Dr. Akunna is a doctorate-prepared, board-certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner licensed in New Jersey. She has extensive experience across a range of psychiatric settings, including inpatient and outpatient care, addiction and recovery services, partial hospitalization programs (PHP), and intensive outpatient programs (IOP). Dr. Akunna provides comprehensive psychiatric and behavioral health care to adolescents ages 13 and older and adults. Her services include initial psychiatric evaluations, medication management, and bariatric surgery assessments, all delivered via telehealth for convenient and accessible care.
Dr. Akunna begins care with a comprehensive psychiatric evaluation, an essential first step in identifying the most effective approach to your mental health needs. Following the initial diagnostic assessment, she collaborates with you to develop an individualized, evidence-based treatment plan that may include cognitive-behavioral interventions and medication management. Dr. Akunna is committed to patient-centered care, with a focus on each individual’s unique needs.
Dr. Akunna brings a well-rounded and comprehensive background to the field of psychiatry. She is known for her exceptional active listening skills and her warm, compassionate, and non-judgmental approach to mental health care. Dr. Akunna creates a safe and supportive environment where patients feel genuinely heard, respected, and understood, allowing her to build strong therapeutic relationships and deliver thoughtful, patient-centered care.
Dr. Akunna partners with patients to identify the underlying causes of their symptoms and develop individualized, evidence-based treatment plans. Conditions such as anxiety, ADHD, and mood disorders can present in many ways and may significantly impact daily functioning. You may be experiencing symptoms such as persistent sadness or depression, mood swings, irritability, fatigue, sleep disturbances, difficulty concentrating, or a lack of energy or motivation. If any of this resonates with you, you are in the right place. Whether you are seeking an initial evaluation or ongoing medication management, Dr. Akunna ensures that every patient is welcomed with warmth, respect, and compassionate, patient-centered care.
Cognitive Behavioral (CBT)
Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) focuses on identifying and changing negative thought patterns and behaviors that influence emotions and behaviors. CBT approaches bring awareness to and challenge irrational patterns of thinking that contribute to mental health illness.
Motivational Interviewing
Dr. Akunna believes in a non-judgmental approach to care and meeting patients where they are. She uses motivational interviewing (MI) to help patients resolve ambivalence toward a behavioral change. Through motivational interviewing that respects the individual patient's autonomy to make lifestyle changes, her patients gain self-confidence to make changes that improve their overall health.
Psychoeducation
As an experienced psychiatric mental health provider, Dr. Akunna approaches each medication management session holistically, combining medication management with brief supportive interventions and psychoeducation. Her patients and caregivers are provided with evidence-based therapeutic interventions and information to help them better understand, cope, and improve their well-being.
2 ratings with written reviews
July 7, 2025
I have enjoyed working with Dr. Akunna. She has been very comforting to work with and has never made me feel uncomfortable opening up regarding my difficulties. She's open minded and when I had questions regarding changing a medication she was great with discussing my concerns with the current medication, what my options were for switching, the benefits for the alternate medications and how to do the transition.
February 26, 2025
Fantastic experience. Kind and very helpful, easy scheduling, highly recommended! Five stars!!!!