ADHD therapists and psychiatrists in District of Columbia

It can be incredibly difficult to untie the emotional knots that complicate relationships, self-confidence, and understanding the past. Therapy is a safe opportunity to uncover these core issues and learn practical techniques that foster deeper insight. I believe that with this insight you can make meaningful, lasting changes.

Great to meet you! I am Dr. Shannon D. Howard, a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor (LCPC, LPC) for the states of DC & MD, a Certified Life Coach, and an Author. I have been helping individuals, children, couples, and families navigate grief and loss, trauma, anxiety, adjustment, depression and more for over 24 years.

My educational background consists of a dual Master's in both Counseling and Clinical Psychology. I received my first Master's at Towson University in 2000, a second Masters and Doctorate in 2008 and 2010 from The American School of Professional Psychology at Argosy University. I minored in Philosophy as well as Women's Studies.

I possess specialized training in areas of trauma, specifically in the assessment and treatment of sex offenders and survivors of sexual assault. I have worked in an adult inpatient psychiatric hospital, a day program for adults with chronic and acute mental illness, as well as on an outpatient basis as a private practitioner and with a group practice. I worked with Parole and Probation to help clients maintain compliance and management while on the registry. As a Certified Life Coach, I help coaching clients discover what they truly desire. We collaborate to create a roadmap to move you forward and build a future that feels grounded and authentic to you.

At present, I offer a full range of services and am open to accepting new virtual clients.

I am LGBTQIA+allied, sex-positive, kink-friendly and nurturing to clients within this community. I also help clients navigate open relationships (ENM), polyamory, and non-traditional relationships.

**I CAN ONLY SEE CLIENTS WHO ARE IN THE STATES OF DC AND MD AT THE TIME OF THEIR SCHEDULED APPOINTMENT.

*We offer a 10- minute grace period before logging off of the platform. Please reach out to reschedule your next appointment. There us a $150 fee for appointments no shows and for cancelations not made 24 hours in advance.

As a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner, I provide compassionate and evidence-based care for individuals experiencing anxiety, depression, mood disorders, and life transitions. I believe in creating a safe, collaborative space where you feel heard and supported. My approach combines clinical expertise with genuine empathy to help you reach emotional balance and overall well-being. I’m committed to helping clients build insight, develop coping strategies, and achieve meaningful change at their own pace

I am a Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) and Board-Certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP-BC) with extensive experience providing mental health care across inpatient, outpatient, community mental health, ACT teams, and substance use treatment settings. Since beginning my mental health career, I have been dedicated to supporting individuals through complex emotional and psychiatric challenges with compassion, respect, and a trauma-informed approach.

I specialize in treating adults experiencing anxiety, depression, PTSD, trauma-related concerns, ADHD, bipolar disorder, mood disorders, emotional regulation difficulties, and substance use concerns. I have experience working with individuals from diverse backgrounds, including those navigating life transitions, chronic mental health challenges, and recovery journeys.

My approach is collaborative and individualized. I believe effective treatment begins with understanding each person’s story, strengths, and goals. I combine evidence-based medication management with supportive therapeutic techniques to help clients gain insight, build resilience, and improve overall well-being.

My goal is to create a safe and nonjudgmental space where clients feel heard, empowered, and supported as they work toward healing and meaningful change.

I believe in the inherent wisdom and strength within all human beings and I utilize a number of approaches to reveal that wisdom and strength within my clients.

Welcome

Hello, and thank you for considering me as your therapist. My name is Tarianda Ruston, and I have more than 25 years of experience working in the helping profession. I am a licensed clinical social worker in both Maryland and the District of Columbia, with a diverse background that has allowed me to support individuals and families through many of life's challenges.

Throughout my career, I have worked in child welfare, foster care and adoption, inpatient mental health, custody cases, special education, and school mental health. These experiences have provided me with a deep understanding of the unique challenges people face across different stages of life. My passion is helping individuals discover their strengths, overcome obstacles, and build the tools needed for lifelong emotional wellness.

I believe therapy is a partnership built on trust, respect, and authenticity. My role is not to tell you what to do or make decisions for you. Instead, I provide a safe, supportive, and nonjudgmental space where you can explore your thoughts, emotions, and experiences openly. Through thoughtful questions, compassionate reflection, and evidence-based strategies, I will help you gain insight, clarify your values, and make choices that align with the life you want to create.

You should know that I take your concerns seriously, and I will meet you with compassion, respect, and zero judgment. I understand that reaching out for mental health support can feel intimidating, especially if you have faced stigma, felt dismissed in the past, or worried about what a diagnosis might mean. My goal is to help you feel safe and at ease from the very first conversation.

As a doctoral-prepared, board-certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner with over eight years of experience in psychiatric and mental health care, I work with individuals across the lifespan. I commonly support people navigating depression, anxiety, PTSD, stress-related concerns, bipolar disorder, ADHD, and other emotional or behavioral health challenges. I approach each person as a whole, not a label, and I take the time to understand your symptoms in the context of your life, your stressors, your strengths, and your goals.

In our work together, you can expect a collaborative, patient-centered approach. I believe treatment works best when you feel heard and involved, so we will discuss what you are experiencing, what has helped or not helped in the past, and what you want to be different moving forward. If medication is part of your care, I prioritize thoughtful, evidence-based decisions, clear education about options, and ongoing adjustments based on your response and preferences. I also value practical strategies and supportive guidance that you can apply between sessions.

Most importantly, I am passionate about each person I serve because I know you are important, and I recognize the courage it takes to seek help. My role is to offer steady, professional support and a trusting relationship as you work toward clarity, stability, and lasting wellness.