Dr. Emma N. Ndifor, DNP, APRN, PMHNP-BC, FNP-BC
Dr. Emma N. Ndifor is a board-certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP-BC) and Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP-BC) with extensive experience in outpatient psychiatric care, primary care, and urgent care across the lifespan. She earned her Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) from James Madison University in 2023 and has been board-certified in psychiatric mental health nursing since 2020 and family practice since 2016.
Dr. Ndifor specializes in diagnosing and managing mental health disorders such as ADHD, anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder, OCD, schizophrenia, and disruptive mood disorders. She is skilled in conducting comprehensive psychiatric evaluations, prescribing and managing psychotropic medications, delivering evidence-based psychotherapy including CBT and mindfulness techniques, and coordinating multidisciplinary care. Her expertise extends to primary and urgent care, where she treats acute and chronic medical conditions, performs minor procedures, and manages medications across pediatric, adult, and geriatric populations.
In addition to clinical practice, Dr. Ndifor serves as a preceptor for NP students nationwide, mentoring both master’s and doctoral students in psychiatric and family practice. She emphasizes critical thinking, evidence-based care, and professional growth to support the transition of new nurse practitioners into independent practice.
Dr. Ndifor holds APRN licensure in Virginia and Maryland, with Washington DC licensure in process, and is certified in Medication Assisted Treatment (Suboxone prescribing). She is an active member of Sigma Theta Tau International, Omicron Iota chapter, and continues to advance her practice through ongoing professional development.
Her compassionate approach, clinical expertise, and commitment to integrated care enable her to provide holistic, patient-centered care that addresses both physical and mental health needs.
• Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP), James Madison University, Harrisonburg, VA, 2023
• PMHNP Certification, Liberty University, Lynchburg, VA, 2020
• Master of Science in Nursing, Family Nurse Practitioner, Maryville University, St. Louis, MO
• Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN), Oklahoma Baptist University, Shawnee, OK, 2008
• Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner-Board Certified (PMHNP-BC), 2020
• Family Nurse Practitioner-Board Certified (FNP-BC), 2016
• Registered Nurse, 2008
• Medication Assisted Treatment Waiver (Suboxone), 2019
• Basic Life Support (BLS), American Heart Association
• Member of Sigma Theta Tau International, Omicron Iota Chapter
• Sigma Theta Tau International (Nursing Honor Society)
• Preceptor for Master’s and Doctoral NP students nationwide
Areas of Specialization/Expertise
- Psychiatric evaluation and diagnosis (ADHD, anxiety, depression, bipolar, OCD, schizophrenia, mood disorders, conduct disorder, intermittent explosive disorder)
- Psychotropic medication management (SSRIs, SNRIs, TCAs, stimulants, antipsychotics) Evidence-based psychotherapy (CBT, supportive therapy, mindfulness, relaxation techniques, psychoeducation)
- Primary and urgent care management (acute illnesses, chronic disease management, minor procedures)
- Preceptorship of NP students in clinical settings
What do you enjoy most about practicing medicine?
In my clinical practice, I frequently encountered patients with medical conditions complicated by co-occurring mental health disorders. Limited access to psychiatric care—long wait times and extensive travel—often delayed needed treatment and caused significant patient distress. Witnessing these challenges inspired me to pursue advanced training in psychiatric care so I could provide more integrated, accessible support and help patients achieve healthier, more fulfilling lives.