Bipolar disorder therapists & psychiatrists in Stafford, TX

I'm Rita, a board-certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner, dedicated to guiding individuals through their mental health journeys with compassion and evidence-based care.

I have a very mellow, approachable style, and my main goal is to help my patients reach their goals. Many of the people I work with feel like they haven’t been truly heard before, or that medication was presented as their only option. I take time to listen and make sure you feel comfortable, understood, and involved in your care. I also grew up in an immigrant household, where mental health wasn’t always talked about or seen as an option, and that experience really shaped how I work with my patients today.

I am a Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner with experience providing care in both inpatient and outpatient psychiatric settings. My clinical background allows me to support adults across a wide range of mental health needs—from acute stabilization to ongoing outpatient treatment—while maintaining a thoughtful, individualized approach to care.

I received my Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP) degree from Texas State University, where I developed a strong foundation in evidence-based psychiatric assessment, diagnosis, and treatment. I am known for my warm, approachable style and for taking the time to truly listen, as I believe effective mental health care begins with trust, collaboration, and feeling understood.

I specialize in the evaluation and treatment of anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, schizoaffective disorder, ADHD, trauma-related concerns, and life stressors. My approach emphasizes conservative medication management, clear patient education, and shared decision-making so individuals feel informed and confident in their care.

In addition to my psychiatric training, I have a background in women’s health, which enhances my understanding of how physical health and life-stage factors can influence mental well-being. This perspective allows me to provide well-rounded, inclusive care for all adults.

Whether you are seeking psychiatric care for the first time, transitioning from inpatient treatment, or looking for ongoing outpatient support, my goal is to provide a supportive, non-judgmental environment where you feel respected, heard, and empowered throughout your care.

Experienced in providing care, interventions designed to promote mental and physical health. Empathetic, culturally competent and results oriented.

Trauma can change the way you see yourself, others, and the world around you. Whether you've experienced domestic violence, childhood abuse, or other painful life events, you may find yourself feeling stuck, overwhelmed, disconnected, or constantly on guard. Healing is possible, and you do not have to navigate that journey alone. As a licensed counselor with experience working with survivors of trauma, I provide a safe, supportive space where you can process your experiences, regain a sense of control, and move toward a life that feels more fulfilling and meaningful.

I’m Dr. Emem Nkanga, Doctor of Nursing Practice. I believe that everyone deserves a personalized and compassionate approach to mental health care. I bring over 20 years of experience in healthcare, with a focused dedication to psychiatry over the past 4 years. My passion lies in supporting mental health and emotional well-being.

I work with children ages 10 and above, adolescents, and adults from diverse backgrounds who are experiencing challenges such as anxiety, depression, ADHD, PTSD, bipolar disorder, OCD, insomnia, and more.

My clinical style is warm, structured, and collaborative. I emphasize clear communication and shared decision-making with my patients. I strive to create a safe and non-judgmental environment where people feel heard and respected.

I have an AGACNP background, which supports my ability to assess medical comorbidity and understand complex medical/psychiatric overlap. I am also DOT-certified, which reflects my knowledge of safety-sensitive considerations and careful medication risk assessment.

LIFE be LIFING...You’ve been carrying a lot for a long time. Maybe anxiety, depression, past experiences, or high-stress situations are starting to catch up with you, and it’s getting harder to manage on your own. You might feel stuck in patterns you don’t fully understand or unsure how to move forward. If you’re ready to feel more in control, break unhealthy cycles, and finally have space to focus on yourself, we can work together to help you create clarity, stability, and real, lasting change.

I believe therapy is a space where you don’t have to hold everything together on your own. Many of the women I work with come to therapy feeling overwhelmed, disconnected from themselves, or unsure of who they are becoming after life transitions, relational wounds, or long-standing expectations placed on them. You may be functioning on the outside, yet internally feel anxious, emotionally exhausted, or stuck in patterns that no longer serve you.

I specialize in working with women navigating anxiety, depression, low self-esteem, and the emotional impact of trauma—both big, defining moments and the quieter, cumulative experiences that shape how we see ourselves and others. A core focus of my work is supporting minority women and those experiencing identity rupture—the feeling of losing, questioning, or redefining who you are due to cultural pressures, relational conflict, motherhood, systemic stress, or major life transitions.