Cardiologist providers include doctors, nurses, nurse practitioners, and physician assistants. They often maintain long-term relationships with you and advise and treat you on a range of health related issues.
Chiropractor providers include doctors, nurses, nurse practitioners, and physician assistants. They often maintain long-term relationships with you and advise and treat you on a range of health related issues.
Dentist providers include doctors, nurses, nurse practitioners, and physician assistants. They often maintain long-term relationships with you and advise and treat you on a range of health related issues.
Dermatologist providers include doctors, nurses, nurse practitioners, and physician assistants. They often maintain long-term relationships with you and advise and treat you on a range of health related issues.
Family Physician providers include doctors, nurses, nurse practitioners, and physician assistants. They often maintain long-term relationships with you and advise and treat you on a range of health related issues.
OB-GYN providers include doctors, nurses, nurse practitioners, and physician assistants. They often maintain long-term relationships with you and advise and treat you on a range of health related issues.
Ophthalmologist providers include doctors, nurses, nurse practitioners, and physician assistants. They often maintain long-term relationships with you and advise and treat you on a range of health related issues.
Orthopedic Surgeon providers include doctors, nurses, nurse practitioners, and physician assistants. They often maintain long-term relationships with you and advise and treat you on a range of health related issues.
Pediatrician providers include doctors, nurses, nurse practitioners, and physician assistants. They often maintain long-term relationships with you and advise and treat you on a range of health related issues.
Physical Therapist providers include doctors, nurses, nurse practitioners, and physician assistants. They often maintain long-term relationships with you and advise and treat you on a range of health related issues.
Podiatrist providers include doctors, nurses, nurse practitioners, and physician assistants. They often maintain long-term relationships with you and advise and treat you on a range of health related issues.
Psychiatrist providers include doctors, nurses, nurse practitioners, and physician assistants. They often maintain long-term relationships with you and advise and treat you on a range of health related issues.
To book an appointment, the fastest and easiest way is to send us an email at [email protected] with your name, date of birth, phone number, type of insurance, and best time to contact you!
A little about me: I am a board-certified psychiatric nurse practitioner. I meet people where they are and utilize a holistic approach using nutraceuticals and prescription medications to treat psychiatric disorders. I have advanced training in functional, integrative, and nutritional psychiatry (curriculum taught by Dr. James Greenblatt https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/contributors/james-m-greenblatt-md).
With over 21 years of experience, I graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) Summa Cum Laude and a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) Magna Cum Laude. I have worked in a variety of settings, most recently at Johns Hopkins Community Physicians before the inception of Bright Waters.
Folashade Kanimodo (Sade) is a board-certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner and Family Nurse Practitioner. She holds a Doctor of Nurse Practice degree from The University of Alabama Huntsville. She has been a Nurse Practitioner for over twenty years. Sade is able to provide care in difficult times and help to manage chronic mental health conditions. It is vital that establish collaboration relationships on trust, well-being, and empowerment. Sade recognizes the value of using culturally sensitive and evidence-based practices to help clients to overcome problems and create new experiences
“She is very nice, she takes her time and thoroughly takes her time on deciding which things are right for you. She listens and if she doesn’t understand you she will tell you and work it out together. She does what is necessary and she will go out on a limb for you. Respect gets respect. She is easy to talk to and does what’s best for her patients. ”
Nicole McLeod is a dynamic and accomplished Board Certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner with over ten years of RN experience and a strong dedication to evidence-based care for patients with a wide range of physical and behavioral health issues across the lifespan. Nicole is a result-oriented and resourceful nurse practitioner who works well with interdisciplinary teams to provide person-centered, recovery-oriented care for the mind and body, enabling people to live full, happy lives. Nicole is also a sharp and adaptable clinician who has demonstrated her ability to thrive in fast-paced circumstances. She emanates the ability to handle routine and emergency medical crises with the utmost professionalism. She has outstanding interpersonal skills, is a wonderful listener, and does not criticize a patient based on their conduct; instead, she treats them with respect. Nicole is a devout Christian who enjoys spending time with her husband, daughters, and church family.
Oko Akrong, PMHNP-BC, RN, MSN, is passionate about caring for patients. As a veteran, he knows first hand the effects of mental illness and how it negatively affects qualifications of life. His focus is to provide relief and help patients live their best lives. He is licensed in D.C., Maryland and Northern Virginia servicing the whole DMV area.
Oko Akrong received his PMHNP from Regis College. He works with adolescents and adults struggling with depression, ADHD, behavioral issues, PTSD, psychotic disorders, and more.
During treatment, Oko uses a client-centered solution-focused approach to provide the best possible care. He believes good communication and active listening leads to the best solution, and he uses these skills to help patients move forward in life. He believes hold heartedly that the relationship he has with his patients is one of a navigator whose job it is to use his skills, knowledge and education to create a clear cut path to the patients happiness.
