Our providers offer obsessive-compulsive disorder therapy in Columbia, MD

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.

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.