Our therapists offer eating disorder therapy in Columbia, MD

Shelia Lipscomb is a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor (LCPC) who has more than 2 years of experience working with teens, adults, and seniors who are suffering the effects of anxiety, anger, depression, ADHD, chronic stress, relationship issues, family conflict, academic issues, behavioral disorders, and more. 

Shelia completed her Bachelor's degree in Sociology and her Master's degree in Counseling Psychology (Adlerian) from Bowie State University and utilizes a holistic and collaborative approach to counseling, including modalities such as cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), reality therapy, person-centered and existential approaches.

Shelia has the innate ability to make people feel comfortable and welcoming and offers an opportunity to help bring change and balance into your life. She will assist individuals to find their potential while exploring meaningful ways to help solve problems.

I am a licensed certified social worker-clinical (LCSW-C) with over 29 years of experience in the mental health field. I specialize in helping individuals navigate depression, anxiety, grief, and self-esteem concerns. I bring a compassionate, client-centered approach that honors each person’s unique journey and supports meaningful, sustainable change.

I earned my master’s degree in social work from the University of Maryland. My clinical work is grounded in cognitive behavioral therapy and other evidence-based, strengths-based approaches. I tailor treatment to each client’s needs while fostering insight, resilience, and emotional growth.

I respect the courage it takes to reach out for support. My goal is to provide a safe, supportive space where you feel heard, understood, and empowered. I look forward to working with you as you take the next steps toward healing, balance, and improved well-being.

Nicolas Kuiate Tekam is a board certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP-BC) since 2021. Nicolas manages and treats adult patients with a range of mental health issues. He specializes in treating anxiety, depression, attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), sleep issues, and stress across the lifespan. Nicolas is compassionate and dedicated to his patients and looks forward at their speedy recovery. His aim is to make a difference in people’s lives and community. He was initially drawn to the mental health field to have a positive effect on people and to help those in need of care. Nicolas enjoys helping a wide range of patients of all ages, races, genders, and socioeconomic backgrounds. 

Nicolas completed both his Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) and his Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) at the University of Maryland Baltimore School of Nursing. He completed his PMHNP at Walden University in Minneapolis, MN. Nicolas uses a holistic approach coupled with the latest evidence-based research for treatment and management of his patients. He also applies patient-centered care and ethical consideration in his approach to treatment.

Nicolas was born and raised in Cameroon. Growing up, he witnessed people suffer with mental illness but could not pinpoint what was going on. But today Nicolas understands better and cannot wait to positively impact people's lives.

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.

I am a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor in the state of Maryland and have recently become a credentialed Board Approved Supervisor. For the last several years, I have been advocating for and with people struggling with mental health concerns. As a strength based, person-centered clinician, meeting an individual’s needs in crisis, mental illness, substance abuse, trauma, and other similar stressors, I am well prepared to work side-by-side with my clients and help guide them through the often confusing processes leading toward success. I have provided therapeutic services to a diverse array of individuals of all ages (6-65), providing individual therapy, family therapy, and couples counseling. Some of my areas of practice include mood disturbances, anxiety, depression, self-esteem, grief and loss, trauma, adjustment disorders, and relationship conflicts. I use a variety of clinical modalities so that treatment is tailored specifically for the individual that I am serving. I strongly believe that change can happen in one's life at any point if they are willing and able. Engaging with them where they are at is the very first step. My goal is to provide a safe space for clients to feel accepted, understood, and heard so that that work can be done. I look forward to starting this journey with you.