Find a therapist, counselor or psychologist in Columbia, MD

"As an African-American woman, I understand the unique challenges, and I believe healing happens through honest connection, so I offer a warm, grounded space where you can feel truly seen, supported, and empowered to grow at your own pace."

Hello, my name is Denise Mitchell, and I am a National Board Certified Counselor and a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor licensed in Maryland and Virginia. I have over 20 years of experience in the school system and private therapy. I have experience providing Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and Trauma-Informed therapy with teens, adults, and couples. My goal as a therapist is to help everyone reach a place where they can be their best self. I look forward to supporting you in your journey.

My approach is collaborative, helping you build awareness and practical tools for daily life. I integrate evidence-based practices focused on communication and healthy boundaries to better understand yourself and your relationships. I specialize in anxiety, relationship issues, life transitions, grief, and patterns like people-pleasing and self-doubt.

You don't have to navigate everything on your own—whatever you're carrying, there is space for it here. When you're ready, I invite you to take that next step and begin your journey toward healing and growth.

"Good to see you today. You must have something bothering you, and need to find the right place to go. How may I be of help?"

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 believe in the importance of a positive and supportive therapeutic relationship, which is why I provided a safe space to help guide you toward healing and change."

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.

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.

"I believe sharing your deepest truth is not easy. I am honored to be both a compassionate witness and an experienced guide on your journey to wellness and self discovery."

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