Dr. La Keisha Keneti

-Deep clinical and administrative experience paired with a teaching commitment that keeps practice current and evidence‐based.

-Specialized competency in complex psychopharmacology, substance use disorder treatment, and integrative wellness care.

-A compassionate, dignity‐centered culture that seeks to heal “unseen” wounds through collaborative, measurement‐based, and patient‐focused work.

Education and credentials: I hold a Doctoral Degree in Nursing (DNP) with distinction, (Chamberlain College of Nursing), a Master of Science in Nursing with honors (University of Cincinnati), and a Bachelor of Science in Nursing, cum laude. I am board-certified in Psychiatric-Mental Health Nursing (ANCC), certified as a Family Nurse Practitioner (AANPCP), and am a registered nurse with the Virginia Board of Nursing. I maintain specialized certifications and training and ongoing psychopharmacology and neuropsychiatry education across psychiatry, pharmacology, geriatrics, child/adolescent psychiatry, and related fields.

I am the CEO and practicing Nurse Practitioner at Charis Mental Health + Integrative Care and serve as a full‐time didactic and clinical instructor at Norfolk State University. My clinical career includes leadership and direct care roles across inpatient, urgent psychiatric, outpatient psychiatry, and family practice settings. I have experience with comprehensive psychiatric assessment, medication management, psychotherapy, crisis management, substance use disorder treatment, and integrative wellness approaches.

I provide patient‐centered psychiatric care across the lifespan. I treat patients with co‐occurring medical and substance use disorders, offer specialized services, women's and men's health, weight‐management support, and care models that combine behavioral health with general and specialty medical services.

Holistic, integrated, patient‐centered care: At Charis Mental Health + Integrative Care we treat the whole person—mental, physical, social, and lifestyle factors are all considered when creating individualized treatment plans. Our practice blends evidence‐based psychiatric care with integrative and complementary options when appropriate to improve outcomes and patient satisfaction.

• Collaborative decision‐making: I involve patients in shared, transparent decision‐making. Treatment plans are co‐created to align with each patient’s values, goals, and preferences. We use measurement‐based care and ongoing assessment to track progress and adjust treatment.
• Evidence‐based and measurement‐driven: Clinical decisions are informed by current DSM diagnostic criteria, validated assessment scales, and up‐to‐date psychopharmacology and neuroscience education. We prioritize safety—monitoring for medication side effects, metabolic concerns, and interactions—and provide REMS‐guided management when using specialized agents.
• Trauma‐informed and culturally sensitive: I practice with cultural humility and an awareness of trauma’s impact on mental health. The clinic fosters an inclusive, nonjudgmental environment where dignity and respect are central.
• Practical wellness integration: Beyond medication and psychotherapy, our services address lifestyle contributors to mental health—sleep, nutrition, exercise, endocrine/hormonal health, and targeted wellness testing when indicated—to support sustainable recovery and wellbeing.

Warm, organized intake: Your first visit begins with a thorough, yet compassionate, psychiatric intake. We review medical and psychiatric history, current symptoms, medications, substance use, sleep, diet, social supports, and prior treatments. Expect focused, evidence‐based diagnostic interviewing and the use of validated rating scales as needed.

• Comprehensive assessment and safety planning: I assess symptom severity, functional impact, and any immediate safety concerns (suicidality, self‐harm, or risk to others). If safety concerns exist, we develop a clear, collaborative safety plan and appropriate next steps.
• Collaborative treatment planning: Following assessment, we will discuss initial diagnostic impressions and treatment options (medication management, psychotherapy referrals, integrative modalities, lab or wellness testing). You will receive clear information about risks, benefits, and expected timelines for improvement; you will be invited to ask questions and share preferences.
• Practical logistics and next steps: The session will conclude with a summary of the plan, any prescriptions or orders (labs, referrals, wellness testing), scheduling of follow‐up appointments, and information about telehealth options. We will discuss billing and the cash‐based model used by Charis Mental Health + Integrative Care so you know what to expect financially and how that model supports integrated services.
• Educational support and resources: I provide education tailored to your needs—about diagnoses, medication effects and side effects, lifestyle strategies (sleep, diet, exercise), and community or digital resources. If appropriate, family or caregiver education can be arranged with your consent.