New Direction Healthcare

Our providers

Find the right psychiatric care partner

Review NDH providers by focus area, age group, clinical strengths, and virtual availability before starting intake.

3

Clinical providers

MD + DC

Virtual care

All ages

Children through older adults

3 providers available

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Dr. Nkechi "Nikki" Ukwandu headshot

Founder and CEO, New Direction Healthcare LLC

Dr. Nkechi "Nikki" Ukwandu

PMHNP-BC

VirtualMD + DC

Dr. Nkechi "Nikki" Ukwandu founded New Direction Healthcare to provide compassionate, evidence-based mental health care for children, adolescents, adults, and older adults.

Experience

10+ years in behavioral health and nursing

Care type

Psychiatry, Medication management

Works with

Children, Adolescents, Adults, Older adults

Common focus areas

Anxiety disordersDepression and mood disordersADHDPTSDBipolar disordersSchizophreniaOCD
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First session

Your first session explores your concerns, personal history, current challenges, strengths, and care goals before building a personalized treatment plan.

Strengths

She brings compassionate listening, clinical expertise, individualized care, and the perspective of both a healthcare leader and practicing psychiatric provider.

Treatment philosophy

Her care philosophy is collaborative, respectful, and empowering, with a focus on helping clients build tools, confidence, and resilience.

Education

Board-certified psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner

Dr. Ukwandu helps clients navigate anxiety, depression, ADHD, PTSD, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, OCD, adjustment disorders, trauma, stress, and challenging life transitions.

Individual NPI: 1770142093

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Dr. Dorothy Akakem headshot

Board-certified psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner

Dr. Dorothy Akakem

DNP, PMHNP-BC

VirtualMD + DC

Dr. Dorothy Akakem provides compassionate, evidence-based mental health care across the lifespan, with a focus on emotional wellness, resilience, and improved quality of life.

Experience

25+ years of nursing experience

Care type

Psychiatry, Medication management

Works with

Children, Adolescents, Adults, Older adults

Common focus areas

Anxiety disordersDepression and mood disordersTrauma and PTSDStress and burnoutLife transitionsGrief and lossRelationship challenges
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First session

Your first session is a chance to review your history, current challenges, strengths, and goals so care can be tailored to your unique needs.

Strengths

She is known for strong communication, comprehensive clinical assessments, patient advocacy, and holistic, patient-centered care.

Treatment philosophy

Her approach is collaborative, respectful, and individualized, helping clients feel heard, empowered, and supported while working toward lasting change.

Education

Doctor of Nursing Practice, Frontier Nursing University

With more than 25 years of nursing experience and specialized psychiatric mental health training, Dr. Akakem partners with children, adolescents, adults, and older adults to address symptoms and the underlying factors affecting well-being.

Individual NPI: Available during intake

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Dr. Ukachi D. Esen headshot

Board-certified psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner

Dr. Ukachi D. Esen

RN, BSN, MSN, PMHNP-BC

VirtualMD + DC

Dr. Ukachi D. Esen provides compassionate, evidence-based psychiatric care with experience supporting veterans, complex mental health needs, and diverse populations.

Experience

Psychiatry, nursing leadership, and quality management

Care type

Psychiatry, Medication management

Works with

Children, Adolescents, Adults, Veterans

Common focus areas

Anxiety disordersDepression and mood disordersTrauma and PTSDStress and burnoutBehavioral health concernsLife transitionsGrief and loss
Read full profile

First session

Your first session reviews your history, current concerns, strengths, and goals to create a personalized treatment plan.

Strengths

She brings compassionate care, strong clinical judgment, psychopharmacology expertise, suicide risk assessment, psychotherapy, and interdisciplinary coordination.

Treatment philosophy

Her approach treats the whole person, combining evaluation, medication management, psychotherapy, education, and ongoing support.

Education

RN, BSN, MSN, PMHNP-BC

Dr. Esen is committed to helping clients build resilience, gain insight, develop healthy coping skills, and create practical strategies for long-term well-being.

Individual NPI: Available during intake

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Provider matching

Not sure who to choose?

Start intake and NDH can route you by state, insurance status, age, care need, clinical fit, urgency, and appointment availability.

Begin with a clear care path.

Complete intake and the team will guide matching, coverage review, and secure appointment next steps.