Ernest Okwuonu

I am a board-certified psychiatrist with specialized training in consultation-liaison psychiatry, also known as psychosomatic medicine. I completed my fellowship at Stanford University School of Medicine, my psychiatry residency at St. John’s Episcopal Hospital in New York—where I served as Chief Resident—and earned my MD from the American University of the Caribbean. I also hold a BSc Honors in Pharmaceutical & Biological Chemistry from York University in Toronto, which supports my strong foundation in psychopharmacology.

My experience includes caring for people with complex psychiatric conditions across intensive care, surgical, oncology, and other medical settings. I have also contributed to quality improvement work focused on dyspnea in critically ill patients and presented my work at multiple conferences.

My approach is thoughtful, collaborative, and grounded in each client’s unique medical and personal history. I take time to understand the full picture—including symptoms, physical health, medications, stressors, and treatment goals—before recommending a plan. When medication is part of treatment, I draw on my extensive psychopharmacology training to make careful, evidence-informed recommendations while considering effectiveness, safety, and each client’s preferences.

During our first session, we will discuss what brings you to care, your current symptoms, relevant medical and psychiatric history, medications, and goals for treatment. I will listen carefully, answer your questions, and work with you to develop a clear, individualized plan. You can expect a welcoming, respectful conversation focused on helping you feel understood and supported from the start.