Our therapists offer christian counseling in Baltimore, 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.

Amanda Valltos is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) with over 5 years of experience, primarily working with children and adolescents. She is a caring advocate for her clients, patiently working through their anxieties and concerns by using a variety of mental health approaches that benefit clients individual needs.

Amanda completed her Master’s degree in Social Work at Salisbury University. She has always been drawn to kids and teens, especially those who are struggling. Amanda has experienced struggles socially and with her own self-confidence. Due to this Amanda is not only able to support teens and children’s needs but also relate to them on a level only someone who has “been there” can provide. Amanda utilizes problem solving, emotional expression and mindfulness as techniques to support her clients.

Amanda has a reputation for building strong relationships based on a foundation of genuine respect, trust, and communication. Her ability to break through message barriers and uncertainties is based on a working collaboration with clients, their family and in the school if applicable. She looks forward to addressing your therapeutic needs and goals as a team.

Sara Smoley is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker who works with adults struggling with anxiety, depression, and adjusting to life. She received her Master of Social Work from the University of Maryland at Baltimore and her Bachelor of Arts from Concordia College, Bronxville.

"I will listen to your story and help you get to the heart of the matter. You are the expert on your journey and I am here to help you get to where you want to be," says Sara. "Everyone needs someone to talk to sometimes. I would be honored to be that person and help you to realize your full potential."

Orin Greene is a board-certified adult Primary Care and Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner with 9 years of experience. He specializes in medication management for individuals navigating anxiety, depression, and mood disorders. Orin values open communication and takes time to understand each person’s unique needs. He collaborates closely with clients to ensure treatment is effective, well-tolerated, and aligned with their overall well-being.

He holds a Master’s in Nursing from Johns Hopkins University. Orin brings clinical expertise and a warm, attentive presence to every session. He works with clients to simplify the process, clarify options, and support sustainable progress.

Orin believes reaching out for support is a brave step; it doesn’t have to feel heavy. He brings warmth, encouragement, and positive energy to each session, creating a space where clients feel hopeful and supported. He is honored to walk alongside clients as they take that first step toward healing.

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!

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.

Makedah Johnson is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with over five years of experience counseling children, teens, and adults. She specializes in treating anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder, ADHD, autism, and issues related to life changes, identity, trauma, and stress. Makedah believes in collaborating with her clients to support them on their journey of self-discovery..

Makedah earned her Master’s in Social Work from the University of Maryland. She integrates cognitive behavioral therapy, person-centered therapy, internal family systems, trauma-informed therapy, and somatic therapy to help clients connect mind and body while building a strong therapeutic relationship.

Makedah understands that beginning therapy can feel overwhelming. She is committed to creating a transparent, welcoming, and safe environment where clients feel comfortable being themselves. She invites you to take the next step toward emotional wellness and begin your journey 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.

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. Joseph Bullock is a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor (LCPC) who treats a wide range of mental health issues in adults. Dr. Bullock has over 30 years of experience as a professional counselor, clinical supervisor, and administrator. His professional background includes serving as the Director of Substance Abuse Services for the Arlington County Department of Human Services in Arlington, Virginia. He has also worked as a consultant to the United States Navy providing training and clinical supervision services to counselors in the Washington D.C. metropolitan area, and has provided workshops on mental health, substance abuse, and other counseling related topics.

Dr. Bullock completed his Doctor of Education (Ed.D) from Virginia Polytechnic University. He holds the Preceptor of the Year Award 2012 from the Danya Institute. Through counseling, Dr. Bullock assists clients to find their way to emotional freedom so they can begin to experience the life they intended to live with regard to relationships and mental, physical, and spiritual wellness.

Dr. Bullock seeks to counsel, coach, and encourage those who may be struggling to achieve in a particular area of life or feel that their growth has halted. What sets Dr. Bullock apart is his expert use of insight and compassion in conjunction with working with his client to co-create the exact plan to achieve their desired life experience. Dr. Bullock’s goal as a counselor is to provide support and practical feedback to help people resolve current problems and gain more satisfaction out of life, both present and future. He works to help people find or reconnect to their own inner spiritual strength and resolve. He is committed to helping people enjoy life more fully.

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.