Dr. Mapendo Karen Safari, DNP, MSN, APRN, CRNP, PMHNP-BC

Dr. Mapendo K. Safari, DNP, MSN, APRN, CRNP, PMHNP-BC, is a board-certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner, founder, CEO, and medical director of Access Psychiatry, LLC. She provides comprehensive mental health care through both virtual and in-person services, with a focus on accessibility, compassion, and evidence-based treatment. Her clinical expertise includes depression, anxiety, ADHD, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, and other psychiatric conditions, along with medication management, psychotherapy, and ketamine therapy for treatment-resistant cases.

Dr. Safari’s approach to care is rooted in the belief that every patient deserves high-quality mental health support without barriers, regardless of background, identity, or circumstance. She emphasizes individualized treatment plans that address the whole person, integrating clinical science with empathy and patient-centered listening. Her practice is guided by the understanding that behind every symptom is a lived experience that deserves dignity, attention, and respect.

Her academic foundation reflects a strong commitment to advanced nursing and psychiatric specialization. She earned her Associate Degree in Nursing from Radians College, her Bachelor of Science in Nursing from American Sentinel University, and her Master of Science in Nursing with a psychiatric mental health focus from Walden University. She later completed her Doctor of Nursing Practice at Frontier Nursing University, where her doctoral research examined psychotropic medication nonadherence and evidence-based strategies to improve treatment outcomes.

Dr. Safari began her career in general nursing, where she gained extensive experience in patient care and clinical leadership. In these roles, she observed the significant impact of untreated or delayed mental health conditions, which motivated her transition into psychiatry. This experience shaped her commitment to bridging gaps in mental health access and improving early intervention for individuals in crisis.

In clinical practice, Dr. Safari combines psychotherapy, medication management, and innovative psychiatric treatments tailored to each patient’s needs. She is committed to lifelong learning and continuously engages in advanced training and professional development to remain current in psychiatric research and best practices. She is an active member of the American Psychiatric Nurses Association, the American Nurses Association, and the American Nurses Credentialing Center, supporting her ongoing dedication to excellence in mental health care.

Beyond her clinical work, Dr. Safari is also the co-founder of the African Development Association, a nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting orphans, underserved communities, and victims of war. This humanitarian work reflects her belief that mental wellness is a universal right and that care should extend to the most vulnerable populations. Through both her clinical and philanthropic efforts, she remains committed to improving lives, expanding access to care, and helping individuals move from survival toward lasting recovery and wellness.

• BSN from American Sentinel University
• Master's degree from Walden University
• DNP from Frontier Nursing University

• PMHNP-BC
• DNP
• CPR
• First Aid

• American Psychiatric Nursing Association (APNA)
• American Nursing Association (ANA)
• American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC)