Our therapists provide family therapy in Columbia, MD

Carol Jones-Pinckney is a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor and Board Approved Supervisor in the state of Maryland. She has over 20 years of experience in the human services field working with various nonprofits but for the last 8 years provided therapy for children, adolescents, adults, families, and couples.  

Carol applies a nonjudgmental, caring, strength-based, and integrative approach to therapy. Individualized assessments and treatment plans are key to achieving client goals. Carol maintains that collaboration, trust, and building a partnership are key ingredients to navigate through life’s struggles presented in therapy. Success is measured by how the client’s perception of the therapeutic process and engagement in sessions that work to achieve healthy and successful outcomes. 

Therapeutic modalities utilized in therapy include but are not limited to cognitive behavioral therapy, family systems, person-centered, couples therapy, and integrative interventions. The goal is to provide a caring and supportive environment for clients to feel comfortable sharing.  

Carol recognizes that clients often feel vulnerable and reluctant to begin counseling. Her approach is very warm and inviting acknowledging that this was a big step but the right decision to share emotions and feelings with someone new. Therapy is at the client’s pace and being mindful of the support each client needs.

I am a licensed certified social worker-clinical (LCSW-C) with 22 years of experience providing therapy across a wide range of clinical settings. I have worked with abused and neglected children, individuals experiencing homelessness, crisis intervention teams, and clients seeking faith-based counseling. My work spans individuals, couples, and families, with a strong focus on helping clients navigate trauma, life stressors, and emotional challenges.

I earned my Master of Social Work from the University of Maryland. My orientation is grounded in psychodynamic and cognitive-behavioral theory, and I utilize solution-focused and reality therapy approaches. In cases involving trauma or abuse, I incorporate ego-strengthening techniques to support resilience, healthy adaptation, and emotional functioning.

Clients often respond well to my practical, evidence-based approach to therapy. I strive to provide competent, thoughtful care tailored to your unique needs and goals. If you are seeking a clinician who values collaboration, insight, and meaningful progress, I look forward to supporting you on your therapeutic journey.

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.

Kaitlin is a Licensed Certified Social Worker Clinical (LCSW-C) in the state of Maryland with over 10 years of experience working with children, adolescents, adults, and families in various treatment settings. She focuses on treating those who are experiencing impacts in various areas of life as a result of anxiety, stress, depression, ADHD, self-harm behaviors, and more. Kaitlin is certified as an ADHD clinical services provider focusing primarily on young adults and adults with ADHD.

She completed her Bachelor’s Degree in Social Work at Hood College; and received her Master’s of Social Work Degree with a specialization in children and families, through the University of Maryland, Baltimore. Kaitlin has had the opportunity to help clients manage anxiety, depression, behavioral issues, family and relationship conflicts during different phases of life. She has also worked with adults and juveniles in the legal system while detained and preparing for re-entry into the community. 

Kaitlin uses a person-centered and strengths-based approach while drawing on various treatment models including, cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), solutions-focused therapy (SFT), mindfulness-based and systems theory methods. Kaitlin strives to create a calm, safe, therapeutic environment for each client while working together to help clients achieve their goals. She is an active listener providing encouragement, empathy, and compassion to all of her clients. Kaitlin also challenges clients to push themselves out of their comfort zones to encourage growth and guidance in their life’s journey.

Tori Mills is a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor who has over 20 years of experience in mental health. She works as a clinical therapist providing a variety of mental health services to adolescents, adults, and couples, and she specializes in cognitive behavioral therapy, family therapy, depression, anxiety, grief and loss, parenting issues, codependency, and self-esteem. Tori partners with clients to increase self-awareness, cultivate empowerment, encourage positive change, and most importantly to work toward achieving the goals that clients set forth for themselves. 

Tori has a B.A. in Psychology from Hampton University and a Master's Degree in Rehabilitation Counseling from Coppin State University.  Some of her experience includes Needs Assessment, School Therapy, Partial Hospitalization, and Care Coordination. She has also completed the Level 1 Training in Gottman Method Couples Therapy. The framework of Tori's approach is developed from cognitive behavioral therapy and infused with components of rational emotive behavior therapy and dialectical behavior therapy. She is experienced with diverse cultures and populations in a wide variety of life situations, which includes experience working with individuals with dual diagnosis and dual sensory impairments. 

Have you been in search of discovering the "new you" where you feel empowered and on a positive path to growth and well-being? Ever been frustrated trying to find the right person to talk to without feeling rushed or judged? Tori's goal is to provide a safe, calm, and compassionate space for you to uncover your true potential and lead a life that is worth celebrating. "Hi, my name is Tori Mills, LCPC and I invite you to book an appointment with me to begin your journey of self-discovery," she says. "During our initial meeting, we will identify your personal needs and goals so that I can be your GPS as we work together to explore different routes to your own self-empowerment and personal growth."

Denise Carmela Katz is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with 30+ years of clinical experience. Due to Ms. Katz's background in IMAGO Relationship Therapy and Advanced Professional Training in Emotionally-Focused Therapy and EMDR, she is especially well suited to serve clients wishing to improve or repair their relations as well as individuals working through trauma. Ms. Katz has a passion for creating and leading group therapy because it allows clients to meet others who can give them support and perspectives on how they deal with or have dealt with similar issues. Ms. Katz aims to create safe, nurturing judgment-free zones whether it is individual or group therapy. Ms. Katz is attuned to the “Open Generation” and enjoys working with the LGBTQIA+ and all queer clients.

Ms. Katz completed her Bachelor's degree in Psychology in 1987 from the University of Maryland at College Park with a minor in dance therapy. Ms. Katz also obtained a Master's degree in clinical social work with a specialization in employee assistance programs in 1990. Ms. Katz utilizes a variety of techniques to suit her clients including acceptance and commitment therapy, psychodynamic approaches, mindfulness, family systems, cognitive behavioral guided meditation, and eye movement desensitization reprocessing, which has been shown to accelerate the healing of traumas. Ms. Katz's mother was a psychotherapist for 50 years who also told stories about her own family history including survivors of World War II and how this generational trauma in all diverse cultures and faiths can impact how a person experiences the world. 

We all go through challenges in life — "trauma" is a relative word everyone's pain is unique to them. Ms. Katz is confident that if you are ready to experience being even a little bit open to sharing your life story in a judgment-free zone you may reap big rewards in your life and relationships. If you are ready to do the work, schedule with her today. Carmela works best with ages 20 to 65 years. Ask Carmela about her current ZOOM group therapy openings