Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner
With a background that spans nursing, advanced psychiatric practice, and a childhood in a country where mental health care was scarce, Dorcas 'Donna' Achieng, PMHNP, brings a deeply personal sense of purpose to her work. Born and raised in Kenya, she grew up seeing people living with mental illness kept out of sight and without access to help. That is what sent her into this field.
Education and Background
Donna is a registered nurse and an advanced practice registered nurse. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Nursing and a Master of Science in Nursing, and is certified as a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner.
Her path into psychiatry started during her psychiatric rotation in nursing school. She found herself connecting with those patients more than any others, in part because she had seen firsthand how little was understood about what they were facing where she grew up. She decided then to specialize in mental health, and she has built her practice around that population since.
Care Philosophy
Donna believes meaningful mental health care begins with trust, compassion, respect, and genuine listening. She works to create an environment where patients feel comfortable raising what is actually on their minds, and confident they will be treated with dignity and without judgment.
Her clinical perspective is grounded in seeing the whole person rather than a set of symptoms, and she takes the time to understand each patient's circumstances, experiences, and goals before building an approach around them. Her practice is guided by evidence-based care, thorough safety assessments, cultural humility, and close collaboration with the rest of the care team.
Personal Interests
Donna enjoys the pace and the diversity of the Houston area, and the range of places it gives her to explore. Outside of work she reads, travels with her partner, and listens to music. She values new places, continued learning, and keeping a real balance between her professional and personal life.
She is also committed to service outside the clinic. Donna volunteers with charitable organizations across the community, including food drives and mentoring teenagers and young adults.
What to Expect
In sessions with Donna, patients can expect an oasis of knowledge, understanding, and compassion. A first visit is a chance to talk through your concerns and your history, discuss the goals that matter to you, and start building the foundation for an ongoing therapeutic partnership.