“Finally a doctor that’s open enough not to stigmatize specific meds but he’s open and flexible with medicines and takes the time to get to know you the best around !!!!!!!”
Oko Akrong, PMHNP-BC
Psychiatrist
10320 Little Patuxent Parkway
Suite 200
Columbia, MD 21044
5.0(55)
Ifeyinwa Maduka
Psychiatric/Mental Health Nurse Practitioner 1.1 mi
Ifeyinwa Maduka, PMHNP-BC, is a board-certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner with over four years of clinical experience. She provides compassionate mental health care at Bluegrass Mental Health in Columbia, Maryland.
Dr. Maduka earned her Master of Science in Nursing from the University of South Alabama and her Doctor of Nursing Practice from Chatham University, where she gained advanced training in psychiatric evaluation, psychopharmacology, and evidence-based therapeutic interventions.
Dr. Maduka has worked in diverse mental health settings, including outpatient practices and intensive outpatient programs (IOPs). She specializes in treating anxiety, depression, PTSD, trauma-related conditions, bipolar disorder, and personality disorders. Her clinical approach is integrative and personalized, drawing from cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), psychodynamic principles, and mindfulness-based strategies to help patients develop insight, emotional balance, and sustainable coping skills.
Dr. Maduka believes that healing is a collaborative process. She takes the time to understand each patient’s story, values, and goals, ensuring that treatment plans are supportive, respectful, and tailored to each individual.
Outside of her clinical work, she enjoys reading, walking, participating in community service, and mentoring colleagues in the mental health field. Dr. Maduka accepts most major insurance plans and welcomes new patients.
Jessica Ogunye, PMHNP-BC, is a board-certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner who provides compassionate, culturally informed care at Bluegrass Mental Health in Columbia, Maryland.
As a first-generation Nigerian raised in the DMV area, she understands how cultural background, identity, and lived experiences shape mental health and healing. Her holistic and collaborative approach ensures that each person feels heard and supported throughout their treatment.
Jessica earned her bachelor’s degree in nursing from Marymount University and her master’s degree in psychiatric-mental health nursing from the Massachusetts College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences. She began her nursing career at Johns Hopkins Hospital, where she gained extensive experience in psychiatric care, including TMS, ketamine treatment, sleep studies, schizophrenia, and pediatric neuropsychiatric conditions. She later advanced psychiatric clinical training and crisis intervention competencies at the National Institutes of Health.
Jessica provides mental health assessment and medication management for children, adolescents, and adults, with a focus on anxiety, depression, ADHD, PTSD, OCD, and sleep disorders. She prioritizes patient education, transparency, and regular follow-up, helping individuals understand their treatment and actively participate in their care.
Jessica’s goal is to create a supportive environment where patients feel empowered to heal, grow, and move forward with confidence.
Alejandra Ivey, PMHNP-BC, is a board-certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner who provides inclusive, compassionate mental health care through telehealth at Bluegrass Mental Health in Columbia, Maryland.
She earned both her Master’s and Doctorate in Nursing Practice from the Medical University of South Carolina, where she received advanced training in psychiatric assessment, diagnosis, and evidence-based treatment.
Dr. Ivey has experience in both inpatient and outpatient settings, including work at Sheppard Pratt, treating mood disorders, anxiety disorders, and complex psychiatric conditions. She specializes in providing care across the lifespan, supporting children, adolescents, and adults in developing meaningful progress in their mental health journey.
Originally from Wyoming, Dr. Ivey comes from a diverse cultural background, is a proud LGBTQ+ ally, and is a U.S. military veteran. She brings warmth, respect, and cultural sensitivity to every session, valuing each patient’s identity, lived experience, and personal goals. Her holistic approach focuses on collaboration, education, and individualized treatment planning to achieve lasting stability and well-being.
Outside of her clinical work, she enjoys sewing, crafts, reading, spending time outdoors, and caring for her pets. Dr. Ivey sees patients exclusively via telehealth and accepts most major insurance plans.
Helen Metkowski, PMHNP-BC, is a board-certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner who provides care for children, adolescents, and adults at Bluegrass Mental Health in Columbia, Maryland. She earned her bachelor’s degree in nursing from York College of Pennsylvania and her master’s degree in psychiatric-mental health nursing from Drexel University.
Helen has eight years of clinical experience working in inpatient, outpatient, and emergency psychiatric settings, including roles at Johns Hopkins Hospital, Johns Hopkins Bayview, and Sheppard Pratt. She is trained in diagnosing and treating a wide range of mental health conditions, including ADHD, bipolar disorder, depression, borderline personality disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder, and anxiety-related conditions. Her approach is collaborative and patient-centered, ensuring that individuals are active participants in their treatment planning and decision-making.
Helen values open communication and believes that care is most effective when patients feel supported, understood, and truly involved in the process. Her goal is to provide thoughtful, individualized treatment that helps each person move toward stability, confidence, and well-being.
Helen is experienced in telehealth and accepts most major insurance plans. She is currently welcoming new patients.
“Helen Metkowski has been an excellent mental health provider (Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner) for me and I would recommend her to anyone. She is kind and patient. I have never felt judged by her. She has only ever treated me with compassion and understanding. Her professionalism is outstanding, as she is always present and attentive during sessions, personally responds quickly to messages, and goes above and beyond (considering input from my PCP, and working with me as well as my pharmacy) to ensure that my prescriptions are a good fit and available when I need them - despite nationwide shortages and circumstances out of her control. Meetings are virtual which is incredibly convenient and scheduling sessions is as easy as sending a text message to Inga (who is also incredibly professional with her quick and helpful replies). …. For what it’s worth, no one asked me to write this review or has offered any kind of incentive for doing so. I just feel incredibly lucky to have found a great provider and think Helen and Inga deserve to know how grateful l am for their exceptional service.”
Veronica is a board-certified family and psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner with over 20 years of experience in family medicine, military/veteran health, and psychiatric medication management, including substance use disorder. Veronica is an empathetic and understanding provider with an aptitude for developing treatment plans for patients with chronic medical and psychiatric conditions. She is an effective mental health worker with remarkable skills, including being an assertive listener and communicator. Her work with Active-Duty Military members/family and Veteran’s with mental health needs led her to pursue a second certification as a Psychiatric NP. She earned her post-graduate certificate in Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner from Liberty University, her MSN as a Family Nurse Practitioner, and her BSN from Walden University. She is a University of New Hampshire doctoral student and will graduate in 2023.
“I have a very difficult time trusting, opening up, and sharing details about my military history. Dr. VERONICA KWEGYIR-AFFUL is very approachable. listens, asks questions, and consoles when conversation is difficult. I highly recommend Dr. VERONICA KWEGYIR-AFFUL. ”
Anandraj (Andy) Mattai, MD, is a psychiatrist and founder of Innovative Psychiatry, LLC, in Columbia, Maryland. With an exceptional bedside manner and years of experience in his field, Dr. Mattai provides top-tier psychiatric care using the latest testing methods and treatment strategies.
Dr. Mattai excelled in school and graduated summa cum laude from Knox College in Galesburg, Illinois, before attending the University of Iowa Carver College of Medicine in Iowa City, Iowa. He then completed his psychiatric residency at Creighton University and the University of Nebraska College of Medicine, both in Omaha, Nebraska.
After completing his residency training, Dr. Mattai pursued a clinical fellowship at the National Institute of Mental Health (NIH) in Bethesda, Maryland, where he served as an investigator on several studies. He has also since held various positions in the pharmaceutical industry. He is currently a drug development consultant.
Dr. Mattai specializes in treating a range of conditions, including OCD, ADHD, anxiety, and depression. He strives to offer his patients cutting-edge treatment options and testing methods, including GeneSight® pharmacogenomic testing, the Test of Variables of Attention (T.O.V.A.®) testing, and transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) for treatment-resistant depression and OCD.
Dr. Mattai warmly welcomes new and returning patients to Innovative Psychiatry, LLC, for individualized, integrative mental health care.
Madison Kutzera, PA-C, is a board-certified Physician Assistant. Originally from Maryland, she earned her undergraduate degree in Public Health Science from the University of Maryland and went on to receive her Master of Science in Physician Assistant Studies from Radford University Carilion in Roanoke, Virginia.
Madison has experience working with patients managing a wide range of mental health conditions, including depression, anxiety, obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), and bipolar disorders. She is committed to an evidence-based, patient-centered approach, carefully tailoring medication regimens to align with each patient’s unique concerns and diagnoses.
In addition to medication management, Madison integrates a variety of psychotherapy techniques into her practice. She regularly utilizes cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) strategies to help patients reframe negative thinking patterns, develop healthier coping mechanisms, and improve emotional regulation. She also employs elements of supportive therapy, mindfulness-based interventions, and psychoeducation to empower patients in their treatment. Her approach reflects a holistic understanding of mental health that goes beyond symptoms to focus on overall well-being.
Madison works with both adolescent and adult patients and is currently pursuing her Certificate of Added Qualifications (CAQ) in Psychiatry to further expand her clinical expertise.
Outside of work, Madison enjoys reading, painting, trying new restaurants, and spending time with family and friends. She has been a dedicated member of the Innovative Psychiatry team for over three years and is proud to continue serving the Howard County community.
