Hi! I am Dr. Rita Itondo, a doctoral prepared, dual board-certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP-BC) and Primary Care NP (ANP-C) based in New Jersey. I have over 13 years of experience as a provider. I completed my Master’s degree in Primary Health from UMDNJ and a Postgraduate certification in Psychiatric Nursing from Wilkes University, PA. I earned my Doctorate (DNP) with honors from Rutgers University. I am deeply passionate about my work and provide psychiatric care and medication management to clients struggling with various mental health issues such as anxiety, depression, ADHD, OCD, bipolar disorder, PTSD, mood disorders, substance use disorder and more.
In our first session, you will feel safe expressing your mental health issues with a provider who is empathetic and non-judgmental. Seeking help for mental health issues can be challenging but you have taken the right step. I will listen to you, validate your concerns, support you, and give you the tools necessary to improve your mental wellbeing.
As a provider, I prioritize individualized patient care, focusing on the holistic wellbeing of my clients. My client centered approach to mental health and wellness incorporates evidence-based practice guidelines, psychotherapy, psychoeducation and medication management.
I love working with adolescents, adults and the elderly. Often, my clients want to perform better at work, school, or in their private lives but do not yet have the tools needed to make this a reality. They often feel stuck, overwhelmed and anxious about their situations.
Clients are always counseled on medication use, side effects, and interactions with other medications or substances. Clients are educated and counseled on mental health issues affecting them and solutions to combat and help alleviate symptoms.
I use motivational interviewing with every client. I listen with an open mind and validate clients' concerns without being judgmental. I guide and empower clients to reach their goals as we navigate through their mental health issues.
In certain cases, I will work with clients to help them gain awareness of faulty or unhealthy beliefs and help them develop strategies to improve their symptoms.