Ohana is Hawaiian for family, not just blood relatives, but the people who show up for you. It’s the idea this practice is built on: no one gets left behind.
The name carries a second layer, too. Our mark draws from the Abusua Pa, an Adinkra symbol from Bernice’s Ghanaian heritage meaning “good family.” Different culture, same idea: chosen family, mutual care, belonging.
Bernice started Ohana after a patient in crisis spent two days trying to find a single psychiatric provider who would see him. He had opioid use disorder and severe cravings, and needed a prescriber. Bernice made call after call and couldn’t find one. Not because providers didn’t exist, but because the system made access nearly impossible.
That search, and the failure it exposed, is why Ohana exists. Most new patients are seen within 3 business days, compared to a national average wait of 67 days for a psychiatrist. Every appointment is built around the person in front of us, not a checklist. And care is welcoming to everyone, ages 12 and up, particularly people who’ve been underserved or overlooked by the system before.
Ohana means family. And family doesn’t give up on you.
Most new patients are seen within 3 business days. Access isn’t a feature here, it’s the foundation.
Appointments are thorough and unhurried, built around understanding you, not moving through a checklist.
Ages 12 and up, all backgrounds. A particular heart for people the system has underserved or overlooked.
Mind, body, and spirit. Faith and spirituality are welcomed in care for patients who want them there, never imposed.
Bernice Gyamfi, MSN, APRN, FNP-C, PMHNP-BC, is a board-certified psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner and the founder of Ohana Mental Health. Over nine years in the field, across hospitals, private practice, and community settings, she’s treated a wide range of conditions, from anxiety and depression to bipolar disorder and schizophrenia.
She started Ohana after watching a patient in crisis spend two days searching for a single provider who would take him. That gap in access is what Ohana was built to close.
Bernice’s approach is simple: take the time most psychiatric appointments don’t. She listens first, explains clearly, and builds a plan around the whole person, not just a diagnosis.
Kofi is here to assist with any questions or concerns you may have about our services. He manages scheduling, coordinates communication with providers, and addresses inquiries regarding statements or billing. With his friendly and helpful support, Kofi ensures a smooth and seamless experience for all patients.
