Trauma and PTSD therapists & psychiatrists in Columbia, MD

Hello, and welcome. My name is Debby Falusi, CRNP, PMHNP-BC, and I am a board-certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner with over 17 years of experience in mental health care. I have worked with children, adolescents, adults, and older adults across a variety of settings, including outpatient clinics, inpatient psychiatry, telepsychiatry, substance use treatment programs, correctional facilities, and skilled nursing facilities.

I believe that mental health care should be compassionate, collaborative, and individualized. My approach focuses on creating a safe, nonjudgmental environment where clients feel heard, respected, and empowered to participate in their treatment decisions. I work closely with each client to understand their unique experiences, challenges, strengths, and goals.

My areas of expertise include depression, anxiety disorders, bipolar disorder, ADHD, trauma-related disorders, mood disorders, psychotic disorders, and substance use disorders. I provide comprehensive psychiatric evaluations, medication management, and supportive psychotherapy while utilizing evidence-based practices to help clients achieve meaningful and lasting improvements in their mental well-being.

I understand that seeking help can be difficult, and I strive to make the process as comfortable as possible. Whether you are experiencing new mental health concerns or managing a long-standing condition, I am committed to supporting you on your journey toward healing, resilience, and improved quality of life.

I look forward to partnering with you to develop a treatment plan that aligns with your needs and helps you move toward your personal goals.

Specialties: Anxiety, Depression, ADHD, Bipolar Disorder, Trauma/PTSD, Mood Disorders, Psychotic Disorders, Substance Use Disorders, Stress Management, and Medication Management.

Please visit www.tendermindandsoulhealthcare.com for more information.

My clients would describe me as caring, direct, supportive, humorous, affirming, and down to earth. If you are here and need these, then you are in the right place. I have been practicing as a licensed therapist for over 7 years and genuinely enjoy helping others reach their full potential. Life happens. But so does therapy, so let's give this a try!

As a Board-Certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner with over ten years of healthcare experience and a strong foundation in medical-surgical, oncology, and psychiatric nursing. My diverse clinical background has given me a comprehensive understanding of both physical and mental health, allowing me to provide compassionate, evidence-based care tailored to each individual's unique needs.

I understand that reaching out for help can feel overwhelming. Many of my clients come to me feeling anxious, exhausted, misunderstood, or unsure of what they need. Whether you're facing ADHD, anxiety, depression, PTSD, mood changes, behavioral concerns, or other mental health challenges, I strive to create a space where you feel comfortable, respected, heard, understood, and supported.

My approach is collaborative and personalized. I work closely with each client to develop an individualized treatment plan that aligns with their goals, values, and lifestyle. Depending on your needs and preferences, I offer therapy, medication management, or a combination of both to provide comprehensive, well-rounded care.

Above all, I am committed to creating a safe, welcoming, and supportive environment where you can openly share your concerns, build resilience, develop effective coping strategies, and achieve meaningful, lasting improvements in your mental health and overall well-being.

I am a board certified psychiatric nurse practitioner for over 5 years, and I am also a board certified adult nurse practitioner for over 12 years. I began my nursing career graduating from university of MD with my bachelors, and then attended Johns Hopkins University for my masters. I decided to further my education by attending Brandman University to obtain my Doctorate and psychiatric mental health certification in 2018.

I’m a therapist with more than 10 years experience in the field, in a wide variety of different settings. I prefer to utilize a Person-Centered, Solution-Focused perspective in providing treatment, and I'm highly practiced in a variety of CBT-based techniques. I'm happy to speak at length with patients about childhood traumas, their subconscious needs, and the impact of family upbringing on their adult lives- but that doesn't have to be therapy!

I am a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor (LCPC) credentialed by the Maryland Board of Professional Counselors and Therapists. I completed my Bachelor’s degree (B.S. in Psychology) at Towson University in 2013 and received my Master’s degree (M.S.) in Counseling Psychology from Loyola University in 2016. I am passionate about helping others conquer their challenges and transcend their goals. In my spare time, I enjoy spending time with friends, loved ones, and her dogter, Lila. My favorite self-care activities include going to concerts, traveling, kayaking, cooking, and experimenting with different types of mocktails and coffees.

When navigating challenges like anxiety, depression, or trauma, it is easy to assume that something is fundamentally wrong with you. If you are struggling with low self-concept, anger, or substance usage, you might view these obstacles as personal failures. My goal is to completely shift that narrative. Together, we will look at what is going on with you, rather than what is wrong with you.

Since 1993, I have spent over 30 years helping individuals recognize their innate strengths and leverage them to overcome life’s hardest hurdles. Throughout my career, I have developed deep clinical expertise, obtaining specific, formal certifications across multiple states to ensure you receive highly credentialed and adaptive care.

Taking that first step to reach out for support can feel intimidating. Because of this, our introductory session is designed to be a safe, collaborative space. We will explore what is currently going well, examine the challenges you are experiencing, and align on your expectations for therapy. My primary objective is to establish an empowering professional relationship built entirely on your strengths.

Humans heal through relationships. Our wounds form in connection, and it's in connection that they're repaired. This is especially true for couples: the patterns that cause pain are often the same patterns that, with the right support, can become a source of deep healing and renewed closeness. Working together means creating a safe space to slow down, understand each other's underlying needs, feeling and sensitivities, and rebuild trust and connection from the ground up.

This process can be challenging and may surprise you, but it often leads to real growth, deeper intimacy, and lasting change that is ultimately liberating.

My intention is to provide a judgment-free space where we can talk about what is going on and collaborate to move forwards in the best way possible. I am flexible in my approach to counseling, and I tailor my counseling style based on the needs of each person I work with. I enjoy working with a wide range of clients (age, gender, concerns, etc.) and I am passionate about what I do. I am into fitness and healthy lifestyle, and I support my clients with creating their own foundation of wellness.

I am an experienced therapist, licensed in Maryland, Ohio, Missouri, and Kansas. I will be your partner and tailor our dialog and treatment plan to meet your unique and specific needs. I have a master’s degree from the Mandel School of Applied Social Sciences at Case Western Reserve University. I have been described as supportive, direct, caring, and compassionate, with a good sense of humor. I like to focus on identifying your strengths and helping you maximize them.