Biography of Myleme Nyerere Ojinga Harrison

Myleme Nyerere Ojinga Harrison, a respected psychiatrist based in Raleigh, North Carolina, has dedicated nearly 30 years to improving the mental well-being of individuals. Throughout his distinguished career, he has gained expertise in treating a wide range of mental health conditions, including anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder, ADHD, schizophrenia, intellectual disabilities, and substance abuse disorders. His reputation for providing compassionate, effective care stems from his deep understanding of psychiatric disorders and his patient-centered approach

Dr Harrison is known for his ability to integrate multiple therapeutic techniques into his treatment plans. He utilizes Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), Motivational Interviewing (MI), and psychoeducation to help his patients manage their conditions. By tailoring these approaches to each patient's needs, he ensures they receive the most effective treatment possible. His extensive knowledge of psychiatric medications and their potential side effects allows him to work closely with patients to manage their treatment plans, optimizing outcomes. Additionally, he is skilled in managing co-occurring conditions, such as ADHD combined with anxiety or bipolar disorder paired with substance abuse, allowing him to provide holistic care that addresses all aspects of his patient's mental health

Leadership at the Carter Clinic: A Hub for Comprehensive Mental Health Services

Dr. M Ojinga Harrison is president of the Carter Clinic, P.A., a leading mental health and addiction services provider in North Carolina. The clinic, co-founded by Dr. James H. Carter, Sr., the first Black full professor of psychiatry at Duke University Medical Center, has been a key player in offering high-quality psychiatric care for over two decades. With twelve locations across the state, including Raleigh, Fayetteville, Smithfield, Dunn, and several others, the clinic has become a cornerstone of mental health care in the region

At the Carter Clinic, Dr Harrison works alongside a dedicated team of board-certified psychiatrists, nurse practitioners, therapists, and other medical professionals Together, they provide care for individuals with a variety of mental health conditions, including depression, bipolar disorder, ADHD, PTSD, substance abuse, and childhood behavioral issues His leadership ensures that each patient receives a personalized treatment plan designed to meet their unique needs through medication management, therapy, or a combination of both. The clinic's approach to care is collaborative, allowing patients to work closely with their healthcare providers to achieve the best possible outcomes.

In addition to offering clinical services, the Carter Clinic is committed to advancing research in psychiatry. The clinic participates in studies that examine the relationships between mental, physical, and spiritual health, which informs new treatment approaches and helps improve patient care Dr Harrison’s dedication to research allows the clinic to stay at the forefront of mental health innovation, ensuring that patients receive the most up-to-date and effective treatments

The James H. Carter, Sr. Community Service Award

Dr Harrison actively supports the James H Carter, Sr Community Service Award, which recognizes one or two Duke Psychiatry & Behavioral Sciences trainees each year for their exceptional service in community psychiatry The award highlights those who serve underserved communities and address health disparities in mental health care By supporting this award, he encourages future generations of mental health professionals to prioritize community service and work toward reducing health inequities

Educational Background and Professional Development

Myleme Ojinga Harrison earned his medical degree from the University of Tennessee Health Science Center (UTHSC) College of Medicine in 1997 After completing medical school, he pursued a combined five-year Internal Medicine and Psychiatry residency at Duke University. This unique training program gave him a comprehensive understanding of physical and mental health, allowing him to approach patient care with a well-rounded perspective He also completed a research fellowship at the Center for Spirituality, Theology, and Health, where he explored the intersections of mental, physical, and spiritual health This fellowship influenced his holistic approach to psychiatry, which emphasizes treating the whole person, not just their mental health condition.

Co-Author of "A Letter From Tamar"

In addition to his work as a psychiatrist, Dr Harrison co-authored an e-book titled A Letter From Tamar with his wife, Dr Dionne Harrison The book addresses sexual abuse prevention and empowers families to have open conversations about this sensitive topic. Written from a Biblical perspective, the book provides practical, child-friendly tools for preventing abuse and encourages children to speak out about inappropriate behavior His involvement in this project reflects his commitment to improving the lives of children and families through education and advocacy

Personal Life and Languages

Dr Myleme Nyerere Ojinga Harrison married Dionne in 2003 and has five children In addition to his work in psychiatry, he is fluent in English and Spanish, which allows him to better connect with a diverse range of patients and offer care to individuals from different cultural backgrounds

Myleme Nyerere Ojinga Harrison’s career in psychiatry is a testament to his commitment to improving mental health care and making a difference in the lives of those struggling with mental health challenges He continues to be a driving force in psychiatry through his leadership at the Carter Clinic, patient-centered approach, and research and community service dedication. His holistic approach to care considering his patients' mental, physical, and spiritual well-being ensures they receive the most comprehensive and compassionate treatment possible His work continues to impact the mental health field positively, and his legacy of care, compassion, and leadership will inspire future generations of psychiatrists