Elevating Mental Health Care with New Experts
Enhancing Mental Health Care Through Expertise and Compassion
At Innerspace Counseling, our dedication to delivering comprehensive and compassionate mental health care for children, teens, and adults is unwavering. We proudly announce the addition of two exceptional medical providers to our team: Dr. Elizabeth Lobel, MD, and Dr. Gloria Akunna, DNP, PMHNP-BC, APN. Their impressive backgrounds in psychiatric care will significantly enhance our capacity to offer individualized treatment plans within our Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP) and Partial Hospitalization Program (PHP).
Introducing Our Acclaimed Medical Providers
Dr. Elizabeth Lobel, MD – Medical Director
Dr. Elizabeth Lobel is a double board-certified psychiatrist with specialization in child, adolescent, and adult mental health. With over ten years in various settings, including private practice and telepsychiatry, Dr. Lobel adopts a holistic and patient-centered philosophy in her approach to psychiatric care.
Inspired by her passion for understanding the intricacies of human behavior and mental health, Dr. Lobel explains, "I knew I wanted to be a child psychiatrist when I was 13. I cherish the opportunity to connect with people and help them understand their mental health needs." Her training encompasses early childhood and peripartum mental health, emphasizing tailored treatment plans that reflect each person’s unique challenges.
Dr. Lobel collaborates intensively with our therapists at Innerspace Counseling, ensuring seamless integration of medication management with therapeutic practices such as Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT).
A Team-Centric Approach
Ololade "Lola" Ekwere, PMHNP-BC, FNP-BC, a dedicated psychiatric nurse practitioner at Innerspace, remarks upon the collaborative spirit of our team: "The synergy here is palpable. Dr. Lobel brings thoroughness and a supportive demeanor, enhancing our joint mission of patient care."
Meet Dr. Gloria Akunna
Dr. Gloria Akunna, DNP, PMHNP-BC, APN
Dr. Gloria Akunna, board-certified as a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP), possesses extensive experience in both inpatient and outpatient psychiatry, addiction recovery, and program settings like PHP and IOP. With advanced nursing degrees from various prestigious institutions, she is committed to offering compassionate and inclusive psychiatric care.
Driven by her personal experiences with mental health in her family, Dr. Akunna states, "Witnessing mental health struggles among my loved ones ignited my desire to contribute meaningfully to this field." Transitioning from a prior career in computer science, she feels fulfilled knowing she can make a difference in the lives of others, particularly those from underserved and vulnerable communities.
Her specializations include managing psychiatric medications for conditions like anxiety, depression, PTSD, OCD, ADHD, and psychotic disorders. Dr. Akunna emphasizes collaboration and consistently partners with therapists to provide comprehensive care for her patients.
Lola further highlights, "Dr. Akunna's dedication and enthusiasm for patient care is remarkable. Together, our team strives to deliver optimal treatment and support for all our patients regardless of their circumstances."
A Holistic Treatment Approach
At Innerspace Counseling, we understand that effective mental health care combines psychiatric support with structured therapeutic interventions. Both our IOP and PHP integrate medication counseling with individual and group therapy for a comprehensive care experience.
Our multidisciplinary model ensures that every patient receives personalized treatment plans through the collaborative efforts of our psychiatrists, nurse practitioners, and therapists. Prescribers manage medication while our clinical team provides therapy, DBT training, and CBT interventions that help individuals cultivate coping skills and emotional resilience.
This integrative approach proves particularly advantageous for those facing severe mental health challenges such as suicidal thoughts, chronic anxiety, or mood disorders. By treating both the biological and psychological components of mental health, we assist individuals on their journey toward stability, growth, and enduring wellness.
Strengthening Our Mission with Exceptional Leadership
"The arrival of Dr. Lobel and Dr. Akunna marks a significant development for us at Innerspace Counseling," expresses Ajita Shah, LPC, NCC, ACS, PMH-C, Owner and Program Director. "Their expertise elevates our capacity to provide integrated treatment that pairs psychiatric care with necessary therapy and support for our patients, ensuring an enriching recovery experience."
Lola adds, "At Innerspace Counseling, teamwork is fundamental to our practice. We collaborate to give each patient the highest quality care, and I’m proud to be part of such a devoted team."
Inclusive Mental Health Care for All
Innerspace Counseling offers specialized mental health care tailored for children, adolescents, and adults. Our PHP and IOP programs cater to individuals needing a more structured therapeutic approach without the necessity of inpatient hospitalization.
Our programs encompass:
- Thorough psychiatric evaluation and medication counseling
- Individual and group therapy sessions
- DBT and CBT-based practices
- Strategies for coping and emotional regulation
- Family support mechanisms
By striking a balance between psychiatric and therapeutic interventions, we empower individuals with essential tools and support to effectively manage their mental health obstacles.
A Hopeful Future
With the inclusion of Dr. Elizabeth Lobel and Dr. Gloria Akunna in our ranks, Innerspace Counseling remains steadfast in its commitment to delivering exceptional, evidence-based mental health care. Whether struggling with anxiety, depression, mood disorders, or any mental health concern, our compassionate team is here to offer personalized treatment options designed to foster healing. We're proud to report that 100% of our clients recommend Innerspace Counseling, highlighting the effectiveness of our programs.
If you’re interested in learning more about our PHP and IOP offerings, we invite you to take your first step towards healing soon.
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Let’s collaborate to build a brighter future for individuals and families challenged by mental health issues.
Media Contact
Melissa Maranzano
Director of Program Planning & Quality Assurance
732-307-5673
