Meet Dr. Ciara M. Smith, DNP, PMHNP-BC

Dr. Ciara M. Smith is a board-licensed psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner. With 10 years of professional experience, she has always wanted to help others. Dr. Smith was born and raised in Rockville, MD, and received her Bachelor of Nursing and Doctor of Nursing Practice at the University of Maryland, Baltimore. She is skilled in evaluating, diagnosing, managing, and treating mental health disorders with cultural sensitivity for children and adults.

Dr. Smith specializes in taking a holistic approach. Additional time is given to ensure your needs and goal are thoroughly communicated before making clinically appropriate treatment recommendations. To promote her own mental wellness, Dr. Smith loves to try different holistic methods such as reiki, foot reflexology, aromatherapy, and acupuncture.

Dr. Smith’s working experience also includes providing care at several child/adolescent inpatient psychiatric units in the DC-Baltimore metropolitan area. Additionally, Dr. Smith is an assistant professor at the University of Maryland, Baltimore School of Nursing.

Outside of helping others, Dr. Smith enjoys reading, listening to crime podcasts and spending time with her loved ones.

Journey to Wellness Mental Health Services is actively seeking psychiatric nurse practitioners or psychiatrists who have experience in outpatient settings for part-time contract positions.

Meet Our New Nurse Practitioner
Lawrencia Addo Darko DNP, PMHNP-BC

Dr. Lawrencia Addo Darko is a doctorally prepared Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner with expertise in mental health care across diverse populations. She earned her Doctorate in Nursing Practice from the University of Maryland Baltimore School of Nursing. Dr. Addo Darko has worked in the inpatient and emergency psychiatry services for over six years, serving adult, geriatric, child, and adolescent populations in primarily underserved communities. With a foundation in advanced clinical training and a deep understanding of psychiatric disorders, she specializes in providing evidence-based treatments, including psychotherapy and psychopharmacology, to address complex mental health needs.

Dr. Addo Darko's doctoral education gives her a unique perspective on integrating research, clinical practice, and holistic patient care. Thus, she provides inclusive care that considers an individual's cultural background, religion/spirituality, sexual orientation, and experiences of the individual that will help in recovery. She likes to go on trips with family and friends in her free time. She finds herself lost in the world of documentaries on different issues and good classic British literature. Committed to continuous learning, she stays abreast of emerging trends and advancements in psychiatric care to deliver innovative and compassionate solutions. Dr. Addo Darko sees patients via Telehealth and in person and accepts most major insurances.