Kehinde A. Oyekan MSN, PMHNP-BC
Board Certified Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner
Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner Certificate, Walden University
I have years of experience treating patients with psychiatric disorders in outpatient clinics, as well as over 16 years of experience in the medical field. My experience in the medical field, including in the Intensive Care Unit, showed me the gap between medical and psychiatric care, as well as how traditional medicine often ignores the mind/body connection.
These gaps in care encouraged me to pursue a psychiatric-mental health nurse practitioner certification at Walden University. I wanted to develop a practice that integrated medicine and mental health for optimal treatment.
My Approach
The patient-provider relationship must be a 2-way street. Developing a treatment plan is always a joint decision. I never push patients into treatments they’re not comfortable with. With each new patient, I start by listening carefully to their concerns, needs, and expectations for treatment. A crucial part of my role is to get to know each patient’s complete life story, current concerns, any relevant diagnoses, and whether any prescribed medications make sense for the patient. I ask about symptoms, get a full history of stressors, past medical history, and general social history. It’s important to understand every patient’s whole story so I can understand every patient’s needs in depth.
I always discuss available medication options, relevant risks and benefits, and any potential alternatives, including psychotherapy, with the patient. I believe in most cases, combining both is most effective. I also employ a mix of prescribing up-to-date psychiatric medications and alternative natural treatments. These may include vitamins, supplements, or lifestyle modifications (such as diet and exercise).
Along the way, I work alongside a team of psychiatrists and therapists to meet each patient’s needs. We consult and collaborate closely to provide optimal care.
Personal Life
I’ve lived in Maryland since 2011. I enjoy traveling, cooking, and spending time with my family.
