LGBT therapists in Gaithersburg, MD

I’m Dr. Deborah E. Jones, PhD, ARNP, PMHNP-BC, a board-certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner dedicated to helping adults find balance, resilience, and renewed purpose. I take a compassionate and collaborative approach to care—combining evidence-based medication management with supportive therapy to promote lasting emotional wellness.

I’ve worked in nursing for more than 30 years across clinical care, education, and leadership, and for the past eight years I’ve specialized in psychiatric mental health as a nurse practitioner. My specialties include anxiety, depression, mood disorders, and stress-related concerns, and I especially enjoy working with individuals who are motivated to invest in their personal growth and well-being.

At Deborah E. Jones, Psychiatry & Mental Wellness, PLLC — A Lucid Collaborative, my goal is to create a therapeutic space where insight, healing, and clarity come together—empowering you to live with greater peace and confidence.

With over twenty-seven years of diverse nursing experience, particularly in Emergency Room and Mental Health settings, such as St. Elizabeth Hospital, Providence Hospital, and the Psychiatric Institute of Washington. These positions have equipped me with a comprehensive understanding of both clinical excellence and operational efficiency.

I started my career in social work with Meals on Wheels, moved on to Big Brothers Big Sisters, and then to the Department of Social Services. Over the last 2+ decades I’ve worked with individuals, groups, families, and couples (inpatient and outpatient). Most recently, I felt called to do more to help individuals move through adulthood with acceptance and healing. That’s what led me here, fulfilling my lifelong dream to be a therapist, counselor, and life coach.

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!

Do you struggle with anxiety, depression, poor self-esteem, negative thoughts, unhealthy relationships or the inability to say NO! Are you tired of feeling like nothing will change or your stuck in life because you don't know what to do to make it better? I focus on adults using CBT, REBT, Person Centered and Motivational interviewing to assist clients in learning more about themselves and their perspective on life. I have experience working with many different mental health disorders including depression, anxiety, stress, marital/relationship issues and career struggles to name a few.

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.

As a licensed clinical professional counselor (LCPC) who has been practicing for over 10 years, I can promise support, empathy, and engagement. Additionally, I have formal training in trauma treatments, TEAM-CBT, RLT couples counseling, and years of experience with several other approaches. I enjoy working with individuals and couples, i am an LGBTQIA+ ally, and i love my job!

I am a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor and National Board Certified Counselor, offering personalized care and evidence-based therapies to help you overcome challenges and foster resilience. I have been practicing therapy for the past 5 years working with adolescents and adults. As an undergraduate student from Stevenson University and a graduate student from Johns Hopkins Masters of Clinical Mental Health program, I am passionate about working with under served populations.

Hi, I’m a Board Certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner. I graduated from Drexel University with my Master's degree in Nursing. I then completed my Post-Graduate Certificate in Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner. I have over twenty years of experience working in healthcare. Psych has always been my passion. My experiences encompass working with clients across the life span, including Child and Adolescents, Adult, and Geriatric patient populations. I’ve provided services to clients presenting with many psychiatric disorders, such as Anxiety, Depression, ADHD, Bipolar Disorder, and more. I’m in the belief that mental health wellbeing is a priority. Human beings are resilient. Holistic care is the key to promoting better patient outcomes. Therefore, I believe that with an evidence-based practice treatment plan consisting of psychotherapy and/or a combination of psychotherapy and medication management, one will be able to control their mental health.

I’m a very compassionate, caring, and empathetic person. I strive to provide holistic care and collaborate with my clients to develop a treatment plan that they are comfortable with.

Welcome! I commend you on taking this big step to start working on your healing journey. I am a licensed clinical therapist with a Master’s degree in Social Work and over seven years of experience working with individuals from diverse backgrounds and with a variety of life experiences and challenges. My professional experience has allowed me to support clients as they navigate emotional, behavioral, relational, and life transitions.

I enjoy utilizing evidence-based approaches, including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and Motivational Interviewing. I uses CBT to help clients identify and challenge negative or unhelpful thought patterns while developing healthier ways of thinking and responding. Through Motivational Interviewing, I empower clients to identify their strengths, explore their own reasons for change, and take meaningful steps toward their personal goals.