Our therapists offer anger management therapy in Owings Mills, MD

Guy-Edgard Doltaire is a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner with 2 years of experience. He employs a compassionate and diverse approach to mental health care, emphasizing clinical expertise and cultivating meaningful relationships with his clients and their families. His work with children and adolescents, especially those facing ADHD, autism, and learning disabilities, is vital as these individuals often require specialized support. His experience with grief, postpartum depression, and chronic pain management highlights his versatility in tackling a broad spectrum of emotional and psychological challenges.

Guy-Edgard received his Master’s in Nursing from Grand Canyon University. His holistic approach integrates traditional and contemporary mental health interventions while maintaining an awareness of the cultural factors that influence how cognitive health is understood and addressed.

Guy-Edgard’s experience growing up in a community where mental health was stigmatized and psychotic crises were often misunderstood gave him a unique empathy and understanding of the challenges families face in addressing mental health issues in environments where such topics remain taboo. He looks forward to prioritizing your mental health.

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.

Megan Mills is a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor (LCPC) who is committed to providing quality treatment for anxiety, depression, grief, addiction, adjusting to life changes, and other issues. Megan has over 8 years of experience helping children, adolescents, adults, families, and couples for treatment of mental illnesses in inpatient and outpatient settings. 

Megan completed her Master of Science (MS) in Clinical Community Counseling at Johns Hopkins University. She has also completed the Level 1 Training in Gottman Method Couples Therapy.

Megan believes that the choice to enter therapy exhibits bravery and self-compassion. She seeks to provide a safe, supportive, nonjudgmental environment where people can share emotions and experiences and learn skills to improve confidence, communicate more effectively, change unhelpful thoughts or habits, and overcome past or current obstacles in order to move forward in their lives. Megan sincerely desires to support you in your counseling journey.

Dr. Judy Ann Upshaw is a Licensed Clinical Alcohol and Drug Counselor (LCADC) with more than 43 years of clinical experience. While she is experienced in general mental health treatment, her specialty is substance use treatment. Dr. Judy has worked in inpatient as well as outpatient treatment as well as individual, group, couples and family counseling. She enjoys assisting people in finding their true selves and achieve their highest goals. Dr. Judy has developed programs and supervised other therapist. She is also an adjunct college professor.

Dr. Judy completed her Bachelor's degree in Behavior Sciences at Andrews University in Berrien Springs, MI. She then received a Master's degree in Psychology from Temple University-Philadelphia, and a Doctorate in Counseling Psychology from Argosy University-Arlington. She utilizes many treatment modality such as music and art therapy, cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), and much more.

Life is full of challenges, especially in this post-pandemic era. Now more than ever, Dr. Judy sees our societies the need for counseling. She would like to have the opportunity to support you in your life's journey and is confident in her ability to help you reach your goals. Schedule your first session with her today.

Tzu-Yu (Alice) Kan is a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor (LCPC) in the state of Maryland and a Licensed Mental Health Counselor (LMHC) in the state of New York. Alice has extensive experience working with culturally diverse clients on various mental health issues related to depression, anxiety, anger management, grief, trauma, hallucination, delusion, cultural identity, and relationships. She interned at a substance abuse program, where she assisted individuals in understanding their addiction, helped slowly reduce the use, and eventually helped maintain abstinence. After her internship, Alice joined a program assisting the severe mental illness population, specializing in serving minority groups and immigrants.

Alice completed her Master of Education (MEd) and her Master of Arts (MA) in Mental Health Counseling at Teachers College, Columbia University. She is a trilingual therapist who speaks English, Mandarin and Cantonese fluently. Alice’s approach in counseling is person-centered, strength-based, and goal-oriented. She believes that establishing trust and having a collaborative therapeutic relationship are both crucial in the therapy session. Clients know themselves the best and Alice believes that in order to assist them, they must explore their issues, discover their inner-self, and eventually self-actualize.

Alice will serve as a map for you while you are lost in your journey. Do you feel stuck in your current life and don’t know where to go? Do you feel overwhelmed with what is going on around you? Have you experienced loss, trauma, and constantly feel hopeless in life? Don’t hesitate to seek out help. Alice will make sure to provide you with a safe, warm, and comfortable space to speak about your issues and support you in going through difficult times in your life.

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.

Lisandra Lysaith is a board-certified Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner with over 4 years of experience. She works with individuals facing a wide spectrum of mental health concerns, including depression, obsessive-compulsive disorder, anxiety, bipolar disorder, PTSD, schizophrenia, impulse control, and neuro-developmental disorders. Lisandra supports individuals struggling with daily functioning, navigating life transitions, or seeking greater emotional stability and clarity.

Lisandra earned a Master’s in Nursing from Walden University. Through medication management, psychoeducation, and therapeutic support, she empowers clients to understand symptoms, build coping skills, and achieve lasting wellness. Her focus is on empowering clients to build resilience and improve their overall quality of life.

Lisandra understands that seeking help can feel overwhelming. She provides a compassionate, nonjudgmental space where clients are truly heard and supported. If you’re ready to take control of your mental health and find balance, Lisandra invites you to reach out and begin your journey toward lasting mental wellness.

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!

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.

Kalkidan Yilma is a Licensed Master Social Worker (LMSW) with 2 years of experience in the mental health field. She is dedicated to fostering positive change, growth, and empowerment in the lives of her clients. She is committed to providing a safe and supportive space for individuals to navigate life's challenges. Kalkidan specializes in helping clients navigate issues such as anxiety, depression, trauma, life transitions, and relationship dynamics. Kalkidan completed her Master of Social Work (MSW) at the University of Maryland, Baltimore.

With a background working in both clinical and community settings, she was able to hone her skills in individual and group therapy. She tailors her methods to meet the needs of her clients by utilizing various treatments such as trauma-informed therapy, motivational interviewing, cognitive behavioral therapy, narrative therapy, and mindfulness-based therapy.

Kalkidan's warm and empathic demeanor creates a space where clients feel heard and understood. She actively involves clients in therapy and believes in the power of collaboration in developing a sense of empowerment and self-discovery. Her goal is to guide individuals in building resilience, improving well-being, and strengthening their quality of life.

Karen Ortman is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) with over 5 years of experience in the mental health field. She has worked with children to assist them in improving their emotional and behavioral challenges, and she has worked with adults to learn and improve their daily living and social skills. Karen specializes in ADHD, anger, behavioral issues, coping skills, family therapy, and adjustment disorders.

Karen completed her Master's degree in Social Work at the University of Maryland, Baltimore. Karen is very motivated to help her clients achieve progress towards their personal goals. Karen utilizes a variety of therapeutic approaches, including cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), mindfulness, behavioral therapy, and structural family therapy (SFT).

Karen is willing to put in the time to help you discover new ways to understand and improve your quality of life. Be sure to schedule an appointment with her to begin working towards a healthier you.

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.

Beginning in 2013, Darwin Green trained as a substance abuse counselor as a civilian at a Marine Corps Base. He continued counseling studies and training since then, working with clients of diverse and varied backgrounds in a shifting and changing world.

Mr. Green started with a career diploma at Penn Foster career school as a military spouse. He interned at Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton at their Consolidated Substance Abuse Counseling Center. From there, Mr. Green acquired a B.S. in Psychology from Penn State University. Afterward, he spent some time participating as a research assistant for the University of Nebraska, Lincoln, where he was trained in PTSD assessment tools. Mr. Green gained his provisional license in Drug and Alcohol Counseling (PLDAC) in the state of Nebraska. Mr. Green then went through the Johns Hopkins masters degree program for Clinical Mental Health Counseling, afterward acquiring his Graduate License (LGPC) in Maryland.

"Changes in life can be difficult and leave us stranded. Sometimes we need a different perspective to gain enough clarity to move past the obstacles that present themselves at difficult moments," says Mr. Green. "I am here to lend a hand, to listen to you, and to support you through your 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

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.