Therapists, Counselors and Psychologists in Carlsbad, CA

Dr. Maureen Okereke, PMHNP-BC

Philosophy of Care 

Dr Maureen Okereke is a dual board certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner  (PMHNP-BC) and Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP-C). She earned her Doctorate Degree with  specialty in psychiatric and Mental Health from Brandman University Irvine, California in 2020.  She also obtained a master’s degree as a Family Nurse Practitioner at Charles R Drew  University, Los Angeles California in 2018. Ms Okereke earned a Master of Science of Nursing  Degree/ Registered Nurse through an entry level nursing program to master’s degree from  Charles R Drew University, Los Angeles, California in 2016. She is a member of Sigma Theta Tau National Honor Society.

Maureen is committed to providing individualized evidenced based patient’s care that  combines the most effective tools including comprehensive assessment, medication  management and supportive therapies. Maureen has vast experience working with individuals with depression, grief, anxiety, insomnia,  schizophrenia, PTSD, mood disorders and OCD. She also has a passion for working with  vulnerable populations and people with comorbid conditions and substance abuse. 

Maureen strives to establish a warm and caring relationship with you to help in overcoming your obstacles and setbacks and work together towards achieving your goals and living  according to what holds the greatest value in your life. 

Education 

Brandman University, Irvine California
Masters of Science of Nursing in Family Nurse Practice 

Specialties 

• Depression Disorder 
• Anxiety Disorder 
• Mood Disorder 
• PTSD  
• Stress management 
• LGBTQ 
• • OCD

Joseph Derije, PMHNP-BC

Philosophy of Care

Joseph is board certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner, he graduated from Gonzaga University with a Master’s in Nursing. He completed his undergraduate degree from Ohio University. Upon graduation, he trained under Exodus Recovery Foundation. Currently, he provides care for clients in his local community with a focus on team based approach and patient centered care.

Education

Gonzaga University
Master’s of Science in Nursing

Specialties

• Mood disorders
• Anxiety disorders
• Schizophrenia

Leana Smith, PMHNP

Philosophy of Care

Leana Smith is a board-certified Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner with a certificate of additional qualifications in addiction. She offers expertise in the treatment of adult and adolescent ADHD, anxiety, depression, trauma, grief and loss, and PTSD with experience in treating the full range of psychiatric disorders. She has worked in a variety of clinical settings including public and private inpatient and outpatient settings.

Leana received her Master of Science in nursing at the University of California—San Francisco. Having earned a minor in genomics and currently conducting research, she is also now also seeing clients at Thriveworks.

Leana's clinical approach is steeped in the importance of a thorough patient-centered psychiatric evaluation. She practices conservative medication management and values the importance of utilizing various forms of psychotherapy. She adopts a structured approach with regular follow-up to anticipate interventions to optimize my patient’s mental health.

As a working mother of five children, Leana understands that life doesn’t always go as planned and can leave you feeling stressed out, irritated, tired, and lonely. It’s time to normalize the human condition. Caring for your thoughts and emotions shouldn’t be an afterthought. We have primary providers for our physical well-being, and we all deserve a primary provider for our mental well-being. Leana thanks you for choosing her to care for you on your journey to holistic health.

Education

University of California - San Francisco
Master of Science in Nursing

Specialties

• Anxiety
• Depression
• Anger
• Relationships
• ADHD
• Behavioral Issues
• Coping Skills
• Eating Disorders
• Obsessive-Compulsive (OCD)
• Pregnancy, Prenatal, Postpartum
• Sleep or Insomnia
• Stress
• Trauma and PTSD