and often shared by others facing similar challenges. Supportive therapy has proven to be a reliable and flexible modality. Whether used on its own or as a complement to more structured approaches like CBT or DBT, it supports stability and growth in clients navigating difficult life circumstances.