Agatha Ukaegbu

Tuerk House

Agatha Ukaegbu, DNP, MSN, RN, FNP-BC, PMHNP-BC, serves as nurse practitioner at Tuerk House’s Integrated Behavioral Health & Urgent Care center in Baltimore, where she provides essential services to the city’s neediest residents.

Growing up in Nigeria, Ukaegbu witnessed firsthand the critical role of health care workers during crises. After earning her bachelor’s degree in biology and education from the University of Nigeria Nsukka in 1990, she immigrated to the U.S. to further her education and career.
Despite significant challenges as a new immigrant with two young children and no car, Ukaegbu excelled in the University of Maryland’s competitive accelerated nursing program. She continued her education, earning credentials as a family nurse practitioner from Bowie State University and a doctor of nursing practice from Wilkes University.

“I understand that true healing goes beyond medical treatment — it requires compassion, resourcefulness and unwavering dedication to patient care,” Ukaegbu stated.

Her professional career spans more than two decades, including 15 years at Mercy Medical Center, before she joined the Maryland Crisis Stabilization Center at Tuerk House in 2018. Since 2021, she has worked at Tuerk House’s Integrated Behavioral Health Services and Urgent Care.

Ukaegbu’s work focuses on providing mental health treatment, medication-assisted treatment for co-occurring disorders and walk-in medical care. She also engages with the surrounding community, providing education about substance use disorders and treatment options.

Her dedication extends beyond standard care. In one instance, when a patient couldn’t access specialized treatment because they had no gas in their car, Ukaegbu used her own money to purchase gas, ensuring that the patient received necessary care.

“Beyond moments like these, I am a strong advocate for my patients, always seeking ways to connect them with resources that can improve their overall well-being and set them on a path toward enduring recovery,” she said.

Ukaegbu serves as chairperson of Umuopku Mbaise of Maryland and received the 2024 Tuerk House Executive Director Staff Dedication Award for her commitment to helping individuals on their recovery journeys.

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