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.

"As a student of psychology and an observer of human nature, I know that our distress is not without meaning, not in vain, and that there is a path to transform our pain into healing."

I am a licensed graduate professional counselor (LGPC) with 6 years of experience supporting clients facing mood disorders, behavioral concerns, and family challenges. I provide individual and family therapy using evidence-based approaches, including cognitive behavioral therapy, person-centered therapy, and solution-focused therapy. I view therapy as a collaborative process designed to reduce distress, strengthen self-awareness, and improve overall quality of life.

I earned my master's degree in clinical mental health counseling from the College of William & Mary. I have received formal training in cognitive behavioral therapy and have applied this approach across diverse settings to help clients build resilience, improve emotional regulation, and develop effective coping skills.

I offer a flexible schedule and respect the time and effort you invest in your growth. Even little progress can create meaningful change. Together, we will focus on practical strategies that empower you to move forward with greater clarity and confidence.

"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.

"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.

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.

"The arm of social justice and the hand of compassion can be used to wash the feet of others."

I am a licensed certified social worker-clinical (LCSW-C) with 22 years of experience providing therapy across a wide range of clinical settings. I have worked with abused and neglected children, individuals experiencing homelessness, crisis intervention teams, and clients seeking faith-based counseling. My work spans individuals, couples, and families, with a strong focus on helping clients navigate trauma, life stressors, and emotional challenges.

I earned my Master of Social Work from the University of Maryland. My orientation is grounded in psychodynamic and cognitive-behavioral theory, and I utilize solution-focused and reality therapy approaches. In cases involving trauma or abuse, I incorporate ego-strengthening techniques to support resilience, healthy adaptation, and emotional functioning.

Clients often respond well to my practical, evidence-based approach to therapy. I strive to provide competent, thoughtful care tailored to your unique needs and goals. If you are seeking a clinician who values collaboration, insight, and meaningful progress, I look forward to supporting you on your therapeutic journey.

Tori Mills is a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor who has over 20 years of experience in mental health. She works as a clinical therapist providing a variety of mental health services to adolescents, adults, and couples, and she specializes in cognitive behavioral therapy, family therapy, depression, anxiety, grief and loss, parenting issues, codependency, and self-esteem. Tori partners with clients to increase self-awareness, cultivate empowerment, encourage positive change, and most importantly to work toward achieving the goals that clients set forth for themselves. 

Tori has a B.A. in Psychology from Hampton University and a Master's Degree in Rehabilitation Counseling from Coppin State University.  Some of her experience includes Needs Assessment, School Therapy, Partial Hospitalization, and Care Coordination. She has also completed the Level 1 Training in Gottman Method Couples Therapy. The framework of Tori's approach is developed from cognitive behavioral therapy and infused with components of rational emotive behavior therapy and dialectical behavior therapy. She is experienced with diverse cultures and populations in a wide variety of life situations, which includes experience working with individuals with dual diagnosis and dual sensory impairments. 

Have you been in search of discovering the "new you" where you feel empowered and on a positive path to growth and well-being? Ever been frustrated trying to find the right person to talk to without feeling rushed or judged? Tori's goal is to provide a safe, calm, and compassionate space for you to uncover your true potential and lead a life that is worth celebrating. "Hi, my name is Tori Mills, LCPC and I invite you to book an appointment with me to begin your journey of self-discovery," she says. "During our initial meeting, we will identify your personal needs and goals so that I can be your GPS as we work together to explore different routes to your own self-empowerment and personal growth."