Prenatal and postpartum therapists & psychiatrists in Bowie, MD

My name is Sarah Cardenas. I am a licensed clinical social worker (LCSW-C) based in central Maryland, and the founder of Two Sparrows Counseling of Maryland. I primarily work with children ages 5 and up, moms, and individuals navigating recovery from substance use, gambling, or other addictions.

I also offer Christian counseling for clients who would like to incorporate their faith into our work together.

As a mom myself, I know how important it is for kids to have the support they need to grow - and how easily moms' own needs get pushed to the back burner while they carry so much for everyone else. And having grown up in central Maryland, I've seen firsthand what addiction can do to a community. Helping people fight their way back from it isn't just professional work for me - it's personal calling.

I'm a psychiatric nurse practitioner in Maryland with a background in both medication management and therapy — and I believe the best care happens when we tailor it to you. I specialize in anxiety, ADHD, and depression, and I work with patients who want a provider who actually listens before deciding anything. Many of the people I see found me through their community — they wanted someone they could trust, who'd take the time to get to know them. My approach is warm and direct: I'll tell you exactly what I'm thinking and make sure every session reflects where you are right now.

Seeking support can feel like a big step, and I'm glad you're here. My goal is to create a space where you feel comfortable being yourself—without judgment, pressure, or the need to have everything figured out. Whether you're struggling with anxiety, depression, ADHD, mood changes, trauma, or simply feeling overwhelmed by life's challenges, we'll work together to help you move toward healing and balance.

I am a board-certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP) with a Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) degree. I provide comprehensive psychiatric evaluations, medication management, and supportive therapy using an evidence-based, holistic approach. I believe mental health is about more than managing symptoms—it's about improving your overall quality of life and helping you thrive.

My clients often describe me as warm, humorous, open-minded, energetic, and easy to talk to. I also believe in being direct, honest, and solution-oriented because I know that meaningful growth comes from combining compassion with practical strategies. I enjoy helping people recognize their strengths, build resilience, and develop skills they can use long after our sessions.

I work with children, adolescents, adults, and older adults experiencing a wide range of mental health concerns, including anxiety disorders, depression, bipolar disorder, ADHD, PTSD and trauma-related disorders, obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), schizophrenia and other psychotic disorders, and substance use disorders. I also support clients navigating life transitions, grief, relationship challenges, stress, and emotional regulation.

I believe healing happens through collaboration, trust, and hope. Whether this is your first time seeking mental health care or you're continuing your journey, I'm here to meet you where you are and help you take the next step toward living a healthier, more fulfilling life.

I'm compassionate therapist with a focus on maternal mental health, relationships and life transitions, committed to supporting women as they navigate the complexities of both significant life changes and everyday stressors. My approach is empathetic, culturally sensitive, and grounded in a deep respect for each individual’s lived experiences. With over 6 years of experience, I help women build resilience, develop healthy coping mechanisms, and cultivate a sense of balance. Whether you’re holding it all together or learning to let go, you deserve a space to be seen, heard, and supported. This isn’t just therapy. This is a village.

I am committed to providing compassionate, individual care in a welcoming and respectful environment. I believe that every client deserves to be listened to and treated with dignity. My goal is to foster a trusting therapeutic relationship where you feel comfortable discussing your concerns and actively participating in your treatment

I have worked in the mental health field for the past seven years and am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with a Master's degree in Social Work. Throughout my career, I've had the opportunity to support individuals across a wide range of settings, including crisis intervention through a suicide hotline, a domestic violence shelter, juvenile detention, school-based mental health in both elementary and middle schools, an at-risk youth program, a college mental health program, and outpatient therapy. These experiences have allowed me to work with children, adolescents, adults, and older adults while gaining a deep appreciation for how our environments, relationships, and life experiences shape our well-being.

Today, I primarily provide outpatient psychotherapy for adolescents, adults, and older adults. I work with trauma, anxiety, chronic stress, emotional regulation, relationship concerns, attachment wounds, and the lasting effects of difficult or overwhelming life experiences. I have a particular passion for helping individuals understand the patterns they've developed to survive and supporting them as they build healthier, more sustainable ways of coping.

Above all, I strive to create a therapeutic relationship built on trust, authenticity, and collaboration. I believe meaningful change happens when people feel understood rather than judged, and I consider it a privilege to walk alongside clients as they move toward the life they want to create.