Welcome to UO NP in Psychiatry! Where Millennials and Gen Z Professionals Can Prioritize Their Mental Health
Hello, and welcome!
My name is Amaka Orji, and I’m a psychiatric nurse practitioner. If you’re here, it means you’ve stumbled upon my private practice, UO NP in Psychiatry. And honestly? It’s funny to think that I’m working in mental health today—because I never imagined I’d be here.
Let me explain. I’m a first-generation Nigerian American. Mental health? That was never a topic of conversation in my house. It simply wasn’t a “thing.” How could it be? My parents lived through a civil war in their home country. The idea of sitting down to discuss emotions or mental health struggles felt almost frivolous compared to their lived experiences. Growing up, I often felt like my feelings were silly or unimportant in comparison.
It wasn’t until I grew older, interacting with peers and experiencing life beyond my family, that I began to understand that mental health is very real and incredibly important. It’s not just important; it’s foundational to how we live and succeed. That led me to the path of helping people recognize their worth and giving them the tools to care for their mental health.
Connecting Through Shared Experiences
My background as a first-generation Nigerian American helps me connect with people in many ways. Patients don’t need to take time in their sessions to explain their struggles navigating the world—I often get it because I’ve lived it, too. Whether it’s being a woman, being Black, or being part of the millennial or Gen Z generations, I find those threads of commonality that create understanding and trust.
But the challenges go deeper. As millennials and Gen Zers, we’re living through an era of endless, “once-in-a-lifetime” events. I’ve lost count of how many times I’ve thought, “I’ll always remember where I was when I found out about…” For me, it started on September 11th—I still remember my classmate being pulled out of middle school English class by his mom, and the confusion he and the rest of the class felt. I remember wondering why my father was home instead of at work when I returned from school. He told me that he could see the New York City skyline and the destruction from where his office was located in New Jersey.
That was just the beginning: the 2008 recession hit as we entered adulthood, and since then, we’ve faced economic instability, social unrest, a pandemic, climate crises, and countless other challenges. On top of that, we’re expected to maintain successful careers, build meaningful relationships, and somehow become our “fully actualized selves.” It’s a lot.
And yet, many of us feel we have no right to complain. We minimize our struggles because “other people have it worse” or “I should be grateful for what I have.” But here’s the truth: there’s only so much a person can take. At some point, the mask of “keeping it together” starts to crack.
You’re Allowed to Feel
I know how it feels to push aside your mental health just to survive. I’ve been there. And I want you to know that your feelings are valid. You’re allowed to feel overwhelmed, exhausted, sad, or disconnected—no matter how “put together” your life might look from the outside.
What we’re not going to do is minimize your mental health because it’s “not as bad” as someone else’s situation. Struggles are struggles, and they deserve attention. My goal is to create a space where you can come as you are, without judgment or pressure.
My Approach to Mental Health Care
At UO NP in Psychiatry, my goal is to make mental health care approachable, digestible, and tailored to you. This isn’t a one-size-fits-all approach—it’s a collaborative journey. Whether you’re open to medications, prefer exploring supplements and lifestyle changes, or need support navigating behavior modifications, I’m here to meet you where you are. And I might tell a joke or two along the way.
I want to offer the kind of care that helps you thrive, not just survive. That might mean ordering lab work to explore underlying issues, or simply creating a space where you feel truly heard and supported. I understand that the decision to seek help is difficult enough. My job is to make the rest of the process as seamless as possible.
Why I Started This Practice
I started this practice because I saw a gap in mental health care, particularly for millennial and Gen Z professionals. Traditional practices often rush through appointments or rely on cookie-cutter approaches dictated by insurance limitations. But you deserve better.
I want to offer quality care—care that’s not rushed, that’s personalized, and that recognizes the unique challenges we face as a generation. Millennials and Gen Zers are built differently. We’re navigating a world that demands so much from us, and we need a mental health approach that reflects that reality.
This is an investment in yourself. And I believe you’re worth it.
Let’s Work Together
If you’re ready to take the next step in prioritizing your mental health, I’m here to help. Together, we’ll create a plan that feels approachable, empowering, and aligned with your goals. Book your first consultation today—I can’t wait to meet you!