Find a psychiatrist in Columbia, MD — covered by insurance


Top psychiatrists in Columbia, MD accepting new patients
Seeking therapy in Columbia, Maryland? Headway's network of 744 providers serves the entire area, including Clarksville, Laurel, and surrounding communities. Our providers offer talk therapy and medication management with free intake consultations, and most sessions are covered by insurance.
I am Vanessa Namugalu, MSN, RN, PMHNP‐BC I help teens and adults who are overwhelmed, stuck, or newly diagnosed get clear, practical psychiatric care that actually fits their life. I offer same‐week consults for psychiatric evaluation, medication management, ADHD and adult autism assessments, brief evidence‐based therapy (CBT, TF‐CBT, SFBT), telepsychiatry, crisis stabilization, and substance‐use assessment. I prioritize safety, transparency, and practical skills so you leave each visit with a clear next step.
With 15+ years of clinical experience across crisis stabilization, inpatient psychiatry, correctional health, acute medical‐surgical care, utilization review, and outpatient settings, I combine deep clinical judgment with a trauma‐informed, patient‐centered approach. I coordinate care with families and interdisciplinary teams and offer both secure virtual visits and in‐person appointments.
Ready to see if we’re a fit? Book a 30‐minute quick consult, many patients secure a same‐week slot. If you need urgent help, write “urgent” when booking and my team will prioritize your request.
I’m a board-certified Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner with a background in nursing and mental health care.I’m passionate about supporting individuals through anxiety, depression, and life transitions with thoughtful, personalized care. I value creating a calm, welcoming space where you feel respected, supported, and truly heard.
Hello, my name is Dr. Star Tangyie-Che Niba, and I'm a board-certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner PMHNP-BC) with a Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) degree. For the past three years, I've been dedicated to providing compassionate, evidence-based mental health care to individuals and families.
I earned my doctoral degree from the University of South Alabama, where I cultivated a strong foundation in holistic and patient-centered care. My practice focuses on addressing a variety of mental health concerns, including Depression, Anxiety, ADHD, Mood disorders, All Bipolar types, Schizophrenia, Schizo-affective disorders, Trauma etc. I also specialize in supporting clients through life transitions and managing stress effectively.
I provide structured, evidence-based psychiatric care for adolescents and adults with anxiety, mood disorders, ADHD, and complex mental health conditions. I specialize in treating individuals who have had limited response to prior treatment and require a more personalized, clinically guided approach. I also have extensive experience supporting individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) in both community and residential settings.
About our psychiatrists located within 20 miles of Columbia, MD



- 100%Anxiety
- 100%Bipolar disorder
- 100%PTSD
- 100%Depression
- 89%ADD/ADHD

- 100%Aetna
- 96%Cigna
- 79%CareFirst BlueCross BlueShield
- 71%Carelon Behavioral Health
- 64%Ascension

- 100%English
- 14%French
- 11%Yoruba
- 4%Hindi
- 4%Igbo

- 100%In-person or online

- 79%Woman
- 21%Man

- 93%Advanced Practice Registered Nurse
- 7%Medical Doctor

- 100%Individual therapy
- 21%Family therapy
- 18%Couples therapy
- 14%Child or adolescent therapy
Frequently asked questions


Find the right psychiatrist for you
Headway makes it easy to find support for your mental health — from finding the right provider, to understanding costs, to scheduling with ease.
Factors to Consider When Choosing a Psychiatrist in Columbia, MD
Finding the right psychiatrist in Columbia starts with understanding the type of care you need. Psychiatrists and psychiatric nurse practitioners can diagnose mental health conditions and prescribe medication, while therapists focus on talk therapy and support. If you are looking for help with anxiety, depression, ADHD, bipolar disorder, OCD, or medication management, reviewing a psychiatrist’s listed specialties can help you find a clinical match. Some psychiatrists also offer therapy, so their bios can show whether they focus on prescribing, therapy, or both.
Columbia has local psychiatrists and therapists, but appointment options may be more limited than in larger cities. Virtual psychiatry can expand your search while still letting you choose a psychiatrist licensed in Maryland. Medication management visits are often shorter and less frequent than therapy sessions, so availability, appointment cadence, and scheduling fit matter. Some people work with both a therapist and a prescriber, and reading psychiatrist profiles can help you understand each person’s approach, communication style, and experience before you book.
Psychiatric care in Columbia can be a significant expense without insurance. Using in-network insurance is one of the most reliable ways to reduce session costs and understand your expected out-of-pocket expense before care begins. Headway helps you find psychiatrists who match your needs, accept your plan, and are accepting new patients. You can enter your insurance details, compare estimated costs, review bios, and book directly when you’re ready.
If you're already taking psychiatric medication and considering switching providers, talk to your current prescriber before changing or stopping any medication — most psychiatric medications shouldn't be stopped abruptly. Anyone experiencing thoughts of self-harm or in acute crisis should call 988 or go to the nearest emergency department rather than wait for an outpatient appointment.
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