Frederick, MD · Accepting new patients
Psychiatric nurse practitioners (PMHNPs) in Frederick, MD
Every patient at Paraview is seen by a board-certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner. They evaluate, diagnose, and prescribe, in person at our Frederick office or by secure video anywhere in Maryland.
What a psychiatric nurse practitioner is
A Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner is a licensed medical provider who has completed graduate-level training in psychiatric care and passed national board certification. They assess mental health conditions, make diagnoses, prescribe and manage medication, and adjust treatment over time.
Maryland grants nurse practitioners full practice authority. A PMHNP here does not work under a supervising physician and does not need one to sign off on your prescription. In practice, what that means for you is simple: the person who evaluates you is the person who treats you.
A PMHNP is not a physician, and is not a therapist. If you want the longer comparison, we wrote one: psychiatrist vs psychiatric nurse practitioner.
The PMHNPs you would see
Dr. Maureen Okonah
DNP, PMHNP-BC · Practice Lead
Dr. Maureen brings extensive outpatient and community program experience to Paraview. Her practice spans diagnostic evaluations, psychopharmacology, and supportive psychotherapy for depression, anxiety, mood disorders, PTSD, trauma, ADHD, and schizophrenia. She is board-certified in Psychiatric Mental Health and holds additional certification in Adult-Gerontology nursing, and emphasizes patient dignity and individualized treatment plans.
Peter Ige
PMHNP · Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner
Peter brings over 25 years of mental health experience across community centers, inpatient units, and primary care settings. He specializes in diagnostic evaluations, psychopharmacology, crisis stabilization, and supportive psychotherapy for adolescents through older adults, with a focus on culturally sensitive, patient-centered, evidence-based care.
More about our team on the providers page.
What our PMHNPs do
- A full 60-minute diagnostic evaluation at your first visit
- Diagnosis and a treatment plan you understand and agree with
- Prescribing and ongoing medication management, with real follow-up in the early weeks
- Supportive psychotherapy as part of your medication visits
- Coordination with your therapist or primary care provider when you have one
We care for patients ages 6 and up. For anyone under 18, a parent or legal guardian is part of intake and treatment.
Where you would be seen
By secure video
Available anywhere in Maryland. Many follow-up visits work well by video. See telehealth psychiatry in Maryland.
PMHNP, psychiatrist, or therapist?
All three help with mental health, and they are not interchangeable. Here is the short version.
| Role | Training | Prescribes? |
|---|---|---|
| Psychiatric nurse practitioner (PMHNP) | Graduate nursing degree plus psychiatric specialty training and board certification | Yes |
| Psychiatrist (MD or DO) | Medical school plus a psychiatry residency | Yes |
| Therapist or counselor (LCSW, LCPC, psychologist) | Graduate training in therapy; not a prescribing role | No |
Insurance and cost
We are in-network with most major plans in Maryland, and we verify your specific coverage before your first visit so you know your expected cost up front. Self-pay is $300 for the initial evaluation and $150 for a follow-up.
Common questions
- Can a psychiatric nurse practitioner prescribe medication in Maryland?
- Yes. Maryland grants nurse practitioners full practice authority, so a board-certified PMHNP can evaluate, diagnose, and prescribe psychiatric medication independently, including controlled medications where clinically appropriate. You do not need to see a separate physician for a prescription.
- Are you accepting new patients?
- Yes. We are currently accepting new patients for psychiatric evaluations and medication management. Our goal is to reach every new inquiry the next business day.
- Do I need a referral to be seen?
- No referral is needed (unless your insurance requires). You can request an appointment yourself. We do welcome referrals from primary care, therapists, hospitals, and schools if that is how you found us.
- What ages do you see?
- We care for patients ages 6 and up. For anyone under 18, a parent or legal guardian is involved in intake and treatment.
Ready when you are.
Tell us a little about what you are looking for and our team will reach out to verify your insurance and schedule your first visit.