Book a therapist or psychiatrist in Bethesda, MD covered by Aetna

Maria Miller Johnson is a dedicated social worker, therapist and life coach. Maria provides a listening ear, compassion and care to those facing life’s challenges. Whether, you are having challenges with chronic health diagnosis, familial problems, financial problems, or just life changes such as a divorce, I am here to help you to navigate through by means of counseling, educating and or life coaching.

Hi there, I'm Alexis.

Are you feeling stressed or burned out, anxious or depressed? If so, you are not alone.

I'm here to listen & support. Together, we can talk things through and help you set and reach goals. Therapy has been shown to increase self-awareness, help you uncover your own personal desires, and even improve your overall physical health.

I look forward to working with you to help you achieve your goals and become a more well-balanced, healthy, and insightful version of yourself.

I am a Licensed Certified Social Worker-Clinical. I specialize in treating depression, anxiety, ADHD, PTSD, and complex trauma. I keep a warm, empathetic space where clients explore how thoughts and past experiences impact their mood and overall well-being. I genuinely value connection and collaboration in the therapeutic relationship.

Board Certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner

Compassionate, caring, nurturing and experienced team of professionals

With over 13 years clinical experience with a high focus on wellness and behavioral health.

I am a board-certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP-BC) with specialized training and expertise in caring for adolescents, adults, and older adults across a wide range of mental health concerns — including anxiety, depression, trauma, mood disorders, and attention or concentration challenges. I combine medication management with supportive, collaborative therapy, meaning I bring both clinical precision and genuine human connection to every appointment. I offer flexible scheduling and convenient telehealth options, so accessing quality care fits into your life rather than disrupting it. Most importantly, I am committed to creating a warm, nonjudgmental space where you feel truly heard and supported — because I believe that is the foundation of meaningful healing.

Hi! I’m Debbie, a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) with over 12 years of clinical experience providing compassionate, evidence-based care. I specialize in women’s mental health, offering dedicated support for anxiety, depression, trauma, grief and loss, burnout, and major life transitions.

Whether you are navigating career stress, personal loss, or emotional overload, I focus on creating a safe, validating space where you feel truly seen and understood. My goal is to equip you with practical coping tools and therapeutic strategies to help you heal, build resilience, and move forward with clarity and confidence.

My work centers on helping clients navigate anxiety, depression, ADHD, self-esteem challenges, and relationship concerns. I take a collaborative, client-centered approach, integrating modalities like CBT, DBT skills, mindfulness, and motivational interviewing to support meaningful, lasting change. I strive to create a warm, affirming, and nonjudgmental space where clients feel safe to explore all parts of themselves, including identity, relationships, and personal growth. I work best with clients who are open to reflection and committed to doing the work both in and outside of session.

I am a direct, solution- oriented mental health therapist with over 30 years helping people navigate mental health challenges

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.

I specialize in treating bipolar disorder, depression, and anxiety, with a particular focus on ADHD. My approach centers on compassion, honesty, and cultural competence. I want every client to feel genuinely seen and understood, not just heard. Many of the people I work with come to me feeling overwhelmed, depressed, or caught in cycles of mood instability, often after carrying those feelings alone for a long time. I bring patience and clear, effective communication to every session, so you never feel rushed or unsure of what comes next in your care.

I help individuals and couples who feel overloaded, anxious, or stuck. Life can be exhausting when stress, anxiety and relationship problems start piling up. You might be doing everything you can to keep going, but still feeling tense, misunderstood and worn down. When things feel heavy for too long, it can impact your sleep, your confidence, and your ability to show up the way you want to.

I offer a calm, steady space where you can talk openly without judgment. My work is focused on helping you understand what you’re feeling, why it’s happening, and how to get relief. You’ll get support that feels real, straightforward, and grounded.

A highly motivated, result-oriented Nurse Practitioner with over 20 years of experience in nursing. Providing holistic, evidence-based, patient-centered care.