Dr. Jennifer Okwerekwu, MD, M.S., Psychiatrist

I believe your story matters. Therapy is an opportunity to put words and language to your own experiences—including the things you may not have shared out loud before. As a physician with a background in Narrative Medicine, I believe that your story forms the foundation of our work together. I am trained in psychodynamic therapy and tie in elements of supportive therapy as well as Cognitive Behavior Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT), and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) depending on your needs and goals. This is a space where you can feel seen, heard, and held as you engage in the powerful process of looking at your life and experiences from new perspectives. My Specialties: Adult Psychiatry | Matrescence | Psychotherapy | Reproductive Psychiatry | Women's Mental Health As an integrative psychiatrist with a primary focus on reproductive psychiatry for women, I specialize in addressing a wide range of conditions and concerns. My expertise extends to supporting women in their journey to conceive, navigating challenges such as Endometriosis, Fibroids, and fertility issues. I provide comprehensive care for mental health conditions including Generalized Anxiety Disorder, Major Depression, Mood Disorders, OCD, and Perinatal and Postpartum mental health challenges. Additionally, I assist women in coping with life transitions, insomnia, and trauma related to perinatal experiences and birth. Whether it's managing conditions like PCOS or Premature Ovarian Failure, addressing racial identity, self-esteem, or stress, I am dedicated to providing personalized and holistic care throughout the prenatal and parenting phases.

A typical session begins with a comprehensive diagnostic evaluation. We meticulously examine your complete medical and psychiatric history, carefully assess your medication regimen, and delve into the symptoms that are affecting you. This thorough assessment is essential for pinpointing a diagnosis and understanding its underlying causes. The insights gained during this initial appointment lay the groundwork for our treatment plan. We also consider your individual priorities and, together, we evaluate the potential risks and benefits of treatment, which may encompass a combination of medications or integrative approaches. Our aim is to collaboratively develop a personalized plan that leads to your improved well-being. ~ 90-Minute One-time Consultations & Second Opinions ~ Our 120 min intake session is a compass that really guides the next steps. You can take your next steps with me, or if you’d prefer, to pass the baton onto a different doctor—like a general adult psychiatrist, your PCP, or OB GYN. I can communicate our work to your treatment team with a comprehensive consultation report and assist with the coordination of your care. ~ 20-Minute Express Medication Visit (Medication Refill) ~ These visits are reserved for patients who have achieved stability and only need a quick check in or routine follow up for the safe and responsible medication management of their medications. ~ 45-Minute Medication Management (+ Psychotherapy) ~ If we decide to work together, follow up visits will be how we spend the majority of our time together. During these appointment we may further refine our treatment plan and explore the destinations in the map we drew together in the initial assessment. These appointments are best for patients who are just starting treatment, actively experiencing symptoms, working through side effects or recent medication changes, are committed to regular psychotherapy, or just need a little more TLC.