Meet Dr. Jennifer Okwerekwu, MD, MS

Integrative reproductive psychiatrist serving AZ, FL, IL, MA, MN & NY

 

I want to help you go from just “managing” or “surviving” day-to-day to actually thriving.

 

I provide medication management and psychotherapy through a female-first frame: putting you, your needs, and your wellness at the forefront of our work together.

 

Empowering

I want you to feel in control of your own wellness. As your doctor, I am committed to equipping you with the information you need to make clear, informed choices about your health.

Collaborative

I believe women deserve a special level of support and care during these phases of life. I view the work we do as a partnership, and I’ll take the time to help you feel seen, supported, and listened to at every stage.

Specialized

As a reproductive psychiatrist, I have deep expertise and training in helping you navigate hormonally-driven transitions with the level of evidence-based care you need.  My knowledge of integrative and holistic care means customized treatment plans to help you feel well.

  • I am a board-certified psychiatrist specializing in women's mental health and reproductive psychiatry. I am a graduate of Harvard College and the University of Virginia School of Medicine, completing my adult psychiatry residency at Harvard Medical School/Cambridge Health Alliance and fellowship subspecialty training at the Brigham & Women's Hospital. I am also a physician-writer with a Master of Science from Columbia University in Narrative Medicine.

    I’ve explored my love of storytelling through my previous work as a medical producer on an Emmy award-winning daytime television show. Today, I am also a columnist for STAT, a life sciences publication backed by the Boston Globe Media Group.

    My work has appeared in a number of platforms and publications from CNN to the Journal of the American Medical Association.

    I’m also a passionate teacher. I’ve also taught a seminar to Columbia University medical students on writing as a form of medical student advocacy and lectured on topics at the national and local levels about topics ranging from birth trauma to the use of contraception in psychiatry.

    • Fellowship in Women's Mental Health Fellowship: Brigham and Women's Hospital/ Harvard Medical School

    • Adult Psychiatry Residency: The Cambridge Health Alliance/Harvard Medical School. Chief Resident in Women's Mental Health

    • Doctor of Medicine: The University of Virginia School of Medicine

    • Masters of Science in Narrative Medicine: Columbia University

    • Bachelors: Harvard College

    • Board Certified Diplomate of the American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology

    • National Curriculum in Reproductive Psychiatry Fellow Series

    • Online Fellowship in Reproductive & Integrative Psychiatry

I practice at the intersection of female-first care, social justice, and evidence-based medicine.

I view my work as an opportunity to help women feel seen and supported through the most transformative stages of their lives. I am also passionate about social justice and exploring issues of race and motherhood in medicine, which is why a portion of my practice is focused on supporting women of color and the unique challenges they face in pursuit of quality, culturally responsive medical care.

The story behind the name

Coral symbolizes warmth, protection, enthusiasm, and wisdom: all values I build my practice on.

In the Nigerian culture, coral beads are incredibly valuable, worn in jewelry during significant transitions and rites of passage. As a Nigerian-American psychiatrist, I want to help my patients, black women, feel connected to their ancestral strength and to support and care for them in ways similar to how my African culture cares for their women & new mothers.

 

Convenient Online Care

I’m licensed to provide care in Arizona, Florida, Illinois, Minnesota Massachusets & New York.

We can meet conveniently via secure, HIPAA-compliant video sessions in the time and place that works best for you. Click the button below to schedule a complimentary consultation to learn more about how I can help you achieve your wellness goals.