Davina Uchegbu
Davina Uchegbu
(she/her)
I am Davina Uchegbu, DNP, a board-certified PMHNP. My journey in healthcare began over twenty years ago, and throughout that time, I have dedicated myself to gaining advanced knowledge in psychiatry and mental health. With a deep passion for mental health management, I bring a vast wealth of experience to my practice. My greatest strength as a provider is my ability to build trust and rapport with patients. I take the time to listen actively and empathetically, which allows me to not only address their immediate concerns but also understand the broader context of their mental health. This patient-centered approach leads to better outcomes and compliance because patients feel seen, heard, and respected.
Get to know me
In our first session together, here's what you can expect
On the first day of a session with me, you will receive a Warm Welcome and Orientation, Intake and Assessment, Discussion of Goals, Initial Impressions and Planning, Opportunity to Ask Questions, and Nonjudgmental Listening
The biggest strengths that I bring into our sessions
My greatest strength as a provider is my problem-solving mindset. I excel at quickly identifying the root causes of issues and delivering efficient, sustainable solutions. Clients know they can count on me not just to fix problems, but to anticipate potential challenges and proactively address them.
The clients I'm best positioned to serve
I am trained to treat mental health across the lifespan, and I firmly believe that providing optimal patient care not only reduces societal stigma surrounding mental illness but also enhances overall well-being. My experience spans both outpatient and inpatient settings, allowing me to deliver comprehensive and compassionate care.
About Davina Uchegbu
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Address
2386 Fair Oaks Blvd, Sacramento, CA 95825, 205Appointments
Virtual & in-personMy treatment methods
Cognitive Behavioral (CBT)
In my practice, the integration of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) has become a cornerstone of patient care, offering a structured yet flexible framework to address a range of mental health conditions. One of the most rewarding aspects of incorporating CBT is seeing its tangible impact on patients’ daily functioning and emotional well-being. For instance, a patient under my care with longstanding generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) had tried various medications with limited success. Through CBT, we focused on identifying and challenging persistent cognitive distortions such as catastrophizing and excessive worry. Over the course of several sessions, the patient learned to apply cognitive restructuring techniques and relaxation strategies. As a result, they reported significant reductions in anxiety, improved sleep, and greater ability to manage stress at work. This kind of progress reinforced the value of CBT as more than a theoretical model—it became a practical tool for lasting change. CBT principles are embedded into each patient visit, regardless of the primary diagnosis. At every appointment, we review symptoms and progress using CBT-informed assessments or discussion. I encourage patients to reflect on recent triggering situations, automatic thoughts, and emotional responses. We work together to identify maladaptive thinking patterns and rehearse alternative, healthier thoughts. Behavioral activation, goal setting, and problem-solving are common components, and I often assign structured “homework” to reinforce skills between sessions. Even brief medication follow-ups often include a short CBT-based check-in to help reinforce self-awareness and accountability. By consistently applying CBT across patient interactions, it enhances treatment engagement and empowers patients to become active participants in their own recovery. Over time, they develop a skill set that extends beyond our sessions and supports long-term resilience.
Dialectical Behavior (DBT)
In my psychiatric practice, I incorporate Dialectical Behavior Therapy both in individual sessions and, when possible. DBT provides a structured, evidence-based framework that is particularly effective for patients with borderline personality disorder (BPD), complex PTSD, mood disorders, and those with chronic suicidal ideation or self-harming behaviors. I use DBT principles during one-on-one sessions to help patients work through specific emotional and behavioral challenges. We identify target behaviors, apply behavioral chain analysis, and develop alternative skillful responses. The integration of DBT has led to several positive outcomes for my patients: Reduced Self-Harm and Suicidal Behavior, Improved Emotional Regulation, Greater Self-Awareness and Mindfulness, and Higher Treatment Engagement.
Psychoeducation
In my psychiatric practice, psychoeducation is a foundational component of patient care. I incorporate it across various stages of treatment to help patients—and often their families—better understand their diagnoses, treatment options, symptom management strategies, and the expected course of their conditions. This education is delivered through direct discussions during consultations, informational handouts, and sometimes through digital resources or structured psychoeducational sessions, depending on the patient’s needs and preferences. I tailor the content to each individual, ensuring it's appropriate to their cognitive and emotional capacity. For example, when working with patients experiencing mood disorders, I focus on explaining the biological, psychological, and social contributors to their symptoms. With patients dealing with psychosis or anxiety disorders, I often incorporate education about early warning signs, medication adherence, and lifestyle modifications.