Dr. Nneka Nkiru Orakwue-Ononye – Psychiatrist | Calgary, AB

Dr. Nneka Nkiru Orakwue-Ononye is a specialized Child and Adolescent Psychiatrist, dedicated to diagnosing and treating mental, emotional, and behavioral disorders in children and adolescents. Practicing at a reputable mental health clinic within Calgary, AB, she is a key member of the local mental healthcare community, committed to providing expert psychiatric care tailored to youth. Her practice adheres to the standards and guidelines set forth by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Alberta (CPSA), ensuring high-quality, ethical, and patient-centered care. She focuses on developmental considerations in youth mental health, addressing conditions like ADHD, anxiety, depression, and autism spectrum disorder-related challenges in young people. The clinic offers a youth-friendly and family-inclusive environment, dedicated to addressing the unique mental health challenges faced by children and adolescents.

Dr. Orakwue-Ononye completed her medical education with a Bachelor of Medicine, Bachelor of Surgery (MBBS) degree in Nigeria. She holds specialty certification as a Child and Adolescent Psychiatrist, having completed extensive postgraduate training in this subspecialty. Her certification and ongoing professional development ensure she remains at the forefront of mental health care for youth, equipped to manage a broad spectrum of psychiatric conditions with expertise and compassion.

Her clinical philosophy emphasizes a family-centered and developmentally-informed approach, creating a safe and engaging environment where young patients feel heard and supported. She collaborates closely with families, schools, and other healthcare providers to foster resilience and promote positive mental health trajectories. Dr. Orakwue-Ononye also speaks Igbo in addition to English, facilitating communication with a broader range of patients and families in Calgary. She is dedicated to providing culturally sensitive care that respects each child's unique background and needs.

Dr. Nneka Orakwue-Ononye provides assessment and treatment for a wide spectrum of mental health conditions, including:

Neurodevelopmental Disorders (Psychiatric Aspects)

• Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) - Co-occurring Psychiatric Conditions: Management of associated psychiatric conditions like anxiety, depression, OCD, or ADHD that frequently co-occur in individuals with ASD.
• Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) - Adult & Child/Adolescent: A neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by persistent patterns of inattention and/or hyperactivity-impulsivity that interfere with functioning or development.
• Intellectual Disability - Co-occurring Psychiatric Conditions: Diagnosing and managing mental health conditions that can occur alongside intellectual disabilities, adapting treatment approaches as needed.

Mood Disorders

• Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) / Clinical Depression: Persistent feelings of sadness, loss of interest or pleasure, fatigue, changes in appetite or sleep, and difficulty concentrating, significantly impairing daily functioning.
• Bipolar Disorder (Type I, Type II, Cyclothymia): Characterized by extreme shifts in mood, energy, activity levels, and concentration, ranging from depressive lows to manic or hypomanic highs.

Anxiety, OCD & Trauma-Related Disorders

• Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD): Excessive, persistent worry and anxiety about various everyday life events or activities, often difficult to control.
• Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD): Develops after experiencing or witnessing a terrifying event, involving symptoms like flashbacks, nightmares, severe anxiety, and uncontrollable thoughts about the event.
• Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD): Characterized by unwanted, intrusive thoughts or images (obsessions) and repetitive, ritualistic behaviors (compulsions) performed to reduce anxiety.

This list is not exhaustive. Effective mental health care is highly personalized. Please consult with Dr. Nneka Orakwue-Ononye for an accurate diagnosis and tailored treatment plan.

• Individual Psychotherapy (various modalities): Offering one-on-one talk therapy tailored to individual needs, potentially incorporating elements from different therapeutic approaches (e.g., psychodynamic, CBT, supportive).
• Augmentation & Combination Strategies for Treatment-Resistant Conditions: Employing advanced psychopharmacological strategies, including combining medications or adding augmenting agents, for individuals who have not responded adequately to initial treatments.
• Psychopharmacological Management & Medication Optimization: Prescribing, monitoring, and adjusting psychotropic medications (e.g., antidepressants, antipsychotics, mood stabilizers, anxiolytics, stimulants) to treat various mental health disorders, focusing on efficacy, tolerability, and minimizing side effects.
• Treatment of Anxiety Disorders (GAD, Panic, Social Anxiety, OCD, PTSD) with Medication: Use of anxiolytics, antidepressants (SSRIs, SNRIs), and other medications to manage symptoms of generalized anxiety disorder, panic disorder, social phobia, obsessive-compulsive disorder, and post-traumatic stress disorder.
• School Consultation & Collaboration for Children with Psychiatric Needs: Liaising with schools and educational professionals to support the academic and social-emotional needs of children with psychiatric disorders.
• Group Therapy (various focuses, e.g., mood disorders, anxiety, trauma, DBT skills): Facilitating therapeutic groups where individuals with similar concerns can share experiences, learn coping strategies, and receive mutual support under the guidance of a therapist.

Note: This list provides a general overview. Treatment approaches are highly individualized. Please discuss with Dr. Orakwue-Ononye for care relevant to your specific mental health needs.

All psychiatric services are provided in accordance with the standards of practice set by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Alberta (CPSA) and relevant psychiatric care guidelines. Contact the clinic or your referring physician regarding new patient intake and referral processes.

Dr. Nneka Nkiru Orakwue-Ononye practices at a well-established mental health clinic located in Calgary's SE: Mahogany, Auburn Bay neighborhood. The facility is conveniently situated near landmarks such as GMC Stadium and Scotiabank Saddledome, making it easily recognizable. Accessible via Calgary Transit (CTrain LRT, Bus, BRT), the location is well-connected for patients using public transportation. The clinic is wheelchair accessible and aims to provide a comfortable and private environment for all patients, ensuring a discreet and welcoming atmosphere. Metered street parking and nearby public lots are available for those arriving by car, offering flexibility and ease of access for families and young patients seeking mental health support.

Are psychiatric consultations and treatments with Orakwue-Ononye, a Child and Adolescent Psychiatrist, covered by Alberta Health Care Insurance Plan (AHCIP) in AB?

Medically necessary consultations, diagnostic assessments, and medication management provided by a licensed Child and Adolescent Psychiatrist like Orakwue-Ononye are generally covered by Alberta Health Care Insurance Plan (AHCIP) in AB when a referral from a family doctor is in place. Coverage for psychotherapy services provided by a psychiatrist can vary; some provinces cover it, while others may have limitations or it may be part of hospital-based programs. Specific medications may also require special authorization or be subject to formulary restrictions. It's crucial to discuss coverage specifics for therapy or any specialized treatments with Orakwue-Ononye's office or Alberta Health Care Insurance Plan (AHCIP).

Do I need a referral to see Orakwue-Ononye, a Child and Adolescent Psychiatrist?

Yes, a referral from your family physician or another medical doctor (e.g., a pediatrician for child psychiatry, or an ER physician for urgent assessment) is almost always required to see a Child and Adolescent Psychiatrist such as Orakwue-Ononye for services covered by the provincial health plan. Mental health conditions often benefit from initial assessment by a primary care provider who can determine the need for specialist psychiatric care. The referral ensures coordinated care, appropriate triaging, and transfer of relevant medical history.

What is the main difference between a Psychiatrist like Orakwue-Ononye and a Psychologist?

The main difference is that a Psychiatrist, like Orakwue-Ononye, is a medical doctor (MD) who has completed medical school and then specialized residency training in psychiatry. Because they are physicians, psychiatrists can diagnose mental health conditions, prescribe and manage psychotropic medications, and provide various forms of psychotherapy. They can also order medical tests to rule out physical causes of psychiatric symptoms. A Psychologist typically has a doctoral degree (PhD or PsyD) in psychology and is trained in psychological assessment, diagnosis, and providing psychotherapy (talk therapy). Psychologists generally cannot prescribe medication in Canada, though they often work closely with psychiatrists or family doctors who do.

How can I prepare for my first appointment with Orakwue-Ononye?

For your first psychiatric appointment with Orakwue-Ononye, it's helpful to gather some information beforehand. Try to make a list of your main concerns, symptoms (including when they started, how often they occur, and their intensity), and any significant life events or stressors. Bring a list of all current medications (psychiatric and non-psychiatric), including dosages, as well as any past psychiatric medications you've tried and your experience with them. Information about your family history of mental health conditions can also be very useful. Be prepared to discuss your personal history, social situation, and coping strategies. Writing down any questions you have for Orakwue-Ononye can also ensure you get the most out of your consultation.

What if I experience side effects from medication prescribed by Orakwue-Ononye?

It's common for psychotropic medications to have potential side effects, especially when starting a new medication or adjusting a dose. Orakwue-Ononye will discuss common side effects to watch for. If you experience side effects, it's very important to communicate this to Orakwue-Ononye or her office promptly. Do not stop taking your medication suddenly unless instructed to do so by Orakwue-Ononye, as this can sometimes cause withdrawal symptoms or a worsening of your condition. Orakwue-Ononye can help manage side effects by adjusting the dosage, switching to a different medication, or suggesting strategies to mitigate them.

4448 Front St SE
Calgary, AB T3M 1M4

Phone: (403) 956-4200 | Fax: (403) 956-4290

The facility is wheelchair accessible and aims to provide a comfortable and private environment for all patients.

Dr. Orakwue-Ononye is a licensed Child and Adolescent Psychiatrist regulated by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Alberta (CPSA) under the Health Professions Act in AB. A referral from a family physician or pediatrician is typically required for consultations with Dr. Orakwue-Ononye for child and adolescent psychiatric services covered by the provincial health plan.

Verify registration with the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Alberta (CPSA): https://search.cpsa.ca/PhysicianProfile?e=04b97c44-4cb4-44ec-aa9f-f2badd346965&i=1103