Anxiety and depression therapists and psychiatrists in Gaithersburg, MD

I received my Master's in Mental Health Counseling in 2016, worked for a substance abuse IOP until 2021 and have since been in private practice. I specialize in substance abuse but also work with many seeking help for anxiety, depression, life transitions, relationship issues, etc.

Hi, I’m Melanie. I’m a therapist, writer, and educator with a passion for helping Christian women move beyond anxiety, trauma, and overwhelming life experiences so they can live with greater peace and clarity. Many of the women I work with are thoughtful, faith-centered individuals who feel exhausted from trying to hold everything together while quietly carrying stress, worry, or past pain.

I earned a Doctor of Education in Community Care and Counseling with a trauma focus, along with a Master’s degree in Psychology and Counseling. My work is informed by trauma-informed care, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, and mindfulness practices. For clients who desire it, I also integrate faith and spirituality into the healing process.

My approach is warm, thoughtful, and grounded. I believe therapy should feel like an OASIS — Open And Safe InSide— a place where you can slow down, be honest about what you’re carrying, and begin rebuilding a sense of peace, confidence, and direction.

Outside of therapy, I’m a writer, poet, and speaker who enjoys quiet moments with coffee, popcorn, and the occasional antique shop. Creativity, humor, and reflection are meaningful parts of my life and often influence the way I help clients explore their own stories.

I am a board-certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner with more than 14 years of experience providing compassionate, evidence-based care to individuals and families throughout Maryland. As the founder of Behavioral Strength Resources and Partnership (BSRP), I specialize in psychiatric evaluation, medication management, psychotherapy, care coordination, and patient advocacy.

I am a doctorally prepared, board-certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner dedicated to providing compassionate, evidence-based mental health care. My approach is collaborative, respectful, and centered around patients' needs, goals, and lived experiences.

I provide care through a combination of comprehensive psychiatric evaluation, medication management, and supportive psychotherapy.

I am very dedicated, committed and passionate about mental health care. My goal is to renew minds, restore balance, helping my patients achieve achieve optimal health and well being. I love what I do and I care a lot about about my patients.

I am a licensed mental health therapist with over 20 years experience in the mental and behavioral health field. I partner with children, adolescents, and adults experiencing anxiety, depression, trauma, ADHD, and other mental health disorders, who are ready to transition from surviving to thriving.

Great to meet you!

As a board certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner, I believe prioritizing mental health is integral to happiness and stability in life. Seeking help can be one of the hardest parts, so congratulations on taking that step! I’m honored to share that I have been helping people for nearly 25 years... and counting! I look forward to working with you and uncovering the solutions needed to help you live the life you desire and deserve!

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.

I am beyond grateful to be able to provide a safe space for my client's to process stress, learn new things, and have their most vulnerable moments. So much of the time we try to ignore or push away our problems, but part of my job is to remind you that its okay not to be okay and sometimes life just sucks. I love helping teens and young adults with all of the transitions that come with growing up, the good and the bad. I also have experience with and enjoy working with individuals with Autism.

Mrs Zainab Pierre, [MSN, PMHNP] is a dedicated Psychiatric Mental Health Professional with extensive experience in diagnosing, treating, and managing a broad range of mental and behavioral health conditions across diverse populations. With a strong foundation in evidence-based practice and a passion for holistic care, she specializes in providing compassionate, patient-centered treatment for individuals coping with depression, anxiety, mood disorders, substance use, and trauma-related conditions.

Mrs Zainab is skilled in psychotherapy, psychopharmacology, crisis intervention, and care coordination, and works collaboratively with multidisciplinary teams to ensure optimal outcomes for clients. Committed to advancing mental health equity, she also advocates for community-based solutions, mental health education, and stigma reduction.

She currently practices with United healthcare Washington DC and TRIPLEZEES BEHAVIORAL HEALTH LLC and holds a BSN and MSN, bringing a blend of clinical expertise, cultural sensitivity, and genuine empathy to every therapeutic encounter.

Married, 4 Sons Married, Clinical yet Christ Centered, Unconditional Positive Regard (non-judgmental)