Dr. Michael Mugo, RN, PMHNP BC

Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner | Medical Director

About

Michael N. Mugo is a board-certified Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP-BC) and healthcare leader with over 18 years of nursing and psychiatric experience. His practice is grounded in the Perspectives in Psychiatry framework, which integrates biological, psychological, social, and existential dimensions of care. This model allows him to deliver comprehensive, evidence-based, and patient-centered treatment, including psychiatric evaluations, medication management, crisis intervention, and dual-diagnosis treatment. A passionate advocate for diversity, equity, and inclusion in mental health, Michael is fluent in Kiswahili and Kikuyu and has extensive experience serving minority and BIPOC communities in Kent and Tacoma, Washington. He also serves on the Board of Wakulima USA Mental Health, a collaborative initiative expanding access to psychiatric care for uninsured minority populations. In addition to his clinical leadership, Michael has been recognized as an outstanding educator and mentor. As a former clinical lecturer at Johns Hopkins School of Nursing, he received the Suzanne Concato Preceptor Award, the highest preceptor honor across the Johns Hopkins Health System. His excellence in leadership and teaching has also earned him recognition as Charge Nurse of the Year and Nurse Preceptor of the Year at Johns Hopkins Bayview.

Qualifications

Board Certification: Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP-BC)

Education: Master of Science in Nursing, Frostburg State University

Advanced Psychiatric Training: Under Dr. Leppla, Director of the Johns Hopkins Psychiatric Consult Service

Rotations: Children’s Mental Health Clinic and Community Psychiatry Program

Framework: Perspectives in Psychiatry; integrating biological, psychological, social, and existential care dimensions

Languages: Fluent in Kiswahili and Kikuyu

Leadership Roles: Medical Director, Cognitive Diagnostic Solutions; Board Member, Wakulima USA Mental Health

Awards & Recognition:

Suzanne Concato Preceptor Award (Johns Hopkins Health System)
Charge Nurse of the Year (Johns Hopkins Bayview)
Nurse Preceptor of the Year (Johns Hopkins Bayview)

Academic & Research Contributions:

Co-led research on gratitude interventions and nurse leadership
Featured speaker on oral health integration in mental health care

Honorary Recognition: Doctorate in Global Health Management, Legacy University

Areas of Focus

Depression & Mood Disorders

Major depressive disorder, persistent depressive disorder, bipolar disorder, and mood instability.

Anxiety & Stress Disorders

Generalized anxiety, panic attacks, social anxiety, obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), adjustment issues, and stress management.

Sleep Problems

Insomnia, disrupted sleep patterns, and other sleep-related difficulties affecting daily functioning.

Grief & Life Transitions

Support through bereavement, significant life changes, identity shifts, and personal or professional challenges.

Substance Use Disorders

Comprehensive care for alcohol, opioid, stimulant, or other substance-related concerns — in collaboration with addiction specialists when appropriate.