Hello! I am Board certified Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, well-versed in assessing, diagnosing, and treating various mental health disorders. I combine evidence-based treatment and specific modalities to create the best care plan for each client. I focus on a holistic approach, incorporating the use of medication with psychotherapy and lifestyle modifications to provide personalized care to clients across the life span. I have extensive experience in treating patients with depression, anxiety, trauma, conduct disorder, PTSD, ADHD, OCD, DMDD, Bipolar, schizophrenia, borderline disorder, personality disorder, Insomnia and substance use disorders

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

In the first session with me as a psychiatric nurse practitioner, clients can expect a welcoming, supportive, and comprehensive introduction to their mental health care journey. Here’s what typically happens during the initial session: 1. Warm Welcome and Introduction: The session begins with a warm welcome where I introduce myself and explain my role as a psychiatric nurse practitioner. I aim to create a safe and non-judgmental environment where the client feels comfortable sharing their thoughts and concerns. 2. Review of Confidentiality and Consent: I take a few moments to review confidentiality practices, ensuring the client understands how their information will be kept private and the situations in which I may need to share information (e.g., risk of harm to self or others). I also discuss the consent process, including what to expect from treatment and the client’s right to be involved in all decisions regarding their care. 3. Comprehensive Assessment: The bulk of the first session is dedicated to a comprehensive assessment. I will ask detailed questions about the client's current concerns, symptoms, medical history, mental health history, family history, and any past treatments. This may also include questions about lifestyle, substance use, and social or environmental factors that may be influencing their mental health. 4. Exploration of Goals and Expectations: I take time to explore the client’s goals for treatment and their expectations of the therapeutic process. Understanding what the client hopes to achieve allows us to collaboratively set realistic, achievable goals that guide the course of treatment. 5. Discussion of Treatment Options: Based on the initial assessment, I will discuss potential treatment options with the client. This may include medication management, psychotherapy, lifestyle changes, or a combination of approaches. I ensure that the client is fully informed about their options and involved in deciding the best course of action. 6. Developing a Collaborative Treatment Plan: Together, we will begin to develop a personalized treatment plan that aligns with the client’s goals and needs. This plan may be adjusted over time as we gain more insight into what works best for the client. 7. Addressing Immediate Concerns: If the client is experiencing acute symptoms or distress, I will address these concerns during the first session. This might involve discussing immediate coping strategies, considering medication options, or providin

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

As a psychiatric nurse practitioner, I believe my greatest strengths lie in my ability to offer comprehensive, compassionate, and personalized care to my clients. Here are some of the key strengths that I bring to my practice: 1. Holistic Approach to Care: One of my greatest strengths is my commitment to treating the whole person—mind, body, and spirit. I integrate evidence-based psychiatric practices with a deep understanding of how mental, emotional, and spiritual factors intersect in each individual's life. This holistic approach allows me to provide care that is not only effective but also deeply meaningful to my clients. 2. Empathy and Compassion: I pride myself on my ability to connect with clients on a human level. I approach each client with empathy and compassion, creating a safe and non-judgmental space where they feel heard, understood, and supported. This strong therapeutic alliance is the foundation of my practice and is essential for fostering trust and promoting healing. 3. Expertise in Integrative and Faith-Based Therapies: My ability to incorporate faith-based principles into psychiatric care is a unique strength, especially for clients who seek to align their mental health treatment with their spiritual beliefs. Additionally, my knowledge of integrative approaches, including lifestyle modifications and mindfulness practices, enhances my ability to tailor treatment plans that resonate with clients’ values and needs. 4. Trauma-Informed Care: I have a strong background in providing trauma-informed care, which is crucial for clients who have experienced significant psychological trauma. My ability to recognize and address the impact of trauma on mental health allows me to create treatment plans that are sensitive to the needs of these clients, helping them heal and regain a sense of control over their lives. 5. Collaborative and Client-Centered Approach: I believe in working collaboratively with my clients, involving them in every step of their treatment journey. I take the time to listen to their concerns, explain their options, and empower them to make informed decisions about their care. This client-centered approach ensures that treatment is aligned with their goals and preferences, leading to better outcomes and greater satisfaction. 6. Strong Communication Skills: My ability to communicate complex psychiatric concepts in a clear and accessible way is another strength. I ensure that clients understand their diagnosis, treatment options,

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

As a psychiatric nurse practitioner, I am best positioned to serve clients who seek comprehensive, compassionate, and integrative mental health care. My ideal clients include: 1. Individuals with Mood Disorders: I am well-equipped to serve clients who are experiencing mood disorders such as depression, bipolar disorder, and dysthymia. These clients often benefit from a combination of medication management and psychotherapy, which I can provide in a holistic and individualized manner. 2. Clients Seeking Trauma-Informed Care: I specialize in working with individuals who have experienced trauma, including those with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and complex trauma. I provide a safe and supportive environment where clients can process their trauma at their own pace, using evidence-based practices such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR). 3. Individuals Interested in Faith-Based or Christian Counseling: Clients who wish to incorporate their faith into their mental health care will find my approach particularly beneficial. I integrate Christian counseling principles with traditional psychiatric care, helping clients navigate their mental health challenges while staying true to their spiritual beliefs. 4. Parents and Children in Need of Child-Parent Psychotherapy (CPP): I am well-suited to serve families where young children have experienced trauma or other adverse experiences. I work with both the child and the parent(s) to heal and strengthen the parent-child bond through Child-Parent Psychotherapy, promoting emotional security and resilience within the family. 5. Clients with Anxiety Disorders: I have extensive experience working with clients who struggle with anxiety disorders, including generalized anxiety disorder (GAD), panic disorder, and social anxiety disorder. My approach includes a combination of cognitive-behavioral techniques, relaxation strategies, and, when appropriate, medication management. 6. Individuals in Life Transitions or Facing Significant Stressors: I am well-positioned to help clients who are navigating significant life transitions, such as job changes, relationship issues, or grief and loss. My approach is supportive and empathetic, focusing on building resilience and developing healthy coping mechanisms during these challenging times. 7. Clients Requiring Medication Management: For clients who need psychopharmacological treatment, I offer thorough and thoughtful medic

About Ephraim Makinde