As a doctorate-prepared and board-certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner licensed in New Jersey, Dr. Akunna has vast experience in psychiatry including inpatient and outpatient, addiction and recovery, partial hospitalization programs (PHP), and intensive outpatient programs (IOP). Dr. Akunna provides psychiatric and behavioral health services for teens (13 years and up) and adults. Services include initial psychiatric evaluation, medication management, and bariatric surgery assessments through telehealth ensuring convenient and accessible mental healthcare.
What can clients expect to take away from sessions with you?
Dr. Akunna will begin with a comprehensive evaluation which is an important first step to finding the right solution for your mental health needs. Following the initial diagnostic evaluation, she will work with you to devise an evidence-based treatment plan that integrates cognitive-behavioral modifications and medication management. Dr. Akunna values patient-centered care, focusing on your unique individual needs.
Explain to clients what areas you feel are your biggest strengths.
Dr. Akunna has well-rounded experience in the field of psychiatry. Her active listening skills, warmth, compassionate, and non-judgmental approach to mental health care set her apart from her peers.
Describe the client(s) you are best positioned to serve.
Dr. Akunna works with patients seeking to uncover the root cause of their symptoms and provide evidence-based solutions. Symptoms of anxiety, ADHD, or mood disorders can manifest in several ways and can interfere with day-to-day functioning. Are you experiencing symptoms such as sadness, depression, mood swings, irritability, tiredness, sleep disturbances, poor concentration, or a lack of energy or motivation? You have come to the right place! If you are already prescribed medication and seeking to continue medication management, you can rest assured that you will be received with warmth and compassionate care.
About Dr. Gloria Akunna, DNP
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Appointments
VirtualMy treatment methods
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.