Our counselors offer counseling for teens in Bethesda, 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.

Dr. Deborah Jones is a board-certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner with 10 years of experience. She supports young adults and adults experiencing anxiety, depression, trauma, mood disorders, and life transitions. Dr. Jones blends evidence-based therapy with medication management to help clients gain emotional clarity and resilience. She values honest, collaborative relationships and creates a safe, supportive space for healing and personal growth.

Dr. Jones holds a Doctorate in Nursing Research from the University of Alabama. She uses a compassionate, client-centered approach that integrates therapy and medication management. Her clinical style is grounded in collaboration, respect, and helping individuals find clarity and lasting wellness.

Dr. Jones understands how overwhelming life can feel when your mind is unsettled. She offers a nonjudgmental space where young adults and adults feel heard, supported, and empowered. If you're ready to take the next step toward healing, she’s here to walk alongside you on your journey.

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!

I am a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor with 14 years of experience helping individuals navigate anxiety, depression, trauma, and life transitions. I create a supportive environment where clients feel heard, understood, and empowered to explore the patterns that shape their experiences. My approach is collaborative and compassionate, focusing on helping clients uncover their strengths and move toward greater emotional balance and fulfillment.

I earned a Master’s in Professional Counseling from Loyola University. Depending on client needs, I integrate an eclectic blend of emotionally focused therapy, cognitive behavioral therapy, and intensive short-term dynamic psychotherapy. These approaches are especially effective for clients managing moderate to severe anxiety and depression.

My goal is to help clients recognize and shift automatic responses that cause stress, turning these insights into meaningful growth. By sharing practical coping skills and fostering awareness of mind, body, and spirit, I guide clients toward resilience, self-compassion, and lasting happiness.

I am a Licensed Graduate Professional Counselor with 5 years of experience supporting individuals, couples, and families as they navigate life transitions and challenges. I have worked with clients across the lifespan, including children, adolescents, and adults, and I also have experience providing care to veterans and first responders. I help clients address concerns such as anxiety, depression, trauma, grief, and major life changes through a safe and collaborative therapeutic process.

I earned my Master’s in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Liberty University. My approach to therapy is holistic, client-centered, and collaborative. I integrate evidence-based modalities such as cognitive behavioral therapy and motivational interviewing, along with trauma-informed care tailored to each client’s unique needs and personal strengths.

I believe reaching out for support takes courage, and I honor the trust clients place in me as they begin their healing journey. I strive to create a warm and nonjudgmental space where clients can explore their emotions, embrace their strengths, and work toward meaningful change, developing greater self-awareness, resilience, and peace along the way.

I am a Licensed Certified Social Worker-Clinical with 5 years of experience helping clients navigate challenges related to mental health and substance use. My work has centered on supporting individuals seeking healing, balance, and self-discovery. I’ve worked with adults managing depression, anxiety, trauma, and life transitions, and I’m passionate about empowering clients to strengthen self-awareness and develop the skills to create lasting, positive change in their lives.

I earned my Master’s in Social Work from the University of Maryland and draw from approaches such as cognitive behavioral therapy, dialectical behavior therapy, mindfulness, and trauma-informed care. My approach is collaborative and compassionate, helping clients uncover their strengths and work toward their personal goals.

I understand that seeking help takes courage, and my goal is to create a space that feels safe, empowering, and judgment-free. I invite you to begin your healing journey and take the next step toward living a life filled with purpose, growth, and peace. Together, we can work toward the changes you want and deserve.

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.

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.

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