Dr. Francisca Okwukogu, DNP

Telehealth Psychiatric Medication Management for Children, Teens & Adults

Gender: Female | Office Location: Telehealth Only

States Licensed In: Virginia, Maryland, Washington, DC | Languages: English

Services Offered: Medication Management | Credentials: Nurse Practitioner | Age Group: Ages 5+

About Me

I am a Doctor of Nursing Practice and board-certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner with more than 10 years of experience providing compassionate, evidence-based mental health care to children, adolescents, and adults. I am also Perinatal Mental Health Certified (PMH-C) and have a special interest in supporting women and families through pregnancy, postpartum, and other important life transitions.  

I work with patients experiencing anxiety, depression, ADHD, trauma and PTSD, mood disorders, OCD, panic symptoms, grief, sleep difficulties, bipolar disorder, stress, and other mental health concerns. I also have experience working with neurodivergent individuals, college students, professionals, parents and caregivers, and older adults.  

My Approach to Psychiatry & Mental Health Care 

My approach is collaborative, supportive, and individualized. I want you to feel genuinely heard while also receiving practical guidance that can make a difference outside of our appointments. 

Together, we will look at what is happening in your life, identify patterns that may be affecting your emotional well-being, establish realistic goals, and determine which treatment options may best support you. When appropriate, I incorporate elements of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), supportive therapy, psychoeducation, motivational interviewing, and trauma-informed care alongside psychiatric treatment.  

I believe treatment works best when you are actively involved in decisions about your care. My role is to listen without judgment, take your concerns seriously, and provide thoughtful, evidence-based guidance while respecting your values, experiences, and goals.  

Who I Work With 

Many of my patients come to me because they feel overwhelmed, emotionally exhausted, stuck, or simply unlike themselves. You may be constantly worrying, struggling to concentrate or sleep, feeling down or irritable, having difficulty at school or work, or trying to keep everything together while feeling overwhelmed on the inside. 

Sometimes people seek care after realizing they have been coping on their own for a long time and are ready for something to change. You do not have to wait until things become unbearable to ask for support.  

I am especially passionate about perinatal and postpartum mental health and supporting women and families through the emotional changes that can occur during pregnancy, after childbirth, and during other major life transitions.  

What to Expect at Your First Appointment 

Your first appointment is an opportunity for us to get to know one another and understand what brought you to care. We’ll discuss your current concerns and symptoms, relevant personal and mental health history, medications when applicable, daily functioning, and your goals for treatment. 

We’ll also discuss treatment options and develop an individualized plan together. My goal is for you to leave your first appointment feeling heard, understood, and clear about the next steps in your care.  

You don’t need to prepare a perfect explanation or know exactly where to begin. We can start with whatever feels most important to you and take things one step at a time.  

I look forward to meeting you, hearing your story, and working together toward your mental health and wellness goals. 

Frequently Asked Questions 

What mental health conditions do you treat? 
I work with patients experiencing anxiety, depression, ADHD, trauma and PTSD, mood disorders, OCD, panic symptoms, bipolar disorder, grief, sleep difficulties, stress, and other complex mental health concerns.  

Do you specialize in pregnancy and postpartum mental health? 
Yes. I am Perinatal Mental Health Certified (PMH-C) and have a special interest in supporting women and families during pregnancy, postpartum, and other significant life transitions.  

Do you work with children and teenagers? 
Yes. I have experience providing psychiatric mental health care to school-age children and adolescents, as well as young adults, adults, and older adults.  

What if I don’t know how to explain what I’m experiencing? 
That’s okay. You don’t need to arrive with the right words or all the answers. We can begin with whatever feels most important, and I’ll ask questions to help us better understand your concerns and determine appropriate next steps.  

How involved will I be in decisions about my treatment? 
Very involved. I believe effective mental health treatment is collaborative. We’ll discuss your concerns, goals, and treatment options together so that your care reflects your needs, values, and experiences.  

Dr. Okwukogu provides psychiatry via telehealth.

Current Patients

How to Contact Dr. O

If you are in need of a prescription refill or wish to ask a clinical question about your recent appointment or prescribed medication, you must send a message via our TherapyNotes Patient Portal. Please contact us at 703-935-0058, ext 2, or email us at medmgmt@drgoldberg.org to request a portal link if you are not already registered.

Link to Portal: https://www.therapyportal.com/p/drgoldberg/

If you are experiencing an emergency, proceed to your nearest emergency room or dial 911.

Requesting a Refill:

Dr. O only checks her messages during her working hours. Prescription Refill Requests take between 5-7 business days, please make sure to request a refill more than a week before you will run out of medication.

When requesting a medication refill, please make sure to include the following information. We strongly encourage copying and pasting the format below into the message and completing the information:

• Medication Name:
• Dosage:
• Frequency you take medication
• If you have had a follow-up in the last 90 days
• Pharmacy Name and Location

If you have missed your scheduled follow-up appointment and are granted your request for refills, there will be a $30.00 refill fee added to your account balance and charged to the credit card on file. You may also be charged for lost prescriptions or prescription changes between visits.

Controlled substances require appointments no longer than 90 days apart. You will not be charged for refills if you are requesting your regular, monthly refill of a controlled medication.

Please note that our Patient Portal is not to be used for appointment cancelations. If you need to cancel an existing appointment or are told you must make an appointment to receive a refill please call 703-935-0058, Option 2, or email medmgmt@drgoldberg.org. If you need to cancel, please contact us at least two full business days (Saturdays and Sundays not included) prior to your appointment date and time to avoid incurring any late cancelation charges.

If you do not have access to the portal, please call 703-935-0058, Option 2, or email medmgmt@drgoldberg.org. We will send you an invitation to the portal.

Interested in scheduling with Dr. Okwukogu?