Our therapists offer PTSD & trauma 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.

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 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.

Paul McClellan, LCSW-C is a therapist practicing in Columbia, MD, and a Child and Family therapist practicing in Silver Spring, MD. His primary focus is providing honest and authentic communication with clients, and being a resource for active listening and problem solving. He completed his Master’s degree in Social Work at the University of Chicago in 2015, and he has over 4 years of clinical experience.

Paul uses an eclectic blend of therapy styles, including Cognitive Behavioral, Dialectical Behavioral, Motivational Interviewing, Solution Focused, Reality Based, and psycho-education to individuals age eight and up. Paul uses a holistic approach, exploring with and educating clients about how mind, spirit and body are interconnected. His theory is that a person-centered, nonjudgmental approach best serves the client and that together, we can help a client explore and experience change.