Find a therapist, counselor or psychologist in Columbia, MD

"Trust is important in building a relationship and the relationship you have with a therapist should include a genuine and positive regard for the client. Clients have to trust you before they can begin sharing their innermost struggles with a therapist."

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.

"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

"I believe that therapy is an adventure, and I would like to support you on your journey in managing your overall mental health. "

Shelia Lipscomb is a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor (LCPC) who has more than 2 years of experience working with teens, adults, and seniors who are suffering the effects of anxiety, anger, depression, ADHD, chronic stress, relationship issues, family conflict, academic issues, behavioral disorders, and more. 

Shelia completed her Bachelor's degree in Sociology and her Master's degree in Counseling Psychology (Adlerian) from Bowie State University and utilizes a holistic and collaborative approach to counseling, including modalities such as cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), reality therapy, person-centered and existential approaches.

Shelia has the innate ability to make people feel comfortable and welcoming and offers an opportunity to help bring change and balance into your life. She will assist individuals to find their potential while exploring meaningful ways to help solve problems.

"I am a compassionate therapist who brings a trauma-informed, culturally responsive, and faith-aware approach to counseling, drawing on my experience working with clients of all ages to create a safe space where clients feel seen, supported, and empowered to heal and grow."

I am a licensed graduate professional counselor (LGPC) with 6 years of experience supporting children, adolescents, young adults, and adults in clinical and school-based settings. I specialize in treating anxiety, depression, trauma, emotional regulation challenges, family conflict, identity concerns, and life transitions. My work focuses on helping clients gain clarity, strengthen resilience, and develop practical tools to navigate everyday challenges.

I earned my master’s degree in mental health counseling from Johns Hopkins University. My clinical approach is cognitive behavioral therapy-focused and trauma-informed, helping clients identify unhelpful thought patterns, build practical coping strategies, and create sustainable behavior change through structured, goal-oriented sessions.

You do not have to navigate this season alone. I offer a collaborative, culturally responsive, and compassionate space where your experiences are honored and your goals guide our work. Together, we will move at your pace to support healing, emotional growth, and renewed hope.

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 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.

I am a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor in the state of Maryland and have recently become a credentialed Board Approved Supervisor. For the last several years, I have been advocating for and with people struggling with mental health concerns. As a strength based, person-centered clinician, meeting an individual’s needs in crisis, mental illness, substance abuse, trauma, and other similar stressors, I am well prepared to work side-by-side with my clients and help guide them through the often confusing processes leading toward success. I have provided therapeutic services to a diverse array of individuals of all ages (6-65), providing individual therapy, family therapy, and couples counseling. Some of my areas of practice include mood disturbances, anxiety, depression, self-esteem, grief and loss, trauma, adjustment disorders, and relationship conflicts. I use a variety of clinical modalities so that treatment is tailored specifically for the individual that I am serving. I strongly believe that change can happen in one's life at any point if they are willing and able. Engaging with them where they are at is the very first step. My goal is to provide a safe space for clients to feel accepted, understood, and heard so that that work can be done. I look forward to starting this journey with you.

Caitlyn Flores is an experienced Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor in the state of Maryland, with special interest and experience in working with those who struggle with depression, anxiety, trauma, chronic mental illness, and substance use disorders. 

Over the last several years, Caitlyn has found herself in both large community mental health care and smaller group practice. Working from a person-centered and client-driven therapy approach, she utilizes various treatment modalities to assist individuals in becoming the best versions of themselves while learning how to manage their unique symptoms and moving towards their personal values and goals. 

Caitlyn works diligently to provide a safe and comfortable space for diverse client abilities, experiences, and needs.

"As a helping professional with experience in a variety of settings from child welfare to public service, I have a unique variety of skills to help individuals of all ages through life's most difficult challenges. "

Sandra is a Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker in the District of Columbia and Maryland. For the last decade, she has been advocating for individuals and families struggling with mental health concerns. She has provided therapeutic services to a diverse array of individuals of all ages, primarily focused on childhood trauma. Through her work, she is committed to helping people overcome eating disorders, substance abuse, depression, anxiety, trauma, and other similar stressors that affect all of us at some time in our lives.

Sandra believes that healing is a collaborative endeavor that requires honest caring without judgment, and she cooperatively assists her clients in clarifying their goals for treatment. Rather than adopting one methodology for all individuals and issues, she draws from a variety of methods to create a tailored approach for each individual and situation. 

As a therapist, Sandra is warm, open, encouraging, and direct. She considers herself an active therapist, combining experience, education, creativity, and a sense of humor with a down-to-earth, realistic approach to counseling. She strongly believes that change can happen in one's life at any point if one is willing and able. Her goal is to provide a safe space for clients to feel accepted, understood, and valued. Sandra looks forward to starting this journey with you.

"As a clinical social worker with a range of experiences in the field, I understand that every client needs and deserves an empathetic and tailored approach to treatment. "

Kendall Douville is a Licensed Certified Clinical Social Worker with over 10 years of experience in the health care setting, helping clients navigate the emotional and psychosocial challenges of various medical events. She specializes in depression, anxiety, mood disorders, cognitive behavioral therapy, stress management, adjustment disorders, grief and loss, and mindfulness. With a strengths-based perspective, Kendall has also served clients and their loved ones as they address and cope with age-related transitions. 

Kendall received her Masters of Social Work from the University of Maryland, Baltimore. She uses an integrative approach, drawing on various models of therapy including cognitive-behavioral, humanistic, and systems theory. She prioritizes clients’ goals and wellness above all and understands the perspective needed to support each client’s individuality.

Kendall works to create a positive, authentic rapport in the therapeutic relationship and bring you to the place you want to be in your life. Every client has an active role in his or her journey, and Kendall strives to bring a creative, reassuring, and dynamic energy to help guide the way.