Our providers offer obsessive-compulsive disorder therapy in Bethesda, MD

Elionore is a multilicense, compassionate Doctorate of Nurse Practice Student, Board-Certified Family Nurse Practitioner, and Board-Certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse practitioner. She has three years of experience in chronic pain and mental health disorders, leveraging expertise in chronic pain disease management, pain management, and mental health disorders.

“Being able to be your true self is one of the strongest components of good mental health.” - Lauren Fogel Mersy, n.d.

Dr. Pamela Oriaifo is a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner with 2 years of experience. She specializes in supporting those struggling with anxiety, depression, ADHD, grief, OCD, trauma, stress, and bipolar disorder, among other concerns. Dr. Oriaifo’s devotion to mental health care stems from an early patient encounter during which her strength was redirected to the support of all persons with mental health issues. She brings to her practice the totality of her professional experiences in other healthcare areas such as general nursing and family care.

Dr. Oriaifo holds Doctorate in Nursing Practice from Liberty University. She draws upon clinical techniques including cognitive behavioral therapy, acceptance and commitment therapy, and motivational interviewing in addition to engaging patients with a warm and welcoming interpersonal approach.

If you are seeking a comfortable and reassuring environment where you can engage in safe, open-ended discussion, Dr. Oriaifo is ready to meet you! She will develop an individualized treatment plan to help you meet your goals. Schedule an appointment today!

I am a licensed clinical professional counselor (LCPC) with 5 years of experience supporting adults navigating anxiety, depression, relationship concerns, life transitions, and emotional challenges. I provide a thoughtful, insight-oriented approach to therapy and believe that meaningful change begins with understanding the deeper roots of your struggles. I am committed to creating a safe, supportive space where you feel heard and respected.

I earned my master’s degree in clinical mental health counseling from Northwestern University, where I received training in psychodynamic psychotherapy and psychoanalysis. I draw from multiple evidence-based approaches and tailor treatment to each client’s unique needs, allowing therapy to unfold in a way that feels authentic and effective.

If you’re feeling overwhelmed or isolated, you don’t have to face it alone. I offer an engaged, compassionate, and collaborative environment where we can explore challenges together and work toward clarity, relief, and lasting growth. I look forward to supporting you on your journey.

Nadine Kakanou is a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP) who has 5 years of experience in the mental health field. Nadine completed her Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) at Walden University. A PMHNP is tasked with evaluating a patient’s mental health status by assessing their relevant medical background, conducting comprehensive psychiatric evaluations, and identifying potential issues that might negatively impact a patient's mental health. The primary concern of individuals suffering from mental health problems is accessing mental health care professionals equipped with the knowledge and skills to provide comprehensive care and offer preventive strategies. Although PMHNPs receive intense training to meet mental health patients' needs, their roles are poorly understood because regulatory barriers have limited the entire scope of the practice.

Due to the complexity of human beings in understanding their lives and illness experience, a PMHNP requires the ability to access situations from different perspectives, not only through a psychological lens but also from a biological and development view, while recognizing the perspective of stakeholders affected. Besides, mental health disorders affect the ability to communicate experiences, and their symptoms may not conform to conventional diagnostic criteria. PMHNPs need to have a high tolerance of uncertainties and a willingness to frequently re-evaluate assessments upon discovering new information.

In addition to diagnosing and treating disease, PMHNPs nurture resilience and growth capacity because of the impact of psychiatric disorders on patients' growth and development abilities. The existing healthcare system may fail to address the complexity of problems suffered by patients completely. Consequently, PMHNPs need to effectively advocate for patients to acquire all the services needed to meet their mental health needs. They also need to push for the development of more effective services. In conclusion, PMHNPs are well prepared and equipped to provide independent and effective psychiatric care and treatment to effectively meet the needs of mental health patients.