Myleme Nyerere Ojinga Harrison

Psychiatrist

Myleme Nyerere Ojinga Harrison is a highly regarded psychiatrist based in Raleigh, North Carolina, with nearly 30 years of experience in the medical field. Throughout his career, Dr. Harrison has gained extensive expertise in treating a wide variety of mental health conditions, including anxiety, ADHD, bipolar disorder, depression, schizophrenia, substance use disorders, and intellectual disabilities. His patient-centered approach to care has earned him the trust of countless individuals who have benefitted from his comprehensive treatment strategies.

Dr. Harrison combines a deep understanding of psychiatric disorders with a compassionate, empathetic approach to his patients. His treatment plans incorporate evidence-based therapeutic techniques such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), Motivational Interviewing (MI), and psychoeducation. By integrating these approaches into personalized care plans, Dr. Harrison ensures that his patients receive the best treatment tailored to their needs. He also keeps up-to-date with the latest psychiatric medications, their side effects, and their interactions, allowing him to manage medication regimens with precision and care. His ability to treat complex, co-occurring conditions such as ADHD and anxiety or bipolar disorder with substance abuse further highlights his expertise in providing holistic care.

The Carter Clinic: A Legacy of Excellence in Mental Health Services

Dr. Myleme Nyerere Ojinga Harrison is the president of the Carter Clinic, P.A., a leading mental health and addiction treatment center that serves patients throughout North Carolina. The clinic was co-founded by Dr. James H. Carter, Sr., the first Black full professor of psychiatry at Duke University Medical Center. It has been providing high-quality psychiatric care since its inception in 2003. With twelve locations across the state, including Raleigh, Fayetteville, Smithfield, Dunn, and other cities, the clinic offers comprehensive care for individuals struggling with various mental health issues.

At the Carter Clinic, Dr. Harrison works alongside a team of experienced psychiatrists, nurse practitioners, therapists, and other medical professionals. Together, they provide care for patients facing conditions such as depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, ADHD, PTSD, and substance use disorders. Dr. Harrison's leadership at the clinic ensures that each patient receives individualized care, with a treatment plan specifically designed to meet their unique needs. The clinic also offers telehealth services, making mental health care more accessible to individuals across North Carolina.

In addition to its clinical services, the Carter Clinic is involved in clinical research to understand better the connections between mental, physical, and spiritual health. Dr. Harrison is committed to advancing the field of psychiatry through this research, which helps inform new treatment methods and improve patient outcomes. His holistic approach to mental health care reflects his belief that various factors, including cognitive, physical, and spiritual health, shape a person's well-being.

The James H. Carter, Sr. Community Service Award

Dr. Myleme Nyerere Ojinga Harrison is also a passionate advocate for the James H. Carter, Sr. Community Service Award. This prestigious award is presented annually to one or two Duke Psychiatry & Behavioral Sciences trainees who have demonstrated exceptional commitment to serving underserved populations and addressing health disparities. Dr. Harrison’s involvement in the award is a testament to his dedication to promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion in the mental health field. By supporting this initiative, he helps encourage the next generation of mental health professionals to prioritize community service and contribute to reducing mental health disparities in underrepresented communities.

Education and Training

Dr. 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 dual residency program provided him with a well-rounded education in both disciplines, equipping him with the expertise to address various physical and mental health issues. Dr. Harrison also completed a research fellowship at the Center for Spirituality, Theology, and Health, which gave him a deeper understanding of the connections between mental, physical, and spiritual health. This fellowship has shaped his approach to patient care, ensuring that he treats the whole person rather than focusing on just one aspect of their health.

Co-author of "A Letter From Tamar"

In addition to his work in psychiatry, Dr. Harrison and his wife, Dr. Dionne Harrison, co-authored an e-book titled A Letter From Tamar. The book aims to raise awareness about sexual abuse and the importance of educating children and families about the dangers of silence. Written from a Biblical perspective, the book offers a child-friendly approach to sexual abuse prevention and emphasizes the importance of speaking out and protecting children from harm.

Personal Life

Dr. Myleme Nyerere Ojinga Harrison married Dionne in 2003, and they have five children. In addition to his work in psychiatry, Dr. Harrison is fluent in English and Spanish, allowing him to connect with a diverse range of patients and communities.

Myleme Nyerere Ojinga Harrison’s career in psychiatry reflects his unwavering commitment to improving mental health care and supporting needy individuals. Dr. Harrison continues to significantly impact psychiatry through his leadership at the Carter Clinic, his dedication to research, and his active role in promoting community service. His holistic, patient-centered approach to care, combined with his expertise in psychiatry and internal medicine, ensures that his patients receive the highest standard of care. Dr. Harrison’s work continues to shape the future of mental health care, and his legacy of compassion, leadership, and service will undoubtedly inspire future generations of mental health professionals